We left Cadiz today. Before we left the guy had to come make sure we didn’t break the house.
We took a bus to the train station, and we were on the train to Seville. We got there, and had a few minutes for a brake. Then we got on the train to Madrid. We watched Inkheart on the train; they had an English channel, so we understood it all.
After we got there we took the C train to Ministerios. There we took the pink line (subway) to the airport. At the airport we wandered around until we found where the hotel buses picked up people; there we waited for half an hour in the heat, just for the bus driver to come and tell us to wait ten more minutes because his shift was over.
When we finally got to the hotel we got moved in and situated. We went to look for the mall the lady at the hotel told us about. When we were about to give up, mom asked one more person for directions, then we found it. It was a huge mall! We ate dinner at a Brazilian steak house. It was cool because they brought meat on sticks; they described it as a buffet that they brought to you. The walk home was much easier than the walk there.
Tomorrow we have a 12 + hour flight.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Cadz - Day 36
Today was a beach day. First we went crabbing on the pier. It was lots of fun, and we spent hours doing it. I was crabbing with Alia, and mom watched. Then an ambulance came, and there was a huge crowd on the beach. The police were standing around, while orange people were moving around whoever was hurt. After a while the orange paramedics left, and the police stayed to watch the body, which had been covered in a metallic emergency blanket. Mom said that the person who died probably had a heart attack or drowned, we watched for a while but the boys got bored and went to get water. They were gone a really long time, so Alia went to see what was up. I caught lots of small crabs while she was gone. While I was looking for a good spot to find crabs the fisherman on the end of the pier came over and asked me if I was crabbing (well he just said crab in Spanish, and I knew what he meant). Five minutes later he came back with some fishing line with calamari on the end. He showed me how to convince the big crabs to grab it, and then pull it up. Lukas was the first to catch one, and I was not far behind. A few minutes later Ben caught one, and it was just Alia. I stayed with her to help her, while we were looking for crabs we met two boys and their father, they were fishing. We talked with them for a little while, and then Alia caught a huge crab with one claw. We showed mom the crabs, and then went to see if the fisherman wanted his hooks back. He told us to keep them, so we gave them to the little boys and their father. By the time we left the body had been picked up by a large van.
We went to the SuperSol to get bread and dinner. Then we packed, and went to the beach. At the usual beach it was all gross with foul smelling seaweed, so we went to the one next to ours. We stayed for almost three and a half hours. Both Alia and I were buried by the boys, and we even met some fellow Canadians.
We came home to eat dinner, and then went out on our evening walk. Before going down to the beach we got nuts, chips, (for the train and plane) and ice cream. Our walk was fun, especially seeing all the pictures of us jumping.
I will write two more times about Spain, once tomorrow at our hotel, and once from home.
We went to the SuperSol to get bread and dinner. Then we packed, and went to the beach. At the usual beach it was all gross with foul smelling seaweed, so we went to the one next to ours. We stayed for almost three and a half hours. Both Alia and I were buried by the boys, and we even met some fellow Canadians.
We came home to eat dinner, and then went out on our evening walk. Before going down to the beach we got nuts, chips, (for the train and plane) and ice cream. Our walk was fun, especially seeing all the pictures of us jumping.
I will write two more times about Spain, once tomorrow at our hotel, and once from home.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Cadiz - Day 35
We finally went on my walk today! My walk was called Shippers to the Indies. We saw three churches, five squares, a hospital, a tower, and most importantly the Museum of Cadiz! Some of the first things we saw were the flamenco centre, the admiral’s house, and Cathedral Square. We ended up coming back there to do all our souvenir shopping. Then we made our way down some winding streets, and a shopping avenue to the Museum of Cadiz. We went past it, to head back to the stores, and on the way we saw an oratory with two chapels and some paintings by Goya.
We made the shops before they closed, and headed back towards the museum. When we got there we ate a lunch of pizzas before going in.
The museum was cool. On the ground floor was archeology. We were able to see a variety of roman ruins as well as two giant Phoenician anthropoid sarcophaguses from the fifth century. One really interesting Roman statue was one of Trajan. Its head was high quality, and made in Rome, while the rest was just sculpted locally.
On the first floor was fine art. When we got up there the security guard motioned us over to a painting, and told us to stand in two different places. We weren’t quite sure what he meant, but he kept telling us to look at the feet of the angel in the painting. We looked at the angel across the room and tried the same thing. We then realized the angel’s legs looked longer if you looked at it from one side, and short from the other side. He also told us that a landscape had blues in it that changed if you moved.
After the first floor we went up to the second floor. It had two rooms; the first one we went into was my favorite over all. It had stages of marionettes everywhere. They had a play with the Nativity Story, one with a bull fight, and one with knights. Some were strange, and some we could tell easily what they were. It was all really cool, and while we looked Alia, Ben, and Lukas watched the TV which was showing one of the puppet shows being preformed.
The second room on the first floor was contemporary art. It had modern art; some was really good, and others were just really crazy.
We came home, and ate dinner soon after. Then we continued our routine, and went crabbing. Unfortunately the tide was in, meaning the rocks we usually climbed on were submerged or very slippery. We walked along the beach a little, and then we went swimming with our clothes on. Everyone was very excited and we swam for a little while, before going home to shower and dry off.
Tomorrow is our last full day!
We made the shops before they closed, and headed back towards the museum. When we got there we ate a lunch of pizzas before going in.
The museum was cool. On the ground floor was archeology. We were able to see a variety of roman ruins as well as two giant Phoenician anthropoid sarcophaguses from the fifth century. One really interesting Roman statue was one of Trajan. Its head was high quality, and made in Rome, while the rest was just sculpted locally.
On the first floor was fine art. When we got up there the security guard motioned us over to a painting, and told us to stand in two different places. We weren’t quite sure what he meant, but he kept telling us to look at the feet of the angel in the painting. We looked at the angel across the room and tried the same thing. We then realized the angel’s legs looked longer if you looked at it from one side, and short from the other side. He also told us that a landscape had blues in it that changed if you moved.
