https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/hola-valencia daily 0.75 2026-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789389509722-928WES2UD1VOMOIXE89S/tempImagehZnypK.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We left on August 1st with 3 large bags, 3 small bags, and 4 backpacks. We knew it was too much before even starting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1effad7e-b12c-4771-9b52-62b929c6b16c/tempImageVzTpF0.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Across the Ocean we go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/324c9c85-c1bc-437d-aa42-cb0be94db89d/tempImage6hc1qL.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 When we landed in Madrid, Rachel and Amelia decided to test out gluten right away, and... no issues! They have been enjoying all the bread and pasta that they want with no ill consequences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1ae795ab-d530-46f1-92b1-a6a4a18fecd1/tempImaged6ZeNc.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 After an overnight flight, we boarded a train for Valencia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789312625590-PT89H1GKWS75HQFM4FQY/tempImageIXGeFL.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Vineyards along the train route https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3888b8a4-09ac-4197-a3ab-4123ab6b4d15/tempImageplfky8.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Our first apartment in Valencia was located in Mont-Olivet. A great location with access to the Turia (large park that expands across the entire city), the Metro, and plenty of grocery stores. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/131716e7-43aa-4d76-95f4-19776f712e6d/tempImageQeyDbP.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We immediately loved our living space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/efa2b352-a4aa-4d75-900c-0f240e5e506b/tempImageJ5zJsV.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 A sweet little balcony off the master bedroom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0fb23988-09b3-4332-9275-6ae7debdb31a/tempImagew6LnQd.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The kitchen was great for cooking meals. We made breakfast every day and often cooked dinner as well. Normal dinner times in Spain are 8-9pm, so if we wanted to eat earlier, it was best to do that at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317048500-2AUDQFXTRHSZ1ODSW6GF/tempImageRshRl3.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 One big adjustment has been how we do our laundry. Washing machines are a lot smaller, and dryers are not common. Our washing machine at this apartment was outside on a little balcony off the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789389869811-TX9C9RMRD4PFLQN0HK4T/tempImage1KGRgG.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We did pretty well with hanging the laundry to dry off outside our back patio. Rachel only lost one sock to the patio below! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789389803802-EEG1FVKNTZJSKH7IFIAL/tempImageXFmigb.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The perfect little reading nook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317137249-2PDXI1EPBW48S6551T2K/tempImageVChUOa.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Our first ventures in the city took us to the Turia and down to the City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic buildings and lots of reflecting pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789040285165-N2X79W46AOZRJRUCBKEH/tempImageqBqWFB.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Rachel and Amelia in front of the Hemispheric, an IMAX theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789389623001-Z1QWU3F1J1FP9XB7WCG7/tempImageECni4o.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 From far away to the front: The Opera House, Hemispheric, and the Science Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/66653a46-4c70-4c3d-803e-704551894d8b/tempImageySydah.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We really enjoyed walking along this area- one more stop on another hot, but beautiful blue-sky day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36251807-a7a1-44f4-ac97-a1cdb1206792/IMG_1603.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 What marine-animal can you see? The (Calatrava) architecture in the City of Arts and Sciences is amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b7864977-15b7-4568-b8f9-d3d14b567a1b/IMG_1418.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Tree-lined and sun-drenched pedestrian avenues. (John's favorite). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1788684537709-P3PRJA0HK4B0LCHELTE6/tempImageMEfSAb.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Blue skies and the hot, hot sun. Temperatures were in the high 90s most of the time during our first visit. Shweww...and the humidity! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317238051-F1QHRZ5WRGBNUVVI7OHX/tempImagehBB97p.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Sunsets were around 9pm, and the city kept hopping long after that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6cbd6e43-def9-4412-b5f2-0344b543f5de/tempImageMwZ9Nx.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Playgrounds are spread throughout the city. I think we've stopped at most of them. Haha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789040427848-AN1F9WEL4ZFBEKATRPBV/tempImageXS76rz.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Puerta de la Mar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317406925-5GZXTKGXOCXTO95DOE13/tempImageZ5dNhb.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The "Ficus Centenaris de la Glorieta" park across from the Puerta de la Mar has these amazingly large Rubber trees (originally from Australia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/192f8e23-9518-4cd9-8737-9bceea28beab/tempImageLeQ6oW.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Beautiful gardens throughout Valencia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/cd3b927b-47fd-4a58-8895-f2ce24466b57/tempImageTnK9xS.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Fruit and vegetable stands are found on almost every block. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4c785e9e-cc85-4589-a7a8-ec9d46fdc2f1/IMG_5313.JPEG Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Rachel might prefer to shop by herself in the U.S.; but in Spain, it is a family event! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317633569-GZ1KN3RNT497M3FGL5FP/tempImageTDM5l1.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The cheese selection at the grocery store is magnificent! Our favorites include Manchego and Iberico. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789312285146-GP3ROWI2F89XNKCFJCMP/tempImagezIH6WG.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Grocery shopping is especially fun when you can make your own orange juice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789312266158-JNIF721PFSP5VSBR669P/tempImageHzz3Km.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Straciatella Greek Yogurt! Yes, please, and thank you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317723275-AD157BZGAWGND14NRJH7/tempImageflQWra.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Nescafe was a staple during our shorter stays in apartments and Airbnbs. We found that we rather enjoyed it in Valencia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9a50500d-22fb-4e67-ba4a-ecf883fcf704/IMG_1424.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 El Mercado de Colón: A Beautiful Foodie Pit Stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317874066-QKGIJ8LOPTXRSJPL05AM/2ef20ef2-9c36-4d20-9ce1-3b48cb036368.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Gelato, Fartón, and Horchata: Starting the Dessert Game Strong. :) Quick fact: Horchata in Spain is made from Tigernuts, which are not a nut at all, but rather a tuber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317912324-LXTAY5QZX9WOO16E7QGZ/tempImagey20XTA.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 These extremely large basil bushes (Alfabegues) were found at special locations throughout the city (City Hall, The Cathedral of Valencia, the Mercado Colon). They were a gift from Betera, a local community known for growing basil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789317938167-TRX41T5X70N0FD37FK3R/IMG_1453.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Strolling through the Ciutat Vella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789035240805-78MTS425J2PL4YRDFTGK/IMG_1449.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We loved capturing the flags of Valencia, Spain, and the EU right outside the Plaza de la Virgen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789027708515-SV7NUKKMB02IJ1AG8EXQ/tempImagevOqSuV.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 These views never get old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1788729788960-JUKJ9V6DUMY1TF8QHDFH/tempImageJpwmvV.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Balconies, windows, and street lamps, oh my! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789316883492-CJXFGDJCWD05EOH77XVK/tempImagelpw0d6.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The cross-walks in Valencia are equal opportunity, some female, and some male. This made us giggle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789313299510-YMKLB0O46W68CSVE5U5U/tempImagervJPhP.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Cathedral de Valencia is on the north end of the Plaza de la Reina. The entrance is right off the square where you can clearly see the octagonal bell tower, El Miguelete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789390036433-UAAA66GN9M8GU8ZQ6ZIT/tempImageLF0QD7.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Cathedal of Valencia is also called the "Cathedral of the Holy Chalice." There is a separate chapel containing a chalice that is believed, with papal recognition, to be the same cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789313351318-J855ERW7R582ASJZ7VJ9/tempImageCbmGSa.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th century and combines Valencian Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The main alter features Renaissance frescos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789316824769-FHKC3GX5T2GIKNIZDQID/tempImage4EGQYS.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 One of our book guides clued us into a hidden little shop at the nunnery behind the Cathedral. They are only open a few hours each day. You knock on the door and if someone answers, they will unlock the door for you. Our first visit was successful, but when we went back again, no one answered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789328083363-Q3V9ATSWALMJAE8RP6PX/tempImageFsgzh2.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Inside the nunnery is a little window where you can place an order. They did have a list of options, but we were there for the chocolate truffles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8bd3b6a6-38bc-458b-be6d-cb3bfa7064d1/tempImageXKsX76.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The best truffles we have ever had- made fresh at the nunnery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9b90c752-d8bf-48d5-ae12-8f5aea07174f/tempImage9bVDzB.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 A Spanish fan was not just fun, but also necessary. The heat was unreal, and having a little air moving made a big difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789316531561-MHNBVL4ZJU5SDT1E7QOD/tempImagejhForn.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Restaurants throughout the city advertise "Agua de Valencia" - a cocktail made from cava (champagne), orange juice, vodka, and gin. John and Rachel split one (since it sounded a bit potent) and it was "okay." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789041336925-L9FTPRM3D1TBW1TNBEEO/tempImagetPpfcv.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Gelato is a staple in Valencia, well, perhaps in all of Spain. We indulged in gelato almost every day during our first stay (although our waists and budgets will not be able to do that for the long term). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789390761076-AP78MNMMACQUGUEMESJO/tempImageQixyur.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We really enjoyed sitting outside and sharing tapas for meals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789390470845-2283Y55S4SZ1VEWPPRIV/ef43203d-d6cf-41bd-8f37-d30344404c6d.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 TAPAS! One of our first days and it's time for croquetas and olives. Yum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789027887582-APDYW5LX8W0TB5MC46VS/tempImaget931WO.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Patatas Bravas is collectively one of our favorites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789395818900-0DXHH3TRTM73T4RAX0RZ/tempImageW1rIeT.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Sangria! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789390664325-59KNVTJ0P7K5808DVBVI/e726048e-2eb5-40e4-b798-c776475dc510.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Our first paella of the trip. Not fully traditional "Valenciana" because we didn't include the rabbit. We opted for chicken only. It was delicious, and the setting was beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789041369626-AV39PKTCXWPKQJ3AOIU6/tempImageoJtj3X.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We finished it all off! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789397720959-M42VY3UJ8MYS0YPIKGTJ/tempImage0eLEJT.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We took a bike tour around the city (a dream of John's). John and Joshua thrived on this trip. Rachel and Amelia were a little more unsteady and had to work hard to keep up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789397752194-29XC69Y608KNWMKKPVG8/tempImagen5Ctkz.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Trying out the bikes for the right size https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789028212560-9Q67FFNAMAI8R1KYZO38/tempImageU6Rs1b.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Our guide, Luke, from Valencia Bike Guy, was great! We had quite a few stops along the way for him to tell us history or stories about the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5fcb34c1-76e6-4fb3-85c7-485bfe4369ec/tempImageC3Fe5o.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 As we rode through the Turia, we saw a bird like we've never seen before. The kids were especially interested in this. This is a Common Hoopoe, found in North Africa and the upper Mediterranean countries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1788963166398-6VGMFJ16O6ME9B3BIBRE/tempImageLkP2Ta.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 More beautiful views along the way https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/97a50169-eab4-4476-bd44-cb3c70a2aaff/tempImagedX2ZPx.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Luke was great helping the kids navigate traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789328211472-BM7TC29YFRW8ET1SOAZ1/0c090522-3c46-47c7-b583-0af9c156447b.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 A long bike ride to the beach. And now, time for a quick snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6ed2b15d-45fa-43d6-8fbd-20eb613297dd/596aa4ae-ba54-47a2-a448-1d483cb271ff.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We had an excellent bike tour with Luke. It was a hot and tiring day but a tremendous way to see the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789028241561-PM8W4GFZCRVKBE32MIQG/tempImageVRwTLd.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 During our bike ride, we also learned about the street art culture in Valencia. Rachel wondered why there was so much "graffiti" only to learn that the city has freely adopted it. Joshua loved the tigers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789028260679-UU8AA21AVBKUJEDKGESW/tempImageiole0q.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Julia LooL's paper paste black cats can be found hiding around the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789392715393-9I8FS7PLDP06CL8LGTPB/tempImagekAfKic.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We're always on the lookout now for David de Limon's robot man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789043095901-3JD0AF8VRQTQSM5P8ANK/tempImagetddgCh.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Spread your wings little one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6b347420-59a3-4f32-9cb8-37485b93e6db/tempImageaTBc9z.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We went to visit Gulliver Park three times before we were successful with arriving at a time that the park was opened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8d6bb1f6-d776-442f-9d1a-2960dfb27c31/tempImageVXPlxh.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 This diorama shows all of Gulliver Park in a miniature version so that you can see all of Gulliver on the ground after he was captured by the "little people." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789398661648-N8JPL1KUIT5BKNY3RPFW/tempImagemODj5s.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Joshua and Amelia were so excited to play in this park. You can see Gulliver's head (with slides and climbing walls) behind them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/450b47e3-6e4d-45bf-9679-0bdf3c3ca76c/tempImageEeCwPe.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Rope climbing up Gulliver's arm and slides down his coat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789397976046-DBJN2231I1AE7TK0IGCZ/tempImageOl4NXh.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The determination to climb this rope wall up Gulliver's arm was intense! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789398118287-XP1TFA8WX6FMOY09LDRZ/tempImagexeCUey.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Even John joined in to ride down some of the big slides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789393049862-MRJ49MCUIFO8LZD7M5D2/tempImageltEEzY.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We ventured out to La Malvarrosa Beach during our first week. Joshua and Amelia loved that the water's depth increases very gradually. And the waves were perfect for them to play in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2d4c7391-055d-4259-b42e-815a0cedb3c6/tempImageWDAsI1.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Eventually we all got in the water. We were shocked at how crowded the beach was on a Thursday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/12a98fbd-3a27-41cd-9c54-9220d20aa742/13b95f20-9bb0-4c88-be7a-86f9a8f7c50f.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We had a great time with an afternoon at the beach (and you know we stopped for gelato on the way home)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789391705261-YTCSFXAKKEEZB2XSHYS9/tempImageD4zw8n.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 When you look to the right down the beach, you can see the Port of Valencia... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789391776412-CS15F4IBF5636ZEVA2KI/tempImageTZKNVF.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 And when you look in the other direction, you can see the mountains! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789392967657-TAL1CNDI6XK6LEG5Z0LU/tempImageE0s1oV.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We were so impressed with the Metro system in Valencia. Large, clean, and so easy to use! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789038605447-75E09D4I4L4V200J0SCI/tempImageeiWB6C.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Just hanging out waiting for the train https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789395948945-GWOVVBH7ZKTAC5ZT5BNV/tempImageTOWa5j.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Amelia and Joshua have become pros at reading train lines and knowing how to get around on the Metro (yay for life lessons!