garyandpearl

Cádiz was founded by the Phoenicians over 3000 years ago and is the oldest continually habited city in Western Europe. This was one of the first ports for the Spanish ships returning from the New World, and they brought great wealth to this island. With great wealth came pirates as well! Thus the city was fortified with walls, castles, and cannons.

City wall

Cannon on the wall.

Gary and I had a guided tour of the old city this morning.

Gary is standing by the flower market, and we also had a chance to walk through the main market loaded with breads, meat, cheese, fruits, and vegetables!

Our group was treated to a Flamenco show complete with a Spanish Guitarist before we would wind our way through the narrow streets back to our ship.

We noticed many orange trees laden with ripe fruit, and I wondered why no one was picking them. Our guide informed us that these Seville oranges are bitter and are therefore used for making marmalade and liqueur such as Grand Marnier.

Last night we passed through the Strait of Gibraltar which is where Europe and Africa almost touch! Leaving the Mediterranean storms behind us, we are now in the Atlantic, and the water is much calmer.

Tonight we head to Madeira, Portugal, and we will arrive Wednesday. Farewell until then!