After the first floor we went up to the second floor. It had two rooms; the first one we went into was my favorite over all. It had stages of marionettes everywhere. They had a play with the Nativity Story, one with a bull fight, and one with knights. Some were strange, and some we could tell easily what they were. It was all really cool, and while we looked Alia, Ben, and Lukas watched the TV which was showing one of the puppet shows being preformed.
The second room on the first floor was contemporary art. It had modern art; some was really good, and others were just really crazy.
We came home, and ate dinner soon after. Then we continued our routine, and went crabbing. Unfortunately the tide was in, meaning the rocks we usually climbed on were submerged or very slippery. We walked along the beach a little, and then we went swimming with our clothes on. Everyone was very excited and we swam for a little while, before going home to shower and dry off.
Tomorrow is our last full day!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Cadiz - Day 34
This morning we went to go crabbing, but the crabs here don’t seem to be the morning type of crabs. We didn’t catch any, and it was hot too. We didn’t stay that long, but we saw the man we talked to the other night. We came back just in time for lunch, and then we set off on a journey to find a dustpan and a plate. Luckily we were successful.
We then spent the afternoon playing monkey in the middle and getting sandblasted.
After dinner and some Sudoku puzzles we headed back for some much more successful crab hunting. Alia and I had a hard time at first, until a man gave us a huge crab. He removed the pinchers so we could hold it, and later a boy gave us a similar one. We acquired one more slightly smaller crab (this one with pinchers) and six other rather small crabs that Alia and I gathered. On the way to set them free we ran into some other English speakers from Ireland, Canada, USA, and Germany. We asked if they wanted the crabs, but there were no takers. After the boys finally stopped playing we headed home.
We then spent the afternoon playing monkey in the middle and getting sandblasted.
After dinner and some Sudoku puzzles we headed back for some much more successful crab hunting. Alia and I had a hard time at first, until a man gave us a huge crab. He removed the pinchers so we could hold it, and later a boy gave us a similar one. We acquired one more slightly smaller crab (this one with pinchers) and six other rather small crabs that Alia and I gathered. On the way to set them free we ran into some other English speakers from Ireland, Canada, USA, and Germany. We asked if they wanted the crabs, but there were no takers. After the boys finally stopped playing we headed home.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Cadiz - Day 33
We did Lukas’ walk today (blue walk). It wasn’t as crazy as Ben’s, but it had less stuff on it. His walk was themed the Cadiz constitution. We saw buildings where it was signed, and written. We were supposed to go in an observatory, but it was closed for renovations because in 2012 it will be two hundred years since the constitution was signed.
We ate lunch and had ice cream after the walk, and came home when we were done. Everyone rested, and relaxed until it was time to go to the beach. The water wasn’t as gross as yesterday, and mom, Alia, and I played monkey in the middle. We came out soon afterward because it was cold; on the sand it was worse though, because the wind kept sandblasting us.
After dinner and another rest we went back to the beach, and we climbed on the rocks and looked for crabs. Two kids helped us; I think their names were Elaina and Alberto. We caught about twenty crabs together. When they had to go we came off the rocks, and we walked along the beach with mom and the boys. It was nice, because of the wind and we were near the water so we wouldn’t get sandblasted.
We ate lunch and had ice cream after the walk, and came home when we were done. Everyone rested, and relaxed until it was time to go to the beach. The water wasn’t as gross as yesterday, and mom, Alia, and I played monkey in the middle. We came out soon afterward because it was cold; on the sand it was worse though, because the wind kept sandblasting us.
After dinner and another rest we went back to the beach, and we climbed on the rocks and looked for crabs. Two kids helped us; I think their names were Elaina and Alberto. We caught about twenty crabs together. When they had to go we came off the rocks, and we walked along the beach with mom and the boys. It was nice, because of the wind and we were near the water so we wouldn’t get sandblasted.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Cadiz - Day 32
We headed down to the beach for low tide and missed it, but it wasn’t that bad because it was still mostly there, and we got to look at hermit crabs.
Whoa! The moon is orange! I just noticed; it looks so cool. I will go get mom to take a picture of it; very eerie looking.
We came back to eat after going to the local grocery store. Then we rested and went to the beach. At the beach the water was all gross, and there was nasty seaweed, and trash in it. We only went in for a few seconds, and then came out. We played monkey in the middle, and I fell and choked on a wave. WE built a huge volcano the rest of the time. It took lots of work.
Then we came back for dinner, we had lasagna. After dinner we did our usual walk along the beach, complete with hermit crab hunting, and a sunset that we missed because we were too busy talking to a nice man we met there. I found the crab that was stuck to my finger for the third time!
Whoa! The moon is orange! I just noticed; it looks so cool. I will go get mom to take a picture of it; very eerie looking.
We came back to eat after going to the local grocery store. Then we rested and went to the beach. At the beach the water was all gross, and there was nasty seaweed, and trash in it. We only went in for a few seconds, and then came out. We played monkey in the middle, and I fell and choked on a wave. WE built a huge volcano the rest of the time. It took lots of work.
Then we came back for dinner, we had lasagna. After dinner we did our usual walk along the beach, complete with hermit crab hunting, and a sunset that we missed because we were too busy talking to a nice man we met there. I found the crab that was stuck to my finger for the third time!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Cadiz - Day 31
All morning we hung out here for a lazy Sunday. I read Alia’s entire book so I wouldn’t finish mine. After we ate lunch we headed to the beach. We swam a bit, and had tones of fun playing monkey in the middle. After we finished at the beach we came home to eat, and shower.
We came back to look for hermit crabs at low tide. I found one that looked like a moss covered pebble. I made a canal that went from one pool all the way down the beach to another. A man found two sea anemones one was blue, the other green. They were really cool looking. We watched the sun set again, and came back shortly after.
We came back to look for hermit crabs at low tide. I found one that looked like a moss covered pebble. I made a canal that went from one pool all the way down the beach to another. A man found two sea anemones one was blue, the other green. They were really cool looking. We watched the sun set again, and came back shortly after.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Cadiz - Day 30
We walked to the other side of the peninsula today. It was hot, overcast, and windy. When we got to the other side we looked in a large shopping mall. Alia and I got two books, and we ate lunch there.
