Dads Photos

Very kindly as a tribute to Dad (David Hampson) Godalming Photographic Club have set up a tribute portfolio.

This can be viewed on the following link.

Not a lot more to say really. Have a look and enjoy !!!

Cordoba

Tree lined streets, little markets and dare I say it after my last post reasonable architecture in keeping with it’s surroundings.

Saw the Puerta del Puente, which I was unable to ascertain exactly what it represents. I believe originally it was the gate to the city. Then walked on a bridge which was built on the original roman foundations to the Torre del Cahorra. This is a tower at the end of the bridge and presumably was the first line of defence for the city. It certainly looked as though it was built with all the usual niceness of medieval times i.e. holes for hot oil or tar etc.

Then went back to the hotel which overlooks the beautiful Cordoba and unfortunately part of a massive building site. Definitely by far my favorite city.

Then this morning (Saturday) got into the city for 9:30.

Went straight to the Alcatzar de los Reyes Christianos. I would describe this as a mini Alhambra but with a more medieval slant than Moorish. Surprisingly the most beautiful bit was the gardens.

Then I parted company with the others whilst the paced the modern shops I soaked in the atmosphere and beauty of the ‘thin’ streets. They have such a cosy feel to them I could sit here all day and describe them.

I met up with the rest of the family and enjoyed a tomato and mozarella salad. Although whilst the tomatoes were really sun ripened the chef had gone a bit overboard on the mixed herbs. They could really do with visiting Sainsburys in the UK and trying the taste the difference buffalo mozarella.

After lunch we went back to the hotel and had a siesta. Had a great meal finish with Cardenal Mendoza brandy.

Will leave Cordoba happy to have seen southern Spain full of ideas for our next visit. Viva Espania !

The Road To Cordoba

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.

Carmona

Today we headed for Carmona which is pretty much the first town you come to the E5 motorway.

We said our goodbyes to Cadiz happy in the knowledge we will not have to visit again !!

We headed towards Seville first. Lisa wanted to visit Sephora, a department store she discovered on her last visit to Barcelona. That bag and shoes were calling her name.

Unfortunately the bag was found. Sadly it was the wrong colour !!!

We did however manage to find chocolate and churros. This is a doughnut like consistency without anything inside which you dip in blamanche style hot chocolate.

We got back in the ‘van’ our description for our people carrier and headed for Carmona.

The drive to Carmona was uneventful except when we got into Carmona. Like Ronda we faced very ‘thin’ (Ben’s description of narrow streets). The journey was not as traumatic and Ben was not shaking and requiring a beer at the top.

We decided it would be prudent not to drive into town so we walked down and saw the square. This was not much to write home about but among it’s many churches was an absolute exquisite one with a gorgeous blue and gold roof next to a high tower.

After dinner we retired to bed ready for Cordoba tomorrow.