Arrived in Segovia around lunchtime yesterday and checked into the Parador.  This one very different to most – very modern, a few Km outside the city on a neighbouring hillside with stunning views back across to the city.

Drove into the city for a late lunch in Plaza Mayor before visiting the Alcazar fortress which juts out at the end of the city.     Pretty amazing and only marred by (for the first time on this trip) crowds of Chinese with their f-ing selfie sticks and appalling manners !!

A bit of a fairytale castle reconstructed in the 19th century after a fire consumed the original which dated (and much the same design) from the 12th century and has seen more than its fair share of Royal Spanish weddings and coronations etc.    Very ornate inside with much Moorish influence etc.

Back to the hotel for dinner and then back into the city this morning after breakfast.     The very impressive ancient aqueduct built by the Romans in the 1st century with no mortar used in its construction !!    Still in use until the end of the 19th century when I guess it was superseded my a “modern” water supply.

A coffee in the square before a visit to the Cathedral and a 180 step spiral staircase up to the bell & viewing level for amazing views down over the city and surrounding countryside.   Not for the vertiginous or claustrophobic but well worth the climb.

A wander around the old Jewish Quarter and City walls before back to Plaza Mayor for lunch.    More churches and palaces in the city (mostly closed because its Monday and they were !!).

Then a lengthy drive around the neighboring river valley with a multitude of monasteries, convents, churches and retreats all stunning and old with views back across to the city.

I think its safe to say that I have had enough of religious monuments etc for a while but I have to say Segovia has eclipsed most other Spanish cities and was well worth the detour.

Back to the Parador and preparing for early start tomorrow for a marathon 8+ hour drive home.    Apparently it has rained down south, for the first time since April, and the weather seems to be closing in up here as well, so it could be a soggy drive.

Pick up “the kids” on Wednesday and get settled back home.    Next trip in November with a month in Myanmar (Burma) including a 2 week cruise up the Irriwaddy.

This Blog is dedicated to my gorgeous Amber who will be sorely missed when I get everybody home !!