The last time I was anywhere near Spain, I was on IPM, and so had only a few stolen hours to explore. This time however, my schedule has been a lot kinder to me, and I’ve been able to wander the tiny winding narrow streets at my leisure (sadly, ever haunted by the newly installed paranioa I have regarding getting back to the ship on time).
Cadiz has one point to it, aside from the sheer charm of the place, that I can’t recommend seeing enough: one of the world’s only remaining Camera Obscuras. Situated at the highest point of the old city, the view from the top of the tower containing the apparatus alone is worth the cost of entry, you can see for miles upon miles. But the actual camera itself – you’ve never seen anything like it. When you walk into the room they plunge it into complete darkness as soon as everyone is settled, and then they open the window at the top of the mirror tube and suddenly on the screen spread out in front of you is hte whole town! In complete focus, you can see the clothes moving on the laundry lines…you can see the flags of the ship in the harbour blocks upon blocks away!
Truly an amazing sight, and with no electrics, no motors, nothing. Truly – they “do it with mirrors”
Spain is a beautiful place, all crisp white walls and winding streets throng with people of all shapes and sizes, but not in such a way that it feels crowded.
We arrived here on Palm Sunday, so the entire city is setting up for the festival and procession this evening. I’ll be back on the ship by then, but it’s nice to see none the less. There is something about sitting on the cathedral steps listening ot the bells ring that gives you shivers…