Castles! Catherdrals!

(For some reason, no matter how many lines I put between my paragraphs or to start the entry in the draft stage, they often don't show up when it is published. Sorry for the run-on paragraphs - I really don't want it that way!)

Yes, between holidays and siesta times, we got in two cathedrals and one castle!

Spain has a rich history. Cadiz was probably the first city in Europe settled around 1100 BC by the Phoenicians. After a few Romans and Goths, the Muslims (also called "Moors") ruled Spain for about 800 years. Because of this connection with Morocco/Africa/Muslims, there is much of their evidence in the architecture, language, and even flamenco dancing.

In 1492 (recognize the year, Americans?) the Christian north finally got back control over all Spain. Many of the mosques built during the Muslim era were converted into cathedrals making for an interesting intersection of religions and their architecture.

Columbus set sail from Cadiz (where we stayed a few nights) for his 2nd and 4th voyages to the New World. Cadiz and much of Spain benefited immensely from the "discovery" of the New World and became very wealthy during this time.

The cathedrals were immense, grand, ornate, amazing. But as I looked up at the golden Jesus on the golden cross surround by all the glitter and finery paid for by taxes from the poor, I found myself whispering, "Is this how you wanted to be remembered, dear Lord?" It's hard to know how to balance the awe and the emptiness of it all.

We could never have pulled this trip off without all of Ron's planning and navigation - it's a real vacation when you don't even have to think! And so, happy to have experienced the parks, shopping, ice skating, walks, castles, cathedrals and horse shows - we had a meal on the beach (last picture) and then "set sail" back to Morocco the next day. It felt like we were coming home.