Day 4 El Puerto, Cadiz, Winery tour and Flamenco Show

Got up a little bit later today to recover from the Granada trip, had breakfast and then headed to the El Puerto ferry terminal. I didn't check the schedule and the ticket seller was helping to cast off the boat when we got there so we went to see the castle. It wasn't open for the public though so we just took some pictures outside.










Went back to the boat landing afterwards and there was a big group waiting in line already. It was quite hot though so we stayed in the ticket office where it's air-conditioned. The ferry left on time (surprise!!!)

It was a beautiful and sunny day but a little hot so mom and the kids stayed inside the cabin on the way out while I shot some videos. It was only a 20 minute trip so they came up to enjoy the view and take pictures just before we tied up.

The port is right next to the downtown area and everyting is within walking distance.

Walked past the Ayuntamiento de Cadiz (City Hall) and then to the cathedral where we took some more pictures.




There was a street performer/guitar player playing 'Tears in Heaven' so I shot a video of the courtyard and used it as the background music.


We didn't go inside the cathedral and just did some window shopping.




Walked over to the seawall behind the church to view the Atlantic Ocean, had some ice cream and then walked back to the pier to wait for the ferryboat.









The return trip was uneventful but the kids stayed outside and enjoyed the view. Mom came up later on and joined in the pictures.

Since it was early, we went to the base, visited mom's office and then to the NEX. They're not allowed to go inside though so we just waited for mom in the patio. At least they got to use their base passes.









Stopped over at Tom's (mom's boss) place before going to Jerez for the Winery Tour/Flamenco show so the kids can meet their son Caelan. Kazumi wanted us to stay for dinner but we had to go because of the time. She said she'll prepare Japanese food when they come next time.

The winery was quite easy to find and we were the last ones to arrive. I just dropped them off at the entrance and then parked the car at the underground parking lot. We were divided into 2 groups: English and Spanish speakers. The guides were multi-lingual and can also speak German, French and Italian. The winery is the oldest in Jerez and the compound is huge. It's almost like the Universal Studios tour and we got to ride a tram to go to the different buildings.

It's like an educational tour: there was a video presentation first and then a tour of the different buildings while the guide elaborates on the history of the winery and answers questions. There was a showroom with 12 huge wine barrels named after the apostles with the largest one in the middle for Jesus. He also mentioned that there was a barrel for Judas but is only used for making vinegar.

There was also a bodega for barrels signed by celebrities including an area where a goblet of wine with a small ladder was set up for mice. They are somehow allowed to live inside and have become celebrities. There was a plaque recognizing them and pictures of the mice drinking from the cup. It was also mentioned by the guide that cats are let loose in the warehouse to control their population.

The flamenco show was the last part of the tour but wasn't what we expected. We were given a bottle of wine for each table with a bowl of chips, a small plate of tapas and some cheese and olives. There was the the usual guitarist and singer but instead of a young and beautiful Spanish senorita dancing, it was a guy with long hair and an older woman in her very late 50's. The guy was very good while the old lady was just stomping her feet, swirling her skirt, turning around and talking to the mainly Spanish audience. They were really enjoying it since they understand the story of the songs but for us 'turistas', it was a so-so performance. We told the kids about the flamenco dinner we attended where the 3 ladies dancing alternately were very, very good. Anyway, they were still able to experience another part of the Spanish culture.

Headed back home and had a late dinner of left-overs.