After our usual Parador buffet for breakfast we decided to
make Ciudad Real our target to explore. It is only about 15 miles away, an easy
trip. We couldn’t fine the Tourist Office so we asked a Meter gal and she
directed us to the Plaza Mayor and the underground parking lot. Here comes a
little rant! Why could they not make these entryways a little wider? Unless you
are driving a teeny, tiny 600D your heart is in your mouth the whole time. The
parking spaces are so tight you can barely get out of your car! Just few more inches would make a world of
difference. There is a reason that most Spanish cars are scraped and dented,
though I am very impressed with their parking and backing skills. No guts, no
glory!
We headed straight to
the Tourist Info shop, no English spoken here today it was heavy Spanish with
maps a flying and inked lines from the Info office leading to the various
museums such that it looked like a spoked wheel afterwards. The Plaza Mayor
central clock looked like one from Germany as the figures danced around the
circular track and played trumpets to the 12 chimes at midday, very interesting.
You know you can get museumed and churched out here in this
country. Every town has maintained their religious buildings and museums and
they are very proud of them. Today, in spite of the young lady advice, we
decided on just one museum, the Museo de Quijote and off we went after a
refreshment break in the Plaza. The Museum is free and documents the life of
Cervantes and his writing of Don Quijote of La Mancha. We thought it very
interesting and enjoyed it immensely. Cervantes is a giant of a writer and is
considered the greatest writer in the Spanish language. He was born in Alcala
de Henares which will be our last stop on this trip.
After siesta at Almagro we headed into town to wander around
and hit an ATM for some cash. Two ATMs said due to technical difficulties… no
money. Of course there was a bit of panic for a while. We had a drink and
considered our options. This had happened last year when someone at the credit
union, for some unknown reason had put a stop on our cards, so as you can imagine
the fact that we had been refused at two different banks we were a little
concerned. Paul could not relax until we went back to do an online chat with
our bank. It was a little frustrating for him as he kept on being dropped off
line but eventually he had his chat and it was determined that our cards were
still active. So we decided to try again tomorrow. No need to panic we have
several cards where we can get a cash advance, it just costs us more!
We ate at the Parador that night and it was terrific. I
remember that but what we ate is a mystery to me. That is Paul’s department.
We logged over 6 miles walking today though we are both
having hip issues! Damn we must be getting old! LOL!
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