A Long Way to go for a Glass of Sherry!

Thursday, March 27, 2014
Jerez De La Frontera, Andalusia, Spain and Canary Islands
Jerez de la Frontera is traditionally known as THE capital of sherry production in the world. As I like sherry, it was a good destination for a day's outing. We found so much more there that we couldn't take it all in, in one day.
Historically, Jerez's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has made it a very attractive place for many cultures, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Muslims, the Jews, and then taken by the Christian King Alfonso in 1264 . Many towns in the area have "de la Frontera" in their name which implies that they were towns that were constantly occupied by different cultures, with fluctuating borders considered as the frontier or edge between the Moors and the Christians. For the two hundred years or so, that the Moors governed Jerez de la Frontera, they built strong infrastructure that we visited today - the defensive system of walls, towers and fortresses, and the cobbled streets of the old town. When the Christians conquered in the 13th century, they recognized the importance and beauty of these buildings, and built their churches and castles over the Muslim mosques and fortresses.
Sitting in a sun-filled plaza alive with local residents enjoying a meal out, we had good Andalucian lunch of grilled fish, olives, veggies and sherry. Words just can't describe our feelings sitting there - the sweet scent of orange blossoms wafting through the air, the excited chatter of friends and family visiting each other, the warmth of the sun, the strong Spanish dialect (much more difficult to understand here in Jerez than where we live in Mijas), even a man serenading on a small electronic keyboard, hoping for a few euros .      
Then we headed out to visit the Alcazar (fortress) and the Jerez Cathedral. As you can see by the pictures, there are many treasures that have been preserved for future generations to enjoy, and like us, learn about our "ancient history".
We decided to take a different route home to Mijas, rather than the major highway we'd followed along the coast earlier in the day. First of all, we saw acres and acres of agricultural land, planted with grain and corn, herds of cows and goats and sheep. We were so surprised because up to now, all we've experienced in Spain is rocky mountains and coastal towns and cities. Then our road turned into a spectacular, narrow mountain route through Arcos de la Frontera and Grazalema, coming through the Sierra Margarita and Sierra Ubrique mountain ranges, and south through Ronda. Disappointingly, our camera died just before Grazalema, because that was one of the most beautiful, dramatic places we've seen since arriving in Spain. Maybe another day trip ....


   
  
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Comments

liz
2014-03-28

Always love to read your blogs :)
Wishing we were with you...

barbara green
2014-03-28

Marvellous trip..can I preserve it somehow when you come home? Look at local hardware for the seeds, I have looked here and we dont have them in catalogues. Love Mum

Barb and James
2014-03-28

Love the knife sharpener! Thanks for allowing us to remain in Spain while we look out at all the snow.

Chris
2014-03-30

Ah, to sit in a sun-drenched piazza for just 5 minutes.... what a lovely dream. Especially as I look outside and see all the snow.in the yard :(

Great blog guys! I have such fond memories of Spain, nice to "visit" again.

2025-02-06

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