Spain. In Pictures

Spain is a wonderful country. The food is great. The people are kind, outgoing, and always seem cheerful. The architecture is stunning. Spain is just... well, it's Spain. What else can I say?

Cadiz

Cadiz is a wonderful town in far, south west Spain. It can be reached by bus and train, and it's really worth the trip.

The biggest cathedral in Cadiz. It's 5 euros to go inside and is ABSOLUTELY worth it.

Inside the Cadiz Cathedral. It's one of the most interesting churches I've seen. Inside are several little 'chapels' like this, as well as a spooky crypt beneath the church.

 The view from the top of the Cadiz Cathedral.

There were huge bells on the roof of the cathedral. There was no warning before one went off, and a poor German guy was right below this bell when it went off.

We stumbled upon this elaborate ceremony, involving hundreds of people, where they moved this fancy Jesus statue from one church to another. The other church was literally across the street, and the procession lasted over an hour- so they walked VERY slowly. They had a whole marching band too!

Getting his picture on. 

Here's what he was trying to shoot.  You can see the Cadiz Cathedral in the center.

Cadiz, like many Spanish towns, is a maze of little alleys, each a treasure trove of food, culture, and architecture.

 

 Cadiz has a lovely beach.

One of many fountains around town.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a great city- beautiful and exciting and full of great architecture. It is also Spain's most expensive city.

A street performer blows balloons at night. A child has the time of her life chasing them down. 

Two huge fountains in Catalunya Square. You can see the silhouette of statues before the second fountain.

The national museum of Cataluna, in Park Montjuic, Barcelona. Park Montjuic is MASSIVE. 

Statues in Park Montjuic.

 La Sagrada Familia. A large Roman Catholic church designed by Spain's favorite architect, Gaudi.

Madrid

There is an Egyptian temple, built in 200 BC, in the heart of Madrid. The photo was taken from inside it, seeking shelter from a sudden down pour.

A street performer. This guy was great, and really seemed to enjoy his work.

A puddle. 

A silhouetted statue of Pope John Paul II.

My Dad, getting a pic of the statue.

Toledo

Toledo was a wonderful little town, just 45 miles south of Madrid. Buses from Madrid were 5 euros and ran every hour or so. Trains also depart frequently, and cost about 12 euros one way.

The town seems to be known for two things- convents, and knives. Both could be seen everywhere. I've been to maybe 8 or 10 towns in Spain, and never have I seen such a fascination with blades as here. I saw a life size replica of Frodo's Elven sword from Lord of the Rings, as well as a million other cool blades. No idea why...

Toledo seen from outside the city. There is a touristy little 'train' that runs in, around, and outside the city. Take the little choo choo to get this shot.

Another shot from outside the city. 

In the center of town, there is the Cathedral. It makes the pics you take so much more interesting.

Like this one.

And this one.

Oh, and this one.

Here's the cathedral at night. Don't mind the man on the scaffolding in the foreground. He's taking apart the stage after a huge concert.

The view from our hotel bedroom. 

More puddles.

Marbella

Marbella is a tiny little town in which I spent a month working in a hostel. It's mostly full of retired British people, and British University students looking to get drunk as fast as humanly possibly. Nice town, but it wasn't so special.

Puerto Banus

No pictures of Puerto Banus. It's an overpriced town next to Marbella, full of wealthy people driving their rented Maseratis and Ferraris. There are much more interesting places in Spain to visit. Like Ronda.

Ronda

Ronda is a small town in southern Spain. It was an hour's bus ride from my hostel in Marbella, and the ride was only a few Euros each way. And boy, was it worth the trip...

The flat bits are all vineyards and agriculture. 

The town itself is raised, built upon these high cliffs.

You want to visit Ronda.

Spain is such a lovely country. I really enjoyed all of it, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Side note: I will be returning to the refugee camps in Greece this summer, and am trying to raise money for the people there. I am selling pictures to make money, and encourage anyone interested in helping out to buy a print. You can check it out here.

If you'd like to learn more about my experience in a refugee camp, then please go here.