Visit to Ferrol, Spanish Naval Port

Chris spent a week visiting various Spanish military units including the Naval Port of Ferrol, the Naval School and the aircraft carrier, Juan Carlos I. It was launched on 30 Sep 2010 and cost a fraction of the price that the next generation of British ships will cost.  It may not be the most advanced war fighting vessel but it is a very impressive platform for a wide variety of operations with lifts large enough for Chinook and Harrier, cargo decks for vehicles and tanks, a dock at the rear for 2 - 4 landing craft and an office suite for the headquarters of an embarked force.  The Spanish have got something very right with this investment in the current financial and political climate.  Furthermore, it has been constructed in Spain and with its very favourable price I dare say there will be export opportunities!

Finally, it was a sunny week in Galicia and the seafood was just as good as its reputation!

Guernica, Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid

Having read a book earlier in the year about the Guernica atrocity and Picasso's painting, we had really wanted to see his work in the flesh.  This picture of the girls in a crowded gallery does not do justice to the scale of the painting and this and accompanying sketches were well worth seeing. There are lots of Picassos, Miros and other great Spanish art here.

Cuenca 8-9 Oct 10 with Mark & Julie

Carrie's brother, Mark and his wife Julie came to stay for a week in early October. We visited Cuenca, another World Heritage Site within Castilla-La Mancha to the east of Madrid, reachable with within two hours by car.
It is an extraordinary place, enclosed on three sides by deep gorges with balconied houses hanging over the cliff top. Our hotel was one of them - La Posada San Jose and was a historic building next to the cathedral.

The view of one of the gorges from our balcony. Cuenca is a haven for artists attracted by the views and light. The girls took their sketch books with them.

The footbridge across the river was a little precarious. The picture does not do justice to the height! Uncle Mark is filming whilst Aunty Julie braves a look over the parapet at the 100ft plus drop. 

Miraflores de la Sierra with Grandparents