We came home and got ready to go to the beach. We went, but there was no surf, and not much to do. Alia and I played catch until we were bored, then we went home.
After dinner we went back to walk, and we caught more hermit crabs. I found the same one I had yesterday. Lukas was looking at shells in the water; he leaned too far, and ended up in the water. We got to see the sun set again, and came back shortly after.
We came home and got ready to go to the beach. We went, but there was no surf, and not much to do. Alia and I played catch until we were bored, then we went home.
After dinner we went back to walk, and we caught more hermit crabs. I found the same one I had yesterday. Lukas was looking at shells in the water; he leaned too far, and ended up in the water. We got to see the sun set again, and came back shortly after.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Cadiz - Day 29
In the morning we went to see low tide, but we were too late. Instead we went for a short walk, and climbed on some rocks.
We came home to get bags to go to the grocery store. The boys ended up doing our hair. It was fun; they had so many crazy, wacky ways of putting clips and brushes in our hair. Yes, they did clip the brushes in our hair. When we finally got to the grocery store we bought tones of things. We got three dinners, a treat, lunch, and much more.
After we ate lunch, we went to the beach. Alia and I played catch with a torpedo, and the boys made sand creatures. When we came out of the water we played hockeysoccerfootball with mom and the boys. It crazy mom and Alia were goalies, and you threw/kicked the ball from one net to another. Lukas and I were defense; we shoved each other and the goalies to get one past. In the end you could ask ether side, they both say they won. Alia and I made a hobbit hole, like in Lord of the Rings. It had a stable, farmland, and a small lake. It was pretty cool; when we were clearing the sand to make it two little girls came and sat right where we were. They even brought their beach chairs, but they left because their mom called them.
We came home to eat dinner, and shower. After we went back to walk, but it was low tide. We decided to stay and look at the cool stuff. We walked out, and found three hermit crabs and one crab. We gave them to a little boy though. We got back to where mom was, and we found more hermit crabs. We spent a long time trying to get them to come out of their shells. We took a break to see the sun set, and when we came back my crab was holding my finger, and wouldn’t let go. Alia needed to use the bathroom really bad, so Lukas stayed with me while everyone left. It took five minutes of poking and prodding to get the crab off, he had grabbed on to my finger with his claws, and I didn’t want to rip one off. When he finally came off we went home and the others let us in.
We came home to get bags to go to the grocery store. The boys ended up doing our hair. It was fun; they had so many crazy, wacky ways of putting clips and brushes in our hair. Yes, they did clip the brushes in our hair. When we finally got to the grocery store we bought tones of things. We got three dinners, a treat, lunch, and much more.
After we ate lunch, we went to the beach. Alia and I played catch with a torpedo, and the boys made sand creatures. When we came out of the water we played hockeysoccerfootball with mom and the boys. It crazy mom and Alia were goalies, and you threw/kicked the ball from one net to another. Lukas and I were defense; we shoved each other and the goalies to get one past. In the end you could ask ether side, they both say they won. Alia and I made a hobbit hole, like in Lord of the Rings. It had a stable, farmland, and a small lake. It was pretty cool; when we were clearing the sand to make it two little girls came and sat right where we were. They even brought their beach chairs, but they left because their mom called them.
We came home to eat dinner, and shower. After we went back to walk, but it was low tide. We decided to stay and look at the cool stuff. We walked out, and found three hermit crabs and one crab. We gave them to a little boy though. We got back to where mom was, and we found more hermit crabs. We spent a long time trying to get them to come out of their shells. We took a break to see the sun set, and when we came back my crab was holding my finger, and wouldn’t let go. Alia needed to use the bathroom really bad, so Lukas stayed with me while everyone left. It took five minutes of poking and prodding to get the crab off, he had grabbed on to my finger with his claws, and I didn’t want to rip one off. When he finally came off we went home and the others let us in.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Cadiz - Day 28
We went on Ben’s walk (green). His walk was the medieval district. First we went into a really cool building that had archaeological finds. We walked on a glass floor over old buildings; it was neat except for the parts when the ruins were really far down, then it was scary. We learned how they built arches, and how they restored tile pictures.
Then we went up a tower and saw lots of things. They rang one of the bells while we were up there; luckily it was in the other tower. We went in the church museum and saw treasures, and paintings. One really awesome thing they had were three foot tall books. They were huge!
Near the end of the walk we went up in an arch and saw all the things used for the printing press. They had the things you used to make stamps too, and mom told us all about how grandma used to make stamps. She told us how all the equipment worked too.
After we finished Ben’s walk we ate lunch, and went home. Then we got ready to go to the beach. At the beach Alia and I swam, and wrote stuff in the sand. When we were bored of that we helped Lukas make a sand castle. It had a castle with a moat and some farmland. All around the castle moat were crazy twisty roads that Alia and Ben made.
When we were done dinner and showers we came back for our walk. On our walk we found lots of shells, pottery, and sea glass. Mom had so much pottery she could barely carry it all. On the way back Alia and I had a seaweed fight, and we were covered in sand and seaweed. It was fun because the seaweed was all in big sandy clumps, and made perfect missiles. For once we were wetter and dirtier than the boys.
Then we went up a tower and saw lots of things. They rang one of the bells while we were up there; luckily it was in the other tower. We went in the church museum and saw treasures, and paintings. One really awesome thing they had were three foot tall books. They were huge!
Near the end of the walk we went up in an arch and saw all the things used for the printing press. They had the things you used to make stamps too, and mom told us all about how grandma used to make stamps. She told us how all the equipment worked too.
After we finished Ben’s walk we ate lunch, and went home. Then we got ready to go to the beach. At the beach Alia and I swam, and wrote stuff in the sand. When we were bored of that we helped Lukas make a sand castle. It had a castle with a moat and some farmland. All around the castle moat were crazy twisty roads that Alia and Ben made.
