The tour started off with a panoramic drive of Cadiz as we headed out to Vejer de la Frontera. As we drove through the old city of Caidiz we could see ancient fortifications, the cathedral, newly excavated old roman ruins, castle and a light house. We then passed through and out of the new city of Cadiz and continued on, past marshes which are a sanctuary for migratory birds, salt mines, and past La Caraca where filming of “The Crown’ is taking place.
At Vejer de la Frontera we had a walking tour but before setting off our guide gave guests the option to wander around the village at their own pace or sit in a café. Some of the roads would get quite steep so some people did opt out and went to a café or had a wander. The town is very beautiful and would have been more so if the sun was out. I loved the narrow, winding cobbled stone streets. The town has a lot of character to it.
After the walking tour we had a bit of free time to explore. For those who wanted to wanted to buy souvenirs - there were hardly any shops open. I later discovered that they opened at around 11am during the non-tourist season. Unfortunately it started to rain so that was the end of my trying to explore the town - I didn't have an umbrella with me. I had left it on the bus. 😕 Of course no sooner I had boarded the bus - the rain stopped! I overheard our poor guide apologising for the weather and that she can't control mother nature. Methinks someone was complaining about the weather.
Our next part of the tour was a scenic drive via La Brena Nature Park to Cape Trafalgar Lighthouse which was built in 1805. We didn't go up to the lighthouse but we were able to view it from a boardwalk that led down to a beach. There was a chilly wind blowing so we didn't stay out of the bus for too long.
Our drive continued through the national park, passing a protected pine forest, on to Conil de la Frontera where we were set down for a bit of free time to explore the village or taste the local specialities.
Conil de la Frontera is a village between forests of pine groves and the sea. It is a typical Andalusian town where Arabian influence is evident in the narrow streets and low white houses. Its beaches attract visitors during the summer months.
Having visited Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera, I would say that both villages would be best visited either later in the day when shops are open, or during the summer months so that one can feel the ambience of the villages.
When I got back to the Prinsendam Paul was very busy. It turns out that the Prinsendam has sprung a small leak in the ballast tank which needs to be fixed. At this rate it won't be fixed by departure time, and the departure time has already been extended.
 |
| Cadiz from the Prinsendam |
Update: The welders have worked all afternoon and still can't fix the hull. It is now after 11pm and an announcement has just been made over the intercom that we will not be leaving for Casablanca. We will be staying overnight in Cadiz so that work can continue through the night with fixing the leak. With a bit of luck the hole will be fixed by morning.
On speaking to Paul, the hole has, so far, been difficult to fix. The hull is curved, the welding plates are straight. Go figure.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Cadiz
Vejer de la Frontera - the village and views
Cape Trafalgar Lighthouse and beach
Views of Cadiz from the Prinsendam
No comments:
Post a Comment