Almeria

From Almuñecar we travelled by bus to Almeria. This area is covered in greenhouses growing vegetables for Spain. In this picture you see acres of white. Those are the greenhouses. The entire region between Almuñecar and Almeria are covered in these white swathes.im guessin millions of hectares. 

We found a great place to eat with free tapas and also plates we paid for. 

And got to see this cowboy heading to the slot machine to throw away some money. 

Here is one product of those greenhouses - these tomatoes are called tomates RAF, and are a unique product of the region - drenched in good Spanish olive oil and chunks of garlic. 

Here's our full order -all paid for. Hot shoestring potatoes topped with slices of delicious jamon (ham) and sunny side up eggs, along side the remnants of our tomates RAF.

An archway. 

You will have read of our experience of the Easter processions in Almuñecar. Of course they are also happening in Almeria. 

The young boys in church garb waiting to start. 

And one of the first Tronos.The Virgin. 

Pointed hoods are everywhere. 

This Virgin carries the dead Christ in her lap. 

Here you see the richly embroidered cloak. 

More churchly children waiting. Note, boys and girls. 

Another Trono with the Virgin surrounded by candles. They will be lit before she leaves. 

Like Almuñecar, Almeria has its long storied hilltop fortifications. An it is of interest that here is where the Moors had their last holdout in Spain. It is from this town that the Reyes Catolicos (The Catohlic King and Queen) finally ended the reign of the Moorish rulers. Just a few hours by bus from where they first landed. 

Within the castle is a Christian church which was built over the mosque. This Mirhab which is the prayer niche facing Mecca, remains. 

On the way up to the castle. We certainly get our share of hills. 

The entrance, left from the building of the Moorish rulers. 

And naturally the view out to sea from the ramparts. 

Water was an essential part of the Arab sensibility. They were ingenious in moving water around the grounds. This long set of stairs has a water channel its entire length and this water was recycled upwards once it had made its way down hill. 

There were many defensive walls built. From this castle here, a long stretch of wall connected to fortifications on the hill across the way. 

The Arabs featured water with gardens throughout their palaces. They grew fruit such as oranges and lemons in groves within the walls. 

A cat prowls the ruins. 

Some of the pottery found on site. 

And this mural showing the daily habits of the inhabitants. Here a woman spinning yarn. 

Another view out over the city. Almeria is much larger than Almuñecar.

Along the castle wall. The row of white buildings you see are probably apartments built in the boom years which were never inhabited when Spain became gripped by "la Crisis". We have seen these multi-homed abandoned complexes in many parts of Spain. 

Note the arrow slits with the Chrustian cross, which you also saw in the castle in Almuñecar. 

Out one window there was a view of this impressive bridge carrying traffic on the motorway. 

This area of the castle was erected by the Christians. It dominates the very top of the hill. 

And the land steps down steeply. 

I finally got to be in a picture. Geordie didn't want to climb one more set of stairs just to look over the edge. 

But up there was this bell, ready to ring out the hours no doubt. 

Here was Geordie waiting patiently in the Arab courtyard with fountain. 

This exuberant flower is on a succulent that grows in many areas around this desert landscape. 

Now we are back to the Easter processions. It's Good Friday, and many of the women attend church wearing their black clothes with a black mantilla (lace scarf) draped over a high carved hair comb. 

On the cathedral is a large representation of the sun, now a symbol of the city. 

The processions are in full swing. This cafe bar is in a plaza and the processions go along the upper street so it is packed with viewers. 

The Virgin with her candles is carried through the streets. 

And this 

Here is a Trono with one of the Apostles perhaps. Since it is Good Friday, Christ is not here. 

Crowds fill the streets as the processions march by. And many of the balconies are draped in emblematic cloths. 

During the day, a man entertains children with giant bubbles. 

An obelisk stands in a square. 

And pots decorate a window grating. 

Another mantilla wearing worshipper. Note the mantilla reaches almost to the hem of her skirt. 

And I loved this sculpted Dr. Seuss like orange tree. 

More processions coming up in Cartagena, when I get it readied for publication.