When we were done dinner and showers we came back for our walk. On our walk we found lots of shells, pottery, and sea glass. Mom had so much pottery she could barely carry it all. On the way back Alia and I had a seaweed fight, and we were covered in sand and seaweed. It was fun because the seaweed was all in big sandy clumps, and made perfect missiles. For once we were wetter and dirtier than the boys.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Cadiz - Day 27
We went out to look for a clip for Alia today. We walked down the streets, and we were successful at the first store. We continued because we don’t really explore near our apartment, we go to the old town. So we got to see some things in our area.
After walking down and back up again we got groceries and lunch. Then we went to the beach. Alia and I swam as usual, and then we came out to write some things in the sand. We wrote Alia loves Luongo, and much more, but that was the only one that survived.
We came home and ate dinner when we got tired of writing in the sand. When we were done dinner we went for another walk along the beach. We had races, and talked about who had the best falls. In first place was me, when I fell of the side of the mountain when I was skiing; I had to be rescued by ski patrol. In second place was me, when I was in a tuck, and I fell and landed on my head; Dad thought I had oncussion. In third place was Ben who got run over by a snowboarder, and almost broke his leg.
After walking down and back up again we got groceries and lunch. Then we went to the beach. Alia and I swam as usual, and then we came out to write some things in the sand. We wrote Alia loves Luongo, and much more, but that was the only one that survived.
We came home and ate dinner when we got tired of writing in the sand. When we were done dinner we went for another walk along the beach. We had races, and talked about who had the best falls. In first place was me, when I fell of the side of the mountain when I was skiing; I had to be rescued by ski patrol. In second place was me, when I was in a tuck, and I fell and landed on my head; Dad thought I had oncussion. In third place was Ben who got run over by a snowboarder, and almost broke his leg.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Cadiz - Day 26
We went on one of Mom’s walks today. There are four walks, each one is a different color. Alia's walk is orange. Ben's is green, Mine is purple, and Lukas' is blue. The walks have lines painted on the ground, so you can follow them easily without getting lost. Today we did the orange one (Alia's). We saw fortresses and castles. First we walked along an old wall, and then we walked beside the ocean. We went through some parks, and we went to a fortress. The fortress was cool we got to see many views of the sea. There was also a chapel and an art exhibit in the fortress. Then we went to see an old church, after that we had lunch. After lunch we came home, and then we went to go to the beach. We went to a different beach, so even though it was low tide there were no rocks. We swam there until it was dinner time, and then came back.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Cadiz - Day 25
We went to a park again today. It was neat because there were Roman ruins in the park. After everyone was bored with the park we went to the bakery to get lunch, and SuperSol to get groceries for the next few days. Then we went home, and stayed there for a while. Alia and I played on the computer, did madlibs with the boys, and ate dinner.
After dinner we went to the beach. Alia and I swam for a while, and came out. We built a cool sand castle on a hill. It was surrounded with farmland, and a small village, everything was enclosed in a wall with a shell draw bridge. Tomorrow we will go on a walk. Mom has four, but she wanted to save them until this week and next week. We also might go to Rota by boat.
After dinner we went to the beach. Alia and I swam for a while, and came out. We built a cool sand castle on a hill. It was surrounded with farmland, and a small village, everything was enclosed in a wall with a shell draw bridge. Tomorrow we will go on a walk. Mom has four, but she wanted to save them until this week and next week. We also might go to Rota by boat.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Cadiz - Day 24
We went to a little park before we went to the beach. By now low tide is no longer in the morning, so we didn’t really have that much to do. Alia caught another crab, but that was it.
We came back and Alia took two hours to finish her blog. When she was finally done we ate and went back to the beach. It was low tide, so we couldn’t do much. We found a place to jump off the rocks without getting hurt, and had some fun for a while. Then I sliced my knee open on the rock, and we had to go up on the beach. Alia and I helped the boys dig a hole and some fancy channels around it.
Then we came home to shower and eat. After dinner we went for a long walk. We got farther than ever, and there were lots of hotels. The water was dirty there, so we went up on the sidewalk to look for some ice cream. We walked back and saw the sun set. In front of our beach exit there were two people building a mini sand fortress it had a castle in the middle, and a little village, the whole thing had a wall around it.
We came back and Alia took two hours to finish her blog. When she was finally done we ate and went back to the beach. It was low tide, so we couldn’t do much. We found a place to jump off the rocks without getting hurt, and had some fun for a while. Then I sliced my knee open on the rock, and we had to go up on the beach. Alia and I helped the boys dig a hole and some fancy channels around it.
Then we came home to shower and eat. After dinner we went for a long walk. We got farther than ever, and there were lots of hotels. The water was dirty there, so we went up on the sidewalk to look for some ice cream. We walked back and saw the sun set. In front of our beach exit there were two people building a mini sand fortress it had a castle in the middle, and a little village, the whole thing had a wall around it.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Cadiz - Day 23
It was foggy when we woke up because of the marine layer. We went down to the beach and Alia added two more crabs to the list of animals. Then we caught a bus to town and looked at the market. Mom got stamps and I think that was the highlight of her day (we had been trying to find stamps since Seville). We had lunch, and then came home to wait for the guys to come fix the bathtub. They never came so mom went down to ask them if they were coming, so they came while we were at the beach.
We hung out a while in the water and I stepped on a fish, it made me scream. When we came out we went home and had dinner, and then went out to walk on the beach. We only had a short amount of time though because the sun had already set and it was getting dark. The highlight of our walk was when we saw a giant life like sand sculpture of Jesus. It was amazing! Tomorrow we will get out earlier so we can walk longer and see more.
We hung out a while in the water and I stepped on a fish, it made me scream. When we came out we went home and had dinner, and then went out to walk on the beach. We only had a short amount of time though because the sun had already set and it was getting dark. The highlight of our walk was when we saw a giant life like sand sculpture of Jesus. It was amazing! Tomorrow we will get out earlier so we can walk longer and see more.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Cadiz - Day 22
We went to see low tide again. It was weird because we were an hour late, and the tide wasn’t completely out for another hour. Today Alia added to her collection of friends. She got a giant sea snail; and I mean giant; some more crabs, and hermit crabs, and fish… Oh don’t forget the tones of shells. I found some mother of pearl, and a cool shell. In my defense it was hard for me to walk on the rock because of my foot.
