Hi from Madrid

Hi from Spain. No photos today as I have packed my connector cable away as we are flying to Rome this afternoon. Clare will relate her sorry tale of the theft of her bag in Valencia.

Apart from that we have seen some amazing places. Some of the churches, basilica´s, cathedrals and mosques now churches are just amazing in their intricacy and sheer size in some cases. The Temple of the Holy Family in Barcelona is still under construction, estimated another 20 yrs to go, and was commenced in the late 1800´s. It is almost grotesquely beautiful. A real mix of styles with the most recent being a modern interpretation of the original plans. Wish I was able to download a photo.

In the last week I have spent more time in church than in the last few years. Most of this time has been spent gazing at ceilings, beautiful ceramic tiles, or simply amazing woodcarving rather than in prayer.

The hotels on the tour have been OK. I will sign over to Clare now as there is not much time left on the computer. cheers Cia

Well life had a little setback in Valencia where, as Cia said I had my bag stolen at breakfast while we were at breakfast. Apart from shock and annoyance, anger and disbelief, I was relatively lucky that the time was early and the shops were closed and I noticed it within minutes. Fortunately my passport was elsewhere.
The Valencia police station was and experience. It felt like hours but the whole reporting incident only took about 30mins. One almost need a police search to get into the police station - not talking Spanish made the experience a bit interesting until I got an interpreter. The report is in Spanish so hopefully I have signed was I said. God was looking after me a little bit, as my phone was disabled quickly - probably because they tried to make a phone call not allowed by Optus - one of the few times they have been efficient. Luckily my bank account were not accessed. I have learnt just about every toll free number in Spain. I am most pissed off about loosing my camera´s memory card and my diary - the rest is an inconvenience.
Yesterday we went to some Brasilia in Zarazoga where I said a little prayer to someone that some godly kind sole will return the memory card and my diary. Chances are slim but one has to have a go.
My travel insurance has paid for itself and will get a work out when I get home.
Lucky for me today I was able to get a camera - I wasn´t going to accept anything less than what I had.
On to Italy where I will probably get the Spanish right. I have been speaking French most of the time in Spain
Cheers
Clare