We've enjoyed a bit of sunshine the past two days, but this morning's sky was streaked with pink and that reminded me of the saying "Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning." The skies have clouded over once again and another "atmospheric river" is headed our way. So I thought it would be fun to revisit Spain.
In October 2019, I accompanied a dozen students on a school trip to Barcelona and Madrid. We had a wonderful time. Whenever I encounter those students around town (some of them work as clerks in the grocery store, bakery, and bookstore I frequent), they remind me of what a great trip it was. Then someone always says, "I'm so glad we went when we did." Yes, indeed. It was the last major school trip before the pandemic shut down travel.
Above is the Casa Bruno Cuadros in Barcelona, where the owners used to manufacture umbrellas. And did you notice the brilliant blue sky in the top photo. Ahhh!
We visited both the Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia cathedral, where Gaudi's immense creativity is shown in so many ways.
Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea. We didn't fish, but we did go swimming, something our guide thought a little crazy since it was October. The water was far, far warmer than our sea ever gets.
En route to Madrid we stopped at Zaragoza where many spires from the Basilica reached up into those endless blue skies.
Then to Madrid where the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) impressed us all with its architecture, painted ceilings, and hand-embroidered wall coverings. It was the latter that really impressed me, and I so wished I could have taken photos.
This photo is taken from the web. The ceiling is painted, but the decoration on the walls is embroidered in silk and gold threads. A little too heavy for my taste, but the workmanship is just amazing.
We all had some free time one afternoon in Madrid, and on the advice of our guide, I took myself off to a busy little cafe where they served churros and chocolate. Oh my, so delicious. Thick chocolate, too thick for drinking, but perfect for dipping the crisp, hot churros. Worth every calorie!
I'd like to return to Spain one day, with my husband, and explore more of the country. We'd also like to visit Scotland and Ireland, and more of England. For now, we're content to explore our own backyard, for it is indeed a beautiful one.
To where would you like to travel?
That chocolate dipping sauce looks amazing and perfect for dipping those churros!
ReplyDeleteIt's actually thick hot chocolate, and I saw people drinking it, as well!
Deletei love Spain and Madrid I have friends who live there and I have spent weeks visiting the town and the country. Scotland is also Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many beautiful places in the world to visit!
DeleteWe used to live in Scotland and I feel that same urge to visit there again. We once had a wonderful trip travelling right up to the top of Scotland via several of the west coast islands - it was pure magic.
ReplyDeleteThat would be a wonderful trip! I'd love to visit Iona and Skye, and Lewis.
DeleteWhat wonderful pictures, which just whet my appetite to see Spain. Covid came before we were finished our wish list. Scotland is another place I've always wished to see. Our last trip was the same time as yours - while you were in Spain we went to France then on to Canada, passing through Vancouver on the way home. Happy memories :)
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to have our memories of travel, and especially for you with your family in Canada.
DeleteSpain is a place I would love to visit. I have been to France and Italy and loved both places.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Italy one day. There are so many wonderful places to visit.
DeleteWhat sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to look back.
DeleteP.S. I am loathe to travel.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...surely someone can recreate the chocolate and churros right there in Vancouver or even right in your kitchen.
ReplyDeleteFun memories for you and your students.
Travel is something I do not enjoy. If I could be translated to The British Isles, I'm sure that I would enjoy it. The getting there not one bit.
I "could" make them, but they were absolutely delicious there!
DeleteWhat a lovely experience...
ReplyDelete🍁 🎃 🌰 🎃 🍁
It was a lot of fun!
DeleteThose churros look quite delicious. Lucky students to have had that trip. Maybe normality will return next year 🤞🏻 B x
ReplyDeleteI really didn't need dinner after indulging!
DeleteWhat a fabulous trip! I've been to Italy, but never to Spain and would definitely love to visit one day. The architecture is just stunning!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many wonderful buildings in so many different styles.
DeleteBeautiful photos! The interior of the Royal Palace is quite stunning.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a very sumptuous place.
DeleteThe architecture is stunning in some of these places.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many different styles!
DeleteMy last European trip was to Spain in 2011. We also went to Madrid and Barcelo and I loved the mosaics. I was on mission to find the churros and chocolate. But the churros that I finally found didn't look as good as yours!
ReplyDelete