We left Bordeaux to head to Spain and a 3 night stay in the city of Zaragoza, and what a surprise it has been. We had to drive through the Pyrenees to head south. We had our first look at some snowcapped mountains. Our question to ourselves was “will we go over or under?”. Our answer came soon enough. Through an 8.5 kilometre tunnel!

We arrived in Zaragoza and caught up with Greg’s cousin Julie who will be our travelling companion for about 2 weeks ( if she can put up with us for that long!) We checked into our apartment and hit the streets ready to explore.

Zaragoza is one of the oldest cities in Spain with a history dating back to the Roman times , followed by the Muslims , then the Christians all of which have left their mark in the city which is evident in the varied architecture.

The Basilica del Pilar, built in the 17th Century is one of the largest Cathedrals in Spain, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is said to be the place where she appeared before the Apostle James in the year 40AD. We saw people queuing for hours to “kiss” a portion of the legendary pillar where her apparition appeared. Not us though! It was huge inside but for us the outside was far more spectacular with its tiled roof.

We decided to pay 3 euros to climb one of the towers for a birds eye view of the tiled roof and the city. Luckily a lift took us up most of the way leaving us only 109 steps to the top.

The other important Basilica in the city is the Cathedral of El Salvador-Seo. Although the Pilar was free entry, the Seo was 7 euros, so we thought it must have something a little extra to see inside and there was! The Cathedral stands on the site of Zaragoza’s first Mosque, hence its beautiful architecture on the outside. It’s Christian facade was added between the 12th and 17th Century and was not quite as stunning.

Julie has introduced us to the “local aperitif” here, a glass of vermouth. It brought us back to the 1970’s but we have to say we are enjoying a glass or 2, it’s quite refreshing. We have had a rather strange Capuchino and an EXTREMELY STRONG expresso from the oldest cafe in Zaragoza, the Gran Cafe dating back to 1885.

Of course we have been eating well…too well sometimes.. and enjoying the tapas lifestyle here in Spain. For our lunch today, we found our favourite peppers , ham , beef check pie, beef ribs and a local dish of migas which was fried breadcrumbs with potato ,bacon, onion and egg with a local snag on the top. YUM!

Of course if one eats , one needs to drink so ……

We have checked out the Central Market and boy , there was some really weird stuff going on there!!!!Nothing that we would want to eat thank you!

This morning we walked to the Aljaferia Palace. It was built as a fortified Palace for the Islamic rulers of Zaragoza in the 11th Century. It was passed onto the Christians in 1118 and is now the regional Parliament headquarters of the region of Aragon. The architecture inside was beautiful. The rooves in particular were stunning.

We have walked km after km, admiring streetscapes and architecture.

The Plaza San Felipe (above left) has a statue of a small boy looking toward where a tall tower, rivalling the Leaning Tower of Pisa, once stood. In 1892 the tower was completely demolished before it toppled over and was said to be “the greatest artistic crime committed in Spain”, harsh but maybe true???? There is an image of the tower painted on a wall toward where the boy looks. The city is a photographer’s dream, around every corner, a new opportunity…and you all know what Greg is like!

Day after day it has been kms of walking for Greg’s knees which has been good for Julie and Rhonda as he needs to sit and rest AND rehydrate so it means a drink or 2. The vermouth is now his new daily medication for pain!

So tomorrow it is on to Barcelona for a jam packed 4 days! We hope Barney gets us there safely!

Adios until next time

Lots of love Greg and Rhonda and Julie!

xxxx