After a relaxing day spent in Almerimar(almerimarlife.com), Chris and I went to Almeria. This is one of the larger cities on the southern coast of Spain. It is a very old port city, as it was founded around 955. Took as a little time to find a parking spot, which is quite normal in any European city, with it's narrow streets and almost no room for vehicles.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 50mm
First historical site we visited was the Cathedral of Almeria. It designed and build by famous Spanish architect Diego de Siloe in 1524. It was completed in 1562.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/7.1, 34mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, 66mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/7.1, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/320 sec, f/7.1, 59mm
After walking around the cathedral we found an entrance inside. While we were paying for the entrance, we noticed a big sign that said "No photography allowed". We were both carrying our DLSR camera, which are not really small and inconspicuous. No one said anything about them, no one reminded us that "no photography is allowed". We figured that we might be able to sneak in a couple of shots before security came and thrown us out. I did not bring my flash, and was a little worried that the picture might not turn out. I set my camera to ISO 1600, opened the aperture to f/2.8 and proceeded inside. I must say that the inside of the cathedral was spectacular, and we managed to take a few shots. No one came and thrown us out, and we found a few people snapping pictures.
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, 32mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/500 sec, f/2.8, 32mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/30 sec, f/2.8, 27mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/100 sec, f/2.8, 63mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/200 sec, f/2.8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/60 sec, f/2.8, 46mm
After leaving the cathedral and it's wonders, we continued towards the second largest Moorish fortresses of Andalucia, the castle of Alcazaba. I could not help myself to take a few pictures of the streets of Almeria.
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, 32mm
The castle of Alcazaba was constructed in the X century by Califa Abderraman III. It towers 90m above the city of Almeria, and it's a very impressive structure.
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1250 sec, f/8, 50mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1000 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1600 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1000 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/800 sec, f/8, 43mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/500 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1250 sec, f/8, 35mm
Canon 5D, ISO 125, 1/1000 sec, f/8, 35mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/160 sec, f/4, 52mm
Canon 5D, ISO 1600, 1/1000 sec, f/5, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 100, 1/1250 sec, f/8, 24mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 70mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/8, 24mm
I must say the castle is very impressive, and very nicely restored. I provides great views on the whole city of Almeria. Once we left the castle, we went towards the main square of the cathedral. We noticed that a photo shoot was being setup for Harley Davidson motorcycles. So we settled ourselves in a little bistro on the square, had a couple of nice cool beers and watched with interest. I managed to secretly capture the models for these bikes, who were constantly talking on their mobile phones. For one of these shots I borrowed Chris's camera, as he had a better zoom lens.
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/400 sec, f/8, 70mm
Nikon D80, ISO 400, 1/200 sec, f/8, 135mm
Canon 5D, ISO 200, 1/800 sec, f/8, 66mm
I was a little self conscious taking these photos, but the models either didn't see us, or were so used to cameras, that they didn't pay any attention.
The whole trip was wonderful. I just wished I could spend more time in Almeria. There are a lot of places to see, and a lot of great photo opportunities. I guess I will have to leave them till next time.