Andalucia

We left Madrid and headed south to the hills of Andalucia.  It was here that we saw Alfonso and Vera, he a poet and she, a former concert pianist; both were so full of life.  The enchanting couple live in a beautiful hacienda in Banos de la Encina.  Long time friends of Mercedes' parents, they graciously opened their home to us.  We spent the afternoon by the pool, which was so refreshing and the best way to bear the sweltering days. We had lunch around four; complete with cheese, bread, sausages, chips, pâté, mussels, shrimp, and the most delicious chorizo.  Lunch was followed by drinks for some and siestas for others.  I took my siesta in a lounge chair by the pool.  The afternoon breeze had set in making my nap most enjoyable.  Before dinner, we went for a walk around the local village.  Atop a hill sits a castle, one of the two oldest in Europe.  It is from this beautiful castle that you can see the hills of Andalucia. This region, known for its olives and olive oil, is covered in olive groves as far as the eye can see. 

The Hacienda

Drinks

Walk/Castle Tour

Olive Trees 

Thursday morning, after coffee and pastries, we headed to the gypsy market in Jaen.  Later, we headed to Granada, further south.  We visited the ancient, Arab ruins of Alhambra.  The city of Granada is breathtaking, with beautiful white haciendas covering most of the ancient area.  The newer part of the city is filled with high-end shopping and eateries.  

Food stop en route to Granada

Spices at Market

Alhambra

We found our way back to Alfonso and Vera's for the night. We arrived in Salamanca today for the wedding weekend.   

Me Encanta Madrid

I see you Barcelona and I raise you Madrid. I am so sad to be leaving this beautiful, historic city.  Mercedes and I arrived via the Ave train, part of the Euro rail, yesterday around 3:30.  We took a taxi to Mercedes' aunt's house.  Carmina, her aunt, greeted us with hugs, kisses, and gazpacho.  We took a bit of time to freshen up and then went out exploring the city with our personal tour guide, Carmina.  We headed to the historic area of Madrid, stopping first at the Plaza Mayor. 

The plaza was so alive with people, many sitting at cafes enjoying the evening.  Madrid is so wonderful, not even the sun wants to leave it, refusing to set until 10:30 each evening.  

My favorite place we went was the mercado, the marketplace.  

People walk through the mercado, picking up whatever looks appealing to eat.  Wine, cocktails, and beer are also available.  Olives, cheeses, oysters, empanadas, tortillas, sweet treats, and a variety of other foods lay in glass cases, each look more delicious than the previous.  The people pick up what they want and stand eating and socializing.  If I lived in Madrid, I would come here often.  

After having a beer and empanadas at el mercado, we continued our tour of the historic area.  We saw the palace, the churches, the statues; even the lanterns put in the city by Queen Isabella.  

Before heading home, Carmina took us for her favorite treat, a small beer and calamari sandwich.  

After two nights in the city that doesn't sleep, I was very relieved to find Carmina had turned back the beds and opened her lovely home to us.  I got a great night sleep! 

We woke up rested and ate fruit for breakfast.  The cherries are in season and so delicious.  We met the rest of Mercedes' family at a local cafe for coffee.  I have done well to interpret what people are saying and working hard to communicate; it helps being immersed in the city and with her family.  We did some shopping and had drinks and tapas with her family in the afternoon.  Tapas in Spain are very different than tapas in America.  True tapas come with cocktails, free.  

Now, we sleep, for tomorrow, we head to a town in the spanish countryside to visit a friend of Mercedes' parents.  Goodbye Madrid, I will be back. 

Segundo Dia en Barcelona

Barcelona- the city that doesn't sleep.  For a girl that loves her solid 8 hrs, this was quite the adjustment. We woke up at around 8 and made our way to the local cafe.  The streets were deserted.  We had cappuccinos on the mediterranean, watching, as the city began its slow, leisurely start to the day.  No one was rushing about; coffees, here, are to be sipped slowly and savored. Minute by minute, the city came back to life, the nights previous excitement behind it.  

The mediterranean is beautiful, the water clear and cool.  We took some time to sun on the beach. Being a hotspot for locals and tourist alike, the beach was crowded with people, all speaking a different language.  

We had lunch at a local cafe near the beach.  They presented us with bread and olives to munch on while waiting to order.  The sangria was the best we have had thus far.  We had a tomato based salad and croquettas.  The mussels and paella being eaten at a nearby table looked amazing.  

Later we headed out to explore and enjoy our last night.  It was San Juan Day in Barcelona, and the Spanish never miss an opportunity to celebrate.  Live music, fireworks, dancing...what an evening.  We ventured over to La Rambla, the most famous street in the city.  This was a lively scene.  I bought some artwork; Mercedes purchased some local bracelets.  This area is filled with culture, history, and life! Although we went to bed around 1, in an effort to be rested for our train to Madrid this morning, the fireworks and celebration outside the apartment didn't cease until 6:30 am.  We are tired, but looking forward to meeting up with Mercedes' aunt this afternoon. 

Next stop Madrid. 

Greetings from Barcelona

We made it! I had one cocktail and slept the entire flight! The connecting flight in Madrid was a bit of a pain, one police officer laughed at me, but I finally have arrived in Barcelona.  After an hour of trying to locate Mercedes, we found each other.  Went straight to lunch at a cafe by the water and just checked in at the apartment!

our first sangria

Resting up for a night exploring Barcelona. 

Cheers to 28

Yesterday was my birthday. I had a relaxing beach day and drinks with a great friend last night! We went to a new wine bar, Taste The Olive.  

Rosé and my new clutch. #perfection. 

Scenes from Hilton Head

I love Hilton Head. We have been vacationing at Sea Pines Plantation for the last ten years.  Plantation drive is lined with ancient oak trees dripping with spanish moss and the house  sits overlooking the sound. Both are breathtaking examples of why I adore the low country. We spend a lot of time out on the patio. 

We celebrated Bethany's 31st birthday......

Shopped with the little guy. #polobaby

This handsome guy also woke me up bright and early. We did breakfast together..

We made sure he was ready for the water.. 

The last night we celebrated my birthday! 

So glad I got some quality family time, especially with cute little Lee.