Spain, the final chapter.

Well, sad to report my adventure in Spain is coming to a close. The divorce is finally finished for José, but so much has happened from our first internet meeting to this point that it is obvious to me that we have no future together. So, I have taken upon myself to initiate my return to Washington State. I have had a great time living in Spain and travelling all over from here to France and back. Spain is a beautiful country with a lot of history and great Castles. The people are friendly and encouraging when you try to speak in their language. If you ever get the chance you must visit.

Sunrise in Santa Pola

Got up early to see the sunrise in Santa Pola with a friend. Only to find out that the sun rises from the opposite side as the water. Guess we will have to come back another day and watch the sunset to see it on the water. :)

France trip day 4

Okay, day 4 begins with a visit to the old city of Loches, tribute given at the night shot to Joan of Arc who was Sainted for her Martydom, the Church, the Royal house and a view looking over the green part of the city, and what visit to France would be complete without stopping for a French Pastry. The next two pics are of a small Castle Montresor, which we found out after entering that it was a private home, please leave. Oops, sorry. It did seem a rather small Castle. The next Castles were one of my favorites to visit. Valençay, they even included a handset to listen to details of the rooms and a little history for those that cared to push the history buttons. I loved that they have the rooms decorated with furniture of the period. After Valençay garden there are two pics of the city of Orleans, the Cathedral here was massive. Finally our trip ends with the Castle Sully again a favorite. Don't know why since we didn't get to go inside, it was just real peaceful to me. It included a mote that ran all the way around it as well complete with a family of ducks and geese. The trip was truly amazing.

France trip day 3

This day begins crossing one of the many bridges they have going over the Loire River in France. A visit then to the city of Amboise, and look they have a Bellevue in France as well. Next is an old Church in Aboise adorned with a garden in front. Along our way we happened to pass another small but still grand looking Castle Montpoupon from the side first and then a front shot. Beautiful. The Castle behind closed gates and a small open doorway is d'Azay le Rideau and they simply would not let you close unless you paid a good sum of money. Sorry, we weren't planning on spending so much on entry fees, and once you see the inside of one, you have seen them all right?? not, some are much better than others. On we go to the famed Usse Caslte from with Disney modeled the Small World Castle from. It is also famed for being the Castle the writer of Sleeping beauty thought of when describing her Castle. It was even equiped with figures throughout one of the towers representing characters in the story which also included a lovely garden. Next we visited the Langeais Castle, but again no admittance without ticket. Still the city was worth the visit. Last on our stop included a canoe ride along and under the Castle Chenonceau. Situated across the Loire River. It was worth the entrance fee.

France trip day 2

We started the day with a stop at Saint Pierre complete with cemetery, then Saint Louis. We then found a small castle along our way called Villadieu, but it wasn't open for us. On through the tunnel and into the city of Richelieau, who was the evil cardinal to the famed Musketeers. Then we arrive to Chinon, only to find that this castle was closed so we couldn't see the castle but we were able to walk throught the old village of Chinon, I love the greenery on the homes. And finally a Castle we could visit, it was called Chateau de Rivau. Absolutely lovely.