Day 5 – Cartegena
Significant port and major naval port. (Saw a small sub out in the bay as we came in). Strategic location obvious!
Most of these countries have long histories of glorious and turbulent occupations by different civilisations- Cartharginian, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines & Moors so any different cultural heritages and influences can be seen.
Drove to Elche today through beautiful Mediterranean countryside – fruit bowl of Spain with most fruit & veg grown here. Currently tomatoes, artichokes, lemons & oranges. Lots of irrigation. Also grow asparagus, sugarcane, tobacco, grains, avocados. Drove parallel to coast- significant tourism and resorts including “Little Sea” – shallow salt lake spa.
Elche is the City of Palms- mostly date palms but more than 100 varieties. Beautiful trees en masse and lining streets.
Went to Heurto del Cura – the Priests Garden – beautiful oasis of calm – mix of tropical and Mediterranean plants. Palm grove is another World Heritage site as is the Mystery play in the Basilica de Santa Maria – amazing venue, all male cast with young boys playing women (Catholic tradition is no women), beautiful organ (Google the play- apparently can see video clips).