We came back to clean off, and then we went to get food at the store. After that we got lunch, and went back to the beach. We hung out in the waves, but came out because Alia had a headache. I didn’t want to be out there all by myself so I came in too. We went home to shower and relax. Mom made dinner, it was rice.
After dinner we went out for a walk along the water. It was fun, and the boys were convinced there was quicksand. The trouble started when Ben realized he needed to go use the bathroom. I wanted to continue on the walk instead of going back, so mom had me take Ben to one of the bathrooms that were at the restaurant on the beach. We got there and Ben went in, and came back out again because there was no toilet paper. I didn’t know how to say paper, so I spent fifteen minutes trying to get Ben, who knows the word for paper, to ask the guy for toilet paper. When he finally got up his courage he chickened out, which was when we found out the guy spoke English. So I asked the guy for toilet paper and he went and got it; problem solved.
We came back to clean off, and then we went to get food at the store. After that we got lunch, and went back to the beach. We hung out in the waves, but came out because Alia had a headache. I didn’t want to be out there all by myself so I came in too. We went home to shower and relax. Mom made dinner, it was rice.
After dinner we went out for a walk along the water. It was fun, and the boys were convinced there was quicksand. The trouble started when Ben realized he needed to go use the bathroom. I wanted to continue on the walk instead of going back, so mom had me take Ben to one of the bathrooms that were at the restaurant on the beach. We got there and Ben went in, and came back out again because there was no toilet paper. I didn’t know how to say paper, so I spent fifteen minutes trying to get Ben, who knows the word for paper, to ask the guy for toilet paper. When he finally got up his courage he chickened out, which was when we found out the guy spoke English. So I asked the guy for toilet paper and he went and got it; problem solved.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Cadiz - Day 21
Two more weeks left. We went down to low tide again. I slipped and cut my foot on the rocks. Alia found a crab, three fish, tones of shells, a hermit crab, and some shrimp. I found a sea cucumber. It was the same one that I’d saved a few days ago. Mom took my picture with it when I found it again, it was in a different place, but I’m pretty sure it was the same one.
We went to look for a bakery, which we found right away. After we picked out our lunches we went to find bus tickets. We asked in a tobacco store, and were told they were down the street. We went down the street and got postcards, the lady told us to buy stamps at the tobacco store, so we just gave up. Then we went to superSol to get groceries, and we got quail eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
We had lunch, and went to the beach. The wind was blowing, so the waves were huge. We swam, and Alia and I played. The waves started to get too strong, so we came out and went home. We had pizza for dinner, and just relaxed.
We went to look for a bakery, which we found right away. After we picked out our lunches we went to find bus tickets. We asked in a tobacco store, and were told they were down the street. We went down the street and got postcards, the lady told us to buy stamps at the tobacco store, so we just gave up. Then we went to superSol to get groceries, and we got quail eggs for breakfast tomorrow.
We had lunch, and went to the beach. The wind was blowing, so the waves were huge. We swam, and Alia and I played. The waves started to get too strong, so we came out and went home. We had pizza for dinner, and just relaxed.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cadiz - Day 20
We went back to Puerto de Santa Maria by boat surprisingly.
We toured the Osborne bodega and learned how they made sherry. We saw their cellar, and saw some sherry in a barrel. Then the adults had some sherry, while we had chips and juice.
Then we went to a castle. We learned about how it used to be a mosque when the Arabs lived in Spain. At the end of the tour they had a sherry tasting too. Christopher Columbus used to live in that castle before he went on his journey. They also had the remains of a gate and wall that used to be part of the Roman Empire.
We looked at stores, and then took the boat back. The boys went to the beach; we went shopping because I couldn’t go in the water with my rash. Alia and I both got bathing suits, and dinner. Dad got some more medicine for my rash, because the chamomile lotion isn’t helping as much as it should.
We toured the Osborne bodega and learned how they made sherry. We saw their cellar, and saw some sherry in a barrel. Then the adults had some sherry, while we had chips and juice.
Then we went to a castle. We learned about how it used to be a mosque when the Arabs lived in Spain. At the end of the tour they had a sherry tasting too. Christopher Columbus used to live in that castle before he went on his journey. They also had the remains of a gate and wall that used to be part of the Roman Empire.
We looked at stores, and then took the boat back. The boys went to the beach; we went shopping because I couldn’t go in the water with my rash. Alia and I both got bathing suits, and dinner. Dad got some more medicine for my rash, because the chamomile lotion isn’t helping as much as it should.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Cadiz - Day 19
When we woke up we went out to the beach to see what low tide looked like. It was so cool; we could almost walk out to the mile buoy. We found lots of shells and other neat things.
When we got back to the room we had a snack, and left on the bus. We got to the boat station, and found out the boat didn’t leave until two ten so we had a few hours. We walked around and looked at stores, then had lunch.
The boat ride was lots of fun. When we got there we walked around for a while, but everything was closed. After wandering form closed wine cellar to closed wine cellar we decided to go back.
After we got home we went to the beach, and Alia and I played a game with a torpedo. We came back later than usual, but we also got there late. When we got home, I realized my awful rash had spread. It is on my neck, chest, legs, head, hands, and arms. We still don’t know what caused it, but we are leaning towards heat rash.
Tomorrow we will try to go back, this time on the bus so all the wine cellars will be open.
When we got back to the room we had a snack, and left on the bus. We got to the boat station, and found out the boat didn’t leave until two ten so we had a few hours. We walked around and looked at stores, then had lunch.
The boat ride was lots of fun. When we got there we walked around for a while, but everything was closed. After wandering form closed wine cellar to closed wine cellar we decided to go back.
After we got home we went to the beach, and Alia and I played a game with a torpedo. We came back later than usual, but we also got there late. When we got home, I realized my awful rash had spread. It is on my neck, chest, legs, head, hands, and arms. We still don’t know what caused it, but we are leaning towards heat rash.
