Chocolate

Chocolate loves to go for walks on his leash. Over the years he has caught many bugs, mice, snakes, and salamanders. He only eats the bugs, but they are huge and crunchy. He also enjoys lounging on the balcony. He used to catch birds in his younger days and bring them into our apartment. I would have to run around the house trying to rescue these poor creatures. Back when we had a leaky faucet in our tub, Chocolate jumped in there to lick the drips. He loves to eat anything dairy, and doesn't mind stuffing his face to lick the vestiges of yogurt. He comes out with yogurt on his brow, creating a Mohawk effect. I call him Yogurthead!

Spain: Navarre: Pamplona

This city is famous for its San Fermin festival, or the running of the bulls.  It starts at the city hall and ends at the bullring.  Other than that, there is not much to see, it is like any other Spanish city.  In fact, if you are there during the weekday, it is more like a leisurely stroll of the tourists. 

Spain: Castile and Leon: Burgos and Segovia

Burgos has two sites worth noting: the Arco de Santa Maria, which is the medieval entrance into the city, and the Gothic cathedral.  Segovia has the Alcazar, which started as a Moorish fortress to a Catholic palace, and the Roman aqueduct.  Both cities can be missed, as you see alcazars and churches in other cities, and you can go to Italy to see all the aqueducts you want.  This only proves that yes, indeed, Spain was also part of the Roman Empire during the Pax Romana. 

Spain: Castile-La Mancha: Toledo

Toledo used to be the capitol of Spain until the 16th century.  The Gothic Cathedral is the most beautiful cathedral I have seen in all of Europe.  My favorite part is the El Transparente, which is literally a skylight cut above the main altar.  It  creates light where there would be none, illuminating the magnificent Baroque artwork in an otherwise Gothic architecture.  There are two synagogues you can visit as well: Santa Maria la Blanca and El Transito.  Both have Mudejar design and are now Catholic churches since the Jews were expelled from Spain during the Reconquista.  I must warn you that this is an exceptionally hilly city.  Hopefully the escalators that take you to the top from the parking lot are working!  Take your time and expect to get lost in this medieval maze of streets.  A must see though, for it has such marvelous structures and historical sites. 

Santa Maria La Blanca

El Transito

Spain: Basque Country: Bilbao and San Sebastian

Bilbao is the capitol of this area and houses the Guggenheim museum.  The building is designed by Frank Gehry, who also designed the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, MN.  I am not a huge fan of modern art, but if you have an educated and informed tour guide, they can make the art come alive.  It displays the new age of art, using natural materials, structures, and technology.  The Puppy by Jeff Koons is my favorite, made all the more attractive with the spring flowers.

San Sebastian is on the Bay of Biscay and is a quaint beach city where you can wile away the hours just watching the tides go in and out.  A nice relaxing stop between tourist sites. 

Spain: Aragon: Zaragoza

This city has the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, which venerates Mary as the Mother of the Hispanic Peoples.  The miniature wooden version of Mary is on a pillar of jasper.  Here you can buy a ribbon with her symbol on it to wear as you travel for protection.  I bought a pink one and wore it ever after on this trip.  A man in the airport home saw it and asked if I was there, for he was from there!  Small world!

Spain: Valencia: Valencia

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona.  It is not one you hear about much but it is a surprising and pleasant combination of medieval and modern. 

Cathedral

Cathedral

 

City of Arts and Sciences