SPANISH
SCRIBBLINGS
‘… after three days at sea, I’m really glad that we are finally
berthed and have stopped moving. I just
can’t wait to get onto dry land again. The
boat is parked right next to the town, just as though a car has slotted into a
standard parking spot! It’s the relative
sizes of everything that kind of blows my mind as I walk into the city centre…’
Cadiz, with a population of around 120,000, was founded by the
Phoenicians around 1100 BC. The
Phoenicians were renowned for their expertise as seafarers, navigators, and
traders. That wealth is eminently demonstrated here in the city of Cadiz, along with the marvellous architecture from various historical periods across four millennia.
‘It’s Sunday today, and as I meander through the streets, there are
few people around. I want to visit the
cathedral, but there is a service going on, so I’ll have to wait. But then, there are other churches if the
number of spires and domes I saw from the restaurant where I was having breakfast, are anything to go by…’
‘The streets are mostly pedestrianised and the narrowness and height of the buildings keep the sun at bay in the hottest part of the day. The artistry in the masonry
surrounding very ordinary doors is a treat to see…’
‘Above, the narrow streets are decorated with theatrical masks
from the Commedia dell’Arte - Harlequin, Il Dottore, Pantalone, Pulcinella, Innamorati
and others whose names I can’t recall. 
No
matter where I walk, these theatricals look down on me, but I can’t find
anything to explain why this and why here and now in February. I decide to check this out once I get back to
the boat. But then I turn a corner. A
large square opens out in front of me, and at one side is the Gran Teatro Falla.
A stunning red and white brick building
in Moorish style. Suddenly everything becomes clear – the city is preparing for the Carnaval de Cádiz, which, according to the banner, will take place from February 27th until March 9th. I want to stay here. I would love to be here for that…’
'As I make my way back to the boat, I notice that the first square I came to as I started my stroll is suddenly full of people at the pavement cafes. There are stalls with paintings, sketches, and handmade jewellery. So I browse to the lilt of music from somewhere. As I explore the stalls, I discover a musician playing an accordion ably supported by a group of automaton musicians playing various instruments. Along with a crowd of others, I stop and listen for a while...'
Alas, I wasn’t able to stay; my time in Cadiz was fixed, but there
is always the opportunity to come back another year. I’ll let you know if I achieve that…
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