Cadiz, Spain - Apr 04, 2013

This is our second visit to this city, the last visit as some of you may know was only a few months ago at the end of October 2012. I have noted the history as I described it in the blog post from that time. Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1100 BC making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western world, Cadiz was the first Guadalquivir fortification. The city lies on a narrow stretch of land surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and based on this geographical location on the Gulf of Cadiz near Gibraltar it is easy to see how this city became a major hub for all trade in Europe and the East. The 16th century saw the renaissance of this city, as its port became the main commercial port for the recently discovered new world. It should also be noted here that Christopher Columbus sailed out of this port in his first Atlantic crossing in 1492. Today like yesterday we were hit with rain as we headed into the city (we actually came in late last night and as we docked we were presented with an incredible lightening and thunder show). Jeff and Joy have never visited here so today with our handy color coded maps in hand we bundled up and headed out to show them the town. Note, docking here is easy access to town (across the street), the maps have four color coded routes that would easily take a good cruise stop day to cover - color codes on the map are tied in with color coded lines on the sidewalk, so no getting lost and all the sites are noted - wonderful, wish more cities did this for their travel guests. Cadiz is a nice size city with lots to offer, from a a great central market to an incredible Cathedral, to Roman Ruins to great food. Today we tried the Tapas at a highly recommended Tapas Bar named Zapata. All in, it was a great day. Our last real port of call is tomorrow in Lisbon, we are crossing our fingers for the weather. Here are some of our pictures from today... we hope you enjoy.