A Fond Good-bye to Spain

One last night in Spain before we go to Nice, France for a couple of nights.  We are in our third Parador in Spain and tonight we will stay in a castle.  The Paradors are wonderful places to stay, full of history, intrigue and romance.  This one is in Tortosa, Spain overlooking the Ebro river and the town.  The castle (La Suda) dates from the 10th century, but incorporates part of a much earlier Roman acropolis.  It has been restored and turned into a beautiful hotel.

The cathedral was built in 1347 and consecrated in 1597.

We had wine and snacks on the balcony while watching and listening to a thunder storm--very cool.  We have such wonderful memories of Spain that we will carry with us forever.  I'll always think of olive trees, orange trees, vineyards, sunflowers, churros and chocolate and Flamenco when I think of Spain.  We had wonderful food, made some good friends and took some awesome tours.  The apartment in Los Alcazares was perfect, the Paradors were supurb.  We loved our time in Spain!
I want to share some great photos of Spain that didn't make the blog.

The invisible man on the plaza in Los Alcazares

Classic Spanish posters in Madrid

Mickey and Minnie in Madrid (we had to include this one because Mickey demanded a 5€ tip)

Iberian Hams

Graffiti on the wall in Los Alcazares

Sunflower heads as big as dinner plates at the market in Los Alcazares

We call this the  "Lego Hotel"

Fruit of the date palm

Spices at the market in Granada