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TOURING AROUND TORREVIEJA
My travel writer friend Inka invited me to visit her in Spain last September. She lives in Torrvieja, a lovely seaside city on the Costa Blanca. The name of the town comes from the original ancient guard tower (Torre Vieja meaning Old Tower) which once guarded the harbour. Torrevieja was originally a salt-mining and fishing village, located between two large salt lakes, one blue/green, the other pink, caused by the pigments and algae of the salty environment. The lakes are now an official nature reserve attracting a wide variety of bird life. The main attraction are the flamingos. Up to 2000 can be seen there during breeding season. Did you know that the flamingos turn bright pink from eating the shrimp from the salty water? The salt lake at La Mata lagoon produces pyramids of salt most of which is exported abroad.
During the 19th century, salt was shipped from Torrevieja. Salt and fishing are the major industries.
Today Torrevieja is a popular resort for holidayers from England, France, Germany and Russia. A lot of Brits have retirement homes here.
Inka and I had fun exploring the sights. On my first day there we met up with our friend Darlene Foster, a Vancouver travel writer who lives nearby. We spent an excellent day touring the pirate's island of Tabarca, a short boat trip from Torrevieja. (see my previous blog).
The city itself has various interesting historical sites which we explored including the two main churches - the Hermitage (new) and the Virgin of Cenception (old).
The next day we got the bus to CARTEGENA, an old historical city famous from the Punic Wars. This is where Hannibal set off with is elephants on his journey to Rome.
Cartagena has been inhabited for over two millennia, founded in 227 BC by the Carthaginians. During the Roman Empire it was known as Carthago Nova (the New Carthage) and was one of the most important cities of the time because of its defensive port, one of the most important sea ports in the western Mediterranean. The city is now a major destination for cruise ships.
Remains of the Punic Walls
Roman Theatre
Roman Villa
There are many things to see in Cartegena including 12 museums, several noteworthy churches and monuments as well as the archaeological sites. We walked along the Calle Mayor and admired the many beautiful art deco houses then relaxed at a cafe bar.
A Delicious Lunch
The following day we took a bus to a small city nearby, Santa Palo. We walked through the town to see the old church and the 16th century castle. Unfortunately all the museums were closed. I'd have liked to see the Salt Museum but I did see the salt lakes and piles of salt heaped nearby.
16th century Castle
Seaside View
Our pleasant outing concluded with a nice lunch in a good restaurant (chorizo flambe in rum and potatoes with ali olli - garlic sauce).
It was a pleasant visit with my friend and I appreciated seeing all the sights of these interesting old cities.
The next day I took the bus to Murcia and from there, another relaxing bus journey to Malaga where I'll stay a few days visiting my friends Carlos and Natalia.
Senin, 30 Mei 2011
NEXT STOP: WORCESTER & WARWICK CASTLE
Worcester Cathedral
My cousin Chris is chief gardener at the Worcester Cathedral. I've visited there several times. Chris is driving down to Caerphilly to pick me up and we'll go back to Worcester together. He's a great guy to spend time with: a mountaineer, marathon biker and all-around good sport. So we're looking forward to a few pints and lots of talk about our travel adventures.
Undoubtedly I'll visit the Cathedral again. The Cathedral was actually founded in 680 but the original cathedral no longer exists, although the crypt dates from the 10th century. It was built between 1084 and 1504 and represents every style of English architecture from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic. It's famous for its Norman crypt and unique chapter house. One of the interesting things inside the Cathedral is the tomb of King John. There's also a memorial to Prince Arthur Tudor whose younger brother was Henry VIII.
Cathedral Interior
Chris is going to take me to Warwick Castle, a place I've never been to before. This is a medieval castle on the River Avon, built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, then converted into a country house by Sir Fulke Greville, who became the earls of Warwick from 1759 to 1978. This castle has been used a s a prison and was used to imprison the English king, Edward IV. In reading about the castle one thing intrigued me, and that was the involvement of the notorious Richard III who, in the early 1480's, had two gun towers, the Bear and Clarence Towers, constructed which were left unfinished on his death in 1485. The towers had their own well and ovens and were an independent stronghold from the rest of the castle, possibly in case of mutiny. Queen Elizabeth I visited the castle on a couple of occasions.
Warwick Castle
The castle is protected as an ancient monument and is one of Britain's top 10 historic houses and monuments. These days there are lots of interesting things to see at the castle including archery and jousting displays, "The Castle Dungeon", a live actor experience and seasonal attractions including the "Flight of the Eagles", a bird show featuring bald eagles, vultures and sea eagles. There are also gardens around the castle that are open to the public.
Warwick Castle has hauntings too. There's a show called "Warwick Ghosts Alive" which portrays the murder of Sir Fulke Greville who had been given the castle by King James I. There's also supposed be the ghost of a little girl. Sounds like lots of spooky fun!
photos courtesy Wikipedia.
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