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/75577356-7a0b-46e1-a4b5-b77bb157d6d7/tempImageUt9mvr.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Most of the Metro cars were open from one end to the other. We haven't experienced that in any other cities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789030939550-EFZCMB4A9EPRG2PNTKXC/tempImagek86nFv.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The train station on the left and the bullfighting ring on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789395262702-FJODS8S2C1N72P28B2F0/tempImage42A0sT.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The bull fighting ring is still in use. No, we won't be going to any bull fights. Joshua would never permit it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789038743706-6KN4JFD955B1TRXZ45IC/tempImagerMDuuy.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 John went to La Cantina when he visited Valencia last November. He was excited to share the experience with the rest of the family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789396629833-0YRLTJNDJDNVCAD0MCXO/tempImage9aSZbJ.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Super cute kitchen- and yes, olives! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/10ba1971-9cf9-484e-af2a-84d2ec85130d/tempImageVEHBqD.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Delicious sandwiches and a drink called "Cremaet" a combination of espresso and rum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5645c9b4-f811-4d4b-a1f8-29769def4bc8/tempImagedaxuYv.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 El Corte Ingles. A high end department store that houses clothes, home goods, electronics, and whatever else you may need! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4c32c672-91b9-4b4c-b100-27a43b1453e3/9176b6cd-6392-4433-a1ee-f2fa214dc51e.jpeg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Oceanographic de Valencia is the 6th largest in the world. We enjoyed the dolphin show and beluga whales so much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789329661515-KU5X9DAJYLAML7DQHHLO/tempImagekutLrC.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Aquarium of Valencia (Oceanographic) is right next to the City of Arts and Sciences. The fun architecture continues right into the aquarium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789042824200-2UAYHWS65YLI6XEJDHWK/tempImageXstzvv.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We spent a lot of time with the Beluga whales in the Arctic Antarctic experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/db8853e4-11ed-465b-bacd-eee0218f135b/tempImageG6VPbS.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Joshua was on the lookout for this Green Moray Eel. He was super excited to find it. Check out that stingray! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6ba619a9-bde1-4896-b86e-3e9cc88e77ae/tempImagev9HYqy.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We especially enjoyed learning about the beluga whales that were rescued from an aquarium in Ukraine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/32b6e77d-daed-4e68-b60a-a4b8089a4430/IMG_9229.JPEG Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We also were able to see a dolphin show. The aquarium was very focused on conservation and rescuing/caring for animals well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/a20d8580-ee9d-4991-bf21-9289e7e76605/tempImageGqcWdx.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We found that the sea turtles were so inspiring for the kids... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789030842159-1WVGNQW0HAL81B39AJO7/tempImage767AuV.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 ...that they wanted to become turtles themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/479e39d3-35b3-427c-aea3-9ec3f653a4c1/IMG_9145.JPEG Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 There was also a great penguin exhibit. These guys were very active. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789330490678-C1F9PCQCRU0OTJG7CNXA/tempImageiz0aKJ.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We were able to visit El Faro church and hope to make it our home church while we are in Valencia. During the summer they have multilingual services, which made it a lot easier to follow along. Once back in the Fall, the church will have separate services. We will probably try both the English and Spanish service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789038809411-FD0HEGGL36R60BLN03DZ/tempImage51I2Zr.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We made a stop by the neighborhood, El Botanic, where our longer term apartment is located. We'll be renting it out from September through December (although we will still be traveling, we won't have to take all of our belongings with us every time). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789392146902-KF33Y7V53ZSGQIMTKIR1/IMG_1689.jpg Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 City Hall. It's open to the public, includes a great museum (with A/C :)), and features a great balcony to see a beautiful view of Plaza del Ayuntamiento. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789030769974-7UGYLDKWROGLK7BK0XQE/tempImagepUa1Ph.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The coat of arms for the City of Valencia. Notice the bat at the top, which is on almost all symbols related to the city. Common folklore suggests that during the 13th century war for rule over Valencia, a bat flew into the tent of King James I waking him up in time to respond to a surprise attack from the Moors. With the defeat of the Moors, the bat was adopted as a symbol of protection over the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789330412134-8ERVYLXYUVZXESCOYVTA/tempImageXezxse.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Salon de Cristal in the City Hall, named for all the crystal chandeliers. Notice another Albabegues (Basil)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/231e84d9-e2a3-4461-a46e-1c0967af4e1d/tempImageXTvw9Q.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Amazing view from the balcony of the City Hall. We loved getting a picture with the 3 flags. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789396966132-ZY0P1OS2R8FT1GNMSJEK/tempImage7ChmRK.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We were told we had to stop at Hundred Burgers because they had won "The World's Best Burgers" award for 2026. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5bec96dc-07fd-4c84-8921-ba6431933914/tempImagemwhRxo.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The restaurant had a cool vibe and the burgers were delicious. World's best- we're not so sure about that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789391891144-20ZWU1VWI82LKY35PO19/tempImageXKonTF.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Amelia's dream of sitting in a coffee shop drinking Cafe con Leche. She hopes to be able to sit in a cafe while doing her school work in the Fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789391973277-FBRCM488N8AC42NGX6G6/tempImagevpe2X5.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Beautiful entrance to the Mercat Central Valencia, the biggest market in town.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b914bd0e-e584-411a-a562-35cb12f76c30/tempImagenO34TL.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 So many stands of produce, spices, and meats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/7ce5c63e-fb3f-4f7d-a3f3-b508ba717971/tempImageUYKLJv.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The colors and textures draw you in at the market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789043020241-70I7CZKEJZ2TRVMX5ILG/tempImageEbJ0eM.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Market) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was very important in the silk trade from the 15th to 18th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789119599296-36Y183D82OBWS0SUBN1Q/tempImageANsKX2.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Contract Hall at La Lonja with it's twisting columns and gothic ceiling reminded us of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/97c5b1d4-a3f4-48ea-899b-4d4ddd35a8f8/tempImage4tU8CR.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 The Orange Tree Courtyard at La Lonja https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/161a0745-c1f0-4fe3-8fa4-5749908bd06e/tempImageCPdJP6.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 A quiet moment in The Orange Tree Courtyard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/27359ffe-507d-43a6-92eb-ae3154939adf/tempImage7hDgr0.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Can you see the oranges? They will turn from green to orange by December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789331518707-PQV4JDTVW1L2R76XD26J/tempImagemL0f4L.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 We had a bit of a hiccup when we realized that John needed an International Driving permit before we could rent a car for the next part of our adventure. It took a lot of cross country international work (with the help of John's parents) to get it to us in time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789331549607-OOL4VGIJ05JRBGAA07GH/tempImagem0snAI.png Hola, Valencia! Aug 2-12 Goodbye Valencia! We were sad to leave our little apartment but excited to know that we are coming back! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5d21b618-ddb6-49a9-94c4-59847a14a895/c64c5add-3453-46a0-a921-eaa5a2665ed1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d3951942-378f-4da1-81c7-70445cd54936/IMG_8835.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ab92d2b2-113e-445e-94e5-b220995df969/IMG_8844.jpeg https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/blog-1 daily 0.75 2026-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/90400300-6651-43f7-b9fa-feb768b7272a/tempImageJxdBqs.png Onward to the North August 12-15 As we left Valencia, we drove into the mountains to the north of the city (the ones you could see from the beach). The landscape changed dramatically as we drove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c9632732-6f7e-4619-b538-1b5ac63ccc95/tempImageZuRNOA.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We stayed in a hotel outside the city of San Jean de Luz in France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019328119-IFRX3XE76FCUOB3PAWDR/tempImageHO1F6u.png Onward to the North August 12-15 In the morning light, we can see what our hotel looks like. Beautiful large wooden doors and street lights. We were in a great location in the old town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/20580cb6-8412-4212-8074-d3f34a6945db/tempImageqfsPoZ.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We really enjoyed seeing windmills across the mountains and plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4f219125-9f45-4f03-bf0e-8f5bec01f0b6/tempImagew2lTV3.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Family rooms always seem to be a creative set-up. The twin beds along one wall actually worked quite well for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1ec0cfc6-c66a-4ba9-940e-5de2179e60a3/tempImage5wXqBa.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Bunk beds in a hotel room! This space saving aspect allowed us to fit all of our luggage in the room--but just barely. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789990189178-VTVWAGBVVCYAEEWNDR0B/tempImage42nxvp.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We made a quick stop in Zaragoza for lunch. We only saw a small section of the town square and peeked into the cathedral. It was beautiful. Amelia matched the tiles on the roof of the cathedral in their bright yellows, greens, and blues. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790071109446-305VJCZUS816MCJPBH5T/tempImage82rONO.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We could feel the change in the architecture as we entered the old town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019285053-USLRLHKA499LVUJDCR34/tempImage63NVOl.png Onward to the North August 12-15 View from our hotel room. Look at those Spanish roof tiles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/03b48f41-634e-439b-8d02-d3a1faaf3223/tempImagentcfzP.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We totally love new road signs! Cows ahead! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107251468-D60VEYL3FV8PYUHZ1X1V/IMG_0029.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 After we found parking-an adventure unto itself- we wandered into town and found an open air market to grab some breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4c035439-a2f2-447e-a948-a904bad3308a/IMG_9766.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 Generally, elevators seem to be small in Europe (maybe because they were mostly added into old buildings later?). We didn't all fit into this elevator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/79348924-d7fd-4fd4-b8d5-57b1f9a2d418/IMG_9587.JPEG Onward to the North August 12-15 The temperatures were so high during August! However, 100F in Zaragoza did not feel nearly as hot as it did near the coast in Valencia. We think that the humidity in Valencia made the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107366197-VG6TDL0TRUOH05IGXD1V/tempImagewIlh30.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The fruits were beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790070246460-Y4RTMBY9PPU87ITP3HSI/tempImagehtCNLR.png Onward to the North August 12-15 ColaCao is the standard cold milk chocolate drink (no Nestle Quick here!). And Joshua was super excited about that tub of Nutella. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/80a3abb2-627a-4b46-86e5-86214a62e361/tempImageC0OBa3.png Onward to the North August 12-15 I found this image online (see credit on image) that shows the path of the total solar eclipse on August 12th. We did not realize until the week before that we would be so close to the path of totality. We had been planning to travel north that day to visit with our kids' beloved 1st grade Spanish teacher. She was so kind to invite us to join her family to view the eclipse in the town of Sesma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790106830114-EKDJX5PSYD32ICQPASG2/tempImageMnYgbO.png Onward to the North August 12-15 And there were lots of traditional breads and pastries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019426132-9CH3F1VMDRUEHZ3ESNA0/tempImagexoL2Az.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Srta. U was our official tour guide for Pamplona. Only the best! First, we went to get a view of the city and see the old city walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107416408-ERYVUL5SW095KK0JCQQL/tempImage03OHNu.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Enjoying the scenery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790017978569-1L12B5SS4XIKHJ08G854/IMG_9597.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We received red alerts on our phones warning us about the eclipse, first in Spanish, then Basque, followed by French, and at the end in English. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789996456413-DNYOPMNX92SF2ULK8ZLV/IMG_9759.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 In this old map, you can see the winding river Arga and the old town with the walled fortress from the Renaissance. It is mostly a green space now, but you can still see some of the walls and moats of this star-shaped fortress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3c4e6ef2-a205-42d8-9ae9-f9a1e5d394fe/tempImageEailN8.png Onward to the North August 12-15 As we came up over a hill, there was the town of Sesma, standing alone amongst fields and mountains. We were really excited to meet Srta. U's family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790106955511-3Z3F5ZSL1N59XKK9PLOA/tempImagecyg0Ap.png Onward to the North August 12-15 San Jean de Luz is on the Bay of Biscayne. This is the marina at one end of town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019505768-J7D8I5BHNYIU0979QMZ7/tempImagepYbWae.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The Chapel of San Fermin is located in the the Church of San Lorenzo. San Fermin is the patron saint of Pamplona. There are annual celebrations of San Fermin and small statues or pictures of him throughout the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/53808731-8139-4760-b351-537a0d6cb8e5/tempImageulUhoP.png Onward to the North August 12-15 As we walked along the streets, we came across an art market and fell in love with these paintings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790017911431-OD9DWA4PCXK0Z3FE5EID/IMG_9632.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 What a sweet reunion! Srta. U was the first person who knows us to see us since we left the U.S. We all came prepared with our eclipse glasses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019530018-73YUNSLL2J0HMNV9XRNH/tempImagegZCBv2.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The statues within the Church of San Lorenzo were some of the most intricate and life-like that I have seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790017809306-0CYT50PGCE4JHOQQW5QU/tempImagexEjkcr.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Always stylin' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b58b1c03-ee89-4cec-b418-a639a321a6e6/IMG_0057.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 After talking to the artist, she even let me take a picture of her with her work. Joshua especially loved the blue lion painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019543637-FL9WLNWH2QV46Z7SQ4KR/tempImagenqfWGo.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Back out on the street, you will find the shell symbol marking the streets or on the building walls. This signifies the path of the Camino de Santiago, a hiking/pilgrimage network of trails that lead to the town, Santiago de Compostela, which is said to be the burial place of St. James. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790018856603-I0N8QEZXA32HS0PS4N6V/tempImage3eVo93.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Srta. U's family has an amazing balcony that has a perfect view to the west. The eclipse was at 8:24pm. We were ready well in advance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790023599621-23V61ZOZTU0OZ3DJXO4E/IMG_0055.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 We really enjoyed these depictions of San Juan de Luz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019562133-U9GLIVO5Y4CQUOS4J6LX/tempImagehSJ0Ss.png Onward to the North August 12-15 There are even stores committed to helping the pilgrim on his way to Santiago, with gear and rest stops and help. We've met a few people in Spain who have completed the Camino and they all say it was life-changing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/144e0540-54d8-470a-b1a9-8f3d499456ff/tempImagewdXLXS.png Onward to the North August 12-15 This feels like an iconic image of Europe- the stone, the windows, the balcony, the hanging baskets, and the bicycle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0c4642a1-af0f-401e-94a7-f5ed87310d11/IMG_9658.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 What a fun private viewing party with family! We sat out on the balcony and visited while keeping an eye on the party in the sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019577823-LPVCI6RVG8PJARGKNCGW/tempImagerwa5xd.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Pamplona has beautiful streets with lots of balconies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9414ea5b-b8c9-4ad8-9f66-526a6b3c5052/tempImageCPJdyo.png Onward to the North August 12-15 So happy to be with Srta U! The sky had a mysterious darkness to it as the sun was blocked by the moon and everything had a glow to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790023332734-3T0F3FH0IIGXMRQLX3D5/tempImageYFfE6B.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The entrance to The Church of St. John the Baptist, mostly made famous because Louis XIV was married to Maria Theresa of Spain in this church in 1660. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019601182-E83GO50KD1PT9P01MJQ8/tempImagel2ZzJM.