After the successful get-a-way from the car park, we didn't have any further incidents.  On our way to Jerez d la Frontera we made a brief stop in Cadiz.  What a nice surprise.  This seaside city is surrounded on 3 sides by water and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in all of Spain.  Founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC, it was occupied by virtually every major power due to it's ideal natural port.  Sir Francis Drake and Napoleon even took a shot at trying to  conquer it for the same reasons.  They failed, Spain wins.  Cadiz is so important to Spain, it's first Constitution was born here in 1812.  OK enough history.   We made our way to the centre of town, entered the main plaza and walked the area.  Beautiful.  Here are a few shots.

With our quick tour complete, we set off.  We have booked in to a boutique hotel called Bellas Artes.  With only 19 rooms and a great location across the street from the the main Cathedral it should be a perfect spot to explore the town and celebrate our anniversary.   The site was the home of a former wine baron.  It's entrance was very modest. a simple front door opened to a spectacular three level enclosed courtyard.  Our top floor suite had an amazing deck with an impressive view of the cathedral, a huge Jacuzzi tub and a canopy bed.  A good start to the night!  Here is the view from the deck.

Nicely settled in, it was time to discover what Jerez had to offer.  Our first stop was to Haman Andalusi Arabic Baths.  We discovered during our tour of Morocco that these baths were the country club of the Medina.  Men would meet there at the end of the day to catch up on the news.  Women and children would do the same. Not together.  The women would also use this time to survey the young men to choose one for their  daughters.  You can't hide from the truth in the bath.  lol.   

After the bath house we passed a large Bodega, the Spanish version of a winery, there are many of them here since Jerez is the Sherry capital of the world.  Think of Champagne and you think of Reims.  Jerez is the same for Sherry.  Unfortunately our timing was bad, all the Bodegas were closed.  We did the next best thing...and found a tapas bar with a tasting menu.  

It took a few hours to find the right one.  If fact we walked the entire town, after all one has to build up a thirst!  Our search landed us in the main square known as Plaza De Arenal.  Once the setting of bull fights, battles and duels between knights, it is now home to an orgy of food purveyor's.  Nirvana to our hunger, or thirst in my case.  Our holy grail is called Albores.  It is rated very highly by Michelin and Trip Advisor.  The menu was interesting and they served Sherry.  22 different kinds.   By the glass. Perfect!  It was dark out, the little street nicely populated with locals out for the nightly paseo. A few street buskers plying their trade,  the night is really looking good. We make our selections.

Foie with caramelized fig jam.  Our waiter helps us with a sherry pairing. He chose a very dry slightly yellow firewater.  It tasted more like a tequila then wine, however after a bite of the foie and jam, the taste mellowed.  Next we ordered an egg artichoke with black truffles and ham in tempura, paired with a semi dry Sherry.  To say the artichoke was amazing would-be an understatement! The crunch of the tempura, the smokiness of the black truffle.  Wow! The Sherry was less alcohol and more wine this time.  We decided that sherry is best left to the Brit's.  We go back to wine. Red wine from just up the road in Arcos.  Better than better, especially when paired with the best lasagna I have ever eaten.  Lasagna with mushrooms, arugula, crispy bacon finished in a cream of foie.  I am not going to write about this course, I miss it too much... Next up a warm chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream.  I think you get the picture! The food was CRAZY GOOD.  

After dinner we floated, or was that staggered, back to our hotel. Time for a jacuzzi.  We turn on the tap and wait, and wait, and wait. 20 minutes later we have about one half an inch of water in a tub that needs at least a foot to cover the jets.  We wait a little longer, then the alarm goes off, it is morning. Holly shit!  No one(me) turned off the water.  The guests below us must think they need to build an ark😁.  I jump up, run to the bathroom and sure enough it is finally ready to be used.  No water pressure we are told, when we ask at the desk at check out.  Lucky!  Still we had a terrific visit. Next up a drive on on the Pueblo Blanca trail to Ronda.  On the way we stopped at the Jerez race track.  This is the winter testing track for Formula 1.  As luck would have it, the minor league of the Formula 1 is testing.  We sneak in and watch for a little while.  The sound is music to me and noise to Johanne.

A few shots of the view from the rural mountain road to get to Ronda. We had some great stops all the way however, when I started this blog I promised to stop writing before you stopped reading so that's what i am going to do.  The last picture is the famous Roman bridge in Ronda.  You really need to see this place if you get a chance...

This post is likely our last one from Spain.  It has been an amazing visit.  We will never forget our time here.  Next stop Malta.

Be Well

Caio