Tomorrow we will try to go back, this time on the bus so all the wine cellars will be open.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Cadiz - Day 18
We woke up at eight o’clock to go catch a bus to La Linea, which is the Spanish city next to Gibraltar. We crossed the border to “England” and spent the day on the first of Hercules’ pillars. We could see the other one in Africa across the sea. We took a cable car to the top, and the first thing we saw was a monkey. There were also two others nearby cleaning each other. We walked around the station before walking down to St. Michal’s cave. The cave was amazing! It had so many stalagmites and stalactites. It was so beautiful and it took millions of years to form naturally. There was an underground stage too, it was very wet and drippy though.
After the cave we walked back, saw more monkeys, and continued on to find the siege tunnels. We went on for so long that we had given up on the tunnels, and just tried to get to the bottom. Then we found the tunnels. We saw inside, but we could only stay a few minutes so we wouldn’t miss our bus back. We also stopped at a castle where Alia put bunny ears on a monkey sitting outside.
After finally making it down the mountain we got some Subway sandwiches, and took a three hour bus ride back.
After the cave we walked back, saw more monkeys, and continued on to find the siege tunnels. We went on for so long that we had given up on the tunnels, and just tried to get to the bottom. Then we found the tunnels. We saw inside, but we could only stay a few minutes so we wouldn’t miss our bus back. We also stopped at a castle where Alia put bunny ears on a monkey sitting outside.
After finally making it down the mountain we got some Subway sandwiches, and took a three hour bus ride back.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Cadiz - Day 17
Right after breakfast we went back to the castle where we watched the sun set last night. We climbed on the rocks again, and when we got there we found out it was closed to the public…
SPAIN SCORED!!!!
In OT!! The game just ended, I can here everyone cheering, honking, and cannons?? or are they fireworks??
We won’t be able to sleep tonight ;)
…anyway, we stopped to watch the tide come in; it came in really fast! In less than five minutes there was at least one foot of water where there had been none before.
We bought some bread for lunch, and came back to eat. After a break we headed out to the beach again. We were there at high tide, and tomorrow we will get up early to see low tide and walk out as far as we can go.
People are still cheering: GO! GO! ESPANA! ESPANA! ESPANA! And cars are honking to the beat.
After the beach we came back to change and find a place to eat and watch the game. We watched the first half there, and then went somewhere else to watch until the end of regular time. After that we had to go so we wouldn’t miss the last bus home. Dad couldn’t figure out how to work the TV so we relied on the sound of cheers to tell us what happened. I had just sat down to write this when Spain scored. I spent a few minutes double-checking that it was Spain, and then we tried to see what happened, but we couldn’t find a replay. The game is now over, but the noise is still a long while from stopping.
SPAIN SCORED!!!!
In OT!! The game just ended, I can here everyone cheering, honking, and cannons?? or are they fireworks??
We won’t be able to sleep tonight ;)
…anyway, we stopped to watch the tide come in; it came in really fast! In less than five minutes there was at least one foot of water where there had been none before.
We bought some bread for lunch, and came back to eat. After a break we headed out to the beach again. We were there at high tide, and tomorrow we will get up early to see low tide and walk out as far as we can go.
People are still cheering: GO! GO! ESPANA! ESPANA! ESPANA! And cars are honking to the beat.
After the beach we came back to change and find a place to eat and watch the game. We watched the first half there, and then went somewhere else to watch until the end of regular time. After that we had to go so we wouldn’t miss the last bus home. Dad couldn’t figure out how to work the TV so we relied on the sound of cheers to tell us what happened. I had just sat down to write this when Spain scored. I spent a few minutes double-checking that it was Spain, and then we tried to see what happened, but we couldn’t find a replay. The game is now over, but the noise is still a long while from stopping.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Cadiz - Day 16
First we took the bus to the old village and walked around. Then we went to one of the towers where you can see the whole city with a camera. They had one just like the one we tried to see in Seville. The stairs were scary because they were plates of glass placed in metal frames. We were able to see the whole city and we learned some neat things about it.
After lunch we went to the beach, and Alia was a mermaid in the water. We played tag, and mom and dad came in for once! The boys built sand castles on the beach when they weren’t in the water: which was most of the time, because they got cold.
We came back to eat dinner, and then went back to the old town. We walked along a market and then to a beach. When we got there we climbed on the rocks and watched the sun set into the ocean. It wasn’t fully dark until 10:30. We took the bus home shortly after, and everyone is going to bed because it is late.
The final soccer game is tomorrow: Spain vs. Holland. I will write more about what the game was like after we see it tomorrow.
After lunch we went to the beach, and Alia was a mermaid in the water. We played tag, and mom and dad came in for once! The boys built sand castles on the beach when they weren’t in the water: which was most of the time, because they got cold.
We came back to eat dinner, and then went back to the old town. We walked along a market and then to a beach. When we got there we climbed on the rocks and watched the sun set into the ocean. It wasn’t fully dark until 10:30. We took the bus home shortly after, and everyone is going to bed because it is late.
The final soccer game is tomorrow: Spain vs. Holland. I will write more about what the game was like after we see it tomorrow.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Cadiz - Day 15
We are finally in Cadiz! We rode the train most of today, and then we came to our new apartment and got settled in. After we chose rooms and got an internet connection (yay!) we went to the beach.
At the beach we swam, and lay in the sand, and swam some more.
When we were tired of swimming and lying in the sand we came back to change so we could go out for dinner. We took a crowded bus to a plaza, and then sat down and had dinner. There were little booths set up along the plaza so we looked while we waited for our meal. After dinner we had ice cream, and took the bus back.
Did I mention it’s not hot here! There is always a cool breeze coming from the ocean, and the temp is nice.
At the beach we swam, and lay in the sand, and swam some more.
When we were tired of swimming and lying in the sand we came back to change so we could go out for dinner. We took a crowded bus to a plaza, and then sat down and had dinner. There were little booths set up along the plaza so we looked while we waited for our meal. After dinner we had ice cream, and took the bus back.
