Xavi offered to take us on an adventure during one of my last days in Spain. The quest: see the ancient Greek (6th century BC) and Roman (1st century BC) ruins. These excavated cities were only a short drive up the coast.
I love archaeology so when I heard ruins I was hooked. Petra too. We decided to avoid the heat and lazily spend the afternoon at the shore. Of course I had not planned for this and had not had time to douse myself in SPF so I did get bright pink, but it was worth it. Especially since this bright pink decided the next day to be a part of my “tan” rather than a burn. Sweet.
For lunch I had a cheese and bacon sandwich on a baguette. YUM! I also rediscovered Fanta Naranja, and that they make a Fanta Naranja Zero.
YUM!
After more swimming it was time for the ruins. I should also mention that the port-a-potty system here rocks. They flush!! Anyway, the ruins…
These gems were discovered in 1907 yet only 25% is unearthed. I’m not sure what the holdup is, but I was an archaeology major for all of 2 months (then I realized the only thing I could do with this degree is go on digging expeditions most likely in the desert in summer. No thanks!) But either way, I’d be happy to volunteer some time if it means seeing more of this. Heck I’ll even bring my own shovel!
unearthed ruins, greek city
so much to see!
inside the museum...this reminded me of a cross between a chia pet and carla from top chef season 5 (those eyes!)
in tact grave site
a "bath" aka place of filth lol
mosaic in the Roman city
a glass mosaic. super cool
the Romans really liked their mosaics
this isn't the actual statue, but they put up a replica
an ancient dock used by the Roman city. yes, you can SWIM to the ruins and climb on them!
I just realized Petra posted on this exact same topic so I am referring to her site for the HILARIOUS account of our evening, which of course involves a good semi-public nudity story… Americans Disrobing in Spain
Bell-tower near the cafes
Um somehow both Petra and I forgot to mention the fantastic musical entertainment while we dined. I had my back turned away from him so Petra narrated for me. This made it even more hilarious.
Behind me was a man strapping himself into his accordion. He was there for quite some time before walking by the cafes. Only he didn’t play anything! He then made it back to his starting point and whipped out an ipod. We had no idea what was happening but then P realized he was warming up by pretending to play. Oh and now a woman has t down next to him. Oh and she’s got a tambourine. Finally P informed me the were getting up and coming back over.
Then the music started. It was surprisingly good, though maybe not up to our expectations after such a long wait. The single greatest musical accompaniment was the woman with the tambourine. She was just holding it. On closer inspection it would become known she was actually playing. Just the teeniest tiny little almost silent taps. As Xavi said, it was the most apathetic tambourine playing ever. And that’s what made it great.
