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Blogs from Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain, Europe
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Spain - Day Ten - November 2nd - "Adios sur España"
Published: November 16th 2012Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Cádiz
November 14th 2012
We started this day with the reluctant realization that it was our last full day in south Spain. We planned to take the ferry to Cadiz. We wanted to visit the shops that were closed when we first went there. We had about 1.5 hour wait for the next ferry, so we walked around Rota for the last time. We went back to the first place we visited the castle - Castillo de Luna, walked around and said our goodbyes. We stopped at an old world bakery just a few steps from the castle and bought some treats. We quickly regretted waiting until the last day to buy something from there. The ferry, a nicely-sized catamaran, soon arrived. It was a beautiful ride across the Bay of Cadiz. We passed the Spanish naval fleet, el Puerto ... read more
Spain - Day Five - October 28th - "Cadiz"
Published: November 14th 2012Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Cádiz » Los Barrios
November 12th 2012
On this day, we decided it was time to get out and do some sight-seeing, so we headed to Cadiz. The drive provided us a great view of the Bay of Cadiz and the bullring in el Puerto de Santa Maria, a neighboring town. The boulevard leading into old Cadiz reminded me of most grand boulevards you would find in American cities such as Chicago's State Street, New York's Fifth Avenue (the less upscale side), and New Orleans' Canal Street. As an Urban Planner, I'm a junkie for places that have a healthy, as in well attended and utilized, outdoor life. The plaza square was brimming with people engaged in all sorts of activities - socializing at the outdoor cafes, skateboarding, walking dogs, painting portraits, proselitzying, etc. Having no map or a set list of things ... read more
Getting confused in Cadiz, catching a cold in Seville, yep! time to say goodbye to Andalusia...
Published: February 7th 2013Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Cádiz
October 16th 2012
After a great start in Sevilla I was more than ready to head on to my next destination, Cadiz, and explore this old city. I woke up before sunrise (yeah right! Well… early enough though ;)), packed my things and went searching for the train station – according to my map it was meant to be pretty straight forward getting there, so put my map aside and set off… Straight away I regretted taking a bag with me instead of a backpack (back at home it made sense to take a bag as it was much smaller than my backpack, but now with the city still asleep and hardly anyone on the streets and me making all this noise from dragging the wheels on the cobblestoned paths, somehow taking the bag instead of a backpack didn’t ... read more
September 23rd 2012
Each year for the past few, I've managed to get to the European Conference for Educational Research. EERA, whose annual conference this is, exemplifies efforts in Europe for cooperation in development between countries, as well as Europe's endeavor to learn from as well as influence other parts of the world. This year we all gathered in Europe's oldest existing city - Cádiz, the capital of Andalućia. Cathy had more opportunities than I did to explore the Old City where our hotel and the university were situated. However my daily walk to and from the conference took me through main plazas. The university is right next to one of the most popular beaches, Playa de la Caleta. Very tempting, given the 30s temperatures each day - but I resisted. Of course, the local food and wine are ... read more
August 20th 2012
Cadiz was a great surprise. I arrived by ferry in the port that was once arguably the most important in the world. Full of history, quaint and appealing, I made the most of my day there, taking in its sights and learning a little of its incredible history. Cadiz is where the first Spanish constitution came into fruition. I visited the museum explaining Spain´s political evolution and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Cadiz may have seen its heyday, but like many spots in Europe one can really feel its history. It´s something that I have come to love and appreciate about Europe. Being immersed in Cadiz´s nooks and crannies for a day was a privilege and a fantastic experience.... read more
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July 20th 2012
Well thats 5 weeks of Spanish school complete. The quality of the teachers at the Melkart school was very good andI feel I have learned a lot. Only thing is I need to keep it going before I forget it al! Living with the Spanish family (or a crazy old woman!) was a great experience, although quite tough at times. Not sure if I would do this option again although it really does force you to speak Spanish. During my last week I went to see Spain U23 v Mexico U23 at the new Stadio Cadiz. They have recentley done the ground up at a cost of 60 million Euros...not bad for a segunda B side! Makes you wonder how they can afford this though with everything that's going on. Cadiz is suffering big time right ... read more
July 4th 2012
I arrived in Cadiz on June 16 and have signed up for 5 weeks of Spanish lessons at a local school called Melkart. I have chosen to stay with a Spanish family to improve my conversation skills. Have to admit its been pretty tough so far trying to understand wht the family is saying and this has led to some very interesting conversations during meal times with me nodding my head a lot! The locals, the (Gadatanos) have a very strong accent and dont pronounce the 's'. For example the women who owns the house said to me during lunch 'Hay mapa', 'hay mapa'. You would think this means there is a map right? No it means more bread !(mas pan). Despite its unique site — on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea ... read more
June 18th 2012
Hello all! Well, we are about getting to that time; the time to say goodbye to cyber-Devin and maybe a few of you will finally get to see me in person for a change. On that note, I would like to say that the blogs will continue through my trip with my parents and my trip to South Africa, so no worries, I know you all just can’t imagine your lives without my blog; it’s just the gift that keeps on giving. :) Officially I have until this Saturday as a “student” here at La Universidad de Cádiz and only one week from today I will be departing the city with my parents (although by the time I get around to posting this it will be less). Lately my life has been all about being a ... read more
June 17th 2012
As my time in Cadiz flashes by towards a very hasty end, I've been taking time to wander the streets and soak up all the things I'll miss about the city. This blog is more intended to be a photo blog - as I really don't have the words to try and describe what Cadiz means to me! I'm going to start with my flat. I've never lived in such an old or beautiful building, and we have a woman who comes to keep it clean every day. Probably originally a merchant's house - the house was split into four flats and retained many original features. I loved walking up our marble staircase, I loved looking out my balcony out towards the sea, I loved how at home I felt there and of course I loved ... read more
June 7th 2012
Cadiz and 28 degrees on the paseo maritimo. I have been to the ferry office and have got my boarding card and can go on board just after 16.00.Its only 12 now so a coffee and then lunch should kill a bit of time. Lets pick up the story yesterday in Ciudad Real. After a great nights sleep I got out on the road just after 09.00 and headed south leaving the motorway and taking another of the roads recommended for bikers. This road goes south through the Sierra Morenas range of mountains and i can only say that if you are in this area take the road from Puerto llano to Montoro. this is a fast stretch of road with a super surface and some of the best curves I found in all the journey ... read more
