Spain (Part III)

I kind of got the order messed up in the last entry, as we went to Cordoba after Sevilla, but we push forward anyway. The reason I even mention this is because the train stop at Cordoba is a short one, so we had to hurry like bunnies to catch the train. They guarantee the time these trains show up, and well some of the group we were traveling with think that this is like Hollywood and the train will wait for them, but it won't. This Train is capable of traveling at over 200mph. This is really the way to travel. I think we need a few of these around the country.

We got back to Madrid and we took the Metro to dinner and we had a run in with some pick pockets. The first was as I was walking into the restaurant, a man had his hand under an umbrella and through some shrubs and was trying to unzip my backpack. Luckily there was nothing to steal. The next attempt came while we headed back on the metro when a lady wedged herself between Katie and I. She proceeded to put a jacket over Katies purse. Katie was able to hand wrestle her so she couldn't get in her purse. At the same time another gentleman was going after Katie's mom's purse. Luckily nothing got stolen. I guess pick pockets in Spain just aren't that good. We were lucky I think too.

Finally on our last day we traveled to Segovia, which was the oldest city on our tour. Pictured here is an aqueduct that is about as old as jesus.

It was used for like 1800 years. They had some pretty cool romanesque churches, but that wasn't on the schedule.

Instead we went to the alcazar. Which is very impressive up on its rock, surrounded by a moat. This location was used by the Romans, Muslims, and the Catholics. It was always a favorite. I borrowed this picture as I have none other that show how verticle this baby is.

Inside there is this creepy mural of the coronation of queen Isabella. They have no eyes. I don't know why. I think it is to suck out your soul.

A picture of us out on the ledge. It is sheer cliff over the side. I can see why this place was a favorite of kings and queens. You'd feel pretty safe.

We then went to Escorial, which little known to me was a giant tomb. It was designed to be the ultimate monument to God, with all sorts of meaningful architectural designs. Mostly there were just a lot of dead bodies in very elaborate tombs.

Going home was the hardest part, poor Fernando ,our tour guide, looked so sad sending us off. Because of traveling west, I think we had a solid 24 hours of daylight. Everything was going according to plan until our stupid flight got cancelled in Denver. In reality we could have driven home faster than we could catch our flight. Ultimately though it is nice to be home. Only barely though.