The Big Visit

Ed on top of the Alcazaba, fortress.

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We climbed up to see the view from the top and the sunset of course; but we had to hurry since they were closing it in five minutes.

Isabel the Catholic

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Our hotel, which was first an arab mansion, then a catholic monastery, housing the first burial spot of Isabel (of Isabel and Ferdinand who gave Columbus permission to sail). I am standing right in front of her grave stone.

There was some relaxation on this trip too!

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Vivian and Ed resting in the cloister patio of the Parador after a long day of walking through the Alhambra.

Our Parador

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We sat out on the Parador’s solarium to admire the summer palace of the Alhambra some more. This is also the view we had from our room.

Turn down service

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It included chocolates, slippers, bathrobes and we even had tea in the room after dinner.

Free Aperitifs

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We sipped manzanilla before dinner at the Parador. Mom & Dad, it’s more like fruit juice than wine really!

The Amazing Shower

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Here we are modeling our bathrobes and pointing out our towel warmer – if anyone wants to buy me a Christmas present, I’d like six shower jets and a towel warmer, please!

On the bus

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This was our second drink and snack. I don’t know if you can see it or not but Ed is holding a beer!

Boot of Wine

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At our first restaurant in Salamanca, we had a private dining room, an excellent 3 course meal – and Vivian even had a boot of wine!

La Rana

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In Salamanca, it is a must to find the “rana” (frog) of good luck on the university façade. If you find it on your first look, its good luck; if you don’t, its bad luck forever! Luckily I was there to point it out because its almost impossible to see! You’ll be happy to know that Ed and Vivian were blessed with good luck. Can you see it in the picture?

U of Salamanca

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We toured the inside and saw the old wooden benches used as desks and one of the oldest libraries in Spain.

Vivians Parade

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Vivian can find entertainment anywhere – she even happened across the College of Science’s parade on her own.

Dinner at Casa Paca

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We ordered just drinks and a main dish. The head waiter then told me that we’d be hungry since the servings were small and that we needed to order an appetizer as well! Worried that we were only going to get a forkful of sea bass (which is what Vivian and I ordered, Ed got the salmon), we still refused the appetizer (they were all 19 euros!). Luckily Paca, whom we assume is the chef, came through for us as we had a nice portion of fish, roasted tomato and bread.

Christmas is Coming!

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The decorations starting going up as Ed and Vivian were getting ready to leave; but I’ll be sure the give the report and picture review when they are turned on Dec. 5.