Thursday, May 23rd
Today in southern Spain sea port of Cadiz
Last night we passed through the Strait of Gibraltar which is 9 miles wide at its narrowest part and connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. On one side is Spain and on the other is Morocco in Africa. Ferries cross between the two continents every day in as little as 35 minutes. Our Captain said that 200 ships pass through the strait daily.
Today we are in the port city of Cadiz. It is the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Spain and is the home port for the Spanish navy. There is a United States air base nearby also. Like many other countries in the EU (European Union) Spain has economic and financial issues. Employment is 35%.
We had a 5 hour tour today to the "white villages" about an hour's drive through the beautiful countryside. The houses and buildings are all white washed and the streets are very narrow and on a hill side. We got back to the ship at 2pm so after grabbing a hot dog I walked into downtown Cadiz for a couple of hours. The city was very interesting and clean. It was an absolutely perfect day weather wise so the photos came out very good.
Ok, I am going to try something new with making my photos available on the blog. You may have noticed a test posting that apparently worked. So now I will try it for real. I will be putting a link to my photos at the bottom of the post. You will need to "cut and paste" it to a new browser. I hope you all know how to do this. If not, maybe a friend can show you.
Arriving in port
Beautiful this morning with sun at back. Cathedral rising above rest of city.
Our pier is right across street from downtown.
My flag flying from balcony
I heard someone saying "Hi Rick" and looked up to see Captain.
Staff Captain conferring with Captain and Safety Officer
I surprised Zay Lynn cleaning balcony of our neighbors
Our tour today
Countryside
Old wall around port city
Atlantic Ocean. There is 5 miles of beach along city and another 8 miles outside city limits.
Lot of wheat fields about ready for harvest plus olive trees, orange trees, and cattle.
Statue from Roman era. All old Roman statues are without head and arms. Those are in people's homes now, sadly.
This is the first "white village", Medina Sidonia, that we visited today.
Entering "sun gate" (faces morning sun) to the village
By law every house and building has to be painted white as ot was in old days
Village sat on hill with great view below
Cathedral of the village
On right side of stairway is Roman column from 2000 years ago
So beautiful
Old wall that was protecting village in 15th century
Narrow streets
I took this from street looking in at courtyard of house
Village square
City hall
Cafes
Now back on road through country to next "white village"
Stork
35% of Spain's energy comes from wind and solar. Only problem is it ruins the beautiful views of countryside
Cattle
Goats
Nice looking farm house
Our next stop is on top of this hill. Old fortress village of Acros de la Frontera
We take this electric train up the hill to old part of village
Very narrow streets
Bellfry
Garden
Cathedral
Photos of cathedral. Taken without flash so may be blurry. Very impressive church
This is a mummy in case
Beautiful organ
Went into a small hotel for glass of wine. This is view from hotel patio.
hotel patio
River Guadalete winding its way at bottom of hill
On other side of white building is old castle "Ducal Castle". You see watch tower rising above. Family lives in the castle.
How is my picture composition??
Hotel restaurant wall is big window with fantastic view of countryside below.
Heading back down the hill to our bus
Rest of photos were taken in Cadiz near port. Monument to Constitution of Cadiz in 1812
Old bastion which army used to protect port
Trying to get ship name on stack through park
Not sure what this is for
Cadiz has narrow streets also
Town Hall
Town Hall again
Cafes along pedestrian street
18th century Baroque and Neo Classical cathedral that took 116 years to complete.
Lucy (dancer) and Mahmet (bartender) using WiFi at bar
Another church?
Back to 18th century cathedral
Plaza
Long beach of Cadiz
Taking photo of napkin holder???
I have a thing for bell towers
https://goo.gl/photos/xUK9sc18p8USgBjH9
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