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Hi again everyone - we are back in Spain. We have wifi access but still no access to a computer and for some reason we haven't been able to send emails from iPod so apologies to those of you we haven't responded to - we'll just have to communicate through our blog for now.
Spent 3 fantastic nights in Portugal. We loved where we stayed - the Quinta das Quintas - it was so relaxing. Kids had a playground and indoor maze and loads of animals - ducks, swans, geese, goats, pigs, donkey, even an ostrich. The drive into and around our area was a bit hairy - high, steep, mountainous narrow winding roads with little villages dotted all around - barely room for one car. Spectacular scenery though - rural farms with terracing, gorgeous little houses perched on steep mountainsides. Some classic stereotypical sights - rural peasant women and men walking along roadsides with donkeys and carrying their wares. They'd stop and stare at us as we drove by. Whole villages - schools, shops - set on steep mountainsides. Very different way of life - the kids were amazed at this lifestyle. We did a day trip to Amarante - beautiful town set high in the mountains. A walk along the River Duoro at Mirao just down from our place - just beautiful. We really didn't want to leave.
But lots to do ahead of us so it was time for the long drive from Mirao, Portugal to El Escorial, Spain. The satnav sent us on the wrong course and it absolutely poured with rain (our first wet day - we figured if it was going to rain it might as well be on a driving day) but we made it to our campground bungalow. Bit of a comedown after our luxurious accommodation but it was just a base as we've got lots to explore around here. Our first day was spent at the campground - kids loved playgrounds, soccer pitch and lots of room to run around. I loved the Internet cafe - good cheap coffee and beers. And Jud got into Spanish television - the Simpsons dubbed in Spanish is hysterical and of course there was Bob Esponga or Spongebob Squarepants. I'll get the kids to sing the song when we return - very funny.
Have I mentioned how much I love the cheap alcohol over here - seriously good wine for a few euro. We bought a slab of really good beers for 11 euro - do you see why I want to live here!!
Anyway later that day we did a drive to the El Escorial palace and we were really blown away by it - very unexpected. It is massive and completely unadorned. The image I've attached to this post is it. It is inspiring in it's simplicity. Apparently the austere design brought in a new reign of architecture that lasted for some time. Unfortunately for us though it was closed the day we were there so we couldn't go inside but it was pretty special just being there.
The next day was a day trip to Segovia and it was one of our family highlights voted by all of us. Beautiful, spectacular city perched on a cliff. The most spectacularly sited city in Spain. We had a great day - lots of walking again. First the 2000 year old Roman aqueduct - still intact and snakes it's way around the base of the old town. Then the walk uphill to the cathedral - one of the most beautiful we've seen so far. Ned rated it highly. Then further up the hill until you reach the fairy tale castle - Alcazar palace. Wow!!! This was the kids first castle proper and they loved it. We climbed the 152 steps to the top turrets - steep and narrow, tight and winding. Not for unfit or claustrophobic but really worth it - views were amazing. We then went through all the rooms and museum - Ned was really taken with the knights armours and weapons. Pretty fierce looking gear.
We finished the day with a really late lunch in the Plaza Mayor outside the impressive Segovia cathedral with the bells tolling. Fantastic finish to the day.
Avila was the next day and again an enormous day of walking and taking in the sights. Avila is the birthplace of the city's saint - St Teresa. It is also one of the few remaining completely walled cities. Completely intact and well looked after it contains the old city where people live, work and play. It is quite incredible to see school children in classrooms and office workers going about their thing in these incredibly old places. As a matter if fact the day before there were a couple of kids playing with mud and water outside their tiny old terrace house on the 2000 year old aqueduct in Segovia. To them it is just their back yard.
Anyway we walked the entire 2.4km wall and climbed a lot of the 88 turrets. Ned and Molly had a ball playing battle games through the arches of the wall fighting off the enemies.
The old town itself was really lovely and quiet - not as busy as Segovia.
So by the end of the day we were knackered and knew we had a huge day the next day - the biggest drive so far - El Escorial to Barcelona. Not looking forward to it. Our time in El Escorial went really quickly and like everywhere we didn't want to leave.
- comments
NANNY&POPPY it's great to hear that you all are having a wonderfull trip.it is still raining here Tewantin had 248 mm and more to come. Ned the aussie's men & women gymnastic hero's have won more gold medals.bring on 2018
Louise Yes....if I close my eyes, I'm still there with you. The imagery is magic. Shame I'm off to Gympie tomorrow - yes back to work for me after 3 weeks off. Somehow there is no comparison :P PS: Finlay misses Ned at gym...he would like him to know that he is now 'landing front saults' (spelling??) easily....and to tell Molly there are two new girls in their class. Mackenzie also had a great morning at Pre-Prep on Friday - Ava was missed!
glenn cone Serovia is pretty amazing, isn't it. Did you go to the University where Maria studied?
Beatrice Good to see you're all having such a wonderful adventure. Take it easy on those roads. Yes, we see you are enjoying el vino de Espana very much! ;-) Keep the post's coming.........I will just sit here like Louise close my eyes and smile...........
Wendy Wow!
Amanda (Marie) This is a blog and a half!!! I can visualize to the point of feeling like I am there! St Teresa's day here on Friday as you know, celebrations under way in Rome for the weekend for the new chick on the 'saints' block. Stay safe, drive carefully! x p.s, tell us about the wedding.
Amanda (Marie) So...you in Spain, me in Paris...that's doable, swap for holidays!
nanny&poppy that bridge is something to see.a bit nervous driving on it? at CHINON dont miss the castle. only a bit further is FONTEVRAULT ABBEY where HENRY11 & ELEANOR of AQUITAINE are buried