- IMG_0147
We retreat to a well-reviewed restaurant underground for an excellent dinner. - Dinner
We enjoyed another excellent meal at Tapas 24. Pictured here are rice with squid ink, tiny squid in yet more ink, and a wedge of Catalonia's incomparable bread with tomato. - IMG_9733
- Dinner at the blacksmith's
We spent our first night on the road at a rural inn converted from a 17th-century ironworks. Delicious food and super-cool environment. - Leslie, Max, gin and tonic
We were proud to take Max to his first gin bar, where we drank delicious cocktails and prepared for our outstanding dinner across the street at Lolita (formerly Inopia, a site on the Spain On the Road Again tour and our favorite food venue from our 2007 visit). - Grapes
Leslie appreciates some wine grapes. We may have also sampled them. - IMG_2656
- Castle
The city also features an amazing Medieval castle. According to our guide book, Disney patterned Sleeping Beauty's castle after it, which may be why it looked familiar. - GPS screenshot
GPS on our phones and a dedicated device prevented us from getting lost forever in the Euskadi wilderness. - Pintxos
On the 6th day of our trip, we trained up to San Sebastian for their famed food and fun. Here, Leslie surveys a bar of pintxos, ready for grabbing. - IMG_2675
- Room with a view
Our fancy hotel had a killer view over the rooftops of the city. This shot also features the ragged clouds that characterized our Barcelona weather. - Lunch
We also identified the perfect lunch: mixed seafood a la plancha at a counter in the Boqueria. Excellent food and entertainment. - IMG_0031
The next day, we meet up for another trip to the Boqueria, where else? - Mezquita-Cathedral
After the Reconquista, when the Catholic monarchy defeated the Muslim rulers, later kings grafted a cathedral right into the middle of the former prayer hall. It's incredibly jarring. - IMG_2330
Our lunch is probably among these. - IMG_2318
another church, and the blue sky we were so happy to see after the rainy forecast - Vineyards
The countryside was ridiculously picturesque. This shot was taken from the parking lot of an over-the-top museum about wine-growing/making/loving, looking toward the town of Briones. - Suckling pig
Another key Segovia attraction: the roast suckling pig. They bring it out whole and bang the tender thing into portions with dinner plates. - Carriage ride
A carriage ride was a great way to get the lay of the land and see the major sights of Seville. - Flat Tire
Our road trip ended with both a bang and a whimper as we busted a tire navigating the tiny twisty streets (and sharp granite curbs) of old-town Cordoba. Here, Bryan puts on the spare to get us back to the rental company. - IMG_0126
- IMG_0057
Navigating San Sebastian in the evenings requires some liquid courage. - IMG_2335
- Aqueduct
We were greeted by the remarkably restored Roman aqueduct as soon as we entered Segovia. - IMG_0056
Leslie at a pinxtos bar - IMG_0085
Jeff, Sophie, and Max (indirectly) enjoy a fabulous tapas spread at the restaurant formerly known as Inopia (now Lolita). - Mountains
We drove from the coast into the mountains. The Basque countryside looks like what I imagine Ireland to be: bright green and covered in sheep. - IMG_2332
mixed seafood extravaganza - Alcazar
It was time for another fabulous castle, so we toured the Alcazar and its gardens and marveled at the intricate tilework.