Electrical Problems

Strange electrical currents resulted in a visit from the electrician.  Here were the symptoms.



The solution ended up being one of the three main lines coming from the street was completely rusted out from water coming in. 

Leak

Soon after our return, we discovered a leak coming in the upstairs bathroom.  That was a bit of a bummer.  Fortunately, we were able to get it fixed without too much damage other than some need for wall repairs to the bathroom and the girls' rooms, and fixing of the pipes. 

Sevilla Cathedral

Our final day in Spain allowed us to visit the Cathedral in Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the third largest in the world.  It is also the likely burial place of Christopher Columbus. 

The inside of the cathedral was immense, and we enjoyed the walk up to the viewpoint from the top, where you could peek out at the city while also gauging the immensity of the cathedral.

After our visit, it was time for our train to Madrid, a taxi to the airport, and our late night flight to Kuala Lumpur by way of Dubai.  Flying Emirates Airlines was a highlight for the kid as our memorable trip of a lifetime came to an end. 

Churros con chocolate

One of the culinary highlights of our time in Spain was the incredibly rich (straight chocolate!) churros con chocolate.  It was incredible how rich the chocolate was, but somehow the kids managed to drink enough of it to enjoy the delightful stop in little roadside cafes. 

New Year's Day in Sevilla

We woke to the New Year of 2013 in Sevilla, Spain.  With everything closed, we took advantage of spectacular weather to go on a walking tour of the city.  Finding the main plaza, the Plaza de Espana, was a true highlight.  We wished we could just bottle the cool, but sunny weather and take it with us wherever we went.

 

We had a delightful rowboat ride on the canal (minus one child who was not as happy), and we discovered that some adults are better at rowing a boat than others.  It truly is a picturesque plaza, even if we were unable to get a picture that matches the masterpiece which Doug's parents had snapped about a week earlier. 

We also got to have a nice carriage ride around the park, and discovered why so many people would love to spend many weeks in Sevilla, learning Spanish or soaking up the culture.   What a beautiful day to start the New Year!

New Year's Eve Dinner

Sigh.  We are in Sevilla, Spain.  Beautiful day.  Getting cold as the sun descends below the buildings.  On our way back to find a great restaurant with tapas for New Year's Eve . . .but not sure if it will be open until late (everything else looks like it is closing down.)

Kids are hungry.  We are hungry. 

Where do we eat for New Year's Eve?  The Happy Meal and ubiquitous logo tell it all.  Hopefully it isn't a metaphor of all 2012. 

Sigh. 

Alcazar & Sevilla

On New Year's Eve we arrived in Sevilla, found our place and managed to visit the famous Alcazar.  It was a truly beautiful site, with the amazing carvings and handiworks that almost rivals the Alhambra. The interior ceilings and intricate walls were impressive -whether tiles or carvings, it was amazing to see how wood and stone could be transformed into something so beautiful. 

Not surprisingly, Gabi spent much of the vacation buried in a book.  Who can compete with ancient ruins when Harry Potter is around? 

 

The huge and famous cathedral (third largest in the world?) is the center of the town, and not far from the Alcazar. 

Swinging in Granada

Science Museum (Granada)

We had a nice visit to the science museum, which had a tower with an incredible view, including of the city and the snowcapped mountains in the distance.  We also visited a less than overwhelming science museum, a great play area for kids and some really fascinating hands-on exhibits about the human body.

It was an excellent opportunity to see a bit of Granada. 

There was also a wonderful public park that gave us some great entertainment with the fun swing that revolved. The kids were laughing and laughing!