Journey In God's Amazing Grace: Monday in Cádiz Spain

Monday we arrived in Spain -- Cádiz to be specific.

The bow of the Gem as we were coming to a stop at port

1812 monument to the constitution was visible from the ship

Also this monument was visible, but we never figured out what meaning it had - seemed to just be in the middle of a traffic circle.

Newer bridge in the distance behind other ships.

Cathedral of Cádiz

One of the exits for the day was just two doors down from our cabin on the 5th deck (the other exit was from deck 4 just below).

We are welcomed to Cádiz!

My college roommate, Maria, had given us a recommended walking tour of Cádiz, so we mostly followed it for our day -- thank you, Maria!

At the 1812 monument celebrating the introduction of the constitution (https://www.expedia.com/Monument-To-The-Constitution-Of-1812-Old-Town-Cadiz.d6067171.Vacation-Attraction). It turned out that this constitution was only in place a couple of years before it was nullified by a king returning to the throne, but it was a pretty big deal for a country that had been ruled by emperors, dictators, or kings to this point.

I am not certain what this building is (we thought the Phoenix on top was neat looking) -- from Google Maps, it may be the building for Diario de Cádiz - a newspaper publisher.

We arrived at Plaza San Juan de Dios - with a statue of Segismundo Moret and the Town Hall (ayuntamiento) at the end of it.

This little display of animated figures were "playing" musical instruments as recorded music played - Moon River (I think) was playing, so Carl and I danced together in the plaza -- a memory we will cherish for a long time!

Town Hall of Cádiz (Ayuntamiento de Cádiz)

Beautiful flower tower in front of town hall

A "super market" (Supermercado)

We walked across the town to see the Atlantic from land - the same ocean that we've spent days crossing on the ship but we're still wanting to look at it! There were hotels and beach areas down there to the south east.

More of the ocean front toward the north west.

We made our way to the Cathedral (Catedral de Cádiz)...

... and went inside.

We got the audio tour which gave us great information, but... once again... my ability to remember is limited!

The high altar

The choir area - ornate carved stalls. This was located behind the seating area of the sanctuary (behind the people who would be participating in a service at the high altar).

Two beautiful organs (this was the newer one) - Carl wished we could be here for an organ concert!

We forgot to take a picture of the name of this -- all I remember is that it is made of silver and is 5 meters (over 15 feet) tall.

We went underneath the high altar to the crypt... the audio recording indicated that bishops and famous people of Cádiz are buried there. I noticed that one had just died in the past year, Antonio Ceballos Atienza, former bishop of Cádiz.

Our ticket also gave us access to climb one of the bell towers - thankfully it was a ramp most of the way instead of stairs.

There were signs along the way letting us know how far we'd come and how much we had left to go (over halfway at this point).

Beautiful views over Cádiz

I was glad it wasn't ringing while I was standing there!

View toward the other bell tower

The main bell that rings the hour -- and the Gem beyond in the harbor

Another picture of the Gem

A kind fellow-visitor took our picture -- the Gem is blurred in the background

Looking out toward the beaches south and east of us.

Pedestrian street leading from the cathedral heading toward...

... the post office (Oficina de Correos).

We went into the Market of Cádiz (Mercado Central Cádiz)...

There were only a few vendors open when we were there...

... we weren't sure whether it was because it was Monday...

... or due to the time of day when we were there (in the afternoon - maybe siesta time).

We found a place to buy some tea to drink and continued touring...

Lots of interesting looking antennae on top of a building

Street with outdoor eating areas along the way

Back along the Atlantic...

... somewhere out there are Virginia and NYC!

Carl walking along the plaza

Interesting looking lighting along the promenade

As we were making our way back to the ship, we came to a square and saw this church, I think it was the Parish of St Anthony of Padua (Parroquia de San Antonio)...