Auto Navigation

There are dozens of GPS navigation devices available these days. You can use them in your car, on your bicycle, or while hiking in the woods. The ones that I’ve used have done a fairly good job. For example, while in Spain, I loaded the European maps onto the memory and found them to be quite accurate. Here’s a screen shot of the unit on the windshield of my rental car while in Segovia, Spain.

In the lower left corner of the photo you’ll see the tangle of streets that is Segovia. Directly ahead stands the Roman aqueduct. The software which provides guidance from point to point can make some unusual suggestions, sending you on less than optimal roads even though you select “fastest” or “highway” or a similar restriction. Still, it was better than paper maps in that it is constantly scrolling along with you as you drive. Not to mention that it is smaller and lighter.

In planning a trip as long and with as many stops as this last one to Spain, I always print out basic maps from one hotel to the next, or one specific sight to a hotel as a backup in case the GPS unit fails, is stolen, or other unforeseen act like sunspots that render it inoperable. Plus, those printouts serve as a basis to build the photo album later. Enjoy the journey!

Published in: on June 28, 2010 at 5:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Segovia Cathedral, Spain

Spain, England, France, it doesn’t matter where, I have yet to find a cathedral I didn’t like. The cathedral in Segovia, Spain, is one of the largest in Europe. It towers over the town and anyone who enters its environs. This was my second visit to Segovia, and I didn’t pass up the opportunity to make a video. Take a look.

To think that video only showed a small portion of what was inside. The people walking about give a sense of scale to the building. They barely rise to the top of the bases of those massive columns. There are many more relics, chapels, and paintings to be seen, too. Bring a jacket because all that stone holds the cold air, which also makes it a nice place to step in when it’s hot outside. The cat at the end was one of several living on the back steps. I’ll have some photos and video of them in the future.

Published in: on June 27, 2010 at 12:16 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Country Quality, Spain

In the previous post, I discussed my stay at Hospedería Convento de la Parra. This post continues at the same location, taking a look at the fine supper served in the restaurant there. Entering from the lobby, you’ll first encounter the bar where you might want to have a cocktail or three.

Properly fortified, enter the dining room and take a seat.

Hopefully you brought a hearty appetite and sophisticated palette. The meal began with a cup of consommé, a nice touch that I had not experienced before in Spain.

I apologize for the poor photo quality of the one above and the next one. Bear with me, they get better. The next course consisted of a bowl of tomato soup topped with a slice of toast, which is seen in the lower portion of the next photo.

At the top of the photo you see the highly creative goat cheese salad that contains toasted apples and onions. The concoction is a myriad of funky tastes that simply makes you stop and wonder who thought it up. The Convento de la Parra may be out in the country, but this is big city style food. Our main courses were more typical. On one side of the table a filet.

On the other side, a plate of fried eggs with the blessed jamón ibérico.

It should be noted here that the town of La Parra is located in the heart of the region where those black footed pigs are raised. Thus, the ibérico shown above is locally originated. The flavor was all there. Sadly, after all this food, there was no room for dessert. Let me take a moment to mention the service. The two women serving the dining room did a wonderful job, putting up with my lousy Spanish and keeping up with the tables like the professionals they were. Most important (to me) was that as high class as the food was, the mood was friendly (almost but not quite casual). A great meal with friends is hard to beat.

Published in: on June 26, 2010 at 10:55 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Convento de la Parra, Spain

La Parra is a tiny town in western Spain. There I found the Hospedería Convento de La Parra to be a true gem of hospitality. This hotel was once a convent, built in the 17th Century. Many of the convent features remain, making a stay here a bit like going back in time. And yet there are plenty of modern features that keep you in the here and now. Entering from the street, you first come to the reception area where you’re met by a friendly and competent person.

The receptionist is pleased to take you on a tour of the facilities. You’ll need a guide the first time because the building is expansive and filled with both common and private areas. The central courtyard features tables under orange trees as seen in the next photo.

The photo above gives an idea of the scale of the building. It is larger than it appears from the street. Moving along, you’ll find a pleasant swimming pool tucked away in a semi-private area complete with lounge chairs to relax by the water.

Note the orange trees in that unique irrigation system. Along the terrace that spans the second level, you’ll find more individual places to relax.

If you enjoy reading, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place than that. Taking a look at the rooms, ponder the next photo.

Here I was ensconced in one of the quietest rooms imaginable. The world might have come to an end but I wouldn’t have known it during that particular night. Service here is exceptional. Mention your desire to one of the staff and they’re on the way to make it happen. Convento de la Parra also has fine restaurant that I’ll be posting about next.

Published in: on June 25, 2010 at 11:54 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »