Winter is in full swing, so it is a perfect time to share some of the summer in Southern Alberta.
The last day in Spain
With a great sadness we have said our good-byes to our friends in Almerimar and undertaken the long drive back to Madrid. The views, again, were quite lovely and I have taken a few shots (again) of the lovely wind turbines that make the scenery even more picturesque..
We have chosen slightly different route this time and were hoping to be able to stop on the way in Granada and visit Alhambra.
The palace of Alhambra is rather famous for it's great Moorish architecture and rich history and I always wanted to visit it. Unfortunately we were unable to gain entry to the palace itself. To preserve it only a certain amount of visitors is allowed daily and we were just too late.. When we approached the entry they were just announcing that fact over the loud speakers.. During the high season, in order to visit the place one has to book tickets on line well in advance, otherwise there is no way to get inside... So... since we have planned to stop there anyway, we have decided to, at least, visit the grounds and took a long walk around the palace. The weather was gorgeous and everything was blooming and so green that it was a delightful break in our long drive. Of course, I was not only interested in the architecture of the place but, as usual, gave in to my fascination with plants so different than what I am used to.. And here is a few shots from there:
We were given only glimpses of the palace buildings, stolen through shrubbery and walls.. I'd love to see them closer, but, will have to wait for the next time..
Being located on top of a hill Alhambra has a wonderful view of the surrounding Granada, which we could spot also from our walk:
It was very pleasant there. Quite a restful place, where you can be surrounded with greenery and listen to the sounds of trickling water..
But, as everything, this little respite in our journey had to come to an end and we left Alhambra, promising that one day we shell be back! For now Scotland was waiting for us, with it's wonderful mountains and heavy skies and a promise of yet another adventure..
Kasia
From Madrid to Almerimar
Spain - the road to Almerimar 1
We have been very fortunate recently to be able to spend 2 weeks traveling in Europe. We have started our European adventure in Madrid and taken a roadtrip to a little town in the south of Spain, called Almerimar. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Spain's capital through La Mancha and Andalusia to get to this little coastal town and the land is so very different from Alberta. The colours of spring - rich, juicy greens of the field contrasting nicely with reddish browns of the soil and silver green of ever present olive trees made it very interesting.
We have seen the white windmills of La Mancha, bringing instantly to mind Cervantes and his Don Quixote, the fields full of solar batteries and groupings of wind turbines ( I wonder what Don Quixote would think about those?! ;D) spread along the way through Andalusia as well, the images of El Toro spread here and there along the road.
Spain - the road to Almerimar 4
From the highway we could see an occasional castle with surrounding it village or a little town tacked neatly into a mountain valley..
Spain - the road to Almerimar 5
When we did stop I could not resist taking some pictures of flowers and foliage whether in the mountains or when we reached the coast..
Spain - the road to Almerimar 3
Spain - the road to Almerimar 6
And before the end of the drive I got to see the Mediterranean Sea for the first time! I have enjoyed watching from the top of a cliff turquoise waves hitting the rocks down below.
Spain - the road to Almerimar 9
Spain - the road to Almerimar 7
Spain - the road to Almerimar 10
Many times we have been lamenting the lack of both the stopping places on the highway as well as time for the views were quite often very picturesque. But still between me and Mac we have managed to bring back with us about 8 thousand images..
I have shared today some of what we've seen on the way to our destination in Almerimar. I hope you've enjoyed this part of our trip. And for several more weeks, I am sure, we will try to give you a glimpse of the wonderful places we've visited...
Kasia