Nancy Daniels

pumanomada

Nancy Daniels

just a geek girl from Seattle on walkabout.



Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Seville October 6th 2009

To market, to market Seville has a fish market; I was interested not only because my brother owns one, but also to compare to the amazing market in Barcelona. This one was very small. 6 fish stalls, three were open, and several other stalls (an array of baskets, fruit, and land meats). I had walked by several leather goods stores while searching for the market, so went in search of a new leather coat. I did not find one I liked, though. It was 28 Celsius today, which might have had a bit to do with my not finding one. It was *far* too warm for trying on coats! After a siesta, I went to the cathedral and climbed to the top of the Giralda (a tall tower attached to the cathedral). There were some lovely ... read more
View of Naranja plaza from Giralda
Giralda at night

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Seville October 5th 2009

Sevilla Walking tour Decided to take a walking tour this morning; I arrived about 15 minutes early, and could tell the touristas from the Sevillians immediately. Cameras at the ready, backpacks, walking shoes, and a very different sense of style - more earthy, less flash. I want to think I fit in, but since some other tourists immediatly joined me, I strongly suspect I am fooling myself. The tour was fun. We touristas took turns walking together and getting to know one another. We had one couple from Vancouver BC, a group of three and a couple from California, one couple from Switzerland, and a couple from England. The couple from England were a blast. I found out that the ubiquitous orange trees produce bitter oranges; sweet orange tree blossoms don't smell (as much), so Sevilla ... read more

Europe » Spain October 4th 2009

Sherry tour, and scooter ride My plan, when I decided to go to Jerez, was to go on a Sherry tour. I have discovered I really like Fino Sherry! I arrived in Jerez too late, and was leaving too early, to do a sherry tour at one of the wineries. The owner of the hotel very sweetly gave me a lecture and 'tour' in the roof-top bar at the hotel. I tasted Fino, (coastal white), Montilla, and He also told me about the building of the hotel (they've only been in business a year and a half), and how he and his wife ended up owning that bit of property. It was two mansions just next door to a convent, and was under construction for nearly 3 years. He said the gardens were a jungle when ... read more

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Ronda October 2nd 2009

Arabic Bridge Funny, both travel books called the oldest bridge the Arabic bridge, but the TI map calls it the Roman Bridge and the signage states it is likely Arabic. It was a lovely walk down some very twisty-turney roads, and I was amazed to see a car rumbling up the cobblestones toward me. It was followed by several scooters, which I did not find at all surprising. New Bridge hike I then went looking for a way to get underneath the New Bridge. I found a way to get *inside* the bridge, where I found an interpretive center. I could see the trail from the bridge, but could not tell where it started from. The town is arrayed along either side of a chasm, with bridges between. I finally found it clear at the other ... read more
Arabic bridge portal
New bridge from below

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Ronda October 1st 2009

The long awaited Ronda! Today I traveled from Nerja to Ronda. My new friends in Nerja gave me a lift to Malaga, as they had friends arriving at the airport about the time I wanted to leave. It was wonderful to stay in a home, and I am ever so grateful for their wonderful hospitality. They introduced me to their friends, and I was able to attend a lecture and get a feel for what it is like to live in Spain. SO! Ronda!! I fell in love with Ronda from the pictures on the internet. One lovely Arabic, and two Roman bridges; the 'new' bridge was built starting in 1751. The 'old' bridge is dated 1616, and the Arabic bridge dates from the 11th century. Ronda was a capitol for the Moors, and was one ... read more

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Nerja September 30th 2009

Lazy day in Nerja Today I sunned myself on the beach, and went for a couple swims in the Mediterranean. It was lovely, and it is good to be on vacation! ... read more

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Nerja September 30th 2009

Frigiliana - White-washed hill town Went with a friend I met on the beach to one of the hill towns yesterday. Half the streets were shut for repairs - no sign to let one know they were shut until you hit the barrier. We finally found somewhere to park the car after about an hour of driving around. Much of the town is pedestrian only, so we went off exploring. Frigiliana is up in the Sierra Nevada range, just north of Nerja. Beautiful white-washed houses with brightly painted doors, lovely iron work, and magnificent views of the ocean in the distance. We had a lovely afternoon wandering the city. Pictures will have to go to FB, as I borrowed my friend's camera which does not have the correct settings for here. ... read more

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Nerja September 28th 2009

Slowing down, finally I promised pictures a couple days ago, but have been too busy relaxing to take any or even post. Nerja is the sort of place where one truly is happy to just be on vacation. It has been pouring rain, and I have been getting out for walks during the sun breaks but not taking the camera with. Today the sun broke through the clouds for much of the morning, so I went on my walk with the camera this time. I was rewarded with some lovely shots of a local fisherman mending his nets, and the local feral cat population in their respective sun rays. I was also happily surprised to see the beach Paella huts were open and filled with happy paella eaters. Ayo's was mentioned in both my travel books, ... read more
Cat sleeping in the sun
Fisherman fixing nets
Paella

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Nerja September 26th 2009

Raining on La Costa del Sol (coast of the sun) It was cloudy when I left Granada. Funny, I caught the local bus going the wrong direction. The driver tried to tell me, but I could not understand him. It was not until we got onto the highway that I turned to another rider and asked where the bus station was. I got off at the next stop, but had the same driver going back. Thankfully, I'd left with 2 hours to spare. I got to the bus station with an hour remaining before my bus. I got to see the newer part of Granada, it is very pretty and has some nice pedestrian bridges over the river. My journey was filled with amazing women. The first, I am guessing at 60 or 70, has traveled ... read more

Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Granada September 25th 2009

A soak and scrub Took a break from sightseeing today, and went to the local spa for a soak and scrub. The spa was modeled on the Moorish baths at the Alhambra. It was beautiful, and I feel wonderfully rejuvenated. Tomorrow I will head to Nerja. It was not on my original itinerary, but I have a few extra days as I have been traveling at breakneck speed, and a beach resort sounds lovely. (However, I do appear to be heading toward the rain this time. Sigh!) The hotel does not promise wifi, so I will likely be out of contact again for a couple days.... read more




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