Back in Tunisia, Olive farm. November 2014

Back in Tunisia.  One weekend we take a trip with other staff members out to a farm.  They grow grapes, olives, vegetables, and have animals.  It is set up for families to come and "play" for the day.
We get to experience, firsthand, how difficult it is to mush the oil out of the olives.  We are shown the traditional mooshing and squishing technique, which is not easy on the back!

Yes, they do stomp olives with their feet!

A climbing tower for the kids.

Rustic residence adds to the charm.

This baby kitten sure knows how to make friends!

The staff relaxing.

Some people were even camping out here.
Or at least relaxing in tents.

Kitty takes a nap on Kitty's lap.

Nothing like riding the mule around for a bit of fun.

Leaving Sevilla, Spain. Nov 2014

Our last day was spent eating, wandering the lovely streets and taking Mark to the Arabic baths.  Sevilla was never even a place that I had thought to visit.   I was not all that interested in Spain.  But this trip certainly changed that!  I am in love with Spain!

There is even tile detail under the terrace!

The squares are full.  Families out walking, people stopping
at cafes for a bite to eat, local exercising and shopping.

What is better than a few tapas and a glass of vino while you people watch?

Ahhh, wonderful street food and paella!

Time to catch the train back to Madrid and make our flight out.

Scenic country, comfortable train and a short trip.  Highly recommended!

Beautiful country!  

A few castles along the way.

Finishing the trip to Sevilla, Spain

Finishing the trip to Sevilla, Spain

One morning, I set out to find one of Europe's oldest flea markets.  I ended up taking a cab after discovering  that it was clear across town and I had already wandered in circles for nearly an hour.  This monthly flea market is set up along narrow little streets, running for blocks and blocks.  The streets were blocked from cars, it was a shoppers paradise!  Some locals are selling their junk, garage sale stuff mainly, but others had great treasures to behold.  Luckily, I needed to keep in mind that not only was my budget limited, but I was also flying back on an airplane with one suitcase.

One of these glass jugs had my name on it!

 

I really wanted to purchase this carved wooden dragon!  What a great piece to place above the fireplace mantel!

Pottery, antiques, postcards, etc.

The buildings are all so lovely!

I had read about an Arabic Bath, a Hammam, or better known to us as a Spa to us English folks, in Seville that was extremely popular, Aire de Sevilla.  After wandering around the labyrinth of streets, I was able to find it and book an appointment for the next morning when they opened at 10:00.  I would have plenty of time to soak and relax in their various heated pools before my massage.  I really had no idea what to expect.  

The setting is in an old residence, 300-400 hundred years old.  Some grand place with high carved wooden ceilings, ancient tile floors, open courtyards, and now multiple pools at various degrees for soaking.  The place is dark, lit by candles with a dark red or wood interior.  It evokes a different era and sets the mood.  It was not crowded since I was there at opening and sometimes I had a pool all to myself.  To float in the almost-dark, looking up at a grand carved ceiling was magical.  I had a massage and then was led up to the rooftop terrace to sit in an open air hot tub overlooking the city, cathedrals and minarets of Sevilla.  I was in awe!  All alone, feeling like a queen, or some lucky person who had just won the lottery of life!  A few minutes later, the clock struck noon and all the bells started going off in the cathedrals around the city.  I cannot describe it, except to say again, that is was magical and it brought tears to my eyes.  I borrowed a few snapshots from their website, since I could not obviously wander around in my swimsuit with my camera.

One of the dark pools. This one was the Salt Pool.

This was the largest pool, with another room in the back that had a
very hot pool and a very cold plunge pool.
Amazing experience!

Yes, I had this all to myself as the cathedral bells chimed at noon!

I was enamored by the lovely wrought iron couches scattered in
the waiting area.

Since I did not want to be selfish, I booked another appointment for the next morning, for two, so I could take Mark and show him this wonderful place!  We barely made our flight, but he agreed, that this is indeed a magical and relaxing place!

See!  He does look pleased to be here!