Surprise Flamenco Dancer In The Plaza

While sitting having a wee lunch in one of the outdoor cafes near the Cadiz Cathedral we were treated to a free performance of a solo Flamenco dancer.  She was fantastic.

Flamenco dancing has been around since 1774.  

Simply, it is a dance to traditional folk music.  Usually accompanied by a classical guitarist or a Flamenco guitarist.

There are two establishments that have been recommend by our host for us to see authentic Andalusian Flamenco dancing in Cadiz.

This dancer made quick costume changes and did at least four separate dances for the tourists who were watching while eating gelato.

She danced her little heart out.

Because Flamenco is considered an emotional dance, it is believed that the younger you are, the less emotional maturity you are able to bring to the dance.  So unlike other dance forms, Flamenco dancers don't usually hit their peak until they are in their 30s and continue well past their 50's.

We made a donation to her collection for such an amazing performance.

Deb said she was very lovely, gracious and had perfect english.

New to Me; the Caqui fruit

'Caqui' fruit or persimmons are in season right now in Spain.  They look like a tomato only their colour ranges from pale yellow to deep red.  Surprisingly enough it is actually a berry....very big berry.  There is no seed in it.

I had never tried this fruit before coming to Spain.

So I suggested to Deb that we could try a few new fruits especially when they are freshly available to us here in Cadiz.

There are many health benefits to this low calorie fruit.

Abundant in phosphorus and calcium. The Vitamin A in it is a cancer fighter.  Strengthens the immune system because of it's high Vitamin C.  Has been known to help with asthmatic issues.

Aids in weight loss.

It also has anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties.

A great source of fibre thus helping with digestive issues.

For diabetics it curbs hunger pangs and regulates sugar levels in the blood.

A perfect fruit for those looking for options required in a low sodium diet or who suffer from hypertension.

Surprisingly it is an anti-diuretic thus flushing out the kidneys which helps with water retention.

If you need a pick me up, persimmon fruit is a natural energizer.

Low in carbs, fat and sodium....it's a perfect fruit.

All I do to prepare this fruit is give it a wash.

Take the stem and leaves off.

Leave the skin on.  Lots of good stuff is in the skin.

Cut it into quarters, then into smaller bite size pieces.

We just put them on a plate and eat them as you would apple pieces.

They are sweet and the flesh is quite taste.

Not sure what they would taste like in Canada, but worth a try to experience this yummy fruit.

Explore the Promenade & Tapas in Cadiz

Cadiz has more than 3000 hrs of sun a year....known to be one of the sunniest cities in Europe.

The average temperature in Cadiz in October/November is about 24'C.

Thus, the incredible vegetation.

It appears that every kind of palm tree is located here.

And the flowers.....

The Red Hibiscus flower growing in a park near by.

Watch towers dot the promenade along our walk.  

"Debbie....they are locked...get out of there."

La Caleta Beach in Cadiz.  We will be checking it out next week for swimming.  All the locals were out in full force Saturday enjoying the water and sun.

Cadiz beaches extend over 4 miles.

Walking the promenade on the other side of the city.

The Cadiz Cathedral towers are behind Deb.  An incredible building...and you can climb one of the towers which we did.  Those photos a little later in my blogs.

Ok...we are going to try...slowly...carefully...Tapas in Cadiz.

Tapas are small savoury Spanish dishes served every where you can buy drinks.

'Boquerones adobados' or marinated anchovies......I liked it....Deb....not so much.

'Boquerones fritos' or fried anchovies....We did not eat the heads.

I liked them....Deb did...kind of.

An awesome breeze all day, every day off the ocean.  Wonderful respite from the heat.

Hola Cadiz, Spain

When Deb and I were looking for affordable accommodations for 'after the trailer season' I started to search the web.  Toronto, as much as we enjoyed it for the last two winters, is very expensive.  

I opened my gaze a little wider and thought, if we were in Europe on our cruise, we could stay somewhere affordable before heading back to Canada.

