Here and There Blog

 City Wall and old tower all in one. This tower is one of the original 12 from 1392. The towers formed the lookout points around the city of Valencia. Today this area that was the lookout is all compressed into easy walking.  The tower was closed so I couldn't go up the stairs for the view.  Entrance into the old city.

The old part of Valencia is a UNESCO world heritage area. Everywhere the eye turns a tower, cathedral, or structure exists that's photo worthy. This cathedral is in the main plaza area.  It's free to sneak a peak and inside the artwork was ornate.  I liked the vaulted ceiling. The photo doesn't do the arch justice but it was cool.  You didn't think I'd skip trying a local beer!  Cruzcampo - the beer of Spanish tourist areas!

The ship pulled into Lisbon around 7:00 am. Sunrise didn't happen until almost 9:00 am so I was able to watch the moonset from my balcony as we pulled into port.  A short time later the clouds broke up and the moonlight shone on the tip of Lisbon.  The Castle up on the Hill. Destination set.  View along the steep, uphill walk.  Back in the city center. Everything was mostly closed since this was Sunday. Don't go to Lisbon on Sunday and expect a lively scene. Didn't happen.

 In Cadiz. I knew I'd find my photo op. Hello giant donut art!  Remember that wine I bought in Malaga?  It didn't make it home.

Low tide - the locals are out checking the boats, casting the lines.  The castle beckons and we go but it is closed for restoration.  The water seems so calm today. Not a single boat is rocking.  Watch Tower from the past.

Cadiz is the easiest place to get around. The tourist trails are all painted for you! We chose "Green" to start and followed the historical trail.  yup, history.  Eternal Flame. I'm sure it was something important but I had more history to follow.  Side-tracked by flowers.  What a great palm tree!

 This was originally part of the palace but this section later became a tourist area. Empty rooms allow you to appreciate the detail that went into the interior design of the walls and ceilings.

Some of the sights along the three hour drive between Casablanca and Marrakech  Farms  Pottery  More farmland  Jbilets (small mountains)    Rocks 

 History, Art. Been there, seen that.  This is more my style! Buying vino de Malaga!

Two possible ways exist to get to this fort. Easy - take the bus to the top. Hard - walk to the top.  Walls, turrets, trees, the fort had it all.  The winding switchback style road. Yes, I took the hard way.  And the view was worth every step!

 The ship departed port around 5:00 pm on October 19. We had the last view of land and said good-bye to Italy and set sail to Spain!

This was the big wow site in Genova and did not disappoint inside the cathedral with the stained glass, pipe organ, alters, and the usual stuff you find inside an old Cathedral.   There was no entrance charge as this is a working church but donation boxes in the different areas allow you to donate for the upkeep if you are moved by a particular saint or want to assist with preservation of the building.   The site of the San Lorenzo Cathedral dates back to 878 A.D.   The current gothic style building was designed between the 11 th and 12 th centuries but not built completed until the early years of the 14 th century.    Dedicated to St. Lawrence, who broke with the church when his prefect decided to take all the Church belongings for himself, Lawrence didn’t go along with that and gave the Church goods to the poor as was what they were supposed to do. For this, he was burnt on a grill. Adapted from handout by Ilaria Brigati, Nicoletta Fazio, University of ...