One of our favorite sites in Cartagena was the Roman theater. When we first walked to the top of the hill and saw the theater for the first time it was spectacular. It was located on the hillside which made it quite large and impressive.
View from the top of the Roman theater in Cartagena, Spain
The theater was much larger than we expected and it could hold up to 7000 spectators. The theater was in use between 5 and 1 BC and it was in excellent condition considering how ancient the structure was.
Ray and Shelley with Roman Theater in the background.section of the Roman theater
We were able to freely walk throughout the majority of the theater admiring the architecture. The design of the theater was similar to a modern theater with exit aisles and divided into sections to accommodate the spectators.
Aisles divide the theater into sections for the spectators
We walked to the lower section of the theater and could see some of the marble columns which held up the wooden sections of the structure.
Columns in Roman theater in CartagenaColumns at the outer wall of the theater.
The entire theater was well designed and had spectacular features. The stone stairs were even cut out and designed.
Stairs carved out of stone in theater
We walked throughout the theater for almost an hour enjoying the beautiful historic site.
Section at the base of the theaterCorridor to the section behind the seating areaRay in section at base of the theater
It is truly hard to imagine the amount of history that occurred in the theater since 5 BC. It was a great experience and a very enjoyable time
We went to check out the Cartagena Punic Wall Interpretation known as “El Centro de interpretacion de la murall Punica”. The Punic wall interpretation center was built to the same dimensions as of the wall height and width of the original wall. The center highlights the recovery of remains from the ancient Carthaginian wall which was used as a defensive wall system in Cartagena.
The design of the wall is known as the Hellenistic model. It has two parallel walls constructed with large sandstone blocks. The walls were 10 meters high (33 feet) and inside the walls, there was space divided into different sections. Each section was used for a specific purpose, horse stable, weapons storage and living quarters etc.
View from above of the ancient wall
We walked through the center looking at the remains of the wall. It was hard to imagine that the walls were built around 200 BC.
Punic wall build approximately 200 BC
We then came to the stairs which led to an area that was discovered to contain a funeral crypt. The crypt belonged to the hermitage of Saint Joseph and was built during the XVI and XVII centuries.
Stairs to Roman catacombs
We went down the stairs and saw the crypt which contained actual remains from that time period. At the base of the stairs, the crypt was opened on one side and it was sealed on the other side.
Funeral crypt built during the XVI and XVII centuries
Inside the open crypts, there were remains from that time period.
Crypts dated from 16th and 17th centuries
The one side of the crypt was intact and was not opened. The original wall along with a painted image which was slightly visible.
Painted image visible on the crypt wallThe original sealed crypt section
The wall and crypt were very interesting and something we enjoyed seeing. There is an amazing history of Cartagena and it was an enjoyable visit.
We went to the central market and decided that we would buy an Ostrich egg to try it. We went to an egg market stall called “Huevos Yolanda” that sold ostrich eggs. We asked for an egg and she explained that they are ordered and she would call when it arrived. We ordered one which took three weeks before we received it. We picked it up at the market and was surprised at the size and weight of the ostrich egg.
Ostrich egg being sold to us from the central market
We walked home carrying the egg like a football, being careful not to drop it.
Ray bring in the ostrich egg into the apartment
The egg was bigger than we expected and weighed 2.6 kilograms. Apparently, one ostrich egg is equal to approximately 2 dozen chicken eggs.
Ostrich egg compared to an extra-large chicken egg
We invited some of our friends over to enjoy an ostrich egg brunch. The brunch began with Champaign and orange juice and the breaking of the ostrich egg. I gathered up my hammer and a screwdriver to gently crack the egg. Everyone gathered around the table for the event. It was quite the adventure cracking the egg.
We put the egg into a medium-size stainless steel bowl.
Stainless steel bowl for the Ostrich egg.
We whisked the egg in the bowl and then cooked scrambled egg.
Cooking up the egg required two large frying pans.
Ray cooking up one scrambled Ostrich egg
After cooking the ostrich egg everyone enjoyed brunch. The egg was similar to a chicken egg but was a bit creamier in texture and taste. The one egg was big enough to provide enough scrambled egg for eight people.
Liz, Barbara, and Denise eating Ostrich egg brunchMike, Filipe, Ray and Mike having Ostrich egg brunch
Although the experience was very enjoyable and fun, I am not sure I would buy an Ostrich egg every week. The cost of one Ostrich egg is 33 euros or $46.5 Canadian dollars.
The town of Alcoy or (Alcoi) is known for their annual Christian and Moor Fiesta. It is one of the oldest festivals of this kind in Spain. The fiesta original began (it is believed) the year after the battle in 1277. It has been internationally known and declared of International tourist Interest, since 1980. The three-day event consists of parades, music, and reenactments of the battles between the Christians and the Moors. They wear elaborate costumes, ride horses and use replicated weapons and fireworks as part of the reenactment. The Alcoy festival commemorates the battle between the Christians and Moors which was fought in 1276.
We went to the Christian/Moors museum in Alcoy, it is situated in a modern three-story building. We went to the third floor and began our visit eventually going down to the first level. Our first stop was in a small theater to view a movie of the event. Below are a few images from the video depicting the activities of the Fiesta.
Images from the reenactment of the Christians and Moors Battle
We watched the video which had parts of the amazing reenactment of the battle and some history of the event. There were also mannequins in costumes situated in the theater.
