We had a visit from family and we were so excited to have Janice and Scott here in Alicante. They arrived in Madrid and we met them at the airport and then came back to Alicante by train. They arrived at the perfect time because Alicante has a large fiesta called the Hogueras de San Juan, which is an annual event in June. Each day we tried to explore and see different things of Alicante. There is much to see and do here. One day we walked and explored some of the different hogueras that were being set up throughout the city.
The large pieces of art work and sculptures are made with wood and paper mache and are truly amazing to see. We walked along the different streets checking out the various hogueras.
After walking and exploring the hogueras we stopped along the way to enjoy some refreshments.
Scott and Janice enjoying a refreshment with a view of the Santa Barbara Castle behind them
Another day we went to explore and see the 9th century fortified Santa Barbara Castle which is located on Mont Benacantil and overlooks Alicante and the Mediterranean sea.
View of the Santa Barbara Castle from the Marina in AlicanteJanice and Shelley at Santa Barbara CastleView from the Santa Barbara CastleView from the Castle overlooking the Sea
We walked along the promenade and the beach enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea. There were parades and music everywhere we went.
We had friends come and visit with us from Sweden. We had a BBQ and enjoyed time together. We even decided to play a Virtual reality game together. It was a great experience involving a scenario of aliens invading Alicante and we had to save the city. It was a lot of fun, here is a short video of our game, spoiler alert, we saved the City.
We so enjoyed our time in Alicante but before we knew it, the time had come for us to head to our next adventure.
We packed our bags and headed to the airport, Budapest here we come.
We went on a trip for a few days to visit the town of Requena in eastern Spain. It is located on the left bank of the river Magro. The town has a long history and at one time was used as a Moorish fortress. The moors occupied Spain for around 800 years, from 711 to 1492.
Part of the fortress in Requena Spain
Requena is dominated by the ancient citadel of the Moors, and still has traces of the original town walls.
Church front of Arciprestal Del Salvador in RequenaThe Iglesia Arciprestal del Salvador is Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic church. It was erected in the 15th century.
We walked and explored some of the streets of the older section of Requena.
One of the narrow streets in RequenaA narrow street in Requena
Another interesting fact about Requena is the existence of a labyrinth of caves located underneath the streets. Between the 12th and 13th centuries during the Muslim period, caves were excavated and used for storage and protection.
One of the gated and locked entrances into the labyrinth of caves under the old quarter of Requena.
There are 22 caves that can still be found in Requena today. Many homes in Requena’s old quarter have a cave as part of the house. Thanks to geology, it was possible to easily excavate the subsoil which was done by the moors.
Entrance into the Historic Murviedro bodega.
We had the opportunity to visit the Murviedro’s Historic Winery located in the old quarter of Requena.
Entering into the cave system under Requena
Through part of the tour we explored some of the ancient caves under the city.
Ancient containers used for wine storage
It was like going back in time and experiencing the sensation of a different era. The bodega kept some of the original wine containers and in the original condition.
Original clay cast for storage of olive oil or wine.
After exploring the caves of the winery we were able to enjoy a fantastic wine tasting of their different wines.
Overall It was a great experience and provided us with a snapshot of ancient times through the caves of Requena.
We finished our day by walking along the small alleys that led to the edge of the city, where we admired the stunning sunset.
A very enjoyable and memorable trip to Requena Spain.
In September of 2021 we started the Camino de Santiago known as the Primitivo route. It begins in Oviedo and is 321 kilometers to Santiago. We left from Oviedo and after incuring an injury we had to stop in Lugo. See this entry for the details https://chaputfootprints.com/?p=18542
After two years we returned to Lugo to complete what we had started two years earlier..
Shelley and Ray on their way to start Camino de Santiago
Our trip began with an 8 hour train from Alicante to town of Ourense in Galicia then we took a bus to Lugo.
Ray and Shelley on the bus heading to Lugo
We arrived in the early evening in Lugo and checked into our Hotel. Excited and anxious to start our camino the next day. Our day began early and we started out at sunrise.
