Who's for sherry ?

As you can see this is the Domecq sherry warehouse in Jerez southern Spain.

It is possible to take a guided tour around the place - which is what we did - hence the photo.

ABC Wednesday - V for Valencia

Valencia founded by the Romans in BC 138 is Spain's third city - a busy vibrant place, the city is circled by the dry river bed of the Rio Turia.

This river bed has been developed into gardens , sports areas and the City of Arts and Science - Ciutat de les arts i de les ciencies.

You can find here cinemas, dolphinarium, concert hall, gardens and museums.

For more information see http://www.cac.es

All very modern design..  Here the flamingos are having a rest.

Situated not too far from the city centre - walk or take the local bus. This covered garden has a wonderful  display of cacti.

He looks a bit wild !!

ABC Wednesday - R for Ronda

Looks like the cops are raiding the local church here in Ronda, southern Spain !!

In fact the police station is just opposite the church and out of camera shot.

Should you want to escape from the cops - head  for the hills - seen here from the outskirts of Ronda.

Should you go to Ronda you'll find lots and lots and lots of tourists .....

Time to take the tram ..

Here in Sofia Bulgaria we have the local tram to take you here there and everywhere !

This time we are in Prague

 
And finally this is the very efficient and speedy tram that will take you from Alicante to Benidorm in Spain's Costa Blanca.

Granada 3

Another photo of the Alhambra ...

That's it now - have had trouble loading photographs this morning ( a wet Sunday morning in England )

Granada 2

Another view of the famous gardens of the Alhambra in Granada

Granada

This fountain can be found in the grounds of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

The Alhambra is a favourite tourist destination and can be very busy at times .

A crisp clear winter day is an ideal time for a visit ..

Seville Jewish Quarter

You may not guess from the cross but this is actually part of the old Jewish quarter in Seville southern Spain.

Was quite impressed with the centre of Seville - I was expecting it to be quite rundown but not so..

Would recommend a visit - not in summer - very very hot - the frying pan of Spain I think is the name for Seville and surrounding area !

Cats

These semi wild cats seem to thrive on the streets of Seville.

Plenty of food seems to get provided !

Seville Transport

Shall we travel by motor bike or horse and carriage ? Which is eco-friendly ?

Where's my carbon footprint ?

Here in Seville southern Spain in April 2005.

Alicante 2

Another favourite area in Alicante for bag snatches !!!

Alicante

Not far from here on the Alicante sea front it was brought to my attention that someone had squirted cream over my haversack - this is a common trick  - while you are trying to remove the cream someone runs off with this or another  bag.

Was lucky that day - and retained all bags ....

Small boat- Big harbour

Alicante harbour April 2008 

Alicante is the major city on the Costa Blanca - with rail routes to Madrid  and Barcelona - air routes around the world and a port  with regular sailings  to Algeria

Water Water !!

Here's the Mediterranean Sea for you ..

In all its glory..

Down on the beach

Big Boy's Bucket & Spade

Down on the beach at Guardamar - these " fishermens' cottages " are gradually falling into the sea and are being demolished much to the dismay of their owners .

Moral - do not build your home on sand ....  easy said - they have been here many years without problems  !!

Perhaps the building of a marina has changed the tides and caused the beach to be washed away ??

Bridge too far

This bridge - situated on the road between Guardamar and Rojales - has been awaiting repair for several years now . Guess not a local priority

Just make sure you do do stop for a picnic underneath.

Guardamar Graffiti

Here's a selection of the graffiti to be found in Guardamar.

Take it or leave it - as you want.........

A lot of graffiti can be found in Spain - especially in Torrevieja - the abundance of such gives the town a down at heel look.

Orange Blossom Time

Normally when you arrive in Spain on the Costa Blanca you can smell a very distinctive warm musty smell which I am told is the dust.

However this time the wind must have been in the right direction and the conditions correct for a wonderful odour of orange blossom over the whole town. This is one of the plus points about Spain which attract me back to the place.

Orange and lemon groves abound on the banks of the Rio Segura - sadly some of these are being ripped up and replace by urbanisations and blocks of holiday flats..

Trip to Villajoyosa

Am back from my jollies with a few pics that I hope will be of interest

We went for the day to Villajoyosa - famous for it's painted houses - which I must admit need what is called an " upgrade "

Away ...

Away for three weeks - so no more posts

Hopefully some new photographs of Spain will be available 

In the meantime will leave you with this ...

Madrid - the old RENFE station !!! After renovation of course !!!