Some may think history is boring....

Some of you may think history is boring. Make me read a chapter in a social studies book and I will likely fall asleep. But, I feel like I had a mini history lesson this past week and I will now argue that history is cool! I wanted to write everything I learned down so I could remember it all. But, after further evaluation, I've realized I don't have all my facts straight. Therefore, I do plan to purchase a history of Spain book in the near future. NEVER thought I would ever purchase a history book of my own accord! Why? you may ask....Well, I took a short (1 hour) road trip to Cartagena this past week with Inma, Jose, and Brother Gaspar. Cartagena is right on the south east coast of Spain and has tons of history. I hated history class when I was younger. Hate is a strong word....But, I'm a visual learner. You can try to teach me by talking, but I am much more intrigued when I can actually see something. I'm sure at some point in my schooling I learned about the history of the Romans and Cartagenesis and the beginning of the Spanish empire. (sounds exciting, right....) But, today it all came to life. And it really was exciting!

I also have a new found respect and love for tour guides. I have encountered several here. They are some of the most passionate people for history. I'm sure they're not paid a lot for what they do, but it's evident they love their jobs and their enthusiasm is contagious. And now, I'm eager to learn more Spanish history.

I wish I had researched Spain more before I came here. But, I honestly don't think I would have known where to start. In addition to wanting to learn history, I want to learn the Spanish language already. So, I'm torn between how to spend my time. Yes, I have all my mornings free and I don't technically have a job. But, you would be amazed at how fast time flies for me over here! My goals: enjoy coffee with friends often, learn Spanish and study Spanish history. (In that order)
Anyway, enough of that....

A short recap on my day in Cartagena:

Woke up with the children at 8am. Dropped kids off at school at 9 and picked up Hermano Gaspar. Drove in the rough and tough Land Rover "Defender" to the province of Cartagena. (someday I'll post a picture of the Land Rover...I feel like I'm riding in the back of a hummer off to war in this beast) We toured a castle called the Castle of the Conception and caught some pretty cool views of the city from the top of the it. Whilst doing this, we walked outside a lot and it rained the entire time. Rain with wind, I might add. It was impossible to stay dry. After my socks and shoes were soaked and my jeans wet a good 8 inches up, we headed to the Roman Theater in Cartagena. My first experience in Roman ruins and I thought this part was very interesting. Back in the day, the Romans lived in Spain. From what I understand, Spain was in fact more Roman than any province beyond the limits of Italy sometime around the 1st century. Some of the best specimens of Roman architecture and some of the finest Roman coins have been discovered in the cities of Spain. And I actually stood amongst some of these ruins!

After the theater, we found this little dive called La Catedral. We arrived around 1:30pm, early for comida around here, and the place was completely empty minus the staff. We enjoyed "picotear" which is when you order several "entrees" but just put them in the middle of the table and everyone shares. The food was amazing, the staff excellent (granted, we were the only customers), and everyone spoke a little English-which made me feel very welcome! If I had a car or didn't live an hour away, I would plan another trip to Cartagena just to visit this little restaurant. It's also a pub at night, and I'm thinking it would be a chill place to hang out. Maybe some day.....

Anyway, we left La Catedral with very full bellies and a slight buzz from finishing 2 bottles of wine! Straight back to Murcia, just in time to pick up the kids at 5:00 from school. Ran home, prepared a birthday piano/guitar duet with Jose for grandpa's birthday. And had American pizza for dinner with the family plus grandparents. All in all, a great day. Learned a lot. Enjoyed great company. Was one of those days that makes me really happy I'm here in Spain. Grateful for everything I'm experiencing :)

And...I am taking suggestions on good Spanish history books out there. Who else is a little nerdy at heart??

Now...prepare yourself.....PHOTOS! And LOTS of them!!!
..
...
....
.....
......

The downside of the day (as evidenced by this photo's quality)...Rain, rain, and rain. I'm sure this view of the port, sea, and mountains is more impressive on a sunny day.

The old bullring (Plaza de Toros) from atop the castle. It's currently under construction and clearly hasn't been used for a while.

The Roman theater. And in the left hand corner of this photo you can see the new Roman style theater in Cartagena.

Me. Very wet. Cold. But, proof I was there...in the OLD Roman theater!

Inma and I ready to go inside after a long, cold day!

Course #1: I ate this. Really. Fish eggs. Calimari? I actually liked it.

Course #2: Salad with a balsamic dressing...very tasty.

Somewhere around here I'm quite certain the wine got to me and I skipped a couple entrees. I remember they were very good. But, the names? Photos? Nada. Use your imagination...

Moving on..

Course #__: My favorite: "Secreto" Secret? Really? Yep, that's how it was listed in the menu. But, I still don't know what kind of meat it was.

Tiramisu for dessert..

And, of course, a coffee when we were all finished. This one might beat my previously mentioned favorite "Bombon"...This sweetie is named "Belmonte", likes alcohol and has a little sweetened condensed milk and coffee.

Again, explaining how to take a non-blurry photo on an iphone is just too difficult. But, this photo serves its purpose. Me, Hermano Gaspar, Jose, and Inma. My travel buddies for the day!

And a shot of one of the streets in Cartagena...Spain is cool.