At the Orihuela Medieval Market Festival

Last weekend we went to Orihuela, a city near Algorfa, and a very historic spot. It was here that Ferdinand and Isabella joined their kingdoms (by marriage) and started the alliance which eventually became Spain as we know it. It is also where Ferdinand's friend and banker convinced the royal pair to fund an expedition by Cristobal Colon, leading to the America as we know it.

One shot is of a Quasimodo-like jester who was walking a large ball through the crowd. The other is of a baker with some massive loaves of bread. This was not a place to be when hungry, or broke. Orihuela hosts what is alleged to be the largest medieval festival, and it did not disappoint. We spent about four hours there walking through narrow booth-clogged streets; viewing all sorts of food, drink, baubles, leatherware, ironware, pottery-you name it. Lots of fun, but unfortunately it is held during the first weekend in February and not a warm time. Sitting in a sidewalk cafe quaffing mead and chewing on a shank of lamb would be much more pleasant in a t-shirt than a leather coat.

Some pics from Spain

This is a view of the Royal Palace in Madrid, taken through a gunport in a wall.

Did I mention the dramatic sunsets?

Mid-Winter break

Now this is the way to spend January.

Beach and boat

The boat is identical to the one on whch we were riding home from Saona Island. Racing along, side-by-side, bouncing off waves at break-neck speed was more appealing to the twenty-somethings than to us. Made my beer fuzzy.

February Edition

Finally got my puter back in working order. Nick very kindly sent me a replacement power supply which got here in 1/4 the time I waited for the local place to tell me that the one I ordered was still "in the mail". I hope they can sell it whenever it arrives. Anyway, we set off for Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on the 23rd of January. Is wanted to go on a "Holiday", and I had the hardest time figuring out how to go on "Holiday" from retirement. After I spent days on white sand beaches, swam in transparent water, sailed a catamaran for the first time, ate too much, partook of limitless daiquiris, wine and whatever-I figured it out. Pictures to follow-somewhere in this post. Had a couple of cold days in Madrid, but played tourist around the Royal Palace and watched the hubbub around a funeral for a Provincial President. I have never seen so many cops in one place. There were Guardia Civil, National Police who even had a mounted detachment, and the Madrid Municipal Police. All told, there must have been about 200 visible. No telling how many were in plainclothes, on rooftops and inside the buildings, not to mention the black helicopters. We're experiencing a cold spell here, and high winds blown all the way down from the steppes. Everyone says that it's the coldest they've experienced, which leads me to wonder whether it's following me. Went out for a ride with the Amigos last Sunday and saw a shelf of ice where a puddle had been. At least the roads were dry. Heading West for Maine in March. Gotta collect papers and prepare to alleviate the national debt-at least that's what it feels like when I file taxes. I guess someone's gotta pay to send the Border Bastards to arrogance classes.