After a bumpy start in November 2019, when our Leave Work to Travel trio was robbed of our passports, money and credit cards we had two choices - give up or get going again.
Having been on the road for just 12 days when the disaster stopped us in our tracks, it would have been easy to go home - at that stage our house hadn’t been rented out.
Up for a challenge we opted to stick it out - never imagining the seismic changes Europe and the world were about to undergo within the next few months.
Alluring Andalucia
Fortunately we had a small family flat in Spain which had not been on our travel itinerary. A ten hour drive later, it gave us a bolthole to get back up and running.
After a mountain of phone calls, copious emails, a trip to the British Consulate in Alicante, a flying visit to England for new passports we hit the road again.
Our first stop was the delightful spa town of Fortuna in Murcia to which is popular for its healing springs and spa baths.
The spas were a legacy of the Romans who were very partial to bathing and set up spas wherever feasible during their occupation. We luxuriated in the therapeutic waters which gave us a well being boost for the journey ahead.
We also met an inspirational motor homer who’s been touring for over 20 years. Fit as a fiddle in his late 70s, he was a great example of how this lifestyle kept them happy and healthy.
Breakfast was also available when, every morning at 8.30am, a local resident peeped his horn and offered fresh eggs.
Andalucía's spectacular scenery.
Our highs - of which there were many - included touring Andalucia - a glittering jewel in Spain’s crown.
Covering over 17 per cent of Spain’s territory, the region boasts charismatic cities, magnificent mountains and 500 miles of captivating coastline.
Invigorated, we left Fortuna for La Iruela located in the magnificent Sierras de Cazorla natural park.
We saw an abundance of natural wildlife including a roebuck, deer and rabbits. The area’s 1,200 animal species include wild boars which we had mixed feelings about encountering!
Opulent Architecture
Córdoba ‘s world renowned Mezquita.
After more campsite stops in the magnificent mountains we landed in mesmerising Córdoba.
The city is a former Roman settlement whose mesmerising mosque-cathedral (Mezquita) boasts over 800 original Moorish red-and-white horseshoe-shaped arches.
Prominent for its culture, its historic centre features on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Internationally Renowned Royal Horses
Majestic purebreds: Andalucian horse.
At the Royal Stables the breathtaking world-renowned Andalucian Horses can be seen in action.
The magnificent animals were born of the passion of King Felipe 11 who set up the stables in 1570 to create and breeding the greatest purebred horse of all time.
First bred from Arab stock and previously used as warhorses, we watched them exercising.
We later returned to a magnificent equestrian show infused with passion, colour and a rich heritage where the grace and rhythm of the horses intertwined with flamenco dancers in a dazzling display.
Sensational Seville
Horse drawn carriages are a prominent feature in Seville.
Less than two hour’s drive from Córdoba is sensational Seville - Andalucia’s capital city.
With its horse drawn carriages, the city exudes a zest for life and boasts an eclectic mix of architecture - influences include Gothic, Renaissance and Modern.
The tomb of Christopher Columbus is said to be buried in Seville’s Cathedral - the world’s biggest gothic cathedral and a UNESCO site.
Thanks to the pioneer, Seville’s port became the gateway to the New World when Columbus set sail for the Americas in 1492, heralding the Age of Discovery. Just 27 years later, Ferdinand Magellen also departed from the port to successfully circumnavigate the Earth.
Seville boasts a rich architectural and cultural legacy.
Seville’s 12,000 capacity bull ring is the oldest in Spain. During the lively annual Seville fair, which in normal times takes place in April, the site is the backdrop for the world’s most renowned bull fighting festival.
An exhibition centre in the bull ring displays the history of bullfighting with posters, bullfighter suits, bronze works, tiles and statues.
Seville’s bull ring.
A city of opera, Seville was also the backdrop for the creation of immortal classics such as Bizet’s Carmen and Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.
Magnifico: perfect stopover for exploring Seville.
Among the scenic campsites we stayed at was the Puerto de Gelves located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir river which has its own restaurant.
Seville was just a 15 minute bus ride away - and the bus stopped right outside the port. The friendly town of Gelves was also perfect for an evening wander and bite to eat.
The road to new discoveries stretched endlessly ahead as we wove our way through beautiful mountain ranges towards the sun drenched beaches of Malaga, romantic Ronda, sherry tasting in Jerez - and the spectacular carnival in Cadiz.