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Totally enjoying life on the road! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d03f4b07-06bc-404a-9368-c4df87d45df8/tempImagePDskdO.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Even looking out at the fields, eveything looked golden. Those are almond trees right around the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790023379522-KHG56KO26RW2SKFCUB07/tempImage9yfRW8.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The church was very dark inside and curiously decorated with hanging boats! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019704934-G180WY0X8VZNMDLN4YEU/tempImageU6xVsP.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Pamplona is the capital of Navarre, which is located within the Basque region. The Basque flag (above) is seen throughout the region as there is great pride in Basque heritage and there are even some separatists who would prefer the Basque region of Spain and France to be named its own country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fb7bc0db-779d-4a57-a925-4a5cdd9f4091/tempImageGpH0Uq.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Rachel was able to capture the eclipse by placing her protective glasses over the camera lens on her phone. (Not award winning, but still special to have for the memory and to share). The moon has mostly covered the sun at this point, but a sliver of the sun is still giving off a bright light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0bbc7a37-df4f-4643-a5ee-45d85a24affd/tempImage5j4Nxt.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Beautiful flowers decorated the sidewalks of the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c0d3157f-f34a-4ebf-a929-4b9a380182ba/tempImageIun83Q.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The City Hall and Plaza Consistorial. This is where the Festival of San Fermin begins and ends every year. At noon on July 6th, a rocket is fired from the City Hall. The week is filled with the procession of the Saint, parades, and of course, the running of the bulls every morning. The fesitval ends at midnight on July 14th after a grand finale fireworks show in this plaza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019014066-2EVC5B3UIBE3XYVMWWMB/tempImageYHbuPU.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Totality lasted for close to 1.5 minutes. We were able to take our glasses off and look right at the sun and see the glow around the moon. There are no words to describe the experience. But jaw-dropping, awe-inducing, and stunning start to scratch the surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790023784861-QLHCRFKKS6LPQLQ6MUAO/IMG_0063.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 Old buildings and modern stores. I was surprised to see a Billabong in this small coastal town in France; but as it turns out, most of these coastal towns are also big surfing communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0d820e74-7155-4690-9d24-67b3814ec76e/tempImager8U4cV.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Plaques marking the route of the running of the bulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790018119084-4FVDYLQAR6ECGZF7WOSD/tempImageGeXK0d.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Totality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/39e298e7-7bbd-486b-9e45-2fd4d210cf15/IMG_5867.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 Although we weren't dressed for the beach, it was still a beautiful day to explore with Srta. U. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1789999681675-JHMDDRO4IA5CSK49QIN2/IMG_9830.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 This is an example of how the fences are set up to separate the crowds from the bulls and runners. The square metal plate on the street lifts up and the fence posts are installed. Spectators are behind a double fence with at least a 5 foot space between. Would you feel safe enough? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/28751842-9ee4-4821-816a-8b0a497173f3/tempImage2EIpGz.png Onward to the North August 12-15 As the moon continued on its path, the sun began to peek out again. Time to get those protective glasses back on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ac883a0e-e2f4-4f03-83af-abe2835403a6/tempImageNvOkMb.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The juxtaposition of the hills, villas, and beach with colorful changing tents felt like stepping back in time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/af325992-efb6-41b9-837b-1bbb8fdd67dc/tempImagePJlh0h.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The bull pen is located at the beginning of the route. Every morning the bulls are provided by a different ranch and are held in this area until a rocket is set off signaling the release of the bulls. There are 6 bulls that run in the morning who will be charging the bull fighters in the evening. And there are another 6 bulls wearing bells, who are calmer and help guide the bulls along their route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4def7ecb-08a4-4039-a7f7-b696adf1fca0/tempImageHbMvJ0.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We had a grand feast after the eclipse, with special white asparagus prepared by Srta U's Aunt, fresh cut tomatoes, delicious salads, sliced meats and cheeses, and Spanish omelettes. So delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790078590088-MEVU5OZMMVFSAZPG8OFZ/IMG_0083.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 The beach is part of a half circlular bay with a peninsula and barrier island protecting the bay of San Juan de Luz from the Bay of Biscayne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/422e731f-48e5-4013-b035-95a8e6342264/IMG_9838.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 A little ways up the street is the starting line for the runners. This is where experienced runners would start. Do these kids look ready to outrun the bulls? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019064844-QBF8FZ2K08L59UNY2QON/tempImage91BtPl.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The kids were thrilled to sit on each side of Srta. U for our dinner celebration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107063241-SZTL3LFFP2WFXK2RR0Y8/tempImageii0mKK.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The Basque version of Coca-cola. Hey- we're supporting a local French Basque company! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020357785-ANXZLMFNYE2YFO1IDOPZ/IMG_9835.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 A small statue of San Fermin sits in this portion of the wall. Before the start of the race, the runners sing to San Fermin three times to ask for his protection and blessing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019199077-CYS01Z2138PVBSTIEHST/tempImageedCOyP.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Cheers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107097025-QC6KWP0HMW4FDWL6EA6G/IMG_0112.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 Traditional Basque pies (Gateau basque) are a delicious dessert with a cream or a black cherry jam in the center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790000895265-238SN6ZKWG8TZDMN56TH/tempImageVpW0DU.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We walked the whole route of the bull run and ended at the bullring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790019113398-9EMMAIJ9MHGO0KMYT0LI/tempImagewU0dKA.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The kids were in for a special treat when they were able to go swimming after dinner. What a beautiful pool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b908cef8-350d-4aea-8a0d-c4c811c3bf7d/tempImage6piqnq.png Onward to the North August 12-15 More beautiful breads! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0837a54d-9206-4390-88f0-9cb76909dd32/tempImageCPJGjL.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Running of the Bulls Monument. The 15 people who have died during the running of the bulls (recorded since 1910) are listed on the side of the monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ec2caa28-e8dd-4837-911c-b9d1ab6bc877/tempImageXRToRM.png Onward to the North August 12-15 He would have stayed in the pool all night, but we had to leave to drive to Pamplona to get to our hotel before midnight. Thankfully, Srta. U came along with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107586262-6FNX2M3AGVP4I349LSVE/tempImageiyIdrk.png Onward to the North August 12-15 After lunch, we headed back to our car parked in a local neighborhood. Off to the next adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/456f62e7-b534-4bde-88ff-fbafec434996/tempImageKMXAtB.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Such a life-like depiction with their facial expressions. This portion shows how a runner would hold a rolled up paper and throw it to the side to distract the bulls if they are charging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b01c01b2-e7d1-48d4-9fea-2e7c87bb0d5d/tempImageXMF6BG.png Onward to the North August 12-15 From San Jean de Luz, we headed further east into France to visit another coastal town, Biarritz. There are many stories from driving and parking in these little towns! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e6640e5c-e9b9-403c-8bd9-02bc1d5b7298/tempImageMR9Osu.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Such a beautiful day to explore Pamplona together! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790080382815-Y3W0IN27RJ238QOON4W6/tempImagerHw4qd.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Biarritz had a lot more streets with steep inclines (and declines). Again, we parked outside of the old town in a neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/be5613eb-9f83-4e84-9f3b-28213dfa9024/tempImageVu92dO.png Onward to the North August 12-15 During our walk of the "Running of the Bulls" path, we stopped at the Mercado de Santo Domingo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/95b4defc-c4a8-43c7-8c9b-8bf1ab840e5e/IMG_0124.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 As we walked into town, the buildings looked more opulent and you could feel that this area was more affluent. After Napolean and his wife Eugenie made Biarritz their summer home in the 1850s, the town changed from a fishing village to a resort town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/23aeea2b-69d2-4070-b6eb-e2d7d6f3ab04/IMG_1777.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 Beautiful spice and pasta options at the Mercado de Santo Domingo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e123c26c-f7aa-4ab2-9e87-60eb268145ce/tempImageKmcRsH.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We stopped at the beautiful Maison ADAM to admire the Basque pies and the tower of macarons. We may have also purchased some macarons to enjoy as we strolled through town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4e74b97c-4f1a-44e7-aa11-b93ebb603b47/tempImageoW90FW.png Onward to the North August 12-15 So many cheese options! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107699734-268SRPA939X3CEQZ05XY/tempImage6HUAR3.png Onward to the North August 12-15 While Biarritz felt more opulent, there was still the juxtaposition with the "surfer village." Right in the midst of these beautiful buildings, you could rent a surf board and head down to the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790001551868-LTN0CKIJOLG2AKYGVCX9/tempImagePdIuSx.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Time for a pastry at Beatriz! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107758118-WZJRG81VPFXVBC23KDBN/tempImageJjNOWD.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The beach was well marked with flags indicating locations for swimming, surfing, and areas to stay away from due to the rocks under the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b3e8ada2-9912-4018-8471-63fc4f937fbb/tempImageQdFgzx.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Beatriz specializes in "Garroticos," something like a mini-croissant filled with chocolate (or cream or apple). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4439f4a6-9cc8-4d28-b777-2f2afccc38d1/tempImagefS4spH.png Onward to the North August 12-15 On one end of the beach was a large conference center. You can see the large rock formations in the water near the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020610540-V0D8XXWTBE3LHQUPKZGR/tempImageGc5BY8.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We have become big fans of the Bocadillo, which consists of Iberico ham on a baguette. Easy and delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dd1e9f45-ed6b-4d9c-b6ee-d9745bfef6b2/tempImageNmWWON.png Onward to the North August 12-15 And in the other direction, you can see the Hotel du Palais de Biarritz (built by Napolean for his wife Empress Eugenie de Montijo) and the lighthouse on the peninsula. The feeling was so different than San Jean de Luz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020638132-SAUW2PJOYBGQJY1J1WWC/tempImageSkKYZm.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Gargoyle carved into the wood of the building and a tile supporting the "Pais Basque" or Basque country with the Basque cross in the center (looks like 4 commas forming a pinwheel). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790108807888-YB82PMEP18JZGW7YLCMR/2b1c6b07-6644-4256-a0d2-34e0887a55aa.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 Enjoying the sunny day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020732743-S6TJ9QQLC62P8C98PE71/tempImage2LVAKl.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Small winding stone paths through the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107781871-7CD94VS8NZ1URQVWZEWY/tempImagenr53d3.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Surfer's Code in 3 languages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020761652-UXLOOJIUC08CPRFX36PK/tempImageNU0zj6.png Onward to the North August 12-15 And the wider pedestian streets, again, with beautiful balconies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790107802566-XV3ULMY1L5XJQTGT84S7/tempImageLNZQRJ.png Onward to the North August 12-15 I loved seeing the life guard station. Yellow and red :) And those waves were crashing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/675ad2d7-88ef-4e11-bbc0-67719ae3aed8/tempImagexjNTxo.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Enjoying the sunshine with Srta. U. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790082398974-327WLFMFISGPHFD3Z5NM/tempImageSmqNN5.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Looking back up from the beach, the buildings are striking. High-end shopping and strangely enough, a large casino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2c3a05f1-550e-4918-969a-ee169feed766/tempImage2CXfvg.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Spain really takes recycling seriously, but Pamplona takes it to another level. Here are 6 different bins on the street for sorting out your trash. These are located throughout the city, so there is really no excuse not to do it correctly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bc94c3db-b200-47df-b43a-39d49f49be80/IMG_0151.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 We downloaded a scavenger app to make the walk around the city more fun and to give us a little history and explanations of the buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020820341-YS8BO5VD3XS9L9WREPQ3/tempImageGd3vZ6.png Onward to the North August 12-15 In Basque country, tapas are called Pintxos. Srta. U took us on our first pintxos tour through Pamplona. No need to eat at one restaurant when you can make stops at several and eat the specialty of each restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bde02703-9bbf-43e8-9a36-12e785f9f32a/tempImagePmGFdW.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We hiked up the penisula on the west side of the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/20299b19-85bb-4453-9353-3f6f4411e055/tempImagevDA9x0.png Onward to the North August 12-15 A beautiful display of pintxos, braided garlic, and ham (Iberico and/or serrano). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3c530c62-5f2e-43a8-95b1-0e772f6e06e2/tempImagehOteYS.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Spectacular views of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/053ad241-8269-49c5-a008-ccadc8e504a5/tempImageeG5zwf.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Amelia was brave and went up to the counter to place the order with Srta. U. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/75d5f81c-3d92-43c7-94cf-a4dd0268d0c7/IMG_1843.JPG Onward to the North August 12-15 Peep the sea gull flying by! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790152162231-544T64CU80L2EMT03BUX/tempImagekf9xFp.png Onward to the North August 12-15 One of our favorites. Toasted bread with sliced tomato, brie, walnuts, iberico ham, and balsamic. And in the background a croquette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/853d4cf2-f0f8-4a58-8651-1bcf96d7b3ef/IMG_1845.jpeg Onward to the North August 12-15 The kids both took turns climbing and posing :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f1ecc9a8-e88d-4124-9e14-d5ca51b2320b/tempImageJ1lqSE.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Bread, brie, walnuts, and honey. Delisioso! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790109093940-YDMY9BGPZOBIHTIM5SUZ/tempImageZgnaoX.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The sea gulls were very entertaining in Biarritz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fc23f42d-5cbb-45f3-9123-1e09d3df8c9f/tempImageCPdxBt.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Second stop for the "Fritos Clasicos Huevo." They have a counter running for how many they have served since 2015. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/deac0293-5c37-4a29-93cd-3b067e221204/tempImageJyKSn2.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin). Legend has it that whalers were caught in a storm and guided back to shore by a bright light shining from this light. As a means of gratitude, a 3 ft bronze statue of the Virgin Mary was placed on the summit of the rock in 1865. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bace6a74-8ff0-4518-8a65-fd19d354b671/tempImageurDwCA.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The famous "Fritos Clasicos Huevo." is a boiled egg fried in batter like a croquette. It was delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790109222733-0F29KBPY192HN8OE0J4T/tempImageSbiRxt.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We all cracked up at this sign painted on the road. The lane is for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorists! Talk about having to watch out for traffic around you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020917562-UGSVFBEY2B23OLPPL34A/tempImageA6BFIn.png Onward to the North August 12-15 Of course, we needed to end the festivities with some gelato! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4255886e-2ba7-41a0-8c59-41eafefd404d/IMG_1853.JPG Onward to the North August 12-15 For our final stop of the day, we traveled inland to where the Nive and the Adour rivers converge at the town of Bayonne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2120bf20-aa05-4335-a36d-164e558d896e/tempImagerryiBI.png Onward to the North August 12-15 After a fun filled day in Pamplona, we headed further north and into France to experience some of the Basque region in another country! The mountains we saw along the drive are not the Pyrenees, as they are close to the sea, but they sure did look like big mountains to us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790166451258-B45KFVW9PH0KCDW9DYVC/IMG_0230.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 Oh! The shutters and balconies and stone steets. It gives all the feels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790020938443-BUXQ0Q9WZIOTBFYHDYK7/tempImage2bHe1Z.png Onward to the North August 12-15 We ended our day with lots of traffic going into France. What would normally take 1.5 hours was closer to 3 hours on this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790109458331-686YFZ85RKZIOQ8UPMW8/IMG_0233.