Thursday, 31 May 2012
Granada, a grand day!
We arose early as our tickets to the Alhambra enabled entry from 8.30 until 2pm, it is best to get there before the crowds, before the heat and to catch the views in the early morning light.
We reached the entrance by 8.30 and visited a few different areas taking photos of the amazing views from the top before heading into the palace for our specified entry time of 10am.
The palaces of the Alhambra are just spectacular, so incredibly ornate with fine stone carvings reflecting the history over the centuries.
We ended up spending over 4hrs wandering the grounds, admiring the gardens and taking photos of both the intricate details and the broader views.
The weather today was quite warm reaching 37 degrees, we spent the afternoon after our visit in a small bar before heading back to the room for an afternoon break.
We are off to Madrid tomorrow and are looking forward to a possible visit to Real Madrid stadium and if we are lucky, we might also find a laundromat! What a highlight that will be.
We reached the entrance by 8.30 and visited a few different areas taking photos of the amazing views from the top before heading into the palace for our specified entry time of 10am.
The palaces of the Alhambra are just spectacular, so incredibly ornate with fine stone carvings reflecting the history over the centuries.
We ended up spending over 4hrs wandering the grounds, admiring the gardens and taking photos of both the intricate details and the broader views.
The weather today was quite warm reaching 37 degrees, we spent the afternoon after our visit in a small bar before heading back to the room for an afternoon break.
We are off to Madrid tomorrow and are looking forward to a possible visit to Real Madrid stadium and if we are lucky, we might also find a laundromat! What a highlight that will be.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Our room in Granada
And now it's time for Granada
Today we have travelled via train to Granada. We had an early morning wake up as the train departed at 7am and we had to walk to the station. The pension owner let us out the door, he was still in his pj's, how cute!
The train to Granada travelled through some lovely country side, quite hilly and rugged. Fields of olive groves were abound as the train weaved it's way through to Granada. The journey was just over three hours and went quite quick thanks to my iPod drowning out the lovely ladies behind me who were clearly trying to break a record for speaking the whole way to Granada without taking a breath. Wow, those Spanish really love to talk.
We arrived at our hotel and have just checked in. We are here for two nights. The hotel is really pretty in a typical Spanish style. The room is small but extremely comfortable and we are glad to see the bed is queen size, the double beds were getting a little cosy!
Tomorrow we will go to see the Alhambra. I will post some photos tomorrow.
Until then, adios amigos xx
The train to Granada travelled through some lovely country side, quite hilly and rugged. Fields of olive groves were abound as the train weaved it's way through to Granada. The journey was just over three hours and went quite quick thanks to my iPod drowning out the lovely ladies behind me who were clearly trying to break a record for speaking the whole way to Granada without taking a breath. Wow, those Spanish really love to talk.
We arrived at our hotel and have just checked in. We are here for two nights. The hotel is really pretty in a typical Spanish style. The room is small but extremely comfortable and we are glad to see the bed is queen size, the double beds were getting a little cosy!
Tomorrow we will go to see the Alhambra. I will post some photos tomorrow.
Until then, adios amigos xx
Jamon, a Spanish ritual
Our last tapas in Seville
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
The winding streets
The Giralda tower
Seville, sangria and siestas
Sorry for my delayed blogging folks, wifi is limited to outside our room here at Pension Cordoba, so have not been on the Internet very much, probably not a bad thing given we are on holidays!
It is our last day in Seville and I have to say we have had an absolutely amazing time here.
We were last in Seville in 1999 as backpackers on a budget and we both remember it very fondly although due to the confines of our budget we mostly ate sandwiches and an array of delights from the supermarket.
Well times have changed and we are still staying in humble accommodation, €60 per night, but we have ,a aged to venture beyond the sandwich shops and have been enjoying some delightful tapas.
Seville is a maze of streets just bursting with tapas bars waiting to be explored and explore them we have! Due to the heat the Spanish tend to have an afternoon siesta and then eat quite late, we have managed to get into the groove and have also been taking part in this tradition. Amazingly Pete and I have been staying up past midnight, and no, we did not turn into a pumpkin!
We have been loving the late night glass of sangria as well, it it very refreshing on a hot night.
Whilst in Seville in 1999 we did not climb the Giralda tower of the Seville cathedral and instead chose to have a pint in an Irish pub. The irish pub has since closed so we decided this time we would climb the tower, well unfortunately the gods were not looking down on us and are clearly punishing us for not visiting last time because today when we went to climb the tower we discovered it is closed for renovations for all this week! We will just a have to come back here again some time, it is a good excuse to ensure our return some day.
