Hola! Sorry to keep you waiting for an update; its been a whirl wind voyage traveling South through the Algarve of Portugal and the Andalucia of Spain. Who knew these entire countrysides were void of all native plants and in turn replaced with valuable croplands for export? Portugal's countryside is almost entirely planted with Cork Oak and Citrus.
Spain is quite the same, except instead of Cork thats produced its Olives, lots of Olives. Olive trees stretch over every mountain and into each valley as far as the eye can see. Primarly in the Andalucia region of Spain the olives are collected then pressed into the golden green EVOO.
Seville is famous for the Cathedral and Real Alcazar, a royal palace and garden that was constructed by the Moors and later taken by the Christians. Citrus, Palms, and pebbled paths abound.
Granada's main attraction is the Alhambra, another royal palace built by the Moors in the 12th Century. The Alhambra streches across an entire mountain and contains endless gardens with Jasmine, Cypress, Citrus, and water water everywhere!
We have finally come to rest in Cordoba, Spain where we will visit the Mezquita Catedral before driving back the Lisbon tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for more photos from the 6 hour drive home!
What descriptive narrative, Lizzie... I loved it. Your wonderful tales bring the images right up to us. It sounds like there are many reasons that the languages these peoples speak are called the romance languages.. Thanks SO much for taking the time to write this up for us... I feel like I can see every word you write in a picture. Are the foods and drinks comparable to the vistas?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a fantastic time!! Thanks for updating and letting all of us back here in the U.S. feel like we are right there with you guys!!
ReplyDeleteLiz and Graham,
ReplyDeleteSeeing the Alhambra brought back many memories when I was there with Justin and his Dad in 1972 when he was only 2 yrs. old. We toured Europe for 6 mos in a VW Van and Spain was one of my favorite countries. Enjoy everyday you two...
Love, Linda