In August 2003 I managed to get away from the desert heat and escaped to Spain.

After a quite special Royal Jordanian flight with a layover in Amman

(be prepared, there is nothing in Amman airport!) I arrived safe and sound in Madrid.

Alba was there to pick me up and we went for dinner to a great tapas bar.

Red wine has never tasted so good...

 

Some friends had lend us their house in la sierra for the night.

Nice little pool with a great view over Madrid.

 

Nice garden too.

 

The next day I took the train to Málaga where Benedickte (to the left) picked me up.

Here she is with Puk. Aren’t her teeth really white?????

 

Before I headed back up towards Madrid, I had the chance to say hello to Benedicktes sister,

Christine. Bix and her were up for some quality time, just the girls!

 

Back in Madrid, once again in la sierra, but this time in Soto del Real. I stayed with Erika,

a former colleague from the college where I worked. Here she is in her kitchen with her

youngest daughter Alexia who was very close to walking at that time.

 

Erika and her husband Angel have really put a lot of work into the house and the result is

obvious, the place is great! Here’s a view of the garden and the pool.

 

Here it is Adriana, Erika and Angel’s oldest daughter driving the Rover (with a little help...).

 

Back on the sightseeing track. Alba and I were of for a road trip that would take us to

several Paradores, a chain of hotels (click for more info). Alba works for Paradores and we

got great rates. Here it is one of the most famous Paradores, the one in León,

built in a 16^th century convent.

 

A view from the inside patio of the convent.

 

Alba looking around.

 

and posing in front of the cathedral.

 

On the road again, heading for Asturias in the north of Spain the sky was at it most beautiful.

 

And now, Trip to Spain II