Any wedding anniversary is special but a 13th anniversary is without a doubt extremely special when you are a woman of “a certain age” and health issues have reared their ugly head over the marriage. We recently returned from a few weeks in Spain (Madrid, Segovia, San Ildefonso, Aranjuez, and Toledo) and I will be blogging about our experiences. We have been smitten with the country for a long time and the love has just deepened.
We based ourselves in Madrid and then went off on journeys for several days to cities we wanted to explore further, returning to Madrid periodically. This made sense as the origin of most of our train travel was Madrid and it created a great excuse to leave some stuff (shopping!) behind in the hotel in Madrid. We are hoping to “retire” at least part-time to Spain (that is what is on the drawing board now). This is always subject to change. One thing I have learned is nothing is certain and LIFE happens. 
The photo above is The Alcazar of Segovia. On the left of the photo is the Tower of John 11. You can see the entrance if you look closely. This is one of the most beautiful palaces/fortresses I have ever visited. The building is shaped like a ship which is very unique. The age… it is believed that building began in 1158!
The photo below is Real Sitio de La Granja De San Ildefonso. This shot was taken from one of the massive gardens toward the palace. Construction began in 1720. This was to be the “retirement home” of King Philip V. Alas, it wasn’t to be. He abdicated in favor of his son who died prematurely so King Philip V had to return to the throne. Much more on this later. The palace, fountains, gardens….Epic. 
The photo’s below need no introduction. The first one was taken on the roof top terrace of our hotel in Toledo. As far as the eye could see, history, history, history. The second photo was taken from one of the windows in our room. Hubby likes the photo so I am including it. Love the shutters. I won’t go into detail now on this hotel BUT I will tell you that while Columbus was in the New World, a family was living in the house which now is a hotel. It is difficult to wrap my brain around that.
I love a room with a view and they all had amazing views. Our room views in Segovia and Aranjuez seriously took my breath away.
And yes, if you followed my old blog my fixer is still there in Segovia. Perhaps it is waiting…..
Have a great week and I hope to post again very soon.
It all sounds so wonderful Barb! And you look so beautiful ! I’m so happy that you and your husband had this precious time together, in such a romantic place!
Sending love!
Thank you so much Andrea! We needed it for sure. It was a difficult summer- shingles, eyes…. I am so thankful that is behind us. Now to the healing of the foot. Hehe. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. You know it is appreciated! XOXO
Fun, fun, fun! LOVE the pictures!! Spain, from what I can see here, is gorgeous and filled with history. So much to love. THAT CASTLE, though!! Gorgeous… 🙂 So glad you’re going to be blogging more about this. How’s your foot? Much, much better, I hope. My mother and her hubby spent some time in Seville a while back. The photos were just incredibly beautiful. I would love to see it in person someday. Oh, and I’ve started blogging again, too, recently. I just got to the place where I missed it — the ability to ramble on about whatever’s on my mind/heart and the ability to go back and read old posts… really a journal. Oh, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you two lovebirds!
Hi Christi! Oh, Spain is so beautiful. I love everything about it- food, the people, you name it and I love it! The foot is healing. I will probably be in the boot for a couple more months. Oh well. it could be worse. I am so glad you are blogging again. I loved your blog and will visit for sure. I remember Jayde loved seeing your art work. Happy days… Love you my dear friend. XOXO
Dearest Barb,
It sounds and looks like a wonderful time being had and that’s just great.
Enjoy it while you can and mind your step…
Sending you hugs,
Mariette
Hello dear Mariette,
We had a marvelous time. It was good for my soul and heart. My heavy heart shifted into another sphere and that is a very good thing. Oh, I am walking very carefully now.
Love and hugs to you and hubby