Espana

We just got back from Spain and it was SO wonderful!! It was about 90 degrees each day with no clouds and low humidity. Getting off the plane here to find it 42 degrees and rainy was NOT fun!

Our first day we spent hanging out with other members of the swim team at our resort. The kids spent most of their time in the pool (no surprise there), but did wander down to the beach occasionally.

Our second day, the team took a tour down to Gibraltar. Gibraltar has the southern most point in Europe (Europa Point) and is actually a part of the United Kingdom. We all had fish 'n chips for lunch. At one point, if you squinted really hard, you could almost make out the coast of Africa. That was neat. We took a tour up the Rock and met the Barbary Apes that live on Gibraltar. There are about 300 apes living on the Rock. There used to be a special ward at the British Army hospital to provide for their health-care, but the Gibraltarian government has taken over that duty. Apparently, someone told Winston Churchill that if the apes ever left or died out on Gibraltar, Britain would lose control of the Rock. Hmm, sounds vaguely like that "if the ravens ever leave the Tower" story we heard in London! LOL

Our third day was filled up with the swim meet. Bean did awesome and won 2 of her events! Yay!

On the fourth day, we drove into Cadiz. It is the oldest city in Europe. The area has been continuously occupied for over 4000 years (versus Trier which is the 2nd oldest city and has been occupied for *only* 2000 years). It was neat to walk around and see the Moorish influences in the architecture.

We had a great time and we are all hoping the team gets to go back next season.

TTFN~