Shelley on our first early morning trek on the Camino de Santiago from Lugo
We reached the camino marker that also marked the end of the camino for Shelley two years earlier.
Shelley at the camino marker outside of Lugo
She stopped and put a new rock on the marker and then we continued along the camino. There were many beautiful spots along the camino and over the next five days we would wake up early and walked long hours. Below are some of the spots along the way.
Although the journey was hard, it was very rewarding with special spots and memories along the way. The experience was enhanced when we finally reached Santiago de Compostela. To stand at the Cathedral of Santiago and look at it gave us a sense of accomplishment. It was a happy and emotional time even though our bodies were sore and tired.
Shelley and Ray at the Cathedral of Santiago
We managed to find a nice table near the cathedral and sat down to relax and take in the moment.
Shelley and Ray near the Cathedral of Santiago
After checking into our hotel and settling in we headed to get our compostela. We arrived at the compostela office and within 10 minutes had our certificates.
Ray and Shelley’s certificates of completion -Compostela de Santiago and camino stamp passport
We spent the day relaxing and had a nice meal to celebrate the adventure and achievement.
Shelley and Ray toasting the finish of the Camino de Santiago
The following day we headed home to prepare for our next adventure.
Shelley and Ray heading home from the Camino de Santiago
“Hasta la próxima, buen Camino y disfruta de cada paso de la vida.”
We headed by car to Granada driving along the scenic route. The views and country side were gorgeous. Spain is truly a beautiful country and the landscape changes fairly quickly into something totally different.
We arrived in Granada and stayed in the heart of the city. It was a perfect time to visit because it was Christmas season and there were lights decorated throughout the city.
We walked and explored some of the main streets of Granada.
Shelley, Dan, Kathy and Ray in downtown Granada
We walked for a fair amount of time and came to an outdoor area that was converted into an outdoor skating rink.
Outdoor temporary ice rink in Granada
We watched as people enjoyed skating or tried skating for the first time. We decided to stop and enjoy some tapas and watch the skaters for a while.
Shelley and Kathy at our table enjoying a tapa and drink
The following day we went to see and explore the Alhambra Palace which is a world UNESCO site. It is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world. We walked up the path leading to the Palace. The views along the route up to the Palace were beautiful.
View of the Alhambra Palace walking up the route towards the Palace.
Once we reached the entrance we saw just how large and wonderful it was.
The way to the Alhambra area through arched walls along the route to the main entrance.
We entered the Alhambra and walked along the different paths that lead throughout the Palace. There are gardens located on a raised area that provide great views of the Palace as well as the city below.
Kathy and Dan overlooking the Alhambra PalaceView of part of the garden in AlhambraInside islamic designs inside some of the palace buildings.
We walked through many of the different buildings in the palace. Some of the buildings were quite unique and included ornate islamic designs.
Beautiful marble floors inside the PalaceShelley, Kathy and Dan on one of the walkways in the Palace with the city of Granada in the backgroundShelley and Kathy inside one of the courtyards within the palace building.One of the many water features in the Alhambra palace
After exploring this mazing Alhambra Palace and the city of Granada, we were off to our next adventure in Sevilla.
Sevilla
We arrived in Sevilla and we were immediately impressed by the display of lights that were set up for the holiday season.
We stayed in the heart of Sevilla and we were able to walk to the major sites. One of our first stops was the Sevilla cathedral which was open and we were able to get inside.
Seville Cathedral
The cathedral was spectacular and we even saw the resting place for the remains of Christopher Columbus.
Inside the Cathedral of SevilleKathy and Dan inside the Cathedral of Seville
After touring the Cathedral we walked along the streets exploing the area. We came across some beautiful buildings and sites. The streets were wet from the rain and it made everything look like polished marble.
Dan and Kathy on the streets of Seville, Spain
The following day we went to see an authentic Flamenco dance show. We arrived at the building which was located in the heart of the old quarter. We had great seats in the front row. We could feel the emotion and enjoyed the amazing dancing of the Flamenco. It truly was one of the highlights of Seville.
