Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz, Spain could very well be the oldest city in the Western World, dating back to before 1100 BC.

With all the history beholden by Spain, no city boasts the storied history of Cadiz.
Entwined in myth and legend that mixes the Greek Gods with the Roman Empire, today's Cadiz is a bustling port city with both modern and historical flair.

Throughout its storied history many civilizations laid claim to Cadiz, but it was the 18th century that marked the golden years that propelled the city to the epoch of the modern world. Cadiz flourished during the 18th century and many of the spectacular landmarks which lace the city are dated to this time.

For three years Cadiz was even the capitol of Spain (1810-1813) and it is also the point from where Christopher Columbus sailed.

The Plaza de Espana in Cadiz is the landmark that represents the new Spanish Constitution and also marks the abolition of the Inquisition. In front of this monument is located an eternal flame, and the monument itself expresses imprints of those who took part in creating the new Constitution.

Probably the most amazing sight in Cadiz is the Cathedral, but unfortunately my camera lost it's charge before I was able to photograph the old work of architectural art which took 116 years to build.

The Cathedral also houses a crypt in which Spanish composer Manuel de Falla and poet Jose Maria Peman are buried.

Don't miss out on this breathtaking sight if you make it to Cadiz, but do make sure you have a charged camera while you're there.

You won't be at a lost for spectacular views whether you wind through the small alleys and cobblestone streets of the old town or out and about in the new town, outside the old city walls.

Cadiz has the charm that you'd expect from a city that very well could be the oldest in the Western World.

In the summer time you'll be able to enjoy a fabulous beach and great tapas bars, but there is plenty to keep you busy in the off season as well.

Without a doubt you could fill a week in Cadiz, but I recommend a day or two to catch the main sights before continuing a coastal and inland tour of Andalucia.

Rota, Spain - Three Kings Day

Rota, Spain is a beautiful beach town located on the Atlantic Coast along the Costa de la Luz in Andalucia, Spain.

During the summer months Rota becomes inhabited with tourists from all parts of Spain and Europe and the beaches are packed with eager sunbathers from the early morning hours until nearly midnight each day.

The town of Rota was born as a small fishing village and it still retains that reputation even as the city has grown into something more.

Visions of Rota

While Rota has fresh fish, a great beach and a 'tranquilo' lifestlye to offer, the focus of this post is the town's Three Kings Day celebration.

The Three Kings Day celebration in Europe, and especially in Spain, is huge. While the US is going back to work around that time, the festivities continue overseas and each and every town around the Spanish countryside will hold a celebration that residents, especially the children, will remember year-round.

Rota's parade is somewhat tame in comparison to the celebrations of the larger cities where live animals join the local 'kings' in the parades, but Rota's celebration is one worth experiencing.

For hours the parade winds through the cobblestone streets and alleys that Rota is famous for before finishing in the main square.

Along the route hundreds of spectators line the streets and little kids eagerly await the candy and presents that are flung from the themed floats. Whether it is Snow White, a Barbie Princess or one of the Three Kings, the kids are assured to receive some type of gift as the floats pass by.

If kids in Spain never ate another bit of candy all year aside from this day, the candy industry would still turn a profit and the dentists would undoubtedly stay in business. The amount of candy flung from the floats is crazy, but the kids love it, don't they?

With the way the roads wind and with the route the parade follows, it's possible to enjoy three or four full viewing of the parade before you find your pockets too bursting with candy to go on any further.

Rota is definitely a top destination for a summer vacation, but as you can see from these photos of the Three Kings Day parade, there is plenty to do in the winter also.

If you find yourself in Spain on Three Kings Day, make sure you're out for the parade. And make sure you have enough pockets for all the candy.

The 2009 International Food & Wine Festival, Washington DC

For lovers of fine wine and good food, there was no better option to spend a Saturday afternoon than the 2009 International Wine and Food Festival at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC.

The festival offered a selection of hundreds of fine wines from around the world and samples of food from the areas most famous chefs.

While many venues for wine tasting were offered in the Ronald Reagan Building, the most elite may have been the Grand Cru room.

Offering a variety of hand picked, reserve level wines, the separate area gave the wine connoisseur an opportunity to sample over sixty premium wines in relative privacy from the larger crowds.

The wine tasting itself was a delight to endure, but the true benefit of the event is the personal touch added by the winemakers and traders who offer personal stories of how the wine was made and what makes their particular wine unique.

The assortment of dessert delicacies and wide selection of cheeses made the wine tasting experience all the more delightful.

If you are in the DC area for next years festival, I highly recommend you take advantage of this exquisite event. Of course, it's recommended only if you enjoy the taste of fine wines and good cheese.

Admittedly, it does get a little bit annoying after a while, when you're only given a tiny sip. There comes a time when you just feel like having a nice, full glass of wine.

It is also entertaining to people watch as the day progresses. When the wine starts to hit after a few hours, the hair starts to get messy and the shirts come untucked.

All in all, the Festival is a great event that is worthy of the price of the ticket.