cuenca

Per usual, I've yet another travel post for you guys that does not include having left the country...

Traveling is nothing to be taken lightly--it is one of the most sacred things we can do as human beings living in a technologically advanced world. Jet-setting across oceans has become such a standard procedure that people proudly claim their global status, and work intently at covering the map with their tiny pins and needles.

The problem is, however, that with so many far-off places within our reach, we forget what treasures lie right in our own backyard.

Ok, backyard is a stretch. That term shouldn't even exist for a landmass as extensive as, for example, the US of A. But, there are so many beautiful places to visit, and if what you are looking for is a cultural change of airs-- certainly it won't be anything like going to Timbuktu-- but just try drinking a coca cola with peanuts floating at the bottom while sitting on a porch of a classic coastal property in Charleston, South Carolina..if you're from somewhere like upstate New York then you might as well be in China.

Other than my recent trip to Paris, I haven't left the country once this year. Yep, that's right folks, Renee has been la-zy. It's just that planning a trip that requires a plane takes sooo much more effort than one involving a car, train, bus, etc..

But it's true that my thoughts above reflect my feelings here in Spain, and this country isn't even a quarter of the size of my own. There is so much to see within the borders!

Like Cuenca, a city east of Madrid in the community of Castille-La Mancha. Even though I felt like I hardly left Madrid after a one hour train ride (when will the US get on the boat with the fast trains?), it sure satisfied the craving...

If you're standing in the city center, Cuenca scores low in exoticness: it is your typical antique Spanish city, quite charming, complete with its beautiful cathedral that I generally have a hard time appreciating, and its labyrinth of narrow streets that once evaded enemy attacks and to this day, killer sun rays. This photo is of Plaza Mayor, where we were so lucky to find our temporary home! An ancient family's property of my travel buddy, the place deserves mentioning....upon arriving we unlocked the door on the ground level and then had to descend two flights of stairs in a musty stone foyer. I was really concerned, I had no idea where light would enter into the place because I literally thought we were heading into a basement. But Cuenca is cool like that...the other side of the building gave way to another small plaza that looked over the river valley. Trees galore, green explosion in the eyes! Whereas we had entered on the ground floor and gone down two more, all the windows of the house stood on the third level. Abundant sunshine, a beautiful view..amazing. And this isn't to mention the interior of the house, which was more like a museum or antique shop of plentiful curiosities..

Anyway, like I was saying...Cuenca doesn't offer too much beyond standard Spanish style at first glance. However, if you roam through the streets out to any edge of the city you will quickly realize why this tiny dot on the map is deemed a UNESCO world heritage site. Standing on rocky cliffs above two important rivers of Spain, the Júcar and the Huécar, the city is surrounded by incredible views of the impeccable fortress city. The most notable would maybe be that of the "casas colgadas", or hanging houses, that seem to be part of the earth itself. You can actually go inside one of these houses too!...a lovely spot for the Abstract Art Museum.

What's a travel post without proof of some culinary delicacy typical of the area? Here we have zarajos, which are what-other-animal-than-pig intestines wrapped around sticks. Delicious if you appreciate slippery, rubbery texture and rich, slightly repugnant flavor! One bite was enough for me.

Beyond opening your eyes to new sights, sounds, tastes, etc whilst traveling, of course one of the most important factors of the experience is enjoying the company you are in. This is Lucas, travel buddy extraordinaire .

I have used way too many words to talk about a 36 hour timespan. So I'm gonna wrap this up.. finally, just for kicks...enter the Ermita de la Virgen de las Angustias, but please be respectful!