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The fact that we are nearly 3000 ft up is made plain as there is a distinct chill in the air as we start our riverside walk into town through the wooded park. Ducks swim in the fast, bubbling water while joggers, cyclists and walkers pass by at their respective speeds, all clad in warm clothes, some of which were, no doubt, Christmas presents.
Nearer to town the path changes from narrow tarmac to wide decorative tiles with statues and sculpures in places. We reach the Santa Maria bridge and cross it, coming face to face with the ornate 16thC sandstone Arch of Santa Maria, on of the 12 gates of the medieval city.
Outside the wall is a long parade of pleached trees [cropped and trained so their branches form a contiguous shade].
Inside the walls is a mix of open plazas and narrow streets, but we start with the main purpose of our visit; the mighty cathedral.
The building dates back to 13th C and has ornate steeples similar to smaller versions of Gaudi's famous ones in Barcelona. Inside is magnificent. The central transept has massive columns and high vaulted ceilings. All around it are ornate chapels, 15 in all, with ornate friezes and paintings, carved wood and stonework, gold, silver and jewelled artefacts. Looking up reveals painted frescos in domes or carved and glazed lantern towers. The Chorus has opposing rows of simple, carved wood seats like a mini parliament while nearrby is the silver chariot, a full sized solid silver cart with casket.
Cloisters were bathed in coloured light from sun through stained glass and finally the museum with chalices, crucifixes, cups, maces and other such items all fashioned from precious metals.
By the end of our two hour visit we were completely 'blinged out'.
We met N+G outside, had a quick look around the Christmas market stalls then found 'riMboMbim', a restaurant with a heated terrace, where a light but filling lunch set us up for a walk around town.
Plaza Mayor is a large colourful square with a statue of El Cid, and a this time of year a Christmas tree and small fun-fair.
In one of the narrow side streets we weaved through early new-year revellers standing outside bars. Tobacco, spice and tapas smells filled the air as they drank at standing tables. The whole atmosphere was really buzzing.
We make our way back to the river Arlanzon for the hour long walk back to site and by the time we get there we are chilled to the bone.
All together we agree it's been such a good day that we don't need to go back this evening for new year celebrations, but will have our own little party in the van to see in 2016
We have a bunch of grapes ready for the local custom to eat one grape ate each chime of the new year bells.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
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