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london1967So 'Uganda' turned out to be Spain after all and to precise Castilla, León and Extremadura.
I've planned a little tour of these regions staying at a number of paradores knowing that Adrian likes some refined surroundings and bit of understated posh, driving around the countryside and visiting not-too-large cities.
And, so far, he seems very happy with the choice!
Yesterday wasn't stress-free as we were stuck on the train to Victoria (en route to Heathrow) for about 35 minutes due to a trespasser on the line and I was worried that we were going to miss the flight to Madrid.
After walking what it felt like miles at Madrid airport (up and down, train from the satellite terminal to the main terminal, etc.) we got our car and soon we were on our way to Ávila.
The view of the city as we approached was quite breathtaking
The medieval city walls with 8 gates, 88 towers, and more than 2500 turrets (according to the guidebook) surround the city.
The city is of course famous (at least in the Catholic world) for St. Teresa.
The viewpoint below commemorates the place where she was caught by her uncle when she was trying to run away (she was seeking martyrdom at the hands of the Moors!)
We checked in at the Parador de Ávila, a 16th-century palace located in a corner near the walls
and enjoyed a well-deserved drink
This cheeky fellow
wasn't after Adrian's G&T but after our nuts. And it graciously accepted one I offered.
We then walked towards the Cathedral taking in buildings and statues on the way
Here's a proud lion
and here's one of series of lions with large, protruding bums outside the cathedral
It was time to walk a section of the walls
I was quite surprised to see that most buildings within the walls are quite plain in comparison to some of the old palaces, and really not much in keeping with the feel of the place. But it's still a very enjoyable walk.
Stork nests and the moon!
Do you see that shadow on the wall?
Take a closer look!
Quite spooky, isn't it?
It was soon sunset
and time for dinner.
The guidebook says that this part of Spain is not a place for vegetarians and judging from the size of the steak (part of the €20 menu del dia) that was served on a sizzling hot plate (which we used to cook the rare meat as we cut it into strips) I tend to agree!
Back at the parador for a drink
and then bed!
Today the sun isn't shining any longer but oh well we're on holiday!
I've planned a little tour of these regions staying at a number of paradores knowing that Adrian likes some refined surroundings and bit of understated posh, driving around the countryside and visiting not-too-large cities.
And, so far, he seems very happy with the choice!
Yesterday wasn't stress-free as we were stuck on the train to Victoria (en route to Heathrow) for about 35 minutes due to a trespasser on the line and I was worried that we were going to miss the flight to Madrid.
After walking what it felt like miles at Madrid airport (up and down, train from the satellite terminal to the main terminal, etc.) we got our car and soon we were on our way to Ávila.
The view of the city as we approached was quite breathtaking
The medieval city walls with 8 gates, 88 towers, and more than 2500 turrets (according to the guidebook) surround the city.
The city is of course famous (at least in the Catholic world) for St. Teresa.
The viewpoint below commemorates the place where she was caught by her uncle when she was trying to run away (she was seeking martyrdom at the hands of the Moors!)
We checked in at the Parador de Ávila, a 16th-century palace located in a corner near the walls
and enjoyed a well-deserved drink
This cheeky fellow
wasn't after Adrian's G&T but after our nuts. And it graciously accepted one I offered.
We then walked towards the Cathedral taking in buildings and statues on the way
Here's a proud lion
and here's one of series of lions with large, protruding bums outside the cathedral
It was time to walk a section of the walls
I was quite surprised to see that most buildings within the walls are quite plain in comparison to some of the old palaces, and really not much in keeping with the feel of the place. But it's still a very enjoyable walk.
Stork nests and the moon!
Do you see that shadow on the wall?
Take a closer look!
Quite spooky, isn't it?
It was soon sunset
and time for dinner.
The guidebook says that this part of Spain is not a place for vegetarians and judging from the size of the steak (part of the €20 menu del dia) that was served on a sizzling hot plate (which we used to cook the rare meat as we cut it into strips) I tend to agree!
Back at the parador for a drink
and then bed!
Today the sun isn't shining any longer but oh well we're on holiday!
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no subject
Date: 2012-09-23 07:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 06:40 am (UTC)Ávila
Date: 2012-09-23 08:14 am (UTC)Chuck
Re: Ávila
Date: 2012-09-24 06:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-23 11:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 06:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-23 12:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 06:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-23 02:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 06:43 am (UTC)I'm sure someone will plan some celebration for you!
no subject
Date: 2012-09-23 11:14 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 06:43 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-24 09:09 pm (UTC)Love the stork nests and the clouds.
no subject
Date: 2012-09-25 09:27 pm (UTC)