Charming Cadiz
If truth be told, I knew little of Cadiz other than its southernmost location on the Ticket to Ride gameboard. What a delightful surprise it was!
We decided to take the longer coastal route to the Costa de Luz. Highways in our region are new and well-kept and easy to navigate. According to a Gaucin local, they have increased tourist traffic immensely. Stopping at a gas station that was immaculately clean and smelled of bleach and hard scrubbing, I wondered if one could eat off the floor. Well , probably not.( who eats off floors anyway?)
The beauty of Andalucia is overwhelming. From the majesty of the pine forests high in the mountains to the verdant hills leading to the coast, there is a serenity and self-assurance to the landscapes.
It was fun to “smell” the sea as we drove along the coast. Got us excited to think of returning to the Canadian Maritimes to visit our guy.
Quite spontaneously, we decided to stay overnight in Cadiz rather than facing a longer drive in one day. I say we when I really mean ‘he’ as T is doing all the driving. My contribution is a cacophony of chortling and eye-closing!
The Old town of Cadiz is one of the oldest ports in Europe and has hosted such figures as Christopher Columbus and Lord Byron. The streets in the Old Town are a winding maze of well-worn residences and shops. It’s charm lies in its worn but welcoming feel.
We headed to the Centre of town where there was a full- on celebration in anticipation of 3 Kings Day. Apparently, 3 Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th or Epiphany. The kings arrive in a grand parade that is celebrated more widely than the arrival of S. Claus. Kids put out their shoes on the 5th hoping that the kings will bring them presents.
There was a makeshift ice arena and a man- made tobogganing run in the main square where kids and adults alike were squealing down the hill. Interesting to see how the whole community was participating in these activities and how kid-focused they were. There were even chestnuts being roasted in an open fire!
We had dinner at an excellent restaurant that fused local flavors with a Mexican flair. Uniquely presented by a brash Spanish Jack Black lookalike.
Our hotel was a re-furnished apartment building with a loud but chatty Mrs Chown at the helm. We will definitely return to this city to explore more.
We stopped at Gaucin’s Moroccan shop run by a young Brit/Moroccan who lives in the area. He had a passion for rugs and sold us on one. He had a well- honed ability to sell but not over-sell cushioned by a twitchy edginess we have seen before. As we drank coffee outside pondering a purchase, he hung our rug from the upper railing which sealed our deal!
Thinking of the great parade and festivities that are ahead, we booked an extra night in Granada so that we can take in the excitement. For what is a great trip without last- minute changes to an itinerary?
We decided to take the longer coastal route to the Costa de Luz. Highways in our region are new and well-kept and easy to navigate. According to a Gaucin local, they have increased tourist traffic immensely. Stopping at a gas station that was immaculately clean and smelled of bleach and hard scrubbing, I wondered if one could eat off the floor. Well , probably not.( who eats off floors anyway?)
The beauty of Andalucia is overwhelming. From the majesty of the pine forests high in the mountains to the verdant hills leading to the coast, there is a serenity and self-assurance to the landscapes.
It was fun to “smell” the sea as we drove along the coast. Got us excited to think of returning to the Canadian Maritimes to visit our guy.
Quite spontaneously, we decided to stay overnight in Cadiz rather than facing a longer drive in one day. I say we when I really mean ‘he’ as T is doing all the driving. My contribution is a cacophony of chortling and eye-closing!
The Old town of Cadiz is one of the oldest ports in Europe and has hosted such figures as Christopher Columbus and Lord Byron. The streets in the Old Town are a winding maze of well-worn residences and shops. It’s charm lies in its worn but welcoming feel.
We headed to the Centre of town where there was a full- on celebration in anticipation of 3 Kings Day. Apparently, 3 Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th or Epiphany. The kings arrive in a grand parade that is celebrated more widely than the arrival of S. Claus. Kids put out their shoes on the 5th hoping that the kings will bring them presents.
There was a makeshift ice arena and a man- made tobogganing run in the main square where kids and adults alike were squealing down the hill. Interesting to see how the whole community was participating in these activities and how kid-focused they were. There were even chestnuts being roasted in an open fire!
We had dinner at an excellent restaurant that fused local flavors with a Mexican flair. Uniquely presented by a brash Spanish Jack Black lookalike.
Our hotel was a re-furnished apartment building with a loud but chatty Mrs Chown at the helm. We will definitely return to this city to explore more.
We stopped at Gaucin’s Moroccan shop run by a young Brit/Moroccan who lives in the area. He had a passion for rugs and sold us on one. He had a well- honed ability to sell but not over-sell cushioned by a twitchy edginess we have seen before. As we drank coffee outside pondering a purchase, he hung our rug from the upper railing which sealed our deal!
Thinking of the great parade and festivities that are ahead, we booked an extra night in Granada so that we can take in the excitement. For what is a great trip without last- minute changes to an itinerary?
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