Marph in the land of tapas and sangria

We had a great Christmas in the Netherlands with a real Christmas tree and lots of yummy Christmas time treats, but after 3 or 4 weeks of rain we were off in search of some sunshine in Spain. 

First stop was Tortosa where we stayed in a real Castle.

The front door and one of the cannons at Castello Tortosa. 

While in Tortosa we visited the Delta de l'Ebre where we got to enjoy some time with a flock of flamingos. 

Delte de l'Ebre

Whilst in Tortosa we also enjoyed a day trip to Tarragona. We saw some Roman ruins and enjoyed walking around the old city centre. 

Apart from tapas and Sangria we also enjoyed some Starbucks treats and lots of gelato.

Next stop after Tortosa was Valencia. We were staying close to the funky City of Arts and Sciences (funky because of the modern space-age type architecture). The City of Arts and Sciences includes an aquarium where we saw some penguins and other cool aquarium types.

Marph and some of the cheekier penguins he met in Valencia

But the city centre was where the real action was. We enjoyed the Christmas markets, the view from the top of the cathedral tower, the old city walls and gates, and the tapas bars. 

We also tried Spanish style hot chocolate (basically melted chocolate).

And we were in Valencia for New Years Eve. Our hotel provided the customary 12 grapes to be eaten at the 12 chimes of midnight. 

From Valencia we then headed north to Barcelona where we met up with Bren and Kirst. Barcelona is well known for the Anton Gaudi architecture. We missed the Sagrada Familia last time we were in Barcelona but made sure to visit it this time.

Marph outside the Sagrada Familia and a little place that looked like it would make a perfect holiday home.

More exploring in Barcelona.

After our short stop over in Barcelona it was off to Madrid. 

We even managed to include a day trip to Segovia. A great little city just 30 minutes from Madrid that is a must see. 

Marph, Romulus and Remus.

The old aquaduct in Segovia.

The Alcazar and the view from the main tower.

And before we knew it it was time to say goodbye to Bren and Kirst as they returned back to SA and time to head back to the Netherlands to get the new work year started.

More photos and stories from Spain next time =)