The sky was “mean and moody” according to Ben this morning. This was mainly due to the elevated location of our hotel.
In days gone by you would have spotted an army from miles off. Indeed that is probably why Pedro el Cruel (the cruel) built his palace here.
The Alcazar del Rey Pedro is the palace that formed the Parador hotel that we left today on the road to Cordoba, our penultimate destination before heading to Malaga to fly home.
During the journey I (Ben) had time to reflect on our journey to Spain and what we had learnt. I think for me I need to learn to downsize. I think I might even have to get one of those really expensive photographers rucksacks just because half the kit I take is padded camera bags.
Food is always a problem and our wizard wheeze of half board did not really work. Next time just bed and breakfast only.
Staying at hotels is a good idea. The Paradors we have stayed at barring the one in Cadiz have been first class. The only thing wrong with Cadiz really was the rooms. As a learning curve for coming back only choose Paradors which are part of old buildings avoid modern ones.
Relaxation away from everything is good. Don’t be afraid to say no if you don’t feel like going somewhere and would prefer to read your book.
If you do not like a place such as Cadiz have the flexibility to change to another place i.e. don’t restrict yourself as we did to a Ruta (route) offered by Parador. That way places where you want to stay more nights you can subject to availability.
Old Spanish architecture is beautiful, majestic and breathtaking. Modern Spanish architecture is in the most part is dull, ugly and boring. Architects in Spain should visit Ronda and Carmona and learn from the old and apply to the new.
The people of Spain more than make up for the architecture. In the main they are happy although their waiter / waitressing skills leave a lot to be desired.
On the road to Cordoba there was a lot to be thought about and reflected on. In fact there was so much it now deserves it’s own post.
If our first impression of Cordoba is anything to go by then this should be a formidable end to our journey.