Ray in front of the costumed mannequins in theater
We then walked through the museum admiring the exhibits and the ornate costumes. On the second floor, we came to a large room with costumes that were used in the fiesta over the years. There were costumes for the children of the fiesta.
Costumes used in the Alcoy Christian and Moors Festival
The displays were very impressive and each mannequin had an information plaque depicting the year it was used in the fiesta.
Some of the older costumes used in the fiesta1921 costume used in fiesta
There were also adult costumes on display from different years of the fiesta. There were rows and rows of very impressive and ornate costumes. We took our time and walked the rows of displays. Below are a few images of the costumes. There are even a few cameo appearances in some of the photos.
Adult costumes on display of the fiesta in Alcoy.Costumes on display from the Alcoy fiesta
The costumes were extremely ornate and very impressive.
We then went to the next level of the museum where we saw some of the exhibits on the making of the costumes. There is a very detailed and complex process for the creation of the costumes. Every year the “Boatos” which loosely translates to mean “the pageantry designers” create new designs for the important roles in the fiesta. They conceptualize the sketch, choose the materials and colors and coordinate all the artisans that take part in its creation. Then the new costumes is created for the fiesta.
Design images for the costumes of the fiestaSome of the materials and jewelry used in the making of the costumes
There was also a meeting room which is used for the organization. The room is also decorated with costumes and images from the festival.
Meeting room for the organization of the fiesta.
The museum also had on display artifacts and old books of the history of the Christian and Moor fiesta. The first recorded photograph of the fiesta is dated back to 1876.
Historical photographs of the Alcoy fiesta
There were historical books, art and other documentation depicting the long history of the fiesta.
Painting in the Christian/Moor museum in AlcoyPoster of a previous Fiesta
The visit to the Alcoy museum was very interesting. We enjoyed walking through the museum admiring the costumes and reading about the history of the fiesta. It is amazing to see how they maintain the history of a battle between the Christians and the Moors that occurred in 1276.
When we arrived in Spain we were exposed to new foods, dishes and Spanish customs related to eating. Over the months that followed we have tried different dishes and foods. Some were very tasty while others were not to our liking.
What was important, was to keep an open mind and be willing to at least try the food or dish. We have had an amazing adventure by trying the different foods. Some of the taste and textures are difficult to explain but a photo can help. Here are a few of the adventurous dishes we have tried.
Olives are very popular here and you see them in almost every meal in one form or another. Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil in the world, so it is not a surprise to see olives regularly incorporated into food.
Different olives, some pickled, some stuffed with fish, meat, cheese or other fruits. There are numerous ways to eat olives.
We have explored the world of olives and tried numerous varieties and styles of olives. Stuffed with sardines, stuffed with cheese and garlic to name a few.
We are on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and there are many types of sea creatures in the Spanish diet. We have come across numerous fish or crustacean meals that we would not normally eat, however, we are committed to trying them at least once.
Deep fried complete fish with head and tail attachedRay eating a complete deep-fried fish
There are many dishes which use fish as a main ingredient.
Potato chips with an olive sprinkle and a small spiced fish
We enjoyed the potato chips with small spiced fish. It was very tasty and was similar to potatoes and salsa. This is a very popular dish at local bars and pubs.
Salads with fish is a popular dish, sardines are normally one of the preferred fish on salad.
Sardines on fresh salad
We have tried numerous types of different shellfish over the past year. There was the normal type of shrimp which are normally served with the heads still on them.
Shrimp with heads are popular in Spain
We also had different types of shellfish, some which looked more like crayfish.
Type of shellfish which looked similar to crayfish
There are numerous types of squid and octopus in Alicante. They are used in many different dishes. We have tried different ones and have found them to be good depending on how they are cooked.
Seafood Paella popular dish in Spain
Paella is a popular dish here in Spain. There are many tourist restaurants that sell paella, although they may not be a traditional paella. The true Valencia Paella is made with rabbit and chicken.
Spanish Paella with chicken and rabbit
There is black ink squid paella which we tried but it was not to our liking.
Black squid ink seafood paella.
There were numerous other different types of dishes we tried and enjoyed over the year.
Roasted Piglet headArtichoke roasted in olive oil
There is a weed called “Cyperus Esculentus” or “Chufa” and it can be found in the wild. In Spain, it is also cultivated for its edible root bulb. The root bulb is used to create a non-alcoholic beverage called “Horchata de Chufa”, which is very refreshing in the summer.
horchata de chufa is a sweet, milk-like beverage in Spain.
Chocolate and Churros is a very popular treat in Spain. The pastry is dipped in hot chocolate which is very tasty.
Chocolate with Churros, a popular Spanish treat.
We have learned a tremendous amount about the Spanish cuisine and culture. The Spaniards celebrate eating and make it part of their social activities. They will take hours to enjoy a meal which will include staying at the table long after the meal is finished socializing for hours.
Tapas are an important part of the culture and part of the social fabric of Spain. When a beer is served at a pub or restaurant normally a tapa is also served. The tapas can range from simple peanuts to very complex tapas.
Tapa of mixed nuts
The food and culture in Spain are certainly different from North America. They tend to eat healthier, enjoy the social aspect of “breaking bread with friends” and celebrate the activity of eating.
The visit to the Alcoy museum was very interesting. We enjoyed walking through the museum admiring the costumes and reading about the history of the fiesta. It is amazing to see how they maintain the history of a battle between the Christians and the Moors that occurred in 1276.
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