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 We came to Bayonne specifically to see "Luminiscnece," a light show in the Sainte-Marie cathedral of Bayonne with choir Bayonne Pays Basque performing as video-mapping lights up the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790109395707-GI57FNTR73TTPXG1QUXF/tempImageKuB0Nl.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The vaulted ceiling of the cathedral was lit up as we entered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790105625461-9ZEOXQF9U95EM5IUKHW2/tempImage7LZVCS.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The light show highlighted the history of the cathedral through time. As decribed in the program, the cathedral says "a Roman camp became a medieval city, and a city became a port of passage. I have watched over it all, through every name it bore." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790105654113-DDA3HTTVP5WG3ZN2ULH9/IMG_0262.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 The colors and designs were amazing, and watching them morph into other colors and designs to the rhythm of the music was mesmerizing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/826b2d2b-2ed9-4002-8013-d083fb995fca/IMG_5877.jpg Onward to the North August 12-15 The music that accompanied the production included a live choir, orchestral songs, and the organ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790109331298-WEYPPDZ6WDUKRX5DV015/tempImageuYSKpy.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The front of the cathedral in the dark of night. Notice that one tower is light while the other remains a darker color. Restoration of the cathedral is being completed in sections, and one spiral has not yet been restored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/70515610-e8a8-4751-ada5-06a86b827b44/tempImagej2WXgp.png Onward to the North August 12-15 The river was lit up as we crossed it when leaving late at night. We headed back to our hotel in San Jean de Luz for one final French evening. Tomorrow. back to Spain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/a7391eb2-c058-4e34-b135-4ac54bb2bb5a/IMG_1739.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4566c37f-d5d6-46eb-b27f-091b3fb0b614/tempImagemkzlHf.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/834a173e-05b4-4ca0-9803-3de86e714132/tempImageVXUvzL.jpg https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/blog-1-copy-1 daily 0.75 2026-09-23 https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/blog-1-copy-1/disappointment monthly 0.5 2026-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/65d2ed52-4bb7-4989-88d2-1d48bedcba4b/IMG_4984.jpeg Perspectives - Lifting Weights and Letting Go - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/blog-1-copy-1/plan-a-and-plan-b monthly 0.5 2026-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c389bf54-038e-4ffb-ae68-0b9d5a88b007/tempImagepKeiI1.jpg Perspectives - “Plan A” and “Plan B” - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/blog-1-copy-1/marking-time-in-search-of-stillness monthly 0.5 2026-09-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/662aa723-2c31-49fc-85d3-17c58c4128a9/IMG_2329.jpeg Perspectives - Marking Time: In Search of Stillness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/viva-espana-august-15-21 daily 0.75 2026-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2ad27fe3-1ba8-4d2f-95e1-7b085a6879fc/tempImagekDheuR.png Viva España! August 15-21 Headed back into Spain! We were very happy! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380916771-XZWV3P6OZ5XXLE39CGUS/tempImagefY5jTq.png Viva España! August 15-21 We left San Sebastian late in the afternoon and started our drive to Bilbao, which is another town in Basque country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/a17fb411-ada3-4d89-9247-d0f653654588/tempImageeKxoZ0.png Viva España! August 15-21 Picking up where we left off...we traveled early in the morning towards Madrid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790157070964-5T6S52EEY5RL0BEJSDEF/tempImagengME61.png Viva España! August 15-21 We arrived in San Sebastian in time for breakfast. Nothing beats a Café con Leche with a ham and cheese croissant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380965456-9BRXIYV8E0FG81IXN88U/tempImagewJrnlP.png Viva España! August 15-21 We found the streets in Bilbao to be confusing. We were trying to get to our apartment in the Old Town, but you can't drive in that area, and to make it more difficult, they were building major scaffolding structures all over the city for their "Semana Grande." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791483465332-2MGBY6KNIKVWRSJURGOQ/IMG_2073.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Not only did we see lots of mountains and rock formations, but lots of beautiful sunflowers along the roadside headed south from Bilbao to Madrid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5cfa1d84-7523-4813-ab17-2859f397d9dc/tempImageRsencg.png Viva España! August 15-21 Beautiful pastries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791381001121-6WUNFB360ZA1I1JQ4XTL/tempImageaSGsA3.png Viva España! August 15-21 Somehow we ended up behind a Bilbobus and followed it into the bus lane and it took some time to work our way out and find the parking garage. We laugh now, but it was really stressful at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791483388238-M93HJHP3DXWGOV0O9F2T/tempImagewOu51r.png Viva España! August 15-21 After we dropped off the car, we stored our luggage so we could explore until we were able to check in to our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791399068507-32P5EFM484XN17TNTWJ8/tempImage2UnwUS.png Viva España! August 15-21 We were sad to say goodbye to Srta. U. She headed back home to prepare for her own departure to the U.S. while we continued exploring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791381373265-7K7C7FUR5BDXLU9Y8WTU/tempImagegqjDCz.png Viva España! August 15-21 Little did we know that we would be carrying all of our luggage down the cobblestone roads to our apartment that was 15 minutes away. But look at that amazing door! (And peep the tile crab on the right- my brother informed me that this is street art from a guy called "Space Invader." I've seen them multiple times since). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791484009792-XIF45K5LJKANKREOQS08/tempImageVeVgoS.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Metro in Madrid was just as clean as the one in Valencia, and maybe even a little fancier! We hopped on the Metro and headed into town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790157780734-ZM3NDQGENLQABS2PUGNV/tempImageBiL4MZ.png Viva España! August 15-21 San Sebastian is another beach town on the Bay of Biscayne. The beach here is called "La Concha," as the coast line forms a very regular crescent shape along the Bay of La Concha, exiting out to the Bay of Biscayne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791382175263-K9106A1OLTXGZ1YKUQOT/tempImagegtBYda.png Viva España! August 15-21 Sometimes a cute old apartment building means 3 floors up on sagging wooden stairs. Yikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791483932752-XPST50CLL0MFOFY448WJ/tempImagesuE3HN.png Viva España! August 15-21 Much more crowded than our experiences in Valencia! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790166584535-0B45DU47YMZZGRU9ZOLM/tempImageFi6Xk0.png Viva España! August 15-21 Amelia is excited because she knows we'll spend time in the water at this beach! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791382243968-16EOL8JBS5VI1R7VR1XS/tempImageumVA2h.png Viva España! August 15-21 This view! This view made all the traipsing worth it. Here is our idealistic view of life in Europe. Ha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791483619192-S0QUG9NN5X5CA5ZYII3I/tempImageUcVaSA.png Viva España! August 15-21 We stopped at Puerta del Sol and headed toward El Corte Inglés (think large department store) for a great view of the city. It was HOT so we were thankful for the overhead canopies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790166605203-ABMI21FR6DHH8XT4U4LD/tempImageh1EOCm.png Viva España! August 15-21 Beautiful railing along the stairs down to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d0f61c5b-c864-4c3a-b793-105a19c4557d/tempImage2ms7JS.png Viva España! August 15-21 And back to reality. Finding a way to hang clothes to dry and plan out our day with luggage spread all over the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791573939487-U5Z87HY0W4351YFVFPN2/tempImagesryF8N.png Viva España! August 15-21 The beloved El Corte Inglés. We first discovered this department store in Valencia and were excited to explore the "9th floor food court." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790166630138-5PYOXTL8LV20F9W94F5Y/tempImagefAbTb1.png Viva España! August 15-21 Artists claim sections of this large sandy beach to draw and create designs and patterns. They all have Instagram tags as well and a bucket down in the sand where you can throw tips down to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389801917-XCX3O1TCDZM4XAXS3MQE/tempImagezdREMa.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our apartment balcony was over a street full of bars. After late Saturday night reveling, the Sunday morning glass recycling was intense! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2e6115b1-19c3-4b07-bf25-3cd785318e18/tempImageBrDfi3.png Viva España! August 15-21 The views were even better than expected. Hello, Madrid! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/faeffa51-ac87-4dc9-b159-43b7aaa55fe1/tempImageZGAIra.png Viva España! August 15-21 We walked along the "Paseo de la Concha" around the beach as we made our way to a our starting point for a tour of the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4165e019-fd5d-4ad7-899c-294b8574cfb4/tempImageNlraAG.png Viva España! August 15-21 Driving through the mountains at a casual 100km/hr! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1a22235f-1e48-470b-8380-33e8f64de81a/tempImage5eHh9A.png Viva España! August 15-21 Gelato and Macarons?! Yes, please. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790175629541-L6P5UPK2P3ZBQJ52CWJI/tempImagecQRNAx.png Viva España! August 15-21 We went on a GuruWalk free tour of San Sebastian. Our guide, Maria, was so entertaining. She is Basque, so she could tell us a lot about the Basque culture from her own perspective. Joshua volunteered to try on the Basque-style beret called a "Txapela." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1beb87c6-193e-46df-b24a-fe5d002194e1/tempImageSmDOEp.png Viva España! August 15-21 More road signs that made us crack up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791539253734-RHFFZZU9W1CK1I2S3AKJ/tempImageLL2fPt.png Viva España! August 15-21 Joshua was excited to get "The Signature." How fancy is that gelato? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790171944383-1TH8N5KGNK6CFCNKWPA6/tempImageZd3x48.png Viva España! August 15-21 Apparently, Joshua wore it very well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/87c78493-3340-4317-b140-90ddbec797fb/tempImageoNQA9K.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our first adenture in the area of Bilbao was a hike to Gaztelugatxe, loosely translated "castle rock." This was a bucket list item. The views are amazing, and we were all excited to get there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791574699743-1GE5S9Q982UN8Z8N3LQF/tempImagec0T9ev.png Viva España! August 15-21 It was amazing to watch as they created "The Signature" cone. You can pick as many flavors as you want, and they create a flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e7d83d69-5835-4b93-ad78-4320d88a068b/tempImageZYNscM.png Viva España! August 15-21 Maria had a map of the Basque region. The three tan regions are located in France. The three green regions are provinces in Spain with Vitoria-Gasteiz as the capital (according to our guide, San Sebastian and Bilbao are a bit of rivals, so the capital was placed in the 3rd region). The pink region is Navarra, which has a separate government and capital in Pamplona. (Notice the map is labeled in the Basque language- more on that later!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791539271677-5MAJ9N2QHRLRKL41JFZS/tempImage54ceOU.png Viva España! August 15-21 We were excited to collect our luggage and head to our apartment for the week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791382812031-HQT39BPKT213YHVIF1EG/IMG_0554.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 I love this hiking map that really shows the elevation and what we were about to attempt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389852865-W63UYRW918YDAAWQN171/tempImageN1oZtj.png Viva España! August 15-21 And if you weren't already taking it seriously, they had additional signs with recommendations for shoe-wear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791574538286-H5T26O9A7R26P94OCMP2/tempImageqWzMus.png Viva España! August 15-21 This apartment had a more modern feel with a few steps up to the kitchen and a downstairs with bedrooms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4d05e724-9dc9-4b35-9ab9-e8fca94424c8/IMG_5882.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 We happened to be in San Sebastian on the last day of the "Semana Grande," a week long celebration of Basque culture with dancing, music, sports, and food. Our guide was so excited that we came upon a group performing a traditional Mutxiko dance, which involves a lot of jumping, along with the musicians playing traditional instruments, including the Txistu (three holed flute played with one hand while the other hand beats a drum- how do they do that?!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790171964491-IR6T1M6H88IFBLU817A6/tempImageGQcb6H.png Viva España! August 15-21 The streets were packed! At the far end of this street, you can see the Catedral del Buen Pastor (Good Shepherd Cathedral), built in the late 19th Century in the neo-Gothic style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389892460-0P0HM236TUOU6UXMFCJE/tempImageucHEwA.png Viva España! August 15-21 Set with water bottles and ready to head down the path that began with large stones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791574659841-ZV3N4LCG6VWR4JBY6KFW/tempImage2xJPh2.png Viva España! August 15-21 We were finally sitting down and relieved to be in one place for 5 days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ff0ba8fc-f0fd-4779-844a-646334075f56/tempImageeiPu1O.png Viva España! August 15-21 Grapes growing along the way https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791539332224-E82YY87E6ZJIN8ZYXIM1/IMG_2145.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 We found a market down the street to get groceries. Why pay extra for grocery bags when you've got 8 hands between you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b7633960-953c-4b23-9962-a85aa7ab80fc/IMG_0382.jpeg Viva España! August 15-21 While looking down the street at the Good Shepherd Cathedral-we were actually standing in front of the Basilica of Santa María del Coro (18th century Baroque). They are exactly 1000 yards apart connecting the Old Town to the "new" part of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36271f7f-e571-4635-becf-b8d25562987a/tempImageWVAJlC.png Viva España! August 15-21 The first views of the coast were absolutely amazing. Look at that little sailboat making its way toward the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790172004891-MTQ9QK3ZNEQYACCK89F0/IMG_0316.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 An English-style garden in the Plaza Gipuzkoa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791539365797-ATYYQA2UKS5WSP1B5MFU/tempImagedTEySe.png Viva España! August 15-21 One of our favorite snacks has become golden delicious apples and manchego cheese. The kids enjoyed making fun patterns out of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389914827-WU6VXY6L4YVZ2V0Z3VXZ/tempImageOLmsdx.png Viva España! August 15-21 The path is growing steeper down to the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557850404-BJ6TY35MLDUG6HTTLS5B/tempImages3yatz.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our tour of the city began with heading back to Plaza del Sol and the Casa de Correos. This is the head of the regional government in Madrid and the focal point of New Year's Eve with the tradition of eating 12 grapes along with the 12 chimes at midnight to bring you luck in the new year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790172029577-RFZ08LT20TI8K39AI50X/IMG_0319.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Plaza Gipuzkoa also had a special floral clock with the Meteorological Temple behind it (containing a sundial, barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer. It was donated by a local scientist in 1879). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/414c5bf7-cef9-4b20-856d-7b327c095454/tempImage02iaQp.png Viva España! August 15-21 But then we got the real view. Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the Bay of Biscay that is connected to the mainland by a rocky footbridge. At the top of the islet is a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The current structure was built in the 1980s, but the original was believed to date back to the 9th Century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557871133-4XPGBTXD0IXDHNYO7TT4/tempImageDULaU9.png Viva España! August 15-21 In front of the Casa de Correos is the Km 0 plaque. This plaque marks the spot from where all major radial roads start in Spain. We all stood on it together! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790172047453-OKWWQ9ODA1OIW7SS2ANX/IMG_0321.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Plaza Okendo houses the Hotel Maria Cristina and the Victoria Eugenia theatre. This plaza was part of the Spanish Civil War in the 1936 Battle of San Sebastian and its buildings still show the consequences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791378780224-I22O8X2OYPQ7QHZ3TKG1/tempImagewzQDBj.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Nationalists (Franco) fought the Republicans in this square. The Hotel Maria Cristina shows bullet holes and impact of schrapnel all across its facade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389936341-5ZAZ92LQCNA7Q58GVT7P/IMG_1957.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Well-prepared for the hike to the top! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5cfbd364-1c14-47ab-b7d4-ebdbca47eee9/tempImageRNGAZR.png Viva España! August 15-21 This plaza also hosts the statue of King Charles III of Spain on horseback. He ruled from 1759 until his death in 1788. He was known as an Enlightened Monarch and as "Madrid's best Mayor" due to his major reforms and changes to the city's landscape with the addition of iconic landmarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791399187229-AVSNN8S6XSYZT6VIK4TL/IMG_1936.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 John and Joshua getting ready for the 241 step climb to the top! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557891968-HHMK5V3YQKK9F84GONX9/tempImageCqxhZE.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Tio Pepe sign has been a part of the Puerto del Sol since 1936. The iconic sign for Andalusian Sherry was removed in 2011 with the renovation of the building, but the people of Madrid (Madrileños) revolted! And the sign was eventually repaired and repainted before being reinstalled on the building across from the government building on the square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791378651605-Z6OCSP3W44U3CB0B02VO/IMG_0322.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Such a historical location...and a surfer walking across on his way to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791378709837-6PNYXOFLAX4HMEJL95NO/tempImageAEZksi.