Did I mention it’s not hot here! There is always a cool breeze coming from the ocean, and the temp is nice.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Seville – Day 14
This morning we started with a museum called the museum of art and popular customs. We saw many displays of things they used in old Spain, and displays of pottery. We saw a room filled with embroidery and lace, another room that was a reconstruction of a house, and rooms with things they used to use in the 20th, 19th, and 18th century.
After we finished we went to go feed the pigeons. I walked over to the cart to see how much food cost… I never found out, two pigeons landed on me, one on my head the other on my back. When Dad got the food there were tons of pigeons all over him, they would constantly come over to land on your arms, shoulders, and heads especially if you had food. I had at least one pigeon on me the whole time, it was very fun.
After the pigeons and lunch we went into an archeological museum. This one started in the Paleolithic age and showed pottery, statues, tools, and many other things. We saw lots of Roman statues and art work, along with skulls and anything else they dug up in this area. Tomb stones, mosaics, pottery, gold treasure, and even glassware that had been pieced back together.
Tomorrow we leave for three weeks at the beach! I am very excited, and I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
PS. one more Spain soccer game: July 11, I will tell you about it then. It is the final first place game!
After we finished we went to go feed the pigeons. I walked over to the cart to see how much food cost… I never found out, two pigeons landed on me, one on my head the other on my back. When Dad got the food there were tons of pigeons all over him, they would constantly come over to land on your arms, shoulders, and heads especially if you had food. I had at least one pigeon on me the whole time, it was very fun.
After the pigeons and lunch we went into an archeological museum. This one started in the Paleolithic age and showed pottery, statues, tools, and many other things. We saw lots of Roman statues and art work, along with skulls and anything else they dug up in this area. Tomb stones, mosaics, pottery, gold treasure, and even glassware that had been pieced back together.
Tomorrow we leave for three weeks at the beach! I am very excited, and I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
PS. one more Spain soccer game: July 11, I will tell you about it then. It is the final first place game!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Seville – Day 13
One more day in Seville!
We walked all morning to get to a tower. The tower has mirrors and a camera that you can use to look all over Seville. The camera wasn’t working because it was overcast. So instead we walked to Expo 92 and saw a whole bunch of abandoned exhibits. There was a rocket ship and a satellite, but the area around them was all overgrown with weeds.
While we were walking the wind picked up. It was crazy! An entire tree almost landed on me. Alia kept asking me if there was going to be a tornado. We got sand and leaf blasted, and there were several trees and garbage cans in the road. It also rained on and off, and on top of that it was still hot!
We had great pizza for lunch, and then headed to a museum. This one was more interesting then the last one. We saw lots of interesting paintings. We even saw a very life like, full color of a statue of John the Baptist’s disembodied head.
We came here and rested for a while and then went out again to eat dinner and see the soccer game between Spain and Germany. Spain won, and now cars keep diving by and honking, and everyone is shouting and cheering.
We walked all morning to get to a tower. The tower has mirrors and a camera that you can use to look all over Seville. The camera wasn’t working because it was overcast. So instead we walked to Expo 92 and saw a whole bunch of abandoned exhibits. There was a rocket ship and a satellite, but the area around them was all overgrown with weeds.
While we were walking the wind picked up. It was crazy! An entire tree almost landed on me. Alia kept asking me if there was going to be a tornado. We got sand and leaf blasted, and there were several trees and garbage cans in the road. It also rained on and off, and on top of that it was still hot!
We had great pizza for lunch, and then headed to a museum. This one was more interesting then the last one. We saw lots of interesting paintings. We even saw a very life like, full color of a statue of John the Baptist’s disembodied head.
We came here and rested for a while and then went out again to eat dinner and see the soccer game between Spain and Germany. Spain won, and now cars keep diving by and honking, and everyone is shouting and cheering.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Seville – Day 12
This morning we went and saw an archive were they used to sell goods from the New World. Inside it had exhibits about pirates, which were really interesting. It had two huge models of pirate ships, and models of fortresses the people on land would have.
After we went to have lunch we tried to find an old ship yard, but instead we went into an old hospital that had three churches. We only got to see the churches though not the rooms.
While we were eating ice cream a gust of wind came, and it just got stronger and stronger and stronger, it even blew down the displays outside. Alia thought it was a tornado and she was scared, but it ended right after, and then she was ok.
We walked through the streets for a while and looked at stores, and now we are back.
After we went to have lunch we tried to find an old ship yard, but instead we went into an old hospital that had three churches. We only got to see the churches though not the rooms.
While we were eating ice cream a gust of wind came, and it just got stronger and stronger and stronger, it even blew down the displays outside. Alia thought it was a tornado and she was scared, but it ended right after, and then she was ok.
We walked through the streets for a while and looked at stores, and now we are back.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Seville – Day 11
Today wasn’t as interesting as yesterday. We went on one of Mom’s walks in the morning and saw a bunch of really old churches. One church we saw was 700 years old, but a lot of it was being restored. Then we saw people making ceramics and lots of ceramic stores. We bought lots of clothes for Alia, Ben, and Lukas because they didn’t get any in Madrid. At ten AM it was nearing 40 degrees Celsius.
We came back for lunch, and had a break. After we went to the other side of the lake to see if we could go into some buildings, but they had all closed for siesta. After we saw the last building we found a park with a huge zip line and we took turns going across it. Then we had good ice cream.
Before dinner I got some stamps from a cool stamp store. The one man at the restaurant really liked Lukas because of his soccer jersey. He was really nice.
We came back for lunch, and had a break. After we went to the other side of the lake to see if we could go into some buildings, but they had all closed for siesta. After we saw the last building we found a park with a huge zip line and we took turns going across it. Then we had good ice cream.
Before dinner I got some stamps from a cool stamp store. The one man at the restaurant really liked Lukas because of his soccer jersey. He was really nice.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Seville – Day 10
Day 10 already! It seems like it’s been only a few days. Today the temp was at least 40 degrees Celsius.
First we went to a tower called torre del oro. We had to climb to the top, and in the museum at the middle they had replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships. At the top was a platform you could walk around and see Seville.
