Before I start this post I think it would be a good time to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
May you have a lot of great moments in this 2023 Year 馃尀
Today, the first day of the year, we set out on a trip we had been planning for weeks, but nothing was certain until just a few days ago. One was the goal we knew: to reach Portugal. Starting the year with a road trip was the main plan, the routes and stays were chosen just a day ago. But just the first three days are certain until now, and the rest is still just a mystery. That is fun actually, sometimes it is better to stop and stay at a place we don't plan in advance.
So, we are right now in Almer铆a, in a very very nice hotel we booked yesterday. I had my morning gig so we couldn't start our trip early in the morning, just when I came home. I had one small suitcase prepared with clothes and my laptop in another bag. The boys have made their stuff ready but there is always something to check and add. I asked about the weather in Portugal... it seems we will need some warmer shoes and clothes too, so additional items had to be put in the car.
The three of us finally placed our baggage and ourselves in the car and the road trip officially started. I had a migraine so I took the third painkiller while already in the car and slept for an hour or more. I still feel it but it will not hold me back from doing this journey. I know that after a few days I will be ok, a migraine episode always lasts for a few days, but until reaching Portugal I hope I will be fully good.
The roads were so empty today, it is probably because it is the 1st of January so everyone was still sleeping. The hotel is super comfy, so we also rested when we arrived and in the evening made a stroll in the Rambla and around the Cathedral. There were so many lights in the streets and plenty of beautiful Christmas decorations. It is normal these days around Christmas and New Year, but what was a major surprise was a light show in one park. It was accompanied by beautiful music and many people were enjoying it. We did it too for some moments, but later we continued our walk.
The Cathedral was beautiful and admirable. I do love to visit cathedrals when we travel and what I can conclude is that every country has a different style. The German cathedrals differ from those in France, and the Spanish ones are again completely different. Can't explain the style though :D
The Cathedral in Almer铆a has one tower, not really a decorated facade but we see the bells and a clock. The square is full of palm trees that are decorated now with nice lights.
In the middle of the square, there was an interesting construction, made of lights. I was in awe! All those people around it, older generations but also young people. There were a lot of children too as sweets could be purchased in some kiosks. We bought roasted chestnuts that were delicious! I didn't want to move from there haha, I just wanted to enjoy the moment as long as I could.
However, we moved to the other streets too, which were calmer but still with a lot of lights all around. Of course, a Christmas tree is a must.
And some angels making music :))
Not a real tree... It is a fake tree but it is cute seeing it during the night. We saw a tree like this during the day and it was not this interesting :)
A few streets more and we headed back to the hotel from where I write now these lines. My migraine is still here but I survived the first day with it. Tomorrow we will continue towards... well, let's leave that as a secret at the moment but some new places in Andalucia will be visited!
