Aranjuez - Week 2

Hola!

Aranjuez has been a lovely place to settle awhile. We have particularly enjoyed the gardens and most days have seen us either walking in the gardens or just through them on our way to town. The colours at the moment are spectacular and we have taken umpteen photos and were lucky to get some of the red squirrels that live in the gardens. 

On the lake in the Chinese Garden are 2 black swans with 2 very young cygnets. Mr swan was a very protective father so we kept our distance. Mrs swan was more obliging and didn't object to having her photo taken. 

We visited the Casa de Marinos (boat museum) and the Casa del Labrador - on Wednesday of course!

Sadly we were unable to take photographs but both places were very interesting and well worth a visit. Here in Aranjuez, security has been very high at the various sites that we have visited. The Casa del Labrador was no exception. Small groups (guided tours only which had to be prebooked) accompanied by the tour guide and a security guard bringing up the rear. Airport style security when you first enter the Casa and left luggage lockers for your personal belongings. We also had to wear overshoes to walk around the Casa. Not surprising when you see the fabulous marble floors. At first the security seems a bit over the top, until you see the priceless artifacts and beautiful silk wall coverings. The tour was in Spanish (of course) but the tour guide spoke very slowly and clearly and I was able to follow a lot of what he was saying and in turn was able to translate to Harry. We have also bought a book which covers the Royal Palace, the Casa de Marinos and the Casa del Labrador but the photos are a poor substitute for the real thing.

The trip to Chinchon was good. We caught the bus from the centre of Aranjuez to Chinchon approx an hour's drive. Bus travel is relatively cheap here in Spain and the service very efficient.

Chinchon is  a charming wee village which makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. The heart of the village is it's unique, almost circular Plaza Mayor. In summer the Plaza is converted into a bull ring and it is also a stage for a popular passion play which is performed during Easter week.   

After exploring the streets and alleyways we found ourselves back in the Plaza Mayor where we sat at one of the many cafes/restaurants and enjoyed a glass of wine in the sunshine while waiting for the next bus back to Aranjuez. It was such a pleasant afternoon, the wine was good and the plate of food that appeared on the next table looked very appetising - so, a quick word with our waiter - 2 more glasses of wine and a plate of patatas chulas (fried potatoes cooked in olive oil and garlic and more garlic and spring onions sprinkled on top) - Yummy. Needless to say we caught the later bus!

When we arrive at a camp site we check where we can buy our groceries. Sometimes we can walk or cycle and on the odd occasion we have been in the middle of nowhere. We have never had to starve though, there has always been something in the cupboard that we can rustle up. Here in Aranjuez we have been spoilt. Various supermarkets, one hyper market, indoor and outdoor markets and a shopping mall. At the mall is a pet store and we went and had a look. All the usual - fish, rabbits, song birds, various snakes and iguanas. Saw some parrots (thought of Jane). Saw a tarantula (thought of Clare).!!!

On that note I shall say a fond farewell. Tomorrow we move to just outside Granada for a few days with the highlight of the week being a trip to the Alhambra Palace.

So until next week - Adios!

Lots of love, Kath and Harry xxx