La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
The exterior of the mezquita-cathedral is getting a major facelift and the results are astounding. I’ve shared two photos below, the first of a section not yet done and the next after completion. Believe it or not, although I regularly overshare, I have a facade, too. I’d welcome a team of experts.
I didn’t make it to the gym Monday because I slept until 11:15. I, of course, complained when I woke up. San Geraldo said, rightly, “Well, obviously, that’s what your body needs.” Thinking I would only go to the gym during the least busy times, I took a membership that only allows me access in the morning. As usual, my attempt to save some money was pointless. I guess I’ll change to unlimited membership. At least my multi-hour walks are uplifting. The more I see, the more I love this city.
I’ll speak with The Kid Brother again tonight. I doubt it will be on video. When we spoke last week, he still couldn’t answer or call me on WhatsApp. He told me he has to pay for phone service again. That’s what he told me the two weeks prior. He also said he had just paid. I asked if he could get his sports scores and weather info on his mobile. He could. I explained that meant he had service and it wasn’t because he needed to pay; he needed to have someone check WhatsApp again. “I know. I know. I pay on the 9th.” He didn’t get it. When I tried to explain it again, he said, “Ya know, wise guy, you’re gettin’ on my nerves.” So, tonight will be another phone cal. He’ll pay tomorrow, and the conversation will start all over again next week.
We met Diego and Mauricio, our local friends, for dinner Sunday night at La Fábbrica, where we had another great time and excellent dinner. Food porn to come. Don’t forget to click today’s images to see them in their glory. Meanwhile, the cala lilies are in bloom again.
El exterior de la mezquita-catedral está recibiendo una importante remodelación y los resultados son asombrosos. He compartido dos fotos abajo: la primera de una sección aún sin terminar y la siguiente después de terminarla. Aunque parezca mentira, aunque suelo compartir demasiado, también tengo una fachada. Agradecería un equipo de expertos.
No fui al gimnasio el lunes porque dormí hasta las 11:15. Claro, me quejé al despertar. San Geraldo me dijo, con razón: «Bueno, claro, eso es lo que tu cuerpo necesita». Pensando que solo iría al gimnasio en las horas de menos afluencia, me aboné a una membresía que solo me permite el acceso por la mañana. Como siempre, mi intento de ahorrar fue en vano. Supongo que me cambiaré a una membresía ilimitada. Al menos mis paseos de varias horas me animan. Cuanto más veo, más me encanta esta ciudad.
Hablaré con el Hermanito otra vez esta noche. Dudo que sea por video. Cuando hablamos la semana pasada, seguía sin poder contestar ni llamarme por WhatsApp. Me dijo que tiene que volver a pagar el servicio telefónico. Eso fue lo que me dijo las dos semanas anteriores. También dijo que acababa de pagar. Le pregunté si podía ver sus resultados deportivos y el tiempo en su móvil. Sí que podía. Le expliqué que eso significaba que tenía servicio y que no era porque tuviera que pagar; necesitaba que alguien revisara WhatsApp de nuevo. “Ya lo sé. Ya lo sé. Pago el 9”. No lo entendió. Cuando intenté explicárselo de nuevo, dijo: “Sabes, listillo, me estás poniendo de los nervios”. Así que esta noche será otra llamada. Pagará mañana y la conversación volverá a empezar la semana que viene.
Quedamos con Diego y Mauricio, nuestros amigos locales, para cenar el domingo por la noche en La Fábbrica, donde lo pasamos genial y cenamos de maravilla. ¡Se viene la comida porno! No olvides hacer clic en las imágenes de hoy para verlas en todo su esplendor. Mientras tanto, las calas están floreciendo de nuevo.
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Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
It’s great to hear about the transformation of the mosque-cathedral’s exterior; those kinds of renovations always bring a fresh new perspective to historic sites. It’s a bit like the personal transformations we go through, with a little help from experts, of course! Your gym membership situation is a familiar tale for many. It’s so easy to think we’re saving money, only to realize the limitations end up being frustrating in the long run. It sounds like the walks are keeping your spirits high, though, and I love the way you describe your connection with the city. I can imagine that dinner with Diego and Mauricio was a lovely way to spend the evening. Can’t wait to see the food photos! I shared a new post; you are invited to read.
Melody,
The skilled reconstruction work is so impressive. Will check out your post!
Walks sometimes are the best therapy. Your photos of spring in action are beautiful. The wisteria is blooming here in Virginia too. I just caught up on your most recent blog posts, and I see photos with sun! Yay!
Michael,
We are now in a good cycle of sunny days and some rainy days. Perfect.
Wow, what a difference the facade restoration makes — removal of probably centuries of grime!
Debra,
Yes, and the skilled stone and plaster work. The artisans still exist.
Oh boy did you treat us to some eye candy today! What lovely architecture and Flora. Oh I just love this time of year and I adored that opening picture. That looks like a nice place to take a pew for some time.
I never set an alarm when I’m home. I only have to set an alarm but I have to go to work otherwise I get up when I get up. I think San Geraldo is right, your body will tell you when it’s time to get up. Of course I may be partial to this so on weekends I never rise until the dead does.
