Tuesday, October 19, 2021

October Daily 19: A Little Trip to Spain

 


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?

26 comments:

  1. That chocolate dipping sauce looks amazing and perfect for dipping those churros!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's actually thick hot chocolate, and I saw people drinking it, as well!

      Delete
  2. i 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many beautiful places in the world to visit!

      Delete
  3. We 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That would be a wonderful trip! I'd love to visit Iona and Skye, and Lewis.

      Delete
  4. What 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's lovely to have our memories of travel, and especially for you with your family in Canada.

      Delete
  5. Spain is a place I would love to visit. I have been to France and Italy and loved both places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to visit Italy one day. There are so many wonderful places to visit.

      Delete
  6. What sweet memories!

    ReplyDelete
  7. P.S. I am loathe to travel.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hmmm...surely someone can recreate the chocolate and churros right there in Vancouver or even right in your kitchen.

    Fun 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I "could" make them, but they were absolutely delicious there!

      Delete
  9. What a lovely experience...

    🍁 🎃 🌰 🎃 🍁

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those churros look quite delicious. Lucky students to have had that trip. Maybe normality will return next year 🤞🏻 B x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really didn't need dinner after indulging!

      Delete
  11. What 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many wonderful buildings in so many different styles.

      Delete
  12. Beautiful photos! The interior of the Royal Palace is quite stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was a very sumptuous place.

      Delete
  13. The architecture is stunning in some of these places.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many different styles!

      Delete
  14. My 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

Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

A Wander Through my Mind

  Nothing is so beautiful as Spring -  When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Gerard Manley Hopkins When I opened my bedroom...