Trip to Jaen, Baeza and Ubeda Andalucia, Spain 24 to 26 April 2018

From the moment we stepped into the coach, the whole trip felt good, and then got better. All the time that Felicity put into the organisation of the coach pick-up points, the coffee stops and the tours with knowledgeable English-speaking guides, restaurants and of course, the Parador hotel, and keeping us informed of what was happening along the way, ensured we had little to complain of. We all are most grateful to Felicity for her diligence but also to Louise who was always on hand when help was needed.
But it was not just a sightseeing tour of three fascinating towns. Felicity built in a few extras, like the visit to the new Museo Ibero in Jaen, the Museo de la Cultura del Olivo, near Jaen, and the relatively newly excavated Sinagoga del Agua in Ubeda.

Admittedly, the display of about €2-3m worth of Lamborghinis, Maclarens and Porsches all revving their engines together outside the Ubeda Parador, was perhaps pure chance! Something for the boys!

Baeza and Ubeda share with Jaen their origins and development to the succession of the Moorish, the Jewish and the Christian influences over many centuries, resulting in varied styles of buildings, palaces and of course, places of worship. The grandest in each town were the cathedrals, particularly in Jaen.

All was financed by the vast groves of olive trees that dominate the landscape. The Museo provided definitions of Extra Virgin, Virgin, Olive oil and of the debris from which ingredients of soap, lamp oil and cosmetics are derived. The museum also displayed, amongst many antique tools, a magnificent 19th C olive press some 18 metres long, varieties of living olive trees from around the Mediterranean and how each variety was used. It seems possible to live for ever, with olive oil with your diet.

We are also indebted to José Rios and his partner, Carmen for their company and guidance around the area. José’s workshop was our first stop where we saw his creations in metals, and a catalogue of his murals in Estepona and other towns. ‘Beforeand After’ photographs presented the true effect of his vision and his skills. This was followed by seeing his work around the town of Jaen, mostly of metal but also one combined with the paintwork of a colleague, of a lizard in stone, metal and a few electric elements.

Perhaps one of the visits we will all remember is the Cathedral in Jaen, where we learned of the ‘Holy Face’ relic and the purpose of the unusual galleries inside and outside the Cathedral walls, and where we used a secret passage from the Sacristy to the site of the relic. And from the interior galleries, reached by 50-odd high-rise steps (not to be repeated!) or a lift, we had a bird’s eye view of the magnificent high stonework and the Cathedral floor layout. Quite stunning!
When such a packed itinerary meets all the expectations AND returns home on time, what can we say, but a big thank you.