- 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. - Mezquita-Mosque
This former Moorish Mosque was one of the most amazing sights we saw. - 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. - 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. - Pulpo and germ transfer
Bryan helped Jeff eat his beloved pulpo gallego while his hands were full of a certain 1-year-old. This may also be the moment when cold germs were transferred from one family to another. - Roman ruins
One of our favorite sights was a history museum in Barcelona, complete with various layers of excavated ruins. This was a Roman wine shop; the circular container held aging wine. - 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. - Sagrada Familia exterior
Sophie, Leslie and Max spent Wednesday wandering around the spectacular and unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral. - Sagrada Familia exterior
Gaudi (the architect) cited a forest canopy as one of his inspirations for the interior. - 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. - Tower view
We managed a whirlwind tour of the gigantic cathedral on our last morning--a fitting end to a fabulous trip. This shot is from the Giralda (minaret-turned-bell-tower), over the body of the cathedral and the city of Seville. - 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. - Wine shopping
Our second day of driving took us from Basque Country into La Rioja, where you are basically required to shop for wine. Bryan picks out three bottles at a little shop in Haro: one Crianza, one Reserva, and one Gran Reserva.