the after 30 part...

There are two enormous Ficus trees in the old part of Cadiz.  They are so large that their branches are being held up by pillars.  I just wanted to share some pictures to show you how magical they really are.  I hope the pictures and video does them the justice they deserve.  Enjoy!

I never knew Gilbraltar ever existed until I came to Spain.  It is located at the southern tip of Spain, at the entrance of the Mediterranean, but is not owned by Spain.  It sits next to a Spanish town called La Linea, and once you cross the border, you are in what they call "the little UK". An Anglo-Dutch force  captured Gibraltar  in 1704 during the  War of the Spanish Succession . The territory was subsequently ceded to Britain by Spain under the  Treaty of Utrecht  in 1713. It became an important base for the British  Royal Navy , which drove the local economy and provided employment for a large portion of the local population. Today its economy is based largely on tourism, financial services and shipping.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar Despite the fact that it was raining buckets on our heads, and that a dark cloud covered the famous Rock , we had a great time.  Walking with soaked shoes with soaked socks *squish squi...

In Spain, the holidays don't end on New Years Day, but instead 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6th.  It ends with the Feast of Epiphany also called "The Adoration of the Magi" or "The Manifestation of God."  This day is known as the Three Kings (or Wise Men) Day: Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar.  According to the Bible, these three kings followed the bright star to Bethlehem and found Jesus.  They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh .  (I never knew what myrrh was until I googled it.) In Spain, the children wake to find gifts brought to them in the night by the Three Kings (just like our Santa Claus).  The day before, on the 5th, Cadiz had a huge parade down the main avenue, where floats throw candy for the children and the Three Kings make their appearance.  After the parade, the people walk to the old town.  It's a sticky walk too, as the streets are covered with candy remnants, and they stick to your shoes and the back of your p...

What a gorgeous city!  With over two thousand years of history, but with a young soul, Barcelona is the place to visit.  Around every corner was a new surprise.  From the houses of Gaudi to the rich diversity of the St. Joseph Markets.  Marcos and I arrived late in the evening to our Couch Surfing host Paoloa.  She is wonderful.  She gave us her guest room, with a nice pull out bed and some tips for our weekend.  I highly recommend Couch Surfing!  It's the best way to travel. Since I am so behind on blogging, I am just going to give you a web album to browse pictures.  My favorite attraction was the Sagrada Familia.  Here is a video of the inside.  It's beauty brought tears to my eyes.  The church still hasn't been finished yet, and they hope by 2025 it will be done.  I plan on returning then to see it finished. My second favorite place was Park Guell.  Gaudi's artwork was on display in every corner of this park. ...