After Seville we went to another great city, Cordoba.
Cordoba
The city is located near the banks of the Guadalquivir river. It was once a Roman settlement along with the historic Roman bridge of Córdoba. This bridge is in the Historic centre of Córdoba, and originally built in the early 1st century BC.
Historic Roman bridge in Cordoba Spain
We walked across the Roman bridge and were amazed at the size and length of it. It is 9 meters (30 ft) wide and 331 meters (1,086 ft) in length.
Kathy and Dan walking along the Roman Bridge in Cordoba Spain.
It was a rainy day and we able to explore the area without large crowds of people. It was a nice pace and very relaxed. We walked from the Bridge to the Puerta del Puente which means Gate of the Bridge. It was built in the 16th century. The gateway is located on the site of the previous Roman gates, linking the city with the Roman bridge.
Puerta de Puente in Cordoba
We walked the streets of the old section of Cordoba, including in the jewish quarter. The streets are very narrow and it was easy to get disoriented and loose yourself in the back streets.
We wandered around for about an hour or so before deciding to stop for lunch.
Tabursa Restaurant and bar in Cordoba.
We enjoyed Cordoba and the final leg of our whirlwind tour of Spain. We headed back to Madrid and said goodbye to our guest. It was a great time and lots of fun but it was time to get back to our normal routine and plan our next adventures.
“Vivimos en un mundo maravilloso que está lleno de belleza, encanto y aventura. Las aventuras que podemos tener no tienen fin si las buscamos con los ojos abiertos”.
We met our friends Dan and Kathy from Canada in Madrid. From there we did a tour of some of the most beautiful cities of Spain. We of course began our adventure in Madrid. We walked the city centre exploring the architecture, food and culture of Madrid.
Dan in front of a Bocadillo restaurant in Madrid
Ibérico de bellota, is a type of ham, the ¨bellota¨ refers to the acorn-rich diets of free-range Iberian pigs. It is considered one of the best type of ham in Spain.
Shelley, Kathy and Dan in front of the oldest restaurant in the world ¨Botin¨ located in Madrid.View of the Palacio de Comunicaciones in MadridThe front of the Royal Palace of Madrid
We decided to take a break and try some Madrid tapas.
Dan enjoying tapas in Madrid
Toledo
The following day we took the high speed train to Toledo.
Kathy and Dan at the Toledo sign
The city of Toledo represents the essence and soul of Spain. There are beautiful historical landmarks that are located throughout the city. Toledo was declared a Historic-Artistic Site by UNESCO in 1940 and later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. It has a rich and long history and dates back to the fifth century BC. In 193 BC, it was taken by the roman empire and remained an important city. During the ages Toledo was known for the quality of the weapons it made for the Romans.
Store front in Toledo selling assorted swords and knives.
We went into the ¨Iglesia de los Jesuitas¨ a beautiful 18th-century baroque church.
Iglesia de los Jesuitas in Toledo Spain
We explored the church and even went up the tower and onto the roof area.
From there we could see the spectacular views of Toledo and the surrounding area.
View of Toledo Spain from the roof of the Iglesia de los Jusuitas
We had a wonderful day in Toledo exploring the many sites and historic areas.
Barcelona
The following day we took the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. The train speed was as fast as 300 kilometers per hour during the trip. We arrived in the heart of the city and began exploring the second largest city in Spain.
We went to the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, known as the Sagrada Familia basilica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extraordinary cathedral. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Designed by the Famous architect Antoni Gaudí,
Barcelona Cathedral
Dan in the base of the Sagrada Familia church
We went to see the Güel park which was built from 1900 to 1914. It was designed by the same architect Mr. Antoni Gaudí that was in charge of the construction of the Sagrada Familia Church. The Güel park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. It is one of the large green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectares. We walked throughout the park admiring the unique designs of the walls and walkways.