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our guide was able to go into this pastry store and bring out an example of Gataux Basque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791398454063-B71LR9JNJSSV9M8DOG68/tempImagebVNGus.png Viva España! August 15-21 First the footbridge across, and then the steps up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557917336-EVM1BASVU1CKJIW25C8C/tempImagef4USKb.png Viva España! August 15-21 The "Bear and Strawberry Tree" (Oso y Madroño) has been on the coat of arms for Madrid since 1222 and this statue is its 3-D projection, which was installed in the square in 1967. So cute! People touch the heel of the bear for good luck- peep the photo above! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/14c0d015-9d7b-4752-a72a-f2f388e43cdb/tempImage6cdRpR.png Viva España! August 15-21 Here's a close up so you can see the intricate design on top and the delicious fillings inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791384388820-PHPLORZ464L704C1JGHZ/tempImagengQ2hu.png Viva España! August 15-21 When Joshua saw this plaque for the creatures that live in the intertidal pools, he was keen to climb down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557954379-CMD7RFZA4TY6LNGTEZZ8/tempImage9lxyC3.png Viva España! August 15-21 Much like the bat from the coat of arms in Valencia, the bear and strawberry tree appear all over the city of Madrid, from manhole covers to the symbol for one of Madrid's football teams (Atlético de Madrid). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/da2e2d87-8e3d-47d8-9e42-c456b97faca4/tempImageWHbJR2.png Viva España! August 15-21 A whole case of delicious local desserts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791384515409-CEJAZ6J16L9SCFK649BF/IMG_0784.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 However, whatever access they have given people in the past was clearly blocked off at this point. We stared down at the tidal pools from the footbridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557973700-7Y3H8G9ORYE5SKUSPC57/tempImage3Muze1.png Viva España! August 15-21 This is so random that I'm not exactly sure where to put it, but we were cracking up at the hooks to attach your dog on leash while you run into the store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/487504e2-3ba5-4b1c-9c71-b6e6efa33534/tempImage6f8XHp.png Viva España! August 15-21 San Sebastian City Hall sits near La Concha with a view out over the Alderdi Eder gardens and the water. This building was built in the late 1900s as the Gran Casino, which explains its location. It closed when gambling was banned in 1924 and reopened as City Hall in 1947. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791557997788-6B3L5VWOI2KL9NWQO04C/tempImagep2sh7b.png Viva España! August 15-21 From Plaza del Sol, we made our way down Calle Mayor and turned to enter Plaza Mayor. This arched entryway is one of 10 that connect the streets of old Madrid to the square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791398739418-KM0EL33U21Q6ME0FUSXH/IMG_1945.png Viva España! August 15-21 Slow and steady we go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791378857472-6IJY5WEAU2F77IMTHLS9/tempImagemvDTaK.png Viva España! August 15-21 Alderdi Eder gardens is filled with palm trees and tamarind trees among colorful flower beds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791398776880-DPIVT9B6A2OWAT3CU6RR/tempImageNRHvRp.png Viva España! August 15-21 The view behind us back to the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/336e5b27-1173-457f-a54d-cc8151efc927/tempImageHE0QXr.png Viva España! August 15-21 Of course we had to stop by "Las Tapas de Juan" since it includes John's name! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791400204660-HT3RX3T1EC7KVV98H82O/tempImagesIuocJ.png Viva España! August 15-21 At the top, we were greeted by the flag of Basque Country! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/74499cf4-319b-41a8-b6b0-2980afcf69fc/tempImageFhqdEl.png Viva España! August 15-21 Plaza Mayor is rectangular in shape with shops on the bottom level and residences above. There are 237 balconies overlooking the square. At the center of the square is the statue of King Philip III of Spain on his horse. He reigned from 1598 until his death in 1621. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791378954262-6MF8NJEE26RIYV825OA5/IMG_5887.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Maria took us to a court to tell us about "pelota ball," a game that is part of Basque tradition. How fun that a family was there playing and invited our kids to join in. (There is a Valencian variation of the game with a slightly larger ball). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8589d5f3-a0c1-4f1f-b533-b6549289c459/tempImagey4FcNB.png Viva España! August 15-21 We walked around the outside of the church and quickly noticed that a group of lizards (a lounge!) is living among the rocks at the top. They come out to sun on the rocks and as soon as a person walks by, they dart back into the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5e25a46f-4bdd-48ed-85d2-5e6684948ef5/tempImage8wJ80q.png Viva España! August 15-21 Just a block away from the Plaza Mayor is the Mercado de San Miguel. We were ready for a snack, so all of this delicious food made our mouths water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791379014041-MHOHWXBZCHNI8IDH6AXA/IMG_5886.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 The game reminds me of raquetball, in that the ball is hit against a wall (above a line), back and forth between two people. Sometimes a paddle is used, but usually your hand is the paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389197181-ZRS4YDHENVGMS4FZV7XD/IMG_1964.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 The lizards were a hit; they played "cat and mouse" with Joshua, who was loving every second. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d5bad5c6-a5de-42d0-ad5f-c0915a1e1472/tempImageSg8mTv.png Viva España! August 15-21 Inside the market was packed with people. There weren't many places to sit, but plenty of bar space around the market to stand and enjoy tapas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1790174217278-AAZYQ27LNG6J00HB6ILT/IMG_0360.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 We stopped to hear a capella singing in the front of a cathedral. Maria told us that "social singing" in the Basque language is very common. She even sang a Basque folk song for us. Basque (Euskara) is considered a paleo-European language, as it has no known links to any other language. Under Franco's Spain, the use of Basque was restrained. However, in the 1960s, these policies were reversed; and now, even education takes place in the Basque language. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bca56b6d-fc91-4aa7-b284-a577aba74fc9/tempImagenDHxSQ.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our tour ended at the Marina, with a view up to Monte Igueldo on the opposite side of the Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791400226941-WU1H47LALPYBVBFS10LE/tempImageYNFgMe.png Viva España! August 15-21 John took a moment to enjoy the view of the expansive blue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3450c1a4-e83a-431c-9156-ff418017e9e6/tempImage6A33uK.png Viva España! August 15-21 We had a few empanadas, one of our favorite foods in Spain. There are so many different types of fillings, and they seem to all be delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791379151428-LBOPYKLZ4H0TISRXXBLP/tempImageP9Ilxd.png Viva España! August 15-21 We left the tour in seach of food, which led us down more beautiful streets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791389257053-0YLLDM71NQRYCTKJHBZZ/tempImagerotIYM.png Viva España! August 15-21 Serene https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5eaa813f-5e69-4b2c-ab12-b02400fe51a9/tempImagev9r7zV.png Viva España! August 15-21 Wow! Look at all the varieties of olives! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380122965-FJ5LEKIEFJN29SMX7IZ7/tempImageFjs2xk.png Viva España! August 15-21 We ended up at Casa Gandarias bar, well-known for their pintxos. We had a lovely steak brochette, risotto, and croquettes. But I wanted you to see some of the other choices. We saw lots of people coming out of the restaurant with the seafood gratine in an urchin shell. My family would get no where close to that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/534d4281-548a-426f-86ac-96931ddc5860/tempImagewPuHMV.png Viva España! August 15-21 Makes sense that there would be a boat motif! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/7fa53b52-cd28-4222-9fa8-070978a521bd/tempImagePAdRoJ.png Viva España! August 15-21 And here are some beautiful tapas creations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1681c5f3-49a5-48d0-bf8a-7720ace7f4d2/IMG_1885.jpeg Viva España! August 15-21 After eating, we made our way back to the beach. We were really impresssed with the sand art and the artist's ability to draw such a large piece with correct proportions. Amelia was so impressed that she dropped the artist a tip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791400250312-9XWEBRCB4VT92EI0IDU9/tempImage2xAT0G.png Viva España! August 15-21 The church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ce14ad4f-e28c-45bb-bca9-07cf1cda5c18/tempImageUnx5G3.png Viva España! August 15-21 We especially enjoyed this Mozzarella Bar! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d0ab86b4-1215-44c2-8aaa-9f291548d7d3/tempImagegtv6FL.png Viva España! August 15-21 A perfectly peaceful day at La Concha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/347d32c4-6c4a-43e2-a216-86e9ffe49ddc/tempImage8XSKWq.png Viva España! August 15-21 We weren't able to go inside, but we could see through a window in the door. More hanging boats! This time I think it makes sense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791558024854-WK961HDUUF7KVJXAAQ3A/tempImageZ9Fmy4.png Viva España! August 15-21 All of the street names were marked with tiles and illustrated with a picture that goes along with the name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2156e694-422c-493d-81d7-d556e3a51732/tempImage7PiKw5.png Viva España! August 15-21 Here you can see how the City Hall looks out over the beach. When you think about it formerly being a casino, you can see how the location makes sense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/620f687b-0528-40f1-9915-fe520a310eae/IMG_1989.jpeg Viva España! August 15-21 At the top of the 241 steps. Bay of Biscay's beauty all around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575681141-GEXAP74C7RM8P3ZKGNZ5/tempImagegzynQs.png Viva España! August 15-21 La Latina was a fun neighborhood to explore. It is considered one of Madrid's oldest neighborhoods, with winding streets and a medieval feel, also known for wonderful tapas restaurants and lively night life. We arrived shortly after the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Paloma in August, where people dress up in traditional Madrid attire and dance the "chotis," a traditional dance where the man stays in one place, turning on one heel, while circling the woman around him. (Look it up, it is super fun to watch). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380167490-7OS1BCB28L0QJQGN5BPU/tempImageJV7Smp.png Viva España! August 15-21 We all stepped into the water together and it was COLD! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e400c8f2-f7a4-4ab6-a55b-563210ba81bd/tempImagehdNMhs.png Viva España! August 15-21 Family hiking (aka stair climbing) was a success! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791558070387-N0QS2PQCQISH2IV1LK5S/tempImagevYs8OC.png Viva España! August 15-21 Festival decorations were still hanging above the streets. They are called "Mantones de Manila" (Manila silk shawls) and are a part of the traditional dress. During Spanish colonial times, they were shipped to Spain from the Phillipines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380187833-JY7B77VNADKQOW123L78/tempImage8YauzT.png Viva España! August 15-21 So happy for a beach day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8615743a-07ba-4327-96e1-bf5198e37a81/tempImageFtKPwX.png Viva España! August 15-21 After a little rest and taking in the beauty all around, it was time to head back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5e61357b-78e4-462d-9dce-dc5c916565f6/tempImagewBfvDQ.png Viva España! August 15-21 After a day of adventuring, we headed back to our apartment via the Metro. We thought this mural at our stop was so pretty- and made it easy to recognize where we were! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380235193-NJNSCFF0ZT7DUDCX0U5C/IMG_1010.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 The temperature did not stop the kids from getting into their swimsuits and heading into the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f9dbb766-38fe-4ea3-88a9-dbc2ed159278/tempImagev5JI9S.png Viva España! August 15-21 Whoa! Looks extra steep on the way down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575586931-HVJPM89OTHOGRFORUH3Q/tempImageaRzCKw.png Viva España! August 15-21 A more relaxed (and mostly empty) Metro ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6fd227eb-abd8-4f5e-9964-17d4b5fb0d5e/tempImage5oZed2.png Viva España! August 15-21 The flow of the water made beautiful patterns in the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6a33dadc-9bc3-4508-8eae-589bdee17e08/tempImagemsBDAc.png Viva España! August 15-21 These kiddos were way ahead of the parents. They stopped for a photo op! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fc5262e7-67f1-4b77-93de-ea54e429d6c0/tempImagepDLFfM.png Viva España! August 15-21 After a great recommendation, we ventured to Casa Mingo for lunch one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e89e41d1-41ed-498c-9abe-5fb4f94efe45/tempImagepBpW7f.png Viva España! August 15-21 The kids stayed parallel to shore and walked/swam/played in the water all the way from one end of La Concha to the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d61b89fe-2dcb-499d-b06c-eade4e0c593e/tempImagesUgWee.png Viva España! August 15-21 How cool is this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575795898-R73EA2JF5EEWJ9F1XOKE/tempImageZ2dlof.png Viva España! August 15-21 They are known for their traditional roasted chicken. We had a bit of a wait and enjoyed watching the process of turning the chickens on the rotisserie and moving the spits to keep the chicken cooking evenly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6e73d69a-c70f-4132-8fa9-b0f569c54805/tempImage7JyvHo.png Viva España! August 15-21 After a long tour of the town, this was the perfect playtime reward! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/016f7e44-35ba-46e1-8625-c62f270a1a72/tempImagepNPPyj.png Viva España! August 15-21 One more picture of the footbridge back across. Can you spot Joshua and Amelia? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575851517-VF5OMZZVS39AZS6YK48L/tempImagemMn4sd.png Viva España! August 15-21 Serving the chicken was full of artistry (and took a great deal of balance!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380318453-41DQ58J3S2RQJ4B838GH/tempImagewyYRVQ.png Viva España! August 15-21 Joshua loved exploring the rocks and looking for tide pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/91889db9-6121-469d-9c8b-0e818e12649e/tempImageIkteS9.png Viva España! August 15-21 And one more look back- we climbed up there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/25c98aff-ac15-4128-bf09-15cb2a6b6f19/tempImageAT7gb1.png Viva España! August 15-21 Full house! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380336787-8L0LSIGHGSHFQCNTEDVJ/tempImagegBNHEa.png Viva España! August 15-21 Amelia let out her inner Little Mermaid! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405123746-I0DSM3R9KQYZU92M3RJE/tempImage6avBgt.png Viva España! August 15-21 The hike back up the "hill" was no joke. Sweaty and exhausted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575874071-TQDK6WDAZ8QQVYIMZM1H/tempImageo03xWK.png Viva España! August 15-21 They are also known as a cider house and are famous for their hand-crafted cider since 1888. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791380356795-DAZHIAXB1UKRR24IEP2B/tempImageho93OW.png Viva España! August 15-21 We had a great day of sight-seeing the town and playing at the beach. One last view of Mount Igueldo as we headed back to the car and on to our next destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405140794-VMHO7928FJ6SAC1NH0HA/tempImageT1NV3s.png Viva España! August 15-21 We all made it back to the entrance/exit. We did have to take lots of breaks, but it was worth it. We headed back to our apartment and changed out of the sweaty clothes so we could get ready for our second Bilbao adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575896514-L5P6FAHWL07Q5O2A790X/tempImageC5EJmr.png Viva España! August 15-21 The chicken was absolutely amazing as well as the chorizo in cider. Thanks for the recommendation, Harbeson's! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/35e78a4a-2bd3-491e-b15a-67d9c1124aec/tempImageYoCQzc.png Viva España! August 15-21 This ominous image is of the entrance to the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Who says you can't appreciate nature and art in one day? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3fe9aedf-330a-46a7-bbe3-16b1b48dba3b/tempImageTXbuH6.png Viva España! August 15-21 We needed to walk off that delicious lunch, so we headed to El Retiro Park (Parque de El Retiro), a 350-acre park towards the outside of the old city. The park was originally designed with tree-lined avenues in the 1500s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791401459280-8U4YIWTHRN4P58PB8652/tempImageL12mTw.png Viva España! August 15-21 We were fascinated by the Guggenheim "Puppy," erected in 1992 by Jeff Koons. It is a steel structure with flowering plants. So vibrant against the threatening sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791575916589-QSZBUHXCIPCJ5XWBY3E7/tempImageTuOkcM.png Viva España! August 15-21 Public fountains like this are found throughout the city (actually, we've seen them throughout Spain). They have drinkable water, although it's easier if you have a bottle to fill! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405198091-8ZNUCQ9BFFDDGNAB2R6S/tempImagerydEMV.png Viva España! August 15-21 The entrance to the Guggenheim is down the stairs (not up like so many buildings). Two artists with works featured while we were there: Ruth Asawa and Jasper Johns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/50b1ba78-b7a0-4cd0-9c67-bbac15470ec8/tempImage83jKRS.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Monument to Alfonso XII of Spain was built in the 1920s next to "The Great Pond." We were tempted to go out on a row boat; but honestly, it was so hot, sitting right in the sun did not sound like fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/71ef34d2-09c0-4bce-ad7e-61bd2218d194/tempImageqwgqr1.png Viva España! August 15-21 Ruth Asawa works in metal wire, creating forms within forms by weaving a continuous wire into a looped wire structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4ac69d67-2a9d-4127-8d05-b933fd99235b/tempImageS9crjI.png Viva España! August 15-21 We stayed under the tree-lined outskirts of the pond and walked down the paths in the shade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405218727-DATDJMAPPL6G54EI3XDF/tempImageY8jqiT.png Viva España! August 15-21 Trying to figure out how she accomplishes this. It was mind-boggling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/38b63682-95f4-4436-b787-29bd0b99f0ac/tempImage7GJxwY.png Viva España! August 15-21 Have I shown you a picture of a Magpie before? We've seen these birds all around Europe. They are very distinct with the black head and white mid-body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405230913-W1KUIFHXTID2Q6ZBYR8M/tempImagelJTTAl.png Viva España! August 15-21 Not only were the hanging sculptures beautiful, but they also created really pretty shadows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/25751c41-afb8-4673-ab7d-5e0e2bcc872c/IMG_2128.jpeg Viva España! August 15-21 The park is filled with all sorts of different gardens. Here, a very inticately designed pattern with flowers and shrubbery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/66cd4e18-9612-4fec-9fa5-dd9a14274bb9/tempImagePaBCe4.png Viva España! August 15-21 Joshua and Amelia loved exploring her sculptures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576067144-O41B16DW7DZWWSP1ZNH3/tempImageY630jC.png Viva España! August 15-21 Down another path, we found the Paseo de las Estatuas (Walkway of Statues). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405248543-UJFYU6TFWETUBDP7BH81/tempImageAKo5A8.png Viva España! August 15-21 In her later works, she started exploring making "tied-wire" structures with a geometric center and often following a pattern from nature, either flowers or trees, or star-like patterns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/06d01c38-686a-495c-b400-882f9a7c8f13/tempImageenIFoX.png Viva España! August 15-21 Another part of the park that we enjoyed was the Bosque de Recuerdo (Forest of Remembrance) dedicated to the victims of the Madrid train bombings on March 11, 2004. It contains 192 olive trees and cypress trees- one for each person who died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3ef4b7a2-7f39-4367-b671-468858b7b4d8/tempImageJJxxg6.png Viva España! August 15-21 I think collectively this was our favorite installation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576083509-BAF32A2LDXI5Q22DKPI5/tempImagek9bml7.png Viva España! August 15-21 Beautiful olives contrast against the cypress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791402764490-6YXOVR1502X7RHSMF1FO/tempImagejrRp3N.png Viva España! August 15-21 As one would expect, the structure of Guggenheim in Bilbao is a work of art in itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576105469-EQSHI4FQYVVG5J28JWCF/tempImageZ6TLuZ.png Viva España! August 15-21 Loving this guy who is growing so tall! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c31c30ee-465b-4578-8036-bda7fbacb3eb/tempImageWYztuH.png Viva España! August 15-21 We stumbled on the permanent installation of "The Matter of Time" by Richard Serra (1994-2005). How could you not? These pieces were enormous and called for lots of interaction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576128020-3DWSRUJT9YISSXGXL3KQ/IMG_2139.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 And she has our hearts with all her sweetness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e3ebac33-c10c-4f25-bf6e-38ac361804c2/tempImageOvuGDc.png Viva España! August 15-21 Walking up to the structures was overwhelming as they were so large. We had not seen them from above, so we didn't know what to expect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576404589-BDRZG1QQUR8T16I7YNJH/tempImageoxLuj6.png Viva España! August 15-21 While Europe is filled with castles and cathedrals and palaces, we decided this was one we did not want to miss. The Palacio Real de Madrid (The Royal Palace of Madrid) is the largest royal palace of Europe and is the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Although it has seen many additions and changes over time, it was originally built in the late 9th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405338186-PX0MCP2JTGZF54ZYRUVJ/tempImageEgrvRn.png Viva España! August 15-21 Joshua and Amelia were happy to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576153816-P5NKC7SV7J166V1I2X15/tempImageatmw0x.png Viva España! August 15-21 This palace was full of chandeliers and vividly painted ceilings. While awe-inspiring, I couldn't tell you the details of this room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405355758-YC8PKDUPNPD0CUV2C7CI/tempImageYmVcQI.png Viva España! August 15-21 "Torqued Spiral" was made of 7 large pieces of weathering steel that tilted toward each other and then away from each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576190622-3G2CG1LM734B3SKDOA0V/tempImagelWv68K.png Viva España! August 15-21 Another style chandelier and ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405529461-RSEBNDP60GP8PMR9QSXN/IMG_2037.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 Running through the "Snake" made of three giant pieces of weathering steel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576287973-IZ2KYHAFT5ANSM3CCQ2X/tempImagesdhAhM.png Viva España! August 15-21 The dining room was magnificent. One thing to note- the fourth chair that is pulled out a little further than the rest is where the King sits at a royal dinner, and the Queen sits across from him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5c5b75d7-f6cc-4dce-b7b6-108b559ecc85/tempImageBhAFxY.png Viva España! August 15-21 The second featured artist was Jasper Johns. As explained here, his art features recognizable shapes- numbers, maps, flags, in such a way that these works were considered "forerunners to pop-art." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576318561-I9D64KWXYKVXF7AKE5G9/tempImagethQWXq.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Royal crown and septre. They are never placed on the King's head and are not part of the coronation ceremony, but are a symbolic display of the throne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791403593365-O3AN1O6SC6QQSPKWMKNR/tempImage72eYqu.png Viva España! August 15-21 Numbers 0-9. Can you find them all? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576361663-B2U3J3Y3A2TT47N2CJAW/tempImageNcLP41.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Spanish Royal family is difficult to keep up with (perhaps because we learn more about the British Royal family in the U.S. than we do about other European kingdoms). This painting is of King Alfonso XIII. He became the Monarch of Spain at his birth (1886) as his father died the previous year. He was King until 1931, when he was dethroned and the Second Spanish Republic was formed. He lived in exile until his death. (I'm doing my best to understand all of this history, so please be gracious if I made mistakes!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/502a3e54-9496-4101-9d6a-ad01c413603b/tempImagekGYRsz.png Viva España! August 15-21 "Map" 1961. I love the color blocks and stencils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c43a12d2-1801-4362-85ab-d6cae2deec85/tempImageCEZETz.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Royal Throneroom was completed in 1772 by King Carlos III. It has been maintained with the same decoration since that time and is still used by the current King Felipe VI for state ceremonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405578856-V9A0D6UWWLVR3DNF1675/tempImageqmGYpi.png Viva España! August 15-21 His series of flags are iconic ("Flags," 1965). I'm not sure if this will work on screen, but in real life, if you stare at the dot at the center of the top flag and then look up at the dot on the bottom flag, the flag will change from gray to the appropriate red, white, and blue colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576499241-A8HKEBGQRGQAETI36L6M/tempImagefTFiRb.png Viva España! August 15-21 The tapestry above shows the Coat of Arms of Spain and the tapestry below is the Coat of Arms of the King of Spain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f1c668b1-08b8-4e89-8069-d652cb568146/tempImageImu6M0.png Viva España! August 15-21 We explored other artists as well, but I don't want to bore you here! So, we'll move on to the outside of the building. We walked completely around taking in the different sculptures and architecture. Here you see "Bubbles" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576518301-N52ZWVYLHUUW8B8CEXLE/tempImageK3AobP.png Viva España! August 15-21 When you come out of the palace, you look right across the courtyard the the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. Whew! That's quite a name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/7f732dec-f9c2-47b7-986c-c716961f33a9/tempImage6hRIBb.png Viva España! August 15-21 And the large arachnid, "Maman" 1999 by Louise Bourgeios. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576555715-B1W5FAUUM5P6RO9WLILW/tempImage9AOD9I.png Viva España! August 15-21 Before we left the complex, we took a quick visit into the armory. Weapons and armor are not really at the top of our interests, but because it is known to be such an extensive collection, we made a quick walk thought. We found this helmet with hair and beard to be quite comical! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405469898-4PXN897SNSH0HE9M43OJ/tempImage1GFkgj.png Viva España! August 15-21 And one more time back around to the "Puppy." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/37bbc84b-735c-4488-b22f-96705ac5bca0/tempImagegZochH.png Viva España! August 15-21 The armor for horses was quite impressive. We were struck by the sheer number of sets of armor there were displayed. All of the armor is from the 15th to 17th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/03deafcd-9a16-4e7b-ae5c-df05600b06be/tempImagehhXL6E.png Viva España! August 15-21 The skies have cleared. Can't get enough of the "Puppy" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b67c8e2e-0c51-4230-b625-d050e1befded/tempImagewzA2Wk.png Viva España! August 15-21 I'm not sure I fully understand the armor for kids. Maybe training them early? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791405484076-AEC5KTBOQEMN4UYOTJ6G/tempImageCvQCx5.png Viva España! August 15-21 Amelia's holding him up! :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8f3c3f4a-4f70-4000-a5f7-b45c6b72dee6/tempImageJiHb2n.png Viva España! August 15-21 Another view of the Royal Palace as we climbed a nearby hill. It really is overpoweringly large! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9d411826-877a-456a-b112-0a9f049588a8/IMG_2051.jpeg Viva España! August 15-21 The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao seen from the bridge crossing the river. Also, the "Fire Fountain" lit up as we were crossing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/48bfe8e6-1e9a-4d22-aa1c-10401c064bda/tempImageQROrod.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our climb was up to the Temple of Debod, which looks out over the city, and is known to have a fabulous view of sunset (we did not stay that long!). This Egyptian Temple was gifted to the city of Madrid after Spain answered Egypt's call for help during a flooding crisis in the 1960s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/29376671-331f-4566-a075-b241277cf6a7/tempImageH8HmiJ.png Viva España! August 15-21 What an excellent visit to Bilbao! We had to head out early the next morning to return our car in Madrid. Beautiful early morning mountains along the way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3b9e401f-06c9-4eed-86bf-b1559ade7d56/tempImagenxRq6w.png Viva España! August 15-21 The temple was transported and rebuilt stone by stone in its original orientation. It was opened as a museum in 1972. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/7d08f158-9031-4adb-9b14-6cb420fa101e/tempImagePDlIrj.png Viva España! August 15-21 The view of the Royal Palace and the city from the Temple of Debod. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36eabf2a-7320-4639-9dd2-41c7538e2855/tempImageDBXMff.png Viva España! August 15-21 The best part of our trip to Madrid was getting to meet up with Amelia's second grade Spanish teacher, Sra A., and her family. They took us on a tapas tour of Madrid, and we had a wonderful time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/20fc07be-867a-450f-9438-eafec47dbce8/tempImagevYM4bz.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our kids became fast friends- toasting with Castillo de Salobreña (a non-alcoholic tropical-like grape juice). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/a16369f3-23ff-499c-b493-bcf79fdc0ce8/tempImageW6m1XH.png Viva España! August 15-21 Our first restaurant "Alemendro 13" is known for their Rosca Jamón Ibérico con Brie. It's like a really large bagel with thinly sliced Ibérico ham and brie cheese that you cut up into sections to share. (In the picture of all of us you can see another delicious shared tapa called Pisto con Huevo, which is a ratatoille sauce with thick cut fried potato chips and a fried egg on top!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dab8ed3c-66f4-4a5c-ba18-c64978d8f07b/551d9eba-d310-4962-a9fa-4b566edcc9bd.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 The kids in front of Alemendro 13. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576950362-R8KH20RETTXF8PP4S5MW/tempImagegHYb8b.png Viva España! August 15-21 The kids were also introduced to a Spanish game called Polilla Tramposa or The Cheating Moth. It has become a favorite at our house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/305870d9-9461-4759-963d-01963cf9a972/tempImagejhB0pr.png Viva España! August 15-21 We ended our evening with some traditional Churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791576981423-46BXCTOJZSETZL1CR1VR/tempImageJRan80.png Viva España! August 15-21 There are thick and thin churros, and you dip them in this thick chocolate sauce! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/a5040558-479d-43ae-9903-403942569a24/tempImageDo4RWg.png Viva España! August 15-21 The kids enjoyed every last drop! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791577004086-QM2JFGTC03CR67TK9KM7/tempImage6ruwbF.png Viva España! August 15-21 Sweet reunion between Amelia and Sra A. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791577017764-7BNC21INCTL778A3G4RR/tempImagetPfIHu.png Viva España! August 15-21 Ratón Perez is the Spanish version of the tooth fairy. The tale of Ratón Perez was made up by a royal advisor when King Alfonso XIII was a child. The story of the mouse spread and has become part of common folklore. There is a Ratón Perez museum in Madrid and you can even find small doors for his hiding places around the city. We found one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791577102232-EPOT5WQ0A5UF511HQOQB/tempImagerIEDyV.png Viva España! August 15-21 One of Ratón Perez's hideaways in the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9202a32b-5077-4f6b-8e1d-9abda4ddd5c4/58d040a5-1f89-46b0-9db5-53bdf34047f6.jpg Viva España! August 15-21 We ended our evening walking around the city together enjoying some of the sites. The kids were super excited that we were out after midnight (unusual for us, but not unusual in Spain!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791577126333-5D27BSENJ47ITLTFK5W5/tempImagewfiuQE.png Viva España! August 15-21 We had a little time on our last day to walk down Grand Via and see all the high-end shopping. The buildings were beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791577144695-KC15QZPV7ZITMVWN02SS/tempImageKP3mwL.png Viva España! August 15-21 The Schweppes Building is a historic art deco landmark in Madrid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/72049194-fe28-4218-9abd-5854b8dd2b64/tempImageaVQpjx.png Viva España! August 15-21 Beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/19e9692c-4857-4c9a-820d-dd1d8c5605ab/tempImagelHPnI3.png Viva España! August 15-21 You know we made one more stop at El Corte Inglés before heading to the airport. What a great trip to Madrid! This marks the end of our first Schengen Chapter as we head to Great Britain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/90ef8668-bd81-4721-841a-e3cb23abaa4e/tempImagevYs8OC.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/eeb7e06d-4d92-4089-a4ae-7dde4eb1af9f/IMG_1010.JPEG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bc7a1cee-bdd9-4540-8d65-94113b69284e/tempImage1GFkgj.png https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/new-blog daily 0.75 2026-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6a3dd74d-74fc-4e85-8342-62fa4943395f/IMG_2145.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Why pay extra for grocery bags when you've got 8 hands between you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6a3dd74d-74fc-4e85-8342-62fa4943395f/IMG_2145.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Why pay extra for grocery bags when you've got 8 hands between you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791802323082-4AOXA9TNNQXQ6U2GDV9N/IMG_2003.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond I forgot to mention that these two guys got their first European haircut in Madrid! Lookin' sharp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5ed1e5cb-05b2-48c1-b133-a7f7bdbe06d9/IMG_2139.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Together in Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5ed1e5cb-05b2-48c1-b133-a7f7bdbe06d9/IMG_2139.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Together in Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791802342091-1SCD7KONDZVLWY6YFV29/tempImage3G8945.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We found it harder to find a reasonably priced AirBnB in London, so we went with a budget friendly hotel room. The Premier Inn worked well for our family. The room had 3 beds lined up right next to each other, so it was like one big slumber party (Amelia's dream come true!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/25751c41-afb8-4673-ab7d-5e0e2bcc872c/IMG_2128.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond A walk through Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/25751c41-afb8-4673-ab7d-5e0e2bcc872c/IMG_2128.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond A walk through Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0ca14958-50d5-4093-9bbb-7bd440de8a5b/tempImage2alGVR.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The biggest bonus about the Premier Inn is their full English breakfasts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/57347c19-0c51-4121-92e1-a7a35a46d774/IMG_2073.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Along the roadside headed south from Bilbao to Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/57347c19-0c51-4121-92e1-a7a35a46d774/IMG_2073.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Along the roadside headed south from Bilbao to Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003990432-27WOAHYOASKDLDJVKA97/tempImageZpSpUT.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Also, from our trip to London two years ago, we remembered that Pizza Express offers great deals for families and that helped our budget in this expensive city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f4ad859d-2f3a-4e74-9880-bb3400cfb642/IMG_2192.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f4ad859d-2f3a-4e74-9880-bb3400cfb642/IMG_2192.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003709806-BFR3HZOE6COWWA7EGSKL/tempImageG4IqFK.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Our hotel was out in Wimbledon. Someone told us it pretty much takes and hour to get anywhere in London and we found that to be true. We used public transportation whenever possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dbbbdc9b-769f-47fb-bab8-2d9d201358ae/IMG_2207.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Hmmm....so what to do with the other 3 suitcases and 4 backpacks? Ha...the luggage struggle is real. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dbbbdc9b-769f-47fb-bab8-2d9d201358ae/IMG_2207.jpeg London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Hmmm....so what to do with the other 3 suitcases and 4 backpacks? Ha...the luggage struggle is real. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791802305887-LP95JY8U7S01FN96GX90/tempImageY8hYP3.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We entered the city at Waterloo station. Wow! Lots of people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/95e18248-c767-4d31-b36f-22df45d24e3c/tempImageL2Ub6Y.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Excited to be in London! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791802581047-VN8UQG2KZGONK37OVHXZ/tempImagemBzaTb.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We loved that this mural greeted us shortly after we exited the Metro. "Mrs. Brown says that in London everyone is different and that means anyone can fit in." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003651414-PD0SEAA35M5QLHSJO0TH/tempImageuUcm95.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond No regrets! Starting to feel that school stress melting away as the school year starts back and he does not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003771836-70PEFGL70D9QL742DB11/tempImageOZ7fVI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The London Eye was having mechanical issues the last time we were in London, so we thought we would attempt it on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791811339837-FQWTXR0XSIMRVMOIE4TU/tempImageXGUe8W.