Today we visied the Real Alcazar, a beautiful palace from the 14th century. The gardens were amazing filled with flowering jacaranda trees and plenty of shade for respite from the 34 degree heat.
We also took a stroll around Plaza de Espana, one of my favourite attractions.
Whilst in Seville we also took a day trip to cordoba to see the cordoba mesquite, a mosque which has been converted into a beautiful church, truly unique and amazingly ornate.
I will post some photos to provide a bit more of an insight into the beauty of Seville.
Tomorrow we head off to Granada where we will see the sights of the Alhambra and enjoy a stay in a bit more of a luxury hotel, the beautiful Casa 1800, can't wait :-)
It is our last day in Seville and I have to say we have had an absolutely amazing time here.
We were last in Seville in 1999 as backpackers on a budget and we both remember it very fondly although due to the confines of our budget we mostly ate sandwiches and an array of delights from the supermarket.
Well times have changed and we are still staying in humble accommodation, €60 per night, but we have ,a aged to venture beyond the sandwich shops and have been enjoying some delightful tapas.
Seville is a maze of streets just bursting with tapas bars waiting to be explored and explore them we have! Due to the heat the Spanish tend to have an afternoon siesta and then eat quite late, we have managed to get into the groove and have also been taking part in this tradition. Amazingly Pete and I have been staying up past midnight, and no, we did not turn into a pumpkin!
We have been loving the late night glass of sangria as well, it it very refreshing on a hot night.
Whilst in Seville in 1999 we did not climb the Giralda tower of the Seville cathedral and instead chose to have a pint in an Irish pub. The irish pub has since closed so we decided this time we would climb the tower, well unfortunately the gods were not looking down on us and are clearly punishing us for not visiting last time because today when we went to climb the tower we discovered it is closed for renovations for all this week! We will just a have to come back here again some time, it is a good excuse to ensure our return some day.
Today we visied the Real Alcazar, a beautiful palace from the 14th century. The gardens were amazing filled with flowering jacaranda trees and plenty of shade for respite from the 34 degree heat.
We also took a stroll around Plaza de Espana, one of my favourite attractions.
Whilst in Seville we also took a day trip to cordoba to see the cordoba mesquite, a mosque which has been converted into a beautiful church, truly unique and amazingly ornate.
I will post some photos to provide a bit more of an insight into the beauty of Seville.
Tomorrow we head off to Granada where we will see the sights of the Alhambra and enjoy a stay in a bit more of a luxury hotel, the beautiful Casa 1800, can't wait :-)
Monday, 28 May 2012
Friday, 25 May 2012
Toledo: beer, long walks, sunshine and speaking Spanish
Today is our last day in Toledo. We got up early and after breakfast caught a bus up to the Parador to take in the views of the city. The bus driver was great, he understood we wanted to do to the Parador and advised in Spanish that he would let us know when to get off the bus, well we guessed that is what he said.
He dropped us off at the foot of the Parador and we proceeded to walk about trying to find the best view. We ended up taking over 60 photos, thank god for digital cameras, you can just click away and hope that one of the shots will be perfect.
We decided to walk back to the city, it was a long walk but probably needed after all the beer we consumed last night (we had a late night that ended in a quirky little jazz bar, so much fun!)
When we got back into the city we took a walk over to the Jewish quarter enjoying the sunshine on the way with few pit stops for a rest, one pit stop included a nice cup of ice cream!
We enjoyed some more beer and Tapas for lunch, found another great bar where there was a good mix of locals and tourists. The locals seem to think we speak Spanish and talk to us, we laugh and they continue to talk, I guess they don't pick up that we actually don't talk back, very humorous!
Tonight we are unsure of where to go for dinner but as the choices are endless I'm sure we won't struggle. We head onto Seville tomorrow and are looking forward to traveling on another fast train.
Until then, Cheerio :-)
He dropped us off at the foot of the Parador and we proceeded to walk about trying to find the best view. We ended up taking over 60 photos, thank god for digital cameras, you can just click away and hope that one of the shots will be perfect.
We decided to walk back to the city, it was a long walk but probably needed after all the beer we consumed last night (we had a late night that ended in a quirky little jazz bar, so much fun!)
When we got back into the city we took a walk over to the Jewish quarter enjoying the sunshine on the way with few pit stops for a rest, one pit stop included a nice cup of ice cream!
We enjoyed some more beer and Tapas for lunch, found another great bar where there was a good mix of locals and tourists. The locals seem to think we speak Spanish and talk to us, we laugh and they continue to talk, I guess they don't pick up that we actually don't talk back, very humorous!
