Today is Constitution Day. Referendum back in 1978 approved a new constitution which set Spain to be a democratic monarchy. Its Tuesday but many also had yesterday as a holiday. Around here it means that many shops and businesses are closed. The main exception being food outlets and craft type shops. Most, but not all, are open.

For us it meant a late start and a trip around the city on the tourist “Train”. The main point was to get up to the Mirador San Nicolas. But the “train” was so full and few people getting on and off that we stayed aboard rtjer than risk getting stuck anywhere. In the end got off near the train staton so we could boook our tickets to Cordoba tomorrow and from Cordoba to Seville on Saturday.

Then we headed to the Monastery of San Jeronimo. It was just closing for siesta as was San Juan de Dios around the corner. So we wandered back to the hotel.Ju decided to explore the local streets while I put my walking boots on and headed up the hill again which gave some interesting views of the Alhambra and back streets, especially from the Mirador.

Then wove my way down the hill, not exactly knowing where I was headed at times but figured that continuing to head down with occasional views of the Cathedral and I couldn’t go wrong.

Successfully made it to the Monastery. Construction began in 1504.Walk into a cloistered built in around a courtyard full of orange trees. No-one else was there and it was so peaceful and serene. All the rooms (like the refractory and the sacristy) off the cloisters were quite plain – white walls with paintings hung. Then you go into the church and the jaw drops. Except for the side chapels, every surface is painted.Then the altar piece is floor to ceiling gold and decoration. Quite one of the most astounding  religions buildings I’ve seen (and I can confidently say I’ve seen a few!). Makes you think about how startling medieval churches must have looked when the were fully painted before age and protestant whitewash had their impact.

From here I went to the Bascilica San Juan de Dios. Absolutely no subtlety here. A full on baroque explosion of gold leaf. It houses the tomb of St John of God who lived 1495 – 1550. He founded an order of Hospitallers. Still operates today.

Caught up with Ju and we went to couple of places for a drink and the accompanying free tapas. Then back to te hotel and then out at 8:00 (we’re gradually shifting eating patterns to Spanish time) to eat at out second drink spot. Delish. Never thought Id say that about broad beans. The pork hock was melt in your mouth. The orange cake with complimentary caramel vodka was pretty fine as well.n

Off to Cordoba tomorrow.