Zaragoza (WOW)

Zaragoza, there are lots of WOW moments in the historic centre.  The enormous central square dominates the old town close by to the river. There are two cathedrals, one at either end of the square.  This is the Bascilica del Pilar with domes of coloured tiles. It still has the function of the local church and being Saturday we saw a full mass wedding being conducted, a christening in the smaller chapel to the rear and lots of little girls in their flowing while dresses in cafe's with their families after their confirmations.  The second cathedral at the end of the square has been converted to a museum with an entry cost so we did not venture in.

At the opposite end of the square is a very large water monument in the shape of South America.  If you stand at the closest point of the pool to the Bascilica and crouch down you will see the outline of the continent of South America.   The end of the pool where you need to crouch down is just near where we are sitting.

We visited the Ebro River which has the usual historic bridges crossing it.  We also visited the Palace Aljaferia which is a stunning Moorish fortress only a 10 minute walk from the centre.

Saturday evening having a walk through town we came across one of the central squares where it appears dancing is a favourite pastime.  The dance seemed to be a style of latin dances.  All the dancers certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves.

We had a late departure from Zaragoza.  Our train to Barcelona left at 2.30 pm.  That gave us the morning to do some more looking around, grab some morning tea at a very cute cafe and visit the big market that was across the street from our accommodation, where we got some supplies for a picnic lunch at the station before we boarded our train.

I have to just add that on our train journey from Madrid to Zaragoza our train hit the magic 300 kms an hour.  Our previous trains had reached 250 kms but this was our first at the 300 .... woosshh.

We have now moved onto Barcelona and I will post some pics of our time there in the near future, until then, bye for now, don't forget to keep in touch.