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We came across a cool playground on the way there and stopped for a bit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004432082-F5DZN0W9EXEYM8EVOECA/tempImagecSAVox.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond This summarizes Joshua's feelings about this playground. Haha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791803476353-2K8IN4XSW15DKW5YJKU2/tempImagestPW4c.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Amelia, the gymnast, was living her best life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003570319-GY3RVL9RN19ZUHNOHYTK/tempImageYBFfsn.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The London Eye was open! The kids loved seeing across the city and we remembered to bring our binoculars! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/231f20cb-5995-4c3f-945f-09f03535c86d/tempImageMQmPJE.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Hello Big Ben and The Parliament Building! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/55a5cf20-e354-4acb-aa6f-8ce179fcff38/tempImage5K30Fc.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We walked along the Thames as we headed down toward some famous bridges. Along the way we saw the Globe Theatre. We took a tour here two years ago- it was worth it! A fun way to learn some history about Shakespeare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791811938817-7HQBDLNYDOENAD2CASIK/tempImageuxpwas.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Clink Street tunnel under the railroad tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004053626-51DGBYIGBVB4MQF4K3QR/tempImageQpohZG.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The opening to Borough Market. I had no idea how far back the Market went. Thanks to the Watsons and Harbesons for some food recommendations here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003396300-JK9D9YYW1QOL6WEJ1GI3/tempImageA3nP9W.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Black Pig was a must-try sandwhich stop. Let me tell you, this place was crowded! But they also had this line down to a science and it went quick! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ca767c7f-245e-47e5-a587-b608c31caba2/tempImagejU5tJ6.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We went with "The Best One" which is described as "slow roast pork shoulder, honey truffle parm mayo, salsa verde, peperoncini sott'olio, fennel apple slaw & 30mo aged parmesan." These sandwiches were more delicious than I imagined! And so big that we split two! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004293031-DJURCMWSV59ZIMW8LLOK/tempImagexzltAw.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond When we walked around the corner from The Black Pig we saw Khanom Krok Thai and this dessert being prepared. We all love mango with sticky rice and when we saw them preparing it with "coconut ice-cream noodles," we were in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/eadd6b3b-1881-4ce0-b3d0-2ca9b5ea643f/tempImageybESHv.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Our final stop in the market was at the famous "Turnips" for their chocolate covered strawberry cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791812693146-M3OV69YNL81TBJLU4UC4/tempImageCNoWaU.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond So many strawberries! If you look behind the man handing out the cups of strawberries and chocolate, you can see the spigots with liquid chocolate flowing out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bf9324f1-37a4-4040-aacb-362a8783c77d/tempImageaJapc7.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Yes, please! The chocolate was like magic shell on the strawberries! Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9bb2360e-7017-451a-ba5b-ab1083515de0/tempImageCHBQYK.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We wondered through the market looking at the rest of their goods, from breads and doughnuts to mushroom paella and lobster. So fun to explore. We walked across the street from the market to enjoy and afternoon coffee at Monmouth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004531415-2DBQ1VE5Q5G0QCQJ5A5L/tempImagemCuUYX.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond What a sweet little shop. We loved that they had different specially roasted beans you could pick from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/aa72c5e9-d893-4d47-8aef-08b9a205e43e/tempImagexx93Cu.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond And while we had coffee, the kids enjoyed a Babychino of warmed milk with sugar on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791813049864-MGCOBRBT9WN7TLLKN397/tempImageui9Kor.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond London Underground and "The Shard" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791813082703-4PL6Y0G6MUMQ2QFUTAGR/tempImageL7tiVN.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Fancy renting an Uber Lime bike? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/930e744e-6d4f-4d55-8625-aa007ec098e9/tempImageX1pdf0.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The London Bridge was really just a regular bridge, with nothing too exciting about it. However, the view across to Tower Bridge was great! And it took us to the other side of the Thames so that we could walk by some attractions on that side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004620971-HDED11NIH3UT2HM9RF88/tempImagedHrcv1.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Looking at the Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast from the London Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791922374615-FJ205LYGAH4II2ZT6VHL/tempImageg7qmcZ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Monument to the Great Fire of London was built during 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666, which burned for 4 days and destroyed over 2/3rds of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791922333731-UDI1EPA36DBYF42O59DS/tempImagejV6ygO.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Flowers and lamps, so beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791922398946-L53GA21XJV1J0IQJ00Y4/tempImageitQJD2.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Fresh flowers could be found outside most pub windows https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792004685042-93DYOBA03JW4K2SRB8SO/tempImageLQt6Vs.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Tower of London with the Tower Bridge in the background. We didn't stop at the Tower of London this time, but we have previously been there to see the Crown Jewels. William the Conquerer had this fortress built in 1066 and from then until the 17th century, it has been used as a fortress, as a prison, as a place of executions (i.e. Anne Bolyn), as a royal zoo(!), and for protected storage of the Crown Jewels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bbe1d853-5876-4114-89c1-6528dc244743/tempImagertj9cK.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Tower Bridge. Due to traffic problems in the 1870s, a bridge design competition was run in 1876 by the City Bridge Foundation. However, no design was selected until 1884. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791894093554-HPGXH32QYFUDUN1K5FCX/tempImageg3RgNv.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The current gothic design was built from 1886-1894. The bridge is a combination bascule and suspension bridge, allowing ships to pass through, ease traffic congestion, and with a high-level walkway allowing for additional pedestrian traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791894117887-A4T1DDWAK4QPIMU2132X/tempImageNGpQ4Y.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond This is not a draw-bridge, but the road moves up more like a see-saw on each side to let ships pass through. In fact, the word "Bascule" means see-saw or balance in French! The bridge used steam to power the hydraulic engines to open the bascules until 1976. Now, the bascules are still opened using hycraulic engines, but powered by oil and electricity instead of steam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791894139225-AY0P12PSQEKD7MD66RTY/tempImageubfk93.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Standing in front of one of the towers (no we didn't go across the walking bridge this time). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791894205855-ZSQFHY1J8A6ZR7JGJH67/tempImagepEIRui.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Chinatown! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005539794-S4GSM2RNK3PCGKSOXQSB/tempImageSo47cb.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Rosa's Thai! We ate here two years ago with my brother and we loved it so much that we found it again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005460379-LUVLQSTCO0ZD41MK3Z0A/tempImageimPSGQ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Pad Thai! Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005491308-NDTKAYS9ZSY14K6TIDUN/tempImageDKOWLI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Khao Soi Noodle Soup! Also, very delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6f298d67-67e5-47d2-bcbb-d4c4439d0050/tempImageODIYKk.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Joshua and Amelia entertained themselves with handgames whenever they had downtime. Train-time was the perfect opportunity! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005856122-C0BNVYJZGQL9BD20QHHD/tempImageoUsWb9.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Another day coming out of the Metro station! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791922624057-IJTQ3JBVKTP5IXHPQ5GE/tempImageorStuy.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, right outside the train station, and look at that fancy car! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005913433-ND9RQDAT3MG4H5BCNPOS/tempImageovHD8A.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We'd never been to the British Library, but we heard they have an impressive display of original works (thanks Watsons!). So, we took a gander! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792005956336-FK7IBYK5W228IFUWGD2G/tempImagemKBBCe.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The British Library opened in 1998- noted here with a statue of William Shakespeare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ea570902-b6dd-41e1-9920-a29228f0e768/tempImageGBTKwR.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Welcome to the British Library...I'll share a few of my favorites. Not pictured: Beowolf, the Magna Carta, and Boston Massacre Newspaper. We did not even see all of the books! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791895760029-5E849684V0ZXG0P6ZIGH/tempImageuEaz4z.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Jane Austen! "Opinions on Mansfied Park" along with a pair of her spectacles (1814). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/db44c2d6-e1bf-4167-8113-e0c4fa85f481/tempImageoN6Edu.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Monty Python's "Spanish Inquisition" sketch 1970. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792003064937-Y4IJ99MF4NMLY4P4MVWV/tempImage1pIR9O.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Shakespeare's First Folio- published seven years after his death and containing 36 of his plays, many of them never published before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c59d8c91-1f92-45f7-aab3-62d5628206c1/tempImageiG7y6U.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond What a cool seat! Are you a slave to reading? or is the ball and chain keeping you grounded on earth? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b7bb9619-60eb-4579-81cf-a928885dd49a/tempImageBh3W5A.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Both kids wanted their own picture on the creative bench! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792074530566-45REX34IITA2X96RIQ6Q/tempImagedlUsil.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond As we left, we noticed another cool entrance to the library courtyard- picture worthy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b43da930-8233-49fd-8aa4-df2799024a94/tempImageEoGje5.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond More beautiful flowers above pub windows as we walk along in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8cac87d4-a89e-4115-b69f-d6939621e1a0/tempImagec1RPeZ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond This became our museum day and we spent some time at the British Museum as well. We did not have a lot of time here, but moved around to find some highlights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006129527-HA1IPHIPPSC85T8LSCJM/tempImage7ggext.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Great Court at the British Museum- all the displays can be accessed from this center location. I loved the glass tiled ceiling and the shadows it created it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006179257-JEOTSAGT4QI5U09MFLJ4/tempImagefsze0K.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Hoa Hakananai'a/Moai; Rapanui, 1000-1200 (Easter Island) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006202034-1WC8NJ76NI1HNN0MJ1IA/tempImagemVUQtA.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Rosetta Stone. It was really hard to get a good picture because of the reflections on the glass, but this gives you an idea. The stone is a fragment of a larger piece that includes an inscription of the same message in three languages- Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics, Egyption Demotic Script, and Ancient Greek. This stone became the key to translating/deciphering hieroglyphics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006227053-WQ618B2J1N06ZH797G5H/tempImageHgFfQL.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond A closer view of the hieroglyphics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006256821-C6K1KBQX9911WGPI86I0/tempImageGx1wXN.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond King Ramses II (the upper part of a seated statue) 1279-1213BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006760722-3L9NPNBB105XEOGPAUJC/tempImagenPI6eu.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Gayer-Anderson cat, named after Major Gayer-Anderson, who donated the sculpture to the British Museum. The cat is a bronze sculpture dating back to around 600 B.C. and it most likely represents the goddess Bastet. The kids were reading through a description of scientific research completed with this statue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0a680dde-d0c6-4fe0-9ed1-73ae50e9ccb7/tempImagey3wQfd.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond What grand columns! We barely made it out of one section of the museum before they were closing. We missed so much, but are thankful for what we did get to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006548731-8A2QWMBRWRVSDF1AOHZM/tempImageuk0tMh.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We entered through the back and exited through the front! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006572692-CAP6IJUHC2TIEPDUQBAM/tempImagekATfv7.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We took the Elizabeth line out to Ealing to attend an evening church service. What pretty houses out in this area with little front gardens and lots of windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8cd9ebe6-58b3-4fdc-93f5-b2322e2678d3/tempImagetAOSNs.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We visited International Presbyterian Church in Ealing with the recommendation of our friends who used to live in London (thank you Thomaes!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1791920019531-88SFRFIXTM7U2XOW1YQ3/tempImageSRD0vj.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The church building is quite modern, but houses an older chapel inside (you can see it in this picture). We really enjoyed the service and were able to connect with the people afterwards. The kids also enjoyed a jolly game of soccer with kids they met. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9af12178-01db-4786-8cac-a4712897fe46/tempImageqlVLBm.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Are you tired of all of my pubs with flowers pictures? I just think they are so lovely. This picture will serve as my transition to tell you about our day outside of London. We rented a car and spent a day traveling northwest to Oxford, then South to Highclere Castle, and then back East to London. It was an easy little loop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8ac74be0-0d37-448e-9cdb-8068c6cb52d0/tempImageCBdf6p.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond John downloaded a walking tour and we went out on our own to see some of the important buildings related to the University or C.S.Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings). Here is the Oxford County Hall- a court built next to the prison in 1840. Now it is the "Old County Hall" as a new one was built in 1974. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6cea3c0a-f34f-495e-80a6-6ad2d381dfc9/tempImagepzj1bf.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond There are 39 independent colleges that are part of the University of Oxford. They are spread throughout town, so we only saw a few. This is the Faculty of History building located on George Street. The inscriptions read "Dominus Illumina Tio Mea" (The Lord is my Light), the official motto of the University of Oxford, and "Fortis Est Veritas" (Truth is Strong), which is on the Coat of Arms for the City of Oxford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006944906-J914447DPMYJO3GQ8EAI/tempImagefnltaW.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Balliol College was established in 1263 and is one of the oldest colleges part of the University of Oxford. I thought the ironwork on the door was beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006965739-IPW4TMX5B9K8F1DMGAK2/tempImageM355A5.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Ivy and hanging baskets always bring a smile to my face! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792006985102-ERTOQQGKD13N1W1XW6WL/tempImagepLrJ0d.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Blackwell's Bookshop on Broad Street was often visited by Lewis and Tolkien. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/04d73855-b2c6-46b1-add2-2b7e517e944e/tempImageTTzhwI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The White Horse resides between the two entrances to Blackwell's bookshop. The White Horse is known to be the tiniest pub in Oxford. It dates back to the 16th century and was owned by Exeter College until 1980. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/44794b72-3027-4f8d-9625-5e4eaf0237a1/tempImageOYiqhT.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Sheldonian Theatre was built in the 1660s and serves as the Assembly Room for Oxford University, including all of their public ceremonies. The building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It is said that he based it off the concept of a Roman theatre, but the weather in England required the building to have a roof, which became quite a feat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792007006393-FYTJDMAI48EGLSDHSAHK/tempImageqcDBKk.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Kings Arms, known as Oxford's oldest pub, has been operating since 1607, and claims to have "the highest IQ per square foot." Apparently they attract a lot of adademics! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/390d7756-aa7d-4f16-8d6b-208cd795e79b/tempImagedabmrc.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond This building was originally the "Indian Institute," but now houses the Oxford Martin School (social sciences). It sits on the corner of Broad, Holywell, and Catte streets, near the center of Oxford. These old ornate buildings all along the curves roads were quite beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792007027249-PDIPWYUGE7Q1HE3AE2CH/tempImageElxPq1.