Malaga Cathedral

So typical of this part of Spain are the Seville oranges that line the streets of Malaga.  The cathedral is a magnificent structure with two huge pipe organs, one on each side of the church.

"Malaga Cathedral"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Gothic Quarter

Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter, is the true heart and oldset part of Barcelona.  Chosed by the Romans during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) it has been the location of the city's adminsitartive buildings ever since.  Located in this area is the royal palace where Columbus was received by Fernando and Isabel on his return form the New World in 1492.  Now that's some history!!

"Gothic Quarter"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Wishing You a White Christmas

Spain loves poinsettias at holiday time.  Lots of red ones and lots of white ones.  Mass plantings abounded in the Canary Islands around government offices and parks. What a beautiful sight to see.

"Wishing You a White Christmas"    © Kathy Dunham 2009

Christmas in the Canary Islands

Sitting off the coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, these tiny islands are part of the Spanish Empire.  Used as a stopping point for the early explorers before crossing the Atlantic, these volcanic islands are mostly barren with few areas of tropical vegetation.

"Christmas in the Canary Islands"    © Kathy Dunham 2009

Las Ramblas Flower Vendor

Las Ramblas is the Champs-Elysees of Barcelona.  A pedestrian promenade that runs up from the waterfront, it is home to news vendors, bird sellers, mimes, restaurants and florists.  It was Christmas when I was last in Barcelona and an evening stroll was a delight in colors and light.


"Las Ramblas Flower Vendor"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

Christmas in Malaga

This is the main shopping district in Malaga, Spain.  It's a pedestrian mall and decorated in all it's finery for the holiday season.  The Spanish really know how to decorate.  The town was covered with live poinsettias. Everywhere we looked there were fresh plants of vibrant red welcoming the season.


"Christmas in Malaga"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

'Tis the Season

Ooops....  I had such a great time at my friends for Thanksgiving that I forgot to post my nightly image.  But since this is the start of the push, grab and buy season I thought a peaceful photo of  beautiful poinsettia, taken in Malaga, Spain would be fitting.  Christmas in Spain is a sight to behold.  It felt like they had captured the market on poinsettias.  The towns were covered with huge masses of the flowers and presented a spectacular display.

"'Tis the Season"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

Christmas in Barcelona

It'll be holiday season before we know it so I thought I'd get an early start with this shot from the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain.  The city comes alive at night and they have lights hung everywhere in the narrow streets of the old part of town.


"Christmas in Barcelona"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Flower Vendor

Christmas in Cadiz, Spain. This vendor sat stolidly watching as tourists picked through her flowers and took lots of pictures. All without buying a thing. She sort of reminded me of Whistler's Mother the way she was dressed and sat so solemnly in her chair.

"The Flower Vendor" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Sign of Christmas

I bought a poinsettia today and it reminded me of the wonderful ones we saw last year while in Spain at the holiday time. They were absolutely magnificent. I have never seen such fantastic public displays of gorgeous poinsettias. So naturally, I spent lots of time taking pictures of this holiday favorite.

"Sign of Christmas" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Las Ramblas at Night

This time last year I was in Barcelona getting ready to do a trans Atlantic cruise. The holiday season is big in Spain and the colors and decorations are spectacular. This is one of the flower vendors on Las Ramblas, the favorite strolling avenue that runs from the sea to the central area of the city.



"Las Ramblas at Night" © Kathy Dunham 2008

Bath Tyme

I'm always attracted to birds taking baths and these pigeons were no exception. But these are Spanish pigeons. They were enjoying their afternoon dip at Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain. Created by Antonio Gaudi in the 1910s, it is his most colorful creation. Known for his extensive use of mosaic, this park is spectacular and a must see when visiting the city.

"Bath Tyme" © Kathy Dunham 2008