July 6 - Barcelona Beach and Zaragoza's Aljaferia Palace

We started the first half of our day on a beautiful beach in Barcelona.  There was suppose to be a group of Spanish students to join us, but we were told it didn't happen since it was Saturday(?).  However, another P2P delegation just starting their itinerary were also there.

Our combined groups were divided into 3 sections...one third for beach volleyball, one third for beach futball and one third for kayaking.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day...and I believe everyone totally enjoyed the day!

As the day wore on, some abandoned the sand activities for the water...which was perfect!  It was so shallow for quite a ways out...then was deep ... then because of a sand bar, was shallow again.  Fun, fun, fun!

We had lunch at the Nautic club which was right there on the beach.  We were served pizza strips (delicious) and after most of us were quite full, realized that had only been an appetizer!  Emmanuel was happy...he got so much food since so many were already full.  I don't know where in the world Emmanuel puts all the food he eats!

From there, we had a 3 hour coach ride to Zaragoza and the Aljaferia Palalce.  This palace is known for it's combination of Islamic and Spanish architecture.  It's beautiful!  It was started in the 9th century... and added onto through the 14th century.  Today, it is still in use as the headquarters of their parliament....which we were able to visit.

 This arch is the location of the Greenwich Meridian!!!  0 degrees longitude...separating the eastern and western hemispheres!

 I wonder how many toll booths we passed through?  Some were as many as 36 booths wide!  Poor Marzio...had to stop and pay at each one!

I do believe Marina took this photo!

 Lynne started noticing these nests...and was saying she thought they were storks.  At first, the delegation wasn't too interested...and then they quickly started looking for the nests and the storks!

 Military time is the common way to tell time... 16:20 is 4:20 p.m.

 Amir, playing cards with some of the delegates on the coach.  Uno was the card game of choice!

 

Aljaferia Palace

It was first an Islamic Palace...and then in 1492, a Catholic Palace was built on top of it!  

 Looking down into a well...

This palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As we were sitting on the steps in the palace...waiting for everyone to get back, I took some random shots of feet.  Do you know who they belong to?

From there, we went to our hotel in Zaragoza...

Only one more full day in Europe!  I cannot even believe how fast the time has flown by...how can we be at the end of our journey?