Tonight we are unsure of where to go for dinner but as the choices are endless I'm sure we won't struggle. We head onto Seville tomorrow and are looking forward to traveling on another fast train.
Until then, Cheerio :-)
Pinxtos!
Basically you go into a bar, grab a plate, help yourself to the pinxtos from glass cabinets on the bar. Each pinxtos has a toothpick and at the end once you've finished they count the toothpicks and you pay per toothpick.
These ones were approx €2 each.
Next time I'll be sure to take a photo of the bar as well, it's such a great way to eat, I'm sure we will be going back for more soon :-)
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
And onto Spain we go
Our flight from Istanbul departed at 8am so an early morning wake up was in order.
We arranged for a driver to take us to the airport because the metro does not start until after 5am.
Our flight departed on time, it was a nice flight traveling over the Italian alps I could see snow capped mountains and then into Spain the view became a rich tapestry of varying colors, just beautiful. Thanks to Pete for giving me the window seat :-)
Our arrival at Madrid went smoothly and we were out of the airport waiting for the bus in less than half an hour, wow, so unlike Tullamrine! We bought tickets at the Renfe ticket office at the airport so we could avoid buying tickets at Attocha station once we got into the city.
We caught the bus into Attocha station and then had to wait for our train, whilst waiting we saw some interesting sights which obviously reflect the current economic climate, one lady was so brazen she even walked into a cafe and picked up food scraps before the waiter had time to pick up the plates.
Our train to Toledo departed at 13:50, it was a fast train and we arrived into Toledo at 14:23, pretty quick given it is 89 km's between Madrid and Toledo!
We caught a bus up to the main square and then walked to our hotel. Times have changed because we used my iPhone to make our way to the hotel, you just have to love satellite navigation systems! Although I think Pete prefers the good old days that would often seem us arguing about which direction to take.
We checked into our hotel which is cosy but very nice and then headed out for a stroll.
Well Toledo is certainly impressive and I think I have fallen in love. It is a maze of streets dotted with small bars and restaurants, the buildings are just gorgeous.
We visited a few tapas bars for a drink and enjoyed the fact when you buy a beer you get given a small tapas, just love it!
We went to a nice restaurant for dinner and got to put our Spanish to use, quite funny but we got by, I'm sure we will pick up a bit of confidence as we travel through the rest of Spain.
We arranged for a driver to take us to the airport because the metro does not start until after 5am.
Our flight departed on time, it was a nice flight traveling over the Italian alps I could see snow capped mountains and then into Spain the view became a rich tapestry of varying colors, just beautiful. Thanks to Pete for giving me the window seat :-)
Our arrival at Madrid went smoothly and we were out of the airport waiting for the bus in less than half an hour, wow, so unlike Tullamrine! We bought tickets at the Renfe ticket office at the airport so we could avoid buying tickets at Attocha station once we got into the city.
We caught the bus into Attocha station and then had to wait for our train, whilst waiting we saw some interesting sights which obviously reflect the current economic climate, one lady was so brazen she even walked into a cafe and picked up food scraps before the waiter had time to pick up the plates.
Our train to Toledo departed at 13:50, it was a fast train and we arrived into Toledo at 14:23, pretty quick given it is 89 km's between Madrid and Toledo!
We caught a bus up to the main square and then walked to our hotel. Times have changed because we used my iPhone to make our way to the hotel, you just have to love satellite navigation systems! Although I think Pete prefers the good old days that would often seem us arguing about which direction to take.
We checked into our hotel which is cosy but very nice and then headed out for a stroll.
Well Toledo is certainly impressive and I think I have fallen in love. It is a maze of streets dotted with small bars and restaurants, the buildings are just gorgeous.
We visited a few tapas bars for a drink and enjoyed the fact when you buy a beer you get given a small tapas, just love it!
We went to a nice restaurant for dinner and got to put our Spanish to use, quite funny but we got by, I'm sure we will pick up a bit of confidence as we travel through the rest of Spain.
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Apple tea and a beautiful view
It's our last day in Istanbul and we've enjoyed some shopping in the Grand Bazaar and a bit of a peruse at the spices in the spice market.
We head off early tomorrow morning to fly to Madrid and will the catch a train to Toledo.
Last night in Istanbul
The food here has been challenging, great if you were hungover and needing to ease a hangover, but these days we are after something a bit more appetizing!
Tonight's meal was at a restaurant called Passezade. They specialize in ottoman style food and it was a real treat.
We finished the meal with a lovely dessert and the total bill came in at under $60. Pretty happy with that!!
We are off to bed now because we have an early flight to Madrid. Adios!!