The Entrance to the Güel park in BarcelonaOne of the stone walls along the walkway in the Güel Park in BarcelonaStone pillars of the bridge section in Güel ParkShelley towards the top of the Güel park with views that overlook Barcelona
After exploring Barcelona for a few days we were off on the train again this time to Alicante
Alicante
Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city with a long rich history. The history of Alicante spans thousands of years. The first settlements in the Alicante area were made by Iberian tribes. Since then the area has been inhabited successively by Greeks, Romans, Muslims, and Christians. Today Alicante is a bustling city of over 320,000 population.
Kathy and Dan near the entrance to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara in Alicante
We explored the city and walked the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean sea enjoying the kilometres of white sandy beaches.
Kathy, Dan, Shelley and Ray on the beach in AlicanteKathy and Dan walking in the Mediterranean sea in AlicanteKathy and Dan leaving their mark on the shore of the mediterranean Sea.
Over the next few days we explored the city at a relaxed pace. We walked the promenade. It was decorated for Christmas and there was a very large nativity scene on the promenade.
Kathy and Dan at luceros plaza in Alicante10 meter hight Nativity scene on the promenade in AlicanteDan and Kathy on the Promenade in AlicanteDan and Kathy in front of an old Ficus Microcarpa tree in the Canalejas Park in Alicante.
We explored some museums which were quite unique. The Fogueres Festival museum was very special with different fogueres on display.
Kathy and Dan in the Fogueres Museum in Alicante
We went to the Castillo de Santa Barbara and explored this historic castle.
View of the Santa Bárbara castle from the waterfront of Alicante.
The medieval castle is a historic landmark and was built on the top of Mount Benacantil. The views of the mediterranean Sea where amazing and the colour of the water stunning.
View from the top of the Castle of Santa Bárbara in AlicantePartial view of the castle and the mediterranean seaKathy and Dan with some Knights of the Castle of Santa BarbaraKathy, Dan and Shelley on a section of the castle of Santa Barbara
Kathy in the lookout on the top of the Santa Bárbara Castle
Kathy on the lookout tower of the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante.
While in Alicante we enjoyed trying a few of the traditional Spanish restaurants and walking through the fresh food markets.
Dan and Kathy at one of the Spanish restaurants in Alicante
Guadalest
After spending time in Alicante we took a few day trips around the area. The first trip was to Gaudalest a small village anchored in a small valley. Gaudalest was declared a Historic-Artistic monument in 1974. It is known for its ‘castle’, which is literally hanging on the edge of the cliffs.
Kathy and Dan looking out over the Valley in Guadalest
We did a day trip with our friend and tour guide Filipe to a town called Novelda.
Novelda
The day began with a tour of the Mola castle which stands 360 metres above sea level. The castle was built in the late 12th century by Islamic occupiers. The castle was originally a polygonal layout with eight square turrets jutting out from the outer wall, although only four still survive today.
Dan, Kathy and Shelley with Filipe explaining the history of the Mola castle
We climbed the steep narrow stairs inside the towers reaching the top of the tower.
Narrow and steep staircase within the Mola castle
We also could see the remains of the 12th century layout of the castle from the rooftop.
View of the remains of the rooms within the 12th century castle
We could also see the church Shrine of Mary Magdalene .
View from Castle of the Church Shrine of Mary MagdaleneThe church Shrine of Mary Magdalene in Novelda
We explored this amazing and unique church. Work began on the church in 1918 and was completed in three phases. The architect Jose Sala Sala, who is a native of Novelda, he dedicated the church to Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of Novelda.
The outside is made of stone, brick and marble with a similar style to the Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona.
Outside walls of the church
The main entrance archway is made of large sections of marble and is quite impressive. The marble organ system which is still under construction is made completely of marble. The three main marble pipes are mounted above the entranceway of the church.
Shelley and Dan at the entrance area of the church
After visiting the church we finished our day by visiting the Bodega Casa Cesilia which has a great restaurant. We enjoyed a great meal and then toured the winery.
Casa Cesilla winery in Novelda
It was a great way to end our day. Over the next few days we relaxed and enjoyed home cooked meals and some quiet time in Alicante before heading back out on our next adventure.
“Las cosas bonitas se aprecian mucho mejor en compañía de amigos”
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