They arrived in rather a sorry state, both having suffered heavy colds and left with chesty coughs added to which Dad had conjunctivitis! Both aged 91 it was a feat in itself to have flown out to see us. The weather was not good during the first week being cold and grey so they both took the opportunity for lots of rest and relaxation and spent their days in front of the gas heater doing their code and crosswords, reading and chatting - and they say women can talk for England.............. !!
They had the odd little stroll through the village and even went into the local bar where Les ordered coffees which they enjoyed in the company of the locals. My father had no Spanish whatsoever, Les had a few words plus his old faithful yellowed Spanish phrase book which he used repeatedly and most successfully!
A week on and they were both picking up well so we arranged for a few of the English folks in the village to meet in the bar at 4 o'c on the Saturday afternoon where we'd planned a little surprise gathering for Les's 92nd birthday (which was the following Monday). He was taken utterly by surprise and was absolutely delighted - he received gifts and cards and at the appropriate moment the cake we had put behind the bar earlier, appeared, with candle! As the Spanish folks drifted into the bar and realised what was going on they came over to shake his hand and wish him "Feliz Cumpleanos. Les was completely bowled over by all the fuss and reckoned it was his best birthday ever.
On the Monday we had arranged to take them both to The Alhambra Palace in Granada - our third visit now but a place I would never ever tire of exploring. For both Dad and Les this was a dream come true - a place they'd heard of, seen many pictures of, read about, seen on TV and never in their wildest dreams expected to actually visit. It was the first day since their arrival too that the temperature crept up a little and the sun showed itself - the perfect weather. We took them first to the Mirador across the valley for that all important and famous view of The Alhambra before arranging to get the to the Palace grounds by taxi - too steep a climb and access prohibited for private vehicles.
It was a very very special few hours - to share the experience with them both and see them so absorbed and delighted in all they saw. We rounded off the visit with a lovely meal on the terrace of a nearby restaurant which made for just about a perfect day as anyone could wish for - them for realising their dreams and for me, to be able to make this possible for my Dad.
And if Les thought the little get-together on the Saturday was great this was the absolutely tops - never has he had such a birthday he reckoned!
The rest of the week was filled with a trip to a very special place nearby we have discovered - a little church perched atop a mountain some 1,217 metres above sea level where one is rewarded with spectacular far reaching views after a pretty hair-raising drive up the narrow winding approach road.
We visited the mirador by the dam at Iznajar lake. Much to our utter amazement, whilst visiting the town of Iznajar perched atop a hill, Dad and Les made the final steep climb to reach the church at the very top of the town. They were well rewarded and very touched by the invitation extended to all of us by the owner of one of the little houses in the courtyard nearby to take a seat under the shade of her porch! What hospitality - and more wonderful views from her little porch too.
We made a trip to the local Anis factory where we were able to sample quite a few different types - more than a sensible few I guess judging by the giggling that went on afterwards! We also visited the Jamon (ham) museum which was as interesting for the wonderful array of meats and various homemade little goodies on sale in the butchers shop at the front of the museum - needless to say we were treated to some of the selection for our supper that evening! Now a butcher's shop a definite for a return visit with empty shopping bag and full purse.
Before their return home, we made one final trip - another dream realised for them both: Cordoba. Particularly the Mezquita (see separate posting as this deserves one all on its own!). To visit the Alhambra then find themselves walking across the old Roman Bridge in Cordoba with the Mezquita directly in front of them then to explore the Mezquita and wander the little tiny narrow streets of the old quarter of Cordoba was almost too much to believe - they were in awe.
So I think all in all (in fact I know since we've had 2 lovely letters from them both since their return home to the UK) they had a super time.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the little puppy that almost became a firm member of the family! Whilst in the bar celebrating Les's birthday a family came in with 2 little pups. One was promptly deposited in my arms by their little daughter and seemed so happy cuddling into my scarf and neck, eventually falling asleep I'm not sure who was the most reluctant to let go - the pup or myself! I've never owned a dog and never had the desire but that was a tough one! And I do believe had we not been on our 'travels' he would now be well settled with us!
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