Monday, 21 May 2012
Istanbul - fishing on the Galata Bridge
The sun was out today so we took the opportunity to head over to the other side and climb the Galata tower. It was quite hazy but the views over the water were beautiful.
Yesterday the weather was poor so we mainly visited attractions that were indoors, we went to Hagia Sofia, the blue mosque, the underground cistern and the Topaki palace. In typical Meg and Pete style we visited all the major sights in one day!
Today after our visit over the bridge we have sat back to relax and enjoy a few beers whilst watching the crowds go by. It's been a pretty good day.
It's our last day tomorrow so we must head to the bazaar for a bit of shopping and photo opportunities. Must also have some apple tea!
Sunday, 20 May 2012
The new mosque
Istanbul waterfront
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Day 1, Istanbul
We arrived into Istanbul this morning at 7:45 am. Our flight arrived on time. Our first shock of the day came with the cost of our visa, the price had gone up, apparently as of yesterday from 15 euros each to 45! I thought the guy way kidding when he said the price, but soon realized that this man was not in the mood for humor, so I forked over the extra cash. No point arguing!
We had a good flight over all, we did not get a lot of sleep but by the time we arrived at our hotel we were both feeling pretty awake. Our room was not quite ready so they offered us breakfast which was very nice of them and we managed to get given our room by 10:15.
Our room is really lovely, it has a king size bed that is super comfy and the shower has a large rain head.
As I write this blog tonight I am seeing one rather large draw back, it is quite noisy! As with most city hotels there tends to a be a bit of street noise, they sure do love a car horn In countries like this.
After we checked in we headed out for a walk. Well, Istanbul is amazingly busy, a lot more so than when I was here 13 years ago. There are heaps of tour buses around and the queues to get into the sights stretch on like a giant Congo line. Having said that though, it is a Saturday today.
We had a walk around the Sulatanahment area and managed to find a nice cafe with a roof top bar (they are actually everywhere, not hard to find)
In the late afternoon we took a walk by the waterfront, it was really busy there, such a vibe. We took heaps of photos and have made plans to head across the river tomorrow.
We went for a fairly early dinner as tiredness is starring to set in. It's now 7:45 Pm and we are back at the room ready to count some z's. Tomorrow we would like to get up early so we can get out and avoid the crowds.
We had a good flight over all, we did not get a lot of sleep but by the time we arrived at our hotel we were both feeling pretty awake. Our room was not quite ready so they offered us breakfast which was very nice of them and we managed to get given our room by 10:15.
Our room is really lovely, it has a king size bed that is super comfy and the shower has a large rain head.
As I write this blog tonight I am seeing one rather large draw back, it is quite noisy! As with most city hotels there tends to a be a bit of street noise, they sure do love a car horn In countries like this.
After we checked in we headed out for a walk. Well, Istanbul is amazingly busy, a lot more so than when I was here 13 years ago. There are heaps of tour buses around and the queues to get into the sights stretch on like a giant Congo line. Having said that though, it is a Saturday today.
We had a walk around the Sulatanahment area and managed to find a nice cafe with a roof top bar (they are actually everywhere, not hard to find)
In the late afternoon we took a walk by the waterfront, it was really busy there, such a vibe. We took heaps of photos and have made plans to head across the river tomorrow.
We went for a fairly early dinner as tiredness is starring to set in. It's now 7:45 Pm and we are back at the room ready to count some z's. Tomorrow we would like to get up early so we can get out and avoid the crowds.
Ooh yeah, Sun is shining!
Friday, 18 May 2012
And so it begins
Monday, 14 May 2012
Mac, our little celebrity
Friday, 11 May 2012
It's just a matter of days!
1 week to go!
Final packing needs to commence, well for Pete it does, for me it's really just a case of checking I've got all I need, I've been packed for weeks!
We have had our eye on the weather and note that it is already getting quite warm in Spain, it was 30 degrees in Madrid yesterday.
Mum and Dad have finished their cruise and are now enjoying the delights of Amsterdam. I have caught up with them on FaceTime and had a good chat, so nice to hear they are loving their travels.
Well, not much else to report at this time, but I'm counting down the days and will start providing some more interesting posts once our travels commence.
Bye for now
Final packing needs to commence, well for Pete it does, for me it's really just a case of checking I've got all I need, I've been packed for weeks!
We have had our eye on the weather and note that it is already getting quite warm in Spain, it was 30 degrees in Madrid yesterday.
Mum and Dad have finished their cruise and are now enjoying the delights of Amsterdam. I have caught up with them on FaceTime and had a good chat, so nice to hear they are loving their travels.
Well, not much else to report at this time, but I'm counting down the days and will start providing some more interesting posts once our travels commence.
Bye for now
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