Mistress Borghese,
That first photo is one of a series of parks along a major boulevard. I have always hated sleeping in. I feel like I’m wasting the day.
It is amazing what a good pressure wash and scrub can do. Good luck on the phone calls.
David,
And skilled artisans. They’re redoing plaster and stone work, too. Amazing.
At my age, I could use a little of that.
David,
So could I. Or maybe just getting plastered.
I love the cathedral renovations; it looks good!!
And I love your Katharine Hepburn impression about the calla lilies!
Bob,
Katherine Hepburn’s delivery is reeling through my head non-stop.
Oh, Katharine! No one can deliver a line like you!
Your walks are good for you on every level. I would say that if you’re going to concentrate on one form of exercise over the other, the walks are the best. But what do I know?
I’m fairly sure that even an entire team of experts on facades could not undo what has been done to mine by time and wear. I am speaking here of the physical facade. As to the other kind-that is all worn out too.
What an entirely beautiful place you and SG have found to live in. I imagine that each and every block and turning of your walks brings you a new sight, a new discovery. There is lusciousness abounding.
MM
Ms. Moon,
Walks are my first choice, but that doesn’t discount the importance of the gym. Yesterday, I could do neither. Still holding out hope for today for a walk at least. You’re right that there’s a new discovery at every turn. An incredible place.
Looks very good
-Adam
NEKORANDOM.COM
Adam,
An incredible Spanish city!
Oh, Jerry is so good, with his supportive comments 🙂 It’s true! If your body needs the sleep, you have to sleep. And, think of all of the money you saved so far, having the mornings-only gym membership! So, you are now ready to have the unlimited access — good, you deserve it. 🙂
Thanks for the colors and beautiful photos!
Judy C,
Good point. Since I can’t go at all, at least I’m not paying full price!
Walking is my favorite form of exercise, and when we are away, we walk miles. I agree you should sleep as much as your body will allow. If you didn’t need it, you wouldn’t sleep so much.
I am tempted to walk around my hood and do a photo shoot, but the only thing to see are houses, trees, and (groan) MAGA signs.
Sassybear,
He MAGA signs would send me reeling. I hope there will be less and less in the weeks,to come. I love to walk. Unfortunately, I can’t even do that when I’m dizzy. It’s really pissing me off.
Looks like its springing into summer there!
Having a ‘spring snowfall’ here!
LOVE that \rose and white wisteria!!
Jim,
In the 30sC yesterday! Snow? O Canada!
Beautifully floral – Wisteria is such a joyful thing when it arrives! I adore the pink-blossomed trees (possibly cherries?) and that vine has me perplexed – the leaves in that thatch say “Passion Flower”, but I think the yellow flowers might be Allamanda…
It’s lovely when old grimy buildings get some tlc, and you can finally appreciate the artistic details to the full! Jx
PS Like Maddie, if I don’t have an alarm set, and I am not woken by either bladder or neighbours (some hope!), I can cheerfully sleep into the afternoon!
Jon,
And they’ve redone some a damaged plaster and stone work, too. It makes me happy to see. I find I don’t remember what most of the flowers and trees are!
That is an amazing transformation in the cathedral! I wonder what’s up with your brother’s Whatsapp? Is the app acting up? (Hey, that’s kind of poetic! LOL)
Steve,
No clue what’s up with Chuck’s WhatsApp and why it’s acting up. It crapped out. In the past he’s accidentally removed the WhatsApp app.
Wow, that cathedral cleans up nicely! I could spend a lot of time sitting around that water feature in the top photo. It doesn’t appear to be a fountain, but maybe I’m wrong.
Kelly,
The amount of restoration that takes is phenomenal. Recasts of plaster work. Repair of stone work. And an incredible cleaning. If you look closely you can see the fountain. Not a very powerful one.
The photo of the Mosque / church now is very much the style you see in Cairo. Beautiful flowers, it really is Spring in your neck of the woods. Hope all the flooding is past now.
Laurent,
The Moorish architecture here is stunning. No flooding. Some rain is supposed to return in the next days but nothing dramatic.
The Mosque/Cathedral is literally the history of the Peninsula in a nutshell. So good they’re doing restoration.
And we don’t have flowers yet. We’re going through a cold spell (29F last night!). Can’t wait until it’s in the sixties.
XOXO
Sixpence:
Brrr! It was mid-to-high 80s here yesterday!
It’s absolutely amazing what expert sand-blasting and restoration can do, isn’t it? I was gobsmacked to see the Notre Dame Cathedral after its restoration — it’s so bright white inside now and the ceiling colours/decorations are sublime. The red roses and yellow flags (irises) in your photos are marvellous too, Scoot!
How are Dudo & Moose doing these days? If they knew how to use a calendar, I’m sure they’d be counting the days until your balcony gets enclosed with glass, LOL!
Tundra Bunny,
And artisan stone and plaster work, too! I would have enjoyed learning that for a career. The cats are doing great. Their dominance is well established. More photos to come!
That cathedral facelift is impressive.
Katherine Hepburn should be in Spain.
Kirk,
Such a classic. I can’t see a cala lily without hearing her voice.