She decided that she needed to check the bus to be sure that they were on board. In fact, she checked another tour bus too, just to be sure. Much to her consternation, they were not on board either coach. She was worried and wanted to sort out why not.
Gord (and Paul) poo-pooed the idea saying that it was ridiculous to look for them as the tour company and the hotel were old pros at this. Nevertheless, her antennae were up and she was concerned.
As we sat down on the coach, our tour director, Alberto, announced that the Millard’s luggage was not on board. Gord jumped to action and stepped out to investigate. The porter had in fact put their luggage in STORAGE! Gord felt chagrined and bemoaned the fact that Dianna was ‘right again’. Dianna stepped off the bus and strutted with the vindication that her instincts were right on, yet again!
Now for Some Spanish History {Skip ahead if you do want this history lesson.}
Spain is the 3rd largest country in Europe after France and the Ukraine. There are 17 regions in Spain, including Catalunya, which has been forefront in the news lately to separate from Spain, as many of you will know.
Some time ago, there was an ad campaign by the Spanish Tourism Bureau that boasted, “Spain is Different”. That could not be more true! Lunch is from 2-4 pm. Store hours are generally from 9 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm. Dinner for adults is 10 pm. Families with children will provide dinner at 8 or 830 pm, put the kids to bed, before the adults have dinner.
Madrid is 3 degrees west of London and should therefore be on the same time as Britain, but in fact are on Central European Time, which means in the summer they are actually 2 hours ahead of normal sun time. Solar noon is at 2 pm! Hence, they are still on a beach at 8 pm and dining at 10 pm.
The Iberian peninsula and the rest of Europe, were invaded by the barbarians (the Visigoths in Spain), at the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the late 5th century. This period is known as the Dark Ages. However, the Moor invasion started in the Iberian Peninsula in 711, from Morocco via Gibraltar. The people of the Iberian peninsula welcomed the Moors as they were anxious to be free of the barbarian control. The Arabs brought algebra, irrigation, architecture, cartography (mapping), astronomy and other advanced scientific knowledge. So while Europe sat in the Dark Ages Spain was enjoying the advances brought by the Moors. For example, irrigation contributed to the great leap in vino and Valencia orange production. Yes, those great Valencia oranges in Safeway come from Valencia, Spain. In fact, three sides of the Valencia hillsides are covered in orange trees and vines.
During this period, Christians, Jews and Muslims lived together in peace. Then when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella married they united four areas in Spain and set about creating a Catholic Kingdom. Remember Isabella was called “Isabella the Catholic”. With this marriage, the Moors were reduced to a small part of Iberian peninsula and January 2, 1492, they left Spain. In further aid of creating a Catholic Kingdom Isabella gave the Jews three months to sell their property and leave Spain or be expelled. To ensure Jewish people left Spain they tested with the consumption of jamon (ham). The choice to eat ham, or not, was the test. And so Spain began its culinary appreciation of ham, even today!
In the same year, Isabella decided to fund Christopher Columbus’ adventures, to advance her quest for a Catholic Kingdom. Do you remember the expression, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”?
Spain continues to be heavily influenced by the Arabic language, having been occupied by the Moors for more than seven centuries -711 to 1492. For example, most of the words starting with “Al” or “Ben” come from Arabic. Since there are two million Moroccans living in Europe some of the road signs are even in Arabic today to assist them in their annual summer holiday drive back to Morocco!
Now Back to the Trip
Our first stop on the way to Valencia was in Cuenca. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the “Hanging Cliff Houses” that overlook the valley. Part of the floor is literally hanging over the cliff.
We stopped at a “Parador” or Hostel. These are old convents, monasteries or castles that have been converted to luxurious rooming houses, where vacationers can stay in a place steeped with history but still having many of the modern comforts. Your Nun’s cell comes complete with a jacuzzi. Sonya and Dianna thought that this would be a great way to see Spain next time!
Valencia
We arrived in town just in time for lunch. But first a quick stop at Lladro. Dianna and Sonya wanted to go see it, and Dianna was on the hunt for a particular porcelain statue. Gord was mightily relieved (and Dianna disappointed) to learn that it was not available. Sonya spotted a statue of a mother and baby elephant, but luckily (for me) it was white, and Sonya was looking for a grey one! Whew...that was a close call.
On the way back to the square, we found a building decorated on the exterior with marble sculptures. It was a sight to see, and this picture will give you some sense of it.
Off to lunch, we found a really quaint spot just off the square. Taking a page from the adage, “you can dress them up, you can take them out, but be careful when you feed them”, Gord got a spot of pasta sauce on his shirt. Right after I said that (of course!), I proceeded to get some pasta sauce on my shirt! The waitress came to our rescue with an aerosol can of stain remover, which we proceeded to use and the two ladies, of course, had to capture the moment for posterity!
Valencia is a city of interesting architecture. Prior to the economic collapse of 2008, the Spanish economy was very robust, and many of the cities and regions invested heavily in new infrastructure and architecture. Amongst the upper end of these was Valencia, which became very indebted as it invested in buildings and facilities in its river valley. There is some interesting architecture around, such as this large line of what appear to be urinals. You can judge for yourself!!
Dinner that evening we enjoyed a very traditional dish - paella. This is a wonderful rice dish for which Spain is renowned. The most traditional of these is the Valencian Paella, traditionally made with rice, chicken, rabbit and snails!
Knowing that not many on the tour would be up to this dish in the traditional form, ours was made with chicken, white broad and green beans. The meal was accompanied by appetizers, wine, dessert and entertainment, so a good time was had by all.
On the way in, Sonya spotted a young man making sand castles. Intrigued, she walked over to grab a snap of the castle. She thought that the young man may be of interest to a friend of ours, so she caught a snap of him with his works.
Victor was our singer for the evening, and he read the crowd well, playing some old favourites for the largely baby boomer crowd. Imagine, the entire group singing “Volare”! Ooh, perhaps Victor was another possibility for our friend - as she specified a tall Spaniard - a rare commodity.
Tuesday we are off to Granada and the Alhambra Palace!
Hasty la proxima vez (Until next time)!
DGSP (Dianna, Gord, Sonya, Paul)