I remembered this beautiful place in Spain, that we visited on another cruise about 4 years ago.  I fell in love with Cadiz in that short visit.

Four years later, I found a little apartment on Airbnb and booked us.

Less than $850.00 Canadian dollars a month.  Cheaper than Muskoka and definitely less than the major cities in Canada.

Thus....here we are.

Let me introduce you to Cadiz, Spain.

It has the respect of being the oldest, inhabited city in Spain and Western Europe.

A population of about 124,000 but it doesn't feel like that.

Our place is on this street, behind a locked gated door.

Hidden from view is a lovely courtyard with about 12 small apartments in a square area.

A roof top terrace also serves as the setting for about 10 clothes lines.

Luckily we are on the first floor....which in Europe means....two flights up.

Cadiz is a peninsula which is in the Bay of Cadiz, just off the Atlantic Ocean.

About a 5 hour train ride south of Madrid.

The peninsula covers no more than 5 miles.

Literally 50 steps to this promenade right on the water.

I have been running this promenade this week and I will never tire of the view.

Stunning florals over hanging in the park.

I believe these to be called Bougainvillea which is a strong vine that can be 'trained' to cover and drape archways, doors and trellis.

Thrilled.....can't believe we are here.  Deb and I felt overwhelmed when we first arrived.

Partly we were completely exhausted by our month long adventures travelling before we arrived here.

We are settling in nicely.

Thinking these were lime or orange trees when I first got here.  In fact, they are a decorative tree with what appears to be edible fruit but no.  Don't pick any fruit....and think about eating it.....just sayin'.  Some of the fruit is poisonous....but I will tell you about that later.

Behind Deb is the 'Baluarte de Candelaria' which is a fortress built for protection in centuries past.

Cadiz was founded in 1104 BC.

Iglesia del Carman, is a Catholic church, at the end of our street.  The colours on the facade are beautiful.  Built in the 17th century.

Monk Parakeets

I knew from our last visit that parakeets roamed free here....but it seemed harder to spot them then.

Oh my gosh...they are everywhere.  Their tell tale squawk lets you know they are nearby. 

Check out the size of this tree.  It is humongous!! 

Some of the oldest trees in Cadiz.

It is said that Christopher Columbus brought them from the New World to Spain.

A 'Ficus Macrophylla', I've heard them referred to as Rubber trees also.

They can grow to be 200 feet tall!  And over 7 feet around.

I'm afraid it is going to swallow me up.

Oh....don't worry...there will be LOTS of photos of my wee friend George in my blog.

He's the green guy....the parakeet below.

Climbing the Tower, Randoms, and Saying Good-bye to Prague

Our last day in Prague....I can't explain how wonderful it was.  Safe, relaxing, a surprise at every turn.

We don't have that kind of tangible history that the European countries have.  Canada is so young...

Here are a few photos just to be enjoyed.

Make sure.....you put Prague on your bucket list.  Love it. 

We ate lunch at the restaurant (that is actually a huge boat) below.  The salad and pizza...we shared.

The Old Town Bridge Tower which we climbed.  

Around and around we went to the very top...for the views.

It was so worth it.

"We are almost there LD...."

View of the Old Town from the top of the tower.

Charles Bridge...mid day....very busy.

The district known as Lesser Town at the far side of the Charles Bridge.

Deb and I enjoyed a wee cappuccino at the restaurant on the right.  As we were sitting there a gondola like the ones in Venice went by with a gondolier?  So cool and odd.

Marionettes hanging around waiting to be taken home by someone.

Made either in wood or plaster.  A Czech tradition since the 18th century.

Very affordable.

A commemorative plaque placed on the Charles Bridge where apparently Saint John of Nepomuk, who worked for King Wenceslas IV, was killed here by being tossed into the river below.

It is good luck to touch the statue as it will also ensure a return to Prague.

I touched it for sure.

Deb and her yummy dessert.

Very messy....but very good.

Heading to the airport tomorrow after an amazing time in Prague.

Next destination......Spain.....a little town called Cadiz.