Blogs from Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe - page 4

We began our second sightseeing trip with a visit to the beautiful cathedral. The Cathedral’s construction began in the 12th century, when the old Romanesque Cathedral was begun. The five original naves were reduced to three during the Gothic redesign while in the 14th century the central sculptures of the facade, depicting the apostles and the madonna, were added. The statues were all completed in Jaume Cascalls’ studio in 1375. Outside the cathedral was a second hand sale - many of the locals had spread blankets on the ground and were selling everything from beautiful antiques to genuine junk. We continued our walk through the 14th century gothic arches near the cathedral to the old 12th-14th century hospital which is now the county council building. We headed back towards our hostel, past the city hall and ... read more

Saturday was our first daytrip! I went to Tarragona, Spain, which is in Northern Spain, but about an hour and a half south of Barcelona. It is also right on the Mediterranean. In 218 BC the Romans strategically settled this town and made it the capital of that province of the Roman Empire. Tarragona even replaced Rome for 3 years when Emperor Augustus lived there. So this city is steeped in history, and actually has the most Roman ruins outside of Rome. The bus to Tarragona was scheduled to leave at 9:30, so we got up around 8, got dressed, and then Lauren and I went to our café to have a café con leche. Once we were almost done, the girls from downstairs came into the café, so we waited for them and then we ... read more

Yeah, sorry. But be prepared. I mean, how many of you are lounging poolside on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea? With a glass of Spanish wine? As the sun sets perfectly over the sea and a hazy mountainside, slipping into a warm bath of reds, purples and coppers? Well…we are. And this is where we’ll be living for the next two weeks. Tonight is night three, and each sunset so far has been equally perfect. So has the weather. Jason described it as being like the first few days of Spring in Florida, with a slightly cool, sweater-worthy breeze in the evening, but pretty blissful warmth during the day. Not too hot, not too humid. Just perfect. But enough blatant bragging. Let me fill you in on a few details. As you know, Jason and ... read more

Aujourd'hui c'est la ville de Terragone qui nous appelle. Nous sommes parties vers 9h et la route ce fait très bien. On dirait parfois que les montagnes nous entourent et nous serrent dans leurs bras. Terragone est une ville très industriel avec beaucoup de raffineries de toute sorte. Pas très propre si on la compare aux autres villes que l'on a visité jusqu'ici. Il y a même l'odeur qui s'en mêle. Par contre le centre-ville est très jolie avec ses petites boutiques et des petits cafés. Ouais parlant de petits café. Nous avons trouvé ça très comique lorsqu'on a dîner. Nous avons mangé en Espagne dans un café Indonésien sur le bord d'un cirque romain avec de la musique de Kenny Rogers. Sonia était aux anges son Kenny! L'Amphithéâtre qu'on nous propose dans les guides touristiques ... read more

So... I'm off for some really cool holidays. And I'm so ready and so packed! hahaha Will be reporting my trip and posting pictures here as many times as my "schedule" allows me. You know how exciting trips go...I'll be waaaaay absorbed by another kind of world, heehee. ... read more