In Cadiz today
We arrived in Cadiz this morning. As I opened the curtains there was the most beautiful sky.
We drove over the Constitution Bridge later this morning as part of our tour, but the worst view of a bridge is seen by driving over it, isn't it? I was glad I'd snapped this photograph this morning.
This is our last but one port of call, the last one being Lisbon tomorrow, where we will stay overnight before leaving Voyager and flying home.
It was a beautiful day here, the city is interesting and we had a great guide.
It's always good to have a fluent guide whose knowledge is readily shared. Here, she pointed out the little figure of Hercules high on the facade of the City Hall and recounted his role in the founding of the city.
From here, we were taken through the old Medieval city, through narrow streets where we'd not have ventured alone. But this was the “real” city and we were glad to be shown off the beaten track.
On we went, through old gateways to the old port, doing our best to keep up whilst at the same time, not wanting to miss a thing.
One beautiful facade was undergoing renovation, for this area is very popular with people looking to restore historic properties. Right on cue, the lorry driver started his engine and just as we were about to criticise his dreadful timing, we realised he was moving his lorry so that we could get a better view! How sweet was that?!
As we walked, we learned that the large stones forming the pathways had been used for ballast on some of the merchant vessels which had brought goods to Cadiz. With no further need for them, they were tossed aside and yes, formed early roadways still in use today. Fascinating!
Such a beautiful city, we made our way towards the cathedral, still hemmed in by the wooden structures put in place for use during the Easter celebrations. Here, families would rent a place from where they could watch the spectacle of the Easter processions renowned throughout Spain.
A little further on, we were in a small square, standing by a flower stall. This was known as the Flower Market, for a variety of flower sellers had always traded here, outside the Post Office. We found ourselves with ten minutes free time and I had seen exactly where I wanted to run…
As we’d walked through that little street just now, I had spotted a shop selling our favourite Spanish nougat. Hopefully we'd have time to dash back and make a purchase. Time was tight, because we were heading for tapas and a Flamenco show and that wouldn't wait.
As we walked, we noticed the towers high above the roof level, painted with Phonecian designs by merchants who wanted their homes to be seen by those approaching the port.
As we walked, we'd already decided that we need to return here, to take another look and to spend time exploring some of these beautiful streets.
It was time to turn right, though, into the small bar and Flamenco venue! Having seen the performance by Duo Esencias on board last evening (Flamenco and wonderful violin accompaniment) I was eager to see more Flamenco!
We were not disappointed! The performance was really good and incredibly noisy! Meanwhile we nibbled on tapas and enjoyed a couple of cold cervezas.
Show finished, it was time to return to Voyager, passing the mariners' houses which we'd seen from the ship as we'd sailed in this morning.
Our final stop was the Constitution Monument, where we stopped to catch up on a little bit more Spanish history, though those of us (not me!) who were up on the British role in these events were already quite familiar with the story.
Right now, we were glad that Voyager was “just there” - across the road and within sight. It was time to go home.
And yes, of course we had made it to that Turrón store and made a purchase! A fine souvenir of our short stay in Cadiz, a city to which we hope to return sooner rather than later.
Love it!
