Globetrotting Tigers: May 8, 2015

We wake and arrive during breakfast in Cadiz Spain. Cadiz is the port for many who wish to travel to Seville. We choose to forego the 1.75-hour trip there and enjoy this wonderful little port city. David and Debbie had been here 4 years ago so Debbie knows her way around the tiny streets to the major sites. On the way in we see a new Royal Caribbean megaship being built- looking near completion it towers over the port- another in the Oasis class- how fun and who know it was being built in Cadiz! We begin at the monument celebrating the 1812 constitution for Spain’s independence, which was signed in Cadiz. We then wind through the little streets to the Cadiz Museum- a jewel in this tiny port city- it has amazing things from Egypt and a Rueben piece of art. Outside the big cities it is said to hold the finest collection. And entrance was free. We then manage to find the Plaza Cathedral for a bite of lunch at the Tapa restaurant. Debbie remembers this is where she and David ate as well- what a fine memory- then all of the sudden an older gentlemen steps nearby and whistles- the same whistle David used a million times. Debbie fights back numerous tears as memories flood in- a special event fore sure.

Tapas meat platter

We do a lot of shopping- Lilly determined to find some original old tiles. Finally, right before a store closes for their Siesta time (yes it is real from 2-5 every afternoon!) we spot a store with some. Lilly goes in and negotiates a price for 3 tiles and a little desk box that the lady was using- it was hilarious watching her ask for things and bickering back and forth- she walks away proud! We were then walking along and ran into Bojan our Assistant Waiter. The girls had been teasing him they were going to stalk him and sure enough we ran into him. He was excited and jumped up to give us each a hug. After more walking we sit for sodas in a new square and discover new things Debbie had not seen. While sitting at a table Lilly notices a little boy across the Plaza who decides to pee on a tree while Grandpa watches- YIKES! With all stores closed we walk toward the sea wall to walk back noting a Park on the map. WHAT a find! It was fantastic! So peaceful and beautiful with a huge diverse number of trees, flowers, bushes. There were marble walkways, fountains, tiled benches and more! We discovered two strange trees that were enormous.

Close call!

Bargins!

In the park Debbie spots a beautiful tree near the ocean and feels David would have just loved it there so once again she leaves a few ashes for him to explore the pebbles in this sandbox which he never got to see. Three minutes after a white dove lands on the wall right above she and the girls in front of the tree and then fly’s in front of them before Becky could take a photo- we all agree it was a special sign. Becky and Tina needed to use the bathroom and of course the only thing around was a little pay one. Becky went first but Tina had no money- they almost just let Tina in after her but then Tina decided no she should pay and would come get it from me. Good thing because as they shut the door the whole thing got washed! Had they cheated Tina would have gotten washed!!

Another sandbox to explore David

We made it back to the boat- a two-hour walk from the park stopping along the way occasionally for photos. Lilly also decided to explore a building across the street- low and behold it was some kind of art exhibit- we walked in- fun and yet strange art! Once onboard it was time for dinner- no time to waste. A fun dinner teasing our Assistant Waiter and sharing photos. We got the Soufflé tonight, Lilly has been requesting all cruise! It was amazing! We then went to the Lawn and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. We are getting ready for naps before a 1am pass through the Strait of Gibraltar.