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Bath Place hotel is an historic set of 17th century cottages down a small lane that still serve as a hotel. It is believed to be at the base of the medieval wall of the city. We thought it looked just lovely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/18b9ff5c-cd51-4b07-91a3-def45651cac6/tempImagezYVurc.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond My, oh my, how the architecture changes from place to place. No balconies, shutters, or flowers here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/06c9f096-1f4a-42ae-82e4-f51b8fbc2a94/tempImagekQJ09e.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond 1 Mansfield Road, right off of Holywell Street. C.S. Lewis arrived in Oxford when he was 18 years old (Dec 1916) and this is the first place where he stayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792007096742-0POYELV36D8CRLMNLBJA/tempImageDixciI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Of course we had to get a picture with a red telephone box. There were signs on these all around town asking folks to help preserve them (and not destroy them) for future generations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792048632835-RBM3GWPW9PJT9PKT9V2K/tempImagezc2vic.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Magdalen tower was built between 1492 and 1509. It is the tallest medieval structure that still exists in Oxford and part of Magdalen College. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792060786301-TSC5JEVQ0C3B4VAXAN5I/tempImageprehYd.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond C.S. Lewis was a Fellow and Tutor at Magdalen College from 1925 to 1954. It was during this time that he converted from atheism to Christianity and wrote "Mere Christianity" and "The Screwtape Letters." He also co-founded and hosted meetings of the "Inklings," a literary discussion group, which also included J.R.R. Tolkien. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792060812080-DH59DUV9HMVVIYMXAXEV/tempImageLAwNAd.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond As an aside, look how dead the grass is. They have had such a hot summer in Europe. No rain means dead grass! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792060983455-TZUD9M8BLVZXJW9C34UA/tempImage4BW4jO.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond As we wandered around town, we noticed this pretty restaurant! We didn't get a chance to eat there, but still captured it's loveliness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792061045792-UHMIGZLDBLMMPS5Q6OCR/tempImagehbishV.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We decided to take a punting tour before we arrived and made a reservation with a group advertising that they were led by alumni from Oxford. While that was not the case at all, the punting was fun to see and we had a nice little rest time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792061075356-3WQOVHMZJW026Q3ALSGC/tempImagerDdd1S.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Our punting guide in the background explaining something about the colleges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/124095b4-958f-465e-959f-7a63b230e5b4/tempImagevv73Uc.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond John and Amelia with the Magdalen Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/0512933a-7b57-4489-b2ac-25dba24ca44f/tempImagexBGsXD.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Lots of ducks along the way. They entertained the kids greatly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/bb062c6b-6229-4146-b736-250b01f3af91/tempImagePjnAN7.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Punting boats beneath Magdalen Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792061144761-MP1O04JVL4XY6BHXY5IH/tempImageEn2Qur.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond There is a famous bridged archway between buildings in Oxford called the "Bridge of Sighs," but this isn't it. Haha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792061584724-59R12OSO8Z7VHOGQZO0O/tempImagez2whnZ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond High Street Oxford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/61f5e58e-2df4-4edf-8237-45b652bf49ab/tempImageErDMqI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We went to The Covered Market Oxford to find some lunch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792074783037-PCPEUSCWX2V9XOZCSL8Z/tempImageub4Hxc.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The Covered Market had lots of shops that were more like individual stalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e63f8b84-29bf-405d-b082-20a74b62a694/tempImageQMTBov.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We found a baked potato shop for lunch. Sweet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792077137048-UMNEHAITYYMM6J1YBVVD/tempImageJjnHqq.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The baked potatoes were really delicious. This one has butter, bacon, and cheese, and a side salad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8cafe9b4-7a85-4e5a-a9dc-79906356f02e/tempImageAWSl7q.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Quite satisfied! Indoor picnic tables were a sweet spot to sit and enjoy our lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792075251367-BWH1RNENLHDZRQYBEB04/tempImageYLVmw6.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Leaving town and capturing the scenic views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1542d1a0-cbcc-41b8-b3a1-5a139a02e1c1/tempImageQ1gHOB.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Rolling hills on the drive south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8429cd8e-0c1b-4716-98ea-724a01ff94f7/tempImageY9zTJD.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond First view of Highclere Castle. When John and I got married, Downton Abbey was at a high, and we watched through the first few seasons every night after work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/93701256-7758-465c-a71d-156406e41128/tempImageBiD8hI.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond We even listened to the music of the intro on the long driveway to the castle. I know, we're cheesy, but it was fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9baf90fd-4258-496f-9f1f-85c2e4688dd0/tempImage5oQ2Bn.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond View of the front where we entered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/84ae4d6d-c682-41e5-910a-c105783241d6/tempImageId00gi.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond No photographs were allowed inside the castle. There was history about the castle itself as well as information about the show. We enjoyed seeing displays of scenes from the show alongside the actual rooms where they were filmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/e8748078-493a-4988-88de-637a3bc6aeed/tempImageTLffeJ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond They had a tearoom with scones, clotted cream, and jam. We enjoyed sharing with some hot tea! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/db0953b0-f613-472e-9d4c-905b6168089b/tempImageR3QLlC.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Lovely tea time after our tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6a6cb016-f548-4d4a-beb2-e2c652c17e64/tempImageFiRVcD.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Additional seating for tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d3c9ce34-62ed-47b7-868d-3e9f7f298173/tempImagePX0RSU.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond The rolling landscape is often featured in the show, so even the view was enjoyable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b604ec08-cb16-4f4f-94c1-cbace5e1fc29/tempImageowYGwZ.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Walking from the back around to the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8e0661c5-7ace-4c43-bff2-2c6b34735726/tempImager6FCDk.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Even though our kids have never seen the show, they enjoyed the tour and appreciate our love for the show now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/75c9c874-e61b-429c-ac18-e5351ebeef00/tempImagelz7Ach.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond A close up of the front doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/be892b0c-ba20-48f4-8879-9ff99d488430/tempImageTAgI4P.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond One final goodbye as we drove out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/ab76cadc-5c9f-4e88-abe5-9b744466f710/tempImagecFXphj.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond Back to London and time for a quite mean at Honest Burgers. Great burgers! This was our last day in England before taking the train north to Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dc3a0d30-096e-42e2-9b61-50176cfc0f3e/tempImagestZsVo.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1792061107315-A83X9GCBMGCYY7CJNQLG/tempImagestZsVo.png London, Edinburgh, and Beyond A view from the water- the Botanical Gardens of Oxford and in the background is another view of the Magdalen Bell Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/10185654-fede-4fff-aac8-a075678b22f2/tempImageJ0OZKv.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4566c37f-d5d6-46eb-b27f-091b3fb0b614/tempImagemkzlHf.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/834a173e-05b4-4ca0-9803-3de86e714132/tempImageVXUvzL.jpg https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/joinus daily 0.75 2026-09-10 https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/about daily 0.75 2026-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/7b20de22-b325-466e-b575-0349209830ec/tempImagehZnypK.png https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/gallery-3-1 daily 0.75 2026-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36e5d171-2040-4af2-a425-653e3eb21c2e/IMG_1936.jpeg Gallery Along the Bay of Biscay, getting ready for the 241 step climb to the 10th century hermitage dedicated to John the Baptist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6a3dd74d-74fc-4e85-8342-62fa4943395f/IMG_2145.jpeg Gallery Why pay extra for grocery bags when you've got 8 hands between you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5ed1e5cb-05b2-48c1-b133-a7f7bdbe06d9/IMG_2139.jpeg Gallery Together in Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/25751c41-afb8-4673-ab7d-5e0e2bcc872c/IMG_2128.jpeg Gallery A walk through Retiro Park in Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/57347c19-0c51-4121-92e1-a7a35a46d774/IMG_2073.jpeg Gallery Along the roadside headed south from Bilbao to Madrid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9d411826-877a-456a-b112-0a9f049588a8/IMG_2051.jpeg Gallery The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/620f687b-0528-40f1-9915-fe520a310eae/IMG_1989.jpeg Gallery At the top of the 241 steps. Bay of Biscay's beauty all around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/2442f3cb-1910-4335-b83f-5bdcc102cd7e/IMG_1957.jpeg Gallery Well-prepared for the hike to the top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/472f5a5c-dbfa-40c9-936e-ac9fe9592bed/IMG_1964.jpeg Gallery The lizards were a hit; they played "cat and mouse" with Joshua, who was loving every second. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/f4ad859d-2f3a-4e74-9880-bb3400cfb642/IMG_2192.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/d492c8e3-247d-4740-b6e7-4002802ffad0/IMG_2150.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/dbbbdc9b-769f-47fb-bab8-2d9d201358ae/IMG_2207.jpeg Gallery Hmmm....so what to do with the other 3 suitcases and 4 backpacks? Ha...the luggage struggle is real. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fa188177-e634-4822-aaa9-4f529027554f/IMG_2037.jpeg Gallery Running through a more-than-lifesized piece of art at the Guggenheim Bilbao. (This was a dizzying experience). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1681c5f3-49a5-48d0-bf8a-7720ace7f4d2/IMG_1885.jpeg Gallery Sand art at La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/3ecd89a3-2923-4d83-bc94-2ef48cabe7ac/IMG_1848.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/5c05d03f-2e3a-4210-a4a0-978ce3263ddd/IMG_1843.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/822c6511-9a10-48b5-a3c2-de14d2968cf0/IMG_1832.jpeg Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/68c00d34-3679-46f3-91a1-386a0fa76032/IMG_1774.jpeg Gallery Can you guess which city we're in? We followed the full route just a few days after the festival had ended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/23aeea2b-69d2-4070-b6eb-e2d7d6f3ab04/IMG_1777.jpeg Gallery Beautiful spice and pasta options at the Mercado de Santo Domingo (Pamplona) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/62711343-5f1f-4bf9-a0ec-c4d63da1cdc5/IMG_1761.jpeg Gallery Route marker for El Camino de Santiago. One of the legendary pilgrimage routes to Compostela runs right through Pamplona. https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/gallery-3-1-1 daily 0.75 2026-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932029.129915-IMJKRJFAHSBPFQAUSTES/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-Y-fe58148c.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b7864977-15b7-4568-b8f9-d3d14b567a1b/IMG_1418.jpeg Gallery Tree-lined and sun-drenched pedestrian avenues. (John's favorite). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/b7864977-15b7-4568-b8f9-d3d14b567a1b/IMG_1418.jpeg Gallery Tree-lined and sun-drenched pedestrian avenues. (John's favorite). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932030.342845-SCQUMACHJEFNNPFWRWTD/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ--E-1f177a41.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/491686da-bf20-4a07-9d16-a295909bd6b0/ef43203d-d6cf-41bd-8f37-d30344404c6d.jpeg Gallery TAPAS! One of our first days and it's time for croquetas and olives. Yum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9a50500d-22fb-4e67-ba4a-ecf883fcf704/IMG_1424.jpeg Gallery El Mercado de Colón: A Beautiful Foodie Pit Stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/9a50500d-22fb-4e67-ba4a-ecf883fcf704/IMG_1424.jpeg Gallery El Mercado de Colón: A Beautiful Foodie Pit Stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8daeed80-4e45-4b38-b203-95b8a01ee925/2ef20ef2-9c36-4d20-9ce1-3b48cb036368.jpeg Gallery Gelato, Fartón, and Horchata: Starting the Dessert Game Strong. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932028.570208-AVRXYDRHKTXGTSXKNCCG/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-C-69d1613b.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/8daeed80-4e45-4b38-b203-95b8a01ee925/2ef20ef2-9c36-4d20-9ce1-3b48cb036368.jpeg Gallery Gelato, Fartón, and Horchata: Starting the Dessert Game Strong. :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/39352b97-ae83-429b-8a5e-d8f0e997057e/IMG_1449.jpeg Gallery We loved capturing the flags of Valencia, Spain, and the EU right outside the Plaza de la Virgen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932029.455714-WMYYCPJDXHYXNTHYHZUL/imgg-gg3p-BC-DRQ-b1ca29f7.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/39352b97-ae83-429b-8a5e-d8f0e997057e/IMG_1449.jpeg Gallery We loved capturing the flags of Valencia, Spain, and the EU right outside the Plaza de la Virgen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fa858b93-dfc2-4a06-92fa-125549d8bdad/IMG_1453.jpeg Gallery Strolling through the Ciutat Vella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fa858b93-dfc2-4a06-92fa-125549d8bdad/IMG_1453.jpeg Gallery Strolling through the Ciutat Vella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fc906a71-ccbb-4d59-851e-c10b97cbb9e6/0c090522-3c46-47c7-b583-0af9c156447b.jpeg Gallery A long bike ride to the beach. And now, time for a quick snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932030.174181-FBMFIAHYALKSWQZSCTQP/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-U-9d4bb91d.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/fc906a71-ccbb-4d59-851e-c10b97cbb9e6/0c090522-3c46-47c7-b583-0af9c156447b.jpeg Gallery A long bike ride to the beach. And now, time for a quick snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/491686da-bf20-4a07-9d16-a295909bd6b0/ef43203d-d6cf-41bd-8f37-d30344404c6d.jpeg Gallery TAPAS! One of our first days and it's time for croquetas and olives. Yum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6ed2b15d-45fa-43d6-8fbd-20eb613297dd/596aa4ae-ba54-47a2-a448-1d483cb271ff.jpeg Gallery We had an excellent bike tour with Luke, from "Valencia Bike Guy." It was a hot and tiring day but a tremendous way to see the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4c32c672-91b9-4b4c-b100-27a43b1453e3/9176b6cd-6392-4433-a1ee-f2fa214dc51e.jpeg Gallery The WONDERFUL aquarium in Valencia, the 6th largest in the world. We enjoyed the dolphin show and beluga whales so much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932029.360051-JLCEEADQCWVCJOBNODFY/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-M-46be1507.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/4c32c672-91b9-4b4c-b100-27a43b1453e3/9176b6cd-6392-4433-a1ee-f2fa214dc51e.jpeg Gallery The WONDERFUL aquarium in Valencia, the 6th largest in the world. We enjoyed the dolphin show and beluga whales so much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/51434ac1-40b8-4114-b6bf-9f3a755e40cf/e726048e-2eb5-40e4-b798-c776475dc510.jpeg Gallery Our first paella of the trip. Not fully traditional "Valenciana" because we didn't include the rabbit. But the chicken was yummy and the setting was very cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36251807-a7a1-44f4-ac97-a1cdb1206792/IMG_1603.jpeg Gallery What marine-animal can you see? The (Calatrava) architecture in the City of Arts and Sciences is amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/36251807-a7a1-44f4-ac97-a1cdb1206792/IMG_1603.jpeg Gallery What marine-animal can you see? The (Calatrava) architecture in the City of Arts and Sciences is amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932028.996614-UTQBLDRGZFNAGLOVELRR/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-Y-0570a11c.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/51434ac1-40b8-4114-b6bf-9f3a755e40cf/e726048e-2eb5-40e4-b798-c776475dc510.jpeg Gallery Our first paella of the trip. Not fully traditional "Valenciana" because we didn't include the rabbit. But the chicken was yummy and the setting was very cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/6ed2b15d-45fa-43d6-8fbd-20eb613297dd/596aa4ae-ba54-47a2-a448-1d483cb271ff.jpeg Gallery We had an excellent bike tour with Luke, from "Valencia Bike Guy." It was a hot and tiring day but a tremendous way to see the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932029.245059-QEGOTTMBDCNDCBJFHMUK/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-F-7be99eb1.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1d2f91cb-590d-4bad-ae1d-7cda6a4e2c90/IMG_1689.jpeg Gallery City Hall. It's open to the public, includes a great museum (with A/C :)), and features a great balcony to see a beautiful view of Plaza del Ayuntamiento. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1d2f91cb-590d-4bad-ae1d-7cda6a4e2c90/IMG_1689.jpeg Gallery City Hall. It's open to the public, includes a great museum (with A/C :)), and features a great balcony to see a beautiful view of Plaza del Ayuntamiento. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932028.6304-PKCCNZGGRYQJQYDBZUYM/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-C-26ac8b8f.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932031.11286-ZBCPULHSCKQTWCTIVHHM/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-U-4232d553.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932031.011044-HQYJCWTPVIDSHAHUIARE/imgg-gg3p-BC-DRJ-9a3ac480.png Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1780932029.072859-RATCSBPJSJUXULADKIYR/imgg-gg3p-BC-DQ-G-cfb72dce.png Gallery https://www.postcardsandperspectives.com/services daily 1.0 2026-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/c8c9fc3f-ebd3-47df-8fe0-41ddafc0134d/WhatsApp+Image+2026-09-04+at+7.23.22+PM.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1788549539931-7HGU920I2VFDXTRFE5XV/unsplash-image-bwOAixLG0uc.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a84348a045b2d69942b0f51/1788549605639-I9S61O67L815ZOCLH0DJ/unsplash-image-HgZY0oYkpi8.jpg