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.