After we saw the tower we went onto a palace. It had a lot of rooms that all looked similar. It also had a lot of gardens, but going through the gardens wasn’t fun because it was too hot.
We went into the church across the road afterwards. It had lots of cool things to look at, and we got to look at the treasure and pieces of saints. We went up to the bell tower by climbing ramps. There were ramps because a horse used to come up to the tower when it was a mosque. It had Christopher Columbus’ coffin held up by four knights. It is the third biggest church in the world, and a lot of the things in it were being restored, but we still got to see many beautiful displays.
First we went to a tower called torre del oro. We had to climb to the top, and in the museum at the middle they had replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships. At the top was a platform you could walk around and see Seville.
After we saw the tower we went onto a palace. It had a lot of rooms that all looked similar. It also had a lot of gardens, but going through the gardens wasn’t fun because it was too hot.
We went into the church across the road afterwards. It had lots of cool things to look at, and we got to look at the treasure and pieces of saints. We went up to the bell tower by climbing ramps. There were ramps because a horse used to come up to the tower when it was a mosque. It had Christopher Columbus’ coffin held up by four knights. It is the third biggest church in the world, and a lot of the things in it were being restored, but we still got to see many beautiful displays.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Seville – Day 9
Last night was one of the best sleeps I have had so far. Today has been one of the hottest so far.
We went to the area with free wifi so Dad could post our blog entries. While he set up Alia’s blog we went to look at some stores. After he finished we went and had ice cream, and then we did another one of Mom’s walks. We saw two churches, and had lunch.
After lunch we went to the flamenco museum. It was cool, room one told you where the influences came from. Room two was all about the different styles and dances. Room three was people telling about their flamenco dancing and experiences, room four had costumes and accessories. Finally room five had videos of people dancing.
Tonight after dinner we will go watch a soccer game at a restaurant. It is fun because we get to watch with people, and when Spain scores everyone goes crazy.
Here it is too hot; I have a hard time standing it. Someone needs to invent outdoor AC; that would be very, very nice.
We went to the area with free wifi so Dad could post our blog entries. While he set up Alia’s blog we went to look at some stores. After he finished we went and had ice cream, and then we did another one of Mom’s walks. We saw two churches, and had lunch.
After lunch we went to the flamenco museum. It was cool, room one told you where the influences came from. Room two was all about the different styles and dances. Room three was people telling about their flamenco dancing and experiences, room four had costumes and accessories. Finally room five had videos of people dancing.
Tonight after dinner we will go watch a soccer game at a restaurant. It is fun because we get to watch with people, and when Spain scores everyone goes crazy.
Here it is too hot; I have a hard time standing it. Someone needs to invent outdoor AC; that would be very, very nice.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Seville – Day 8
I am now in Seville! The apartment here is very nice. We have our own beds. I still have to share a room with Alia, but we sleep separate, so I am happy.
It is so very hot here, easily 80 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 – 40 degrees, Celsius very hot. At night it is comfortably warm if you are walking.
We are near a river, but we haven’t decided if we want to swim in it yet. Alia saw a carp jump out two feet, so some of us are unsure of whether carps eat humans or not.
We hung out here for a while, and then we decided to come out of our shell and explore. The first exciting thing we did was to go see flamenco dancers. My dad took amazing pictures you can look at. They were so loud because they stomped their feet on the floor a lot. There were also two singers and a guitarist. The man introducing the show was amazing, he repeated the introduction in four different languages: Spanish, English, German (I think), and French. The show was really cool, and the girl had a really long dress. I was sitting in the front so it touched me, it touched Lukas too.
The last exciting thing that happened was when we were walking back. We saw a swarm of birds that were flying in a swarm making a chirping noise. Then one flew up to a light and we realized they were all bats! Loads of them! I tried to take a picture, but they were too fast and it was too dark.
It is so very hot here, easily 80 – 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 – 40 degrees, Celsius very hot. At night it is comfortably warm if you are walking.
We are near a river, but we haven’t decided if we want to swim in it yet. Alia saw a carp jump out two feet, so some of us are unsure of whether carps eat humans or not.
We hung out here for a while, and then we decided to come out of our shell and explore. The first exciting thing we did was to go see flamenco dancers. My dad took amazing pictures you can look at. They were so loud because they stomped their feet on the floor a lot. There were also two singers and a guitarist. The man introducing the show was amazing, he repeated the introduction in four different languages: Spanish, English, German (I think), and French. The show was really cool, and the girl had a really long dress. I was sitting in the front so it touched me, it touched Lukas too.
The last exciting thing that happened was when we were walking back. We saw a swarm of birds that were flying in a swarm making a chirping noise. Then one flew up to a light and we realized they were all bats! Loads of them! I tried to take a picture, but they were too fast and it was too dark.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Madrid - Day 7
Not much detail for today.
We went shopping and I got new clothes. We got that cool clock that we have been trying to get all week. It has a small ball that spins on a chain around a post, and it winds and unwinds around each post (there are two) you would understand it better if you saw it.
We went to a park and went throught the hedge mazes. We also climbed trees, but Dad didn't like that so we had to stop. Alia and I went and found a shady spot under a tree. It was perfect because the tree had branches that were low enough to be benches. We sat and talked untill it was time to go.
Tomorrow I will be writing from Seville.
Being in the same bed with Alia isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We now have tones of inside jokes. ;)
I have to go now if I am going to be able to wake up in time to catch our train tomorrow.
We went shopping and I got new clothes. We got that cool clock that we have been trying to get all week. It has a small ball that spins on a chain around a post, and it winds and unwinds around each post (there are two) you would understand it better if you saw it.
We went to a park and went throught the hedge mazes. We also climbed trees, but Dad didn't like that so we had to stop. Alia and I went and found a shady spot under a tree. It was perfect because the tree had branches that were low enough to be benches. We sat and talked untill it was time to go.
Tomorrow I will be writing from Seville.
Being in the same bed with Alia isn't as bad as we thought it would be. We now have tones of inside jokes. ;)
I have to go now if I am going to be able to wake up in time to catch our train tomorrow.
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