Monday 22 April 2013

She's still on about Spring in Spain....

'I'm up for a bit of gentle exploration in the sunshine' says I, so we picked Cartagena as our  place to visit. It's on the coast, which means I can still get my sea breezes fix, and neither of us had been there before.  Considering it's only half an hour down the road from the Villa, that's no brag in ten years, huh.
It's an ancient Roman city.  One which has been cared for and boasts some really fine spanish architecture.  And Roman, of course. 
Beating the bounds..well, not exactly, but we walked quite a long way around the city walls.  Much of it overlooks the port which was quiet.  But lovely.  It's a naval city, so there was some uniformed activity.  Nice!

Not even the Plaza Mayor, but still a stunning piece of colonial architecture isn't it.  Now a hotel, of course.  Note the shiny ground material.  I don't know, but am going to guess that it may be a bit like an ice rink when wet!  You can see how busy it was.  Monday, mid morning.  We made our way to the Ayuntamiento for tourist info and was told that every museum and public gallery was closed on a Monday.  This is worth knowing people, because it makes it difficult to gain access to the Roman quarter..
So well hidden amongst the regular buildings of the city that it felt like a secret, this amphitheatre is a sight and a half.  We were leaning over the top, back wall..about 5 high and a foot thick.  I'm only 3" taller than that and probably as thick, so am insanely pleased with this picture!  See the facade of the red building at the bottom?

 It's the building here, at left.  Windows too high to see through from street level which is why we walked oh, about a thousand miles round the city to the back of the theatre.  Worth it though huh!  On any other day, that strange silver bar arrangement just above the arch there is actually a proper walkway from the castle centre around the amphitheatre.  But not on a Monday Senor y Senora.  For us, not a particular problem..we're very into taking a small chunk of culture and a large chunk of coffee break involving an umbrella and a sea view. I know, shocking really. But the Romans..really, they are everywhere in Europe.  Well, they were. 
We took loads of pics..I won't bore you any more.  Yet.  They may yet turn up on scrapbook pages instead of as blog posts, that strikes me as possibly a more palatable way of getting over my holiday.  We've been home since the weekend and it's cold here.  But the sunshine is lovely, thank you.  It made me realise just how much I needed to clean the windows in the workroom and conservatory.  Ah, there's no place like home!



26 comments:

mamapez5 said...

Lovely photos. We live about an hour and a half drive below Cartagena, (Almeria direction). We've collected our son from Cartagena train station but never toured the city. It looks like it might be worth a visit. You chose the right week for your visit, as did our son this time. He had a superb week but this week it is grey and damp, but, of course, it is still warm. Your photos of orange blossom etc looked like my garden. (see my Kate's Adventures blog post from yesterday). Glad you enjoyed your break. Kate x

Helen said...

Your photos are fabulous, how I would love to explore there... I may have to stow away in your case next time!!
I hope you do show us more - I never get sick of seeing photos like these.

Angie said...

Oh wow ...what amazing photos ....so glad you managed the Roman amphitheatre shot...these will make great LO's.xx

Anne said...

It looks fab Julia. We enjpyed our week in Nerja. Been home over a week now! Would like to think we can holiday in yr villa at some point - just need to solve needing a car. DH a bit nervous re driving abroad now. A x

Redanne said...

Goodness Julia, what a beautiful place, have never visited there but wish I had now! How lovely to have the whole place to yourselves too. Hugs, Anne x

Bernice said...

Lovely photos. Looks like you had a nice time - its just a bit of a shock to the system to return to UK temperatures! At least they're improving somewhat.
Bernice

Carole Z said...

Thank you for sharing your lovely photos, such a beautiful place to be, Carole Z X

KatzElbows said...

What a glorious day you must have had. Your photo of the amphitheatre has given me delusions of grandeur: I can just see myself declaiming something to adoring crowds!

Thank you for sharing this beautiful day with us.

Di said...

Did you mention men in uniform? What's the availability of the villa then? :)

Super piccies and glad to see you brought us a leetle bit of sunshine back with you!

Hugs, Di xx

Rhonda Halushka said...

I absolutely loved Spain! So nice to see your photos! Makes me want to go back!!

RosA said...

Lovely pics, interesting architecture. Would like to see IRL :) Glad you had a nice sunny holiday.

Mary said...

Fantastic photos. You have quite the eye....enjoy your holiday!

Unknown said...

Lovely post again Julia - you're way better than Judith Chalmers - you've missed your vocation! However, I'm glad you write your blog instead!

I love your account of your adventure - how typical of them bloody Spaniards to be closed on a Monday... if it's not that, they're asleep! lol. I jest - I love the Spanish and it's my favourite language and place on earth... We always wind back there. Convenience? Perhaps. By choice - definitely. Just love it.

Thank you for these pictures - quite a tonic... please feel free to post more - i'm sure no one minds at all - who better to take us ANYWHERE than YOU!!!!

hugs

Paulax x x x

Carmen said...

What amazing pictures - I never think of anything like that outside of Rome. Gorgeous. Thank you so much for going to all that effort for us :) (It WAS for us wasn't it?)

This temperature is about right for me - not to hot, not to cold. It'll do.

dix said...

Thank you so much for sharing the fabulous photos. At least I got to see all these sites through your camera lens.dix---

Alison Scott said...

Thanks for sharing the pics - can we get some of the men in uniform next time please (pretty please)
Love all the photos like this.
Don't tell me about washing windows, I washed the inside of mine 2 weeks ago and Emma said it was like seeing the street in HD - I was so embarrassed ;-D - yeah right. Told her to take a turn!

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

your photos just took my breath away! wonderful! jenx

Neet said...

We discovered the "closed on Monday' once in France when we trailed all the way to Monet's Garden. Must be a European thing.
Lovely photos and great account - keep 'em coming - and the sunshine pictures.
Hugs, Neet xx

peggy aplSEEDS said...

fantastic pictures, Julia! i love all these old places!

Dianne said...

Wonderful journey from my armchair, love the pics,the architecture is amazing in Spain, I was in Barcelona Spain and fell in love with it:):).. Thanks for sharing, will look forward to the scrapbook, you have inspired me to make a scrapbook on my next trip to England, thanks for that too. Hope your having a great window cleaning day LOL..

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Julia,

I love seeing the photos so don't stop sharing on my account!! No wonder the Square was so quiet - everything being closed on Mondays. Hmm, if only my employer would start that schedule!

Peace,
Kay

HeARTworks said...

Oh do show us more pictures! There's no place like home, but I love travel- so many surprising things to see and learn about! patsy

Sue from Oregon said...

Please, please please show more pictures...Living a sheltered life here in my little town, this is as close as I am going to get to these places...thoroughly enjoyed the tour with you!

Stitching Lady said...

Your post is amusing and beautiful!

Create With Joy said...

Julia,

I have been enjoying my vicarious vacation travels with you - your photos are amazing! It looks like you had quite the trip!

I would love it if you would consider joining us for Wordless Wednesday and linking your vacation posts; I know everyone would enjoy the photos as much as I did!

See you on WOYWW!

Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com

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