Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct

By most accounts, Segovia’s Roman aqueduct was built sometime around the 1st or 2nd Century AD. It stands more than 93 feet tall including the foundation, which reaches down about 16 feet. Building this device was no small task, but the Romans were no amateurs. I had the pleasure of visiting Segovia again this May, and made a short video showing the structure as it stretches above the plaza below. Take a look:

The structure has been in use since it was built with a few interruptions and repairs. The Moors destroyed a piece of it, but it was subsequently rebuilt under the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella. There are also accessory structures such as the “water house” that are part of the water system. These are less popular destinations but important to understand the thoroughness with which the Romans created their civilization.

I’ll have more photos and video about Segovia soon. It is an interesting city to visit and I hope to get there again.

Published in: on May 4, 2010 at 6:56 pm  Comments (1)  
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Serious Jamón

If you’re serious about your jamón, especially the ibérico, then you’ll have to make a pilgrimage to Spain and visit one of the many shops that specialize in this delicious delicacy. During my recent trip, I found myself wandering about the streets of Madrid, eventually to Cava Baja, where there are a number of fine tapas joints. Lo and behold! There stands Alma de Ibérico at number 41 Cava Baja, the shop you see in the photo below:

While I stood by with my mouth watering, I watched a master carve off the thinest slices for a nice lady. These slices are so thin, they melt in your mouth, releasing all the flavor of a well-cured meat. Now, just in case you want to purchase your jamón intact and do the carving yourself, check out the selection below with yours truly grinning at the possibilities:

Take your pick! It is tempting but not inexpensive. Then again, the good things in life are never cheap. At any rate, if you find yourself in Madrid, on Cava Baja, make a stop here. You won’t be disappointed.

Published in: on May 4, 2010 at 4:22 am  Leave a Comment  
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