Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Segovia . . . or Serbia if Your Name is Kari

My blogging sister-in-law sent me the html for the following post. I've changed a few things but overall, I'm thinking I need to contract her as the newest writer for my blog!

Kari and I in front of the Roman aqueduct in Segovia.


The aqueduct of Segovia

So here's a bit about the Segovia aqueduct in a nutshell. It was built at the end of 1st to early 2nd century BC by the Romans during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Why did they build it, you ask? To bring water from the Río Frío (which we crossed over on the ride in) to Segovia. Think about that the next time you turn on the tap.

Quick numbers:
166 arches and 120 pillars in two levels
20,400 large granite blocks
18 kilometers long


Renae's chariot being carried up, up, up the stairs to the overlooks

The aqueduct are preserved so well! It was nothing like the Roman aqueduct in Lyon, which was interesting to have as a comparison. The Lyon aqueduct look ancient and really make you realize how old the ruins are, whereas the Segovia aqueduct show you what they must have looked like when they were in use.


View through two of the 166 arches of the aqueduct


Les Masson at the aqueduct


Exploring walkways over the city


Following Jesse and Renae to the top overlook - such a fearless little leader she is.


Los Masson


I love Kari's scarfs. Especially when she gives me an extra of hers!


Giving the camera a rest and just taking it in


Uncle Trey holding Renae


Trey waiting on Kari to take the picture of the Cathedral and then catch up to them so we could go to the . . . .


One tiny corner of the Alcázar of Segovia

. . . Alcázar! The Alcázar was originally a Roman fortification, later an Arab fort in the 12th century and has served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy.


Checking out the moat before going in to tour the Alcázar of Segovia (the castle-palace)


Inspiration for armadillos everywhere.


En garde!


Jesse and Trey reading up on the armoury


Look who made a friend.


Stained glass with the coat of arms


Windows looking out over countryside


Don't you just want to knock on it to see if anyone is home?


Serious metal.


Big surprise: Trey at the top of the tower. He loves heights and always has to reach the highest point possible.


The view


And where was Renae while we took the tour? Entertaining the masses outside with her 'lobster hands'!
Seriously . . . she was entertaining others! At one point a crowd of around 10-15 people were circled around Renae laughing and taking pictures as she "performed." Renae blew numerous kisses, clapped her hands on command, and waved with her big cheesy smile. I should have put a hat out to earn some money from her . . . just kidding.

7 comments:

kpjordan said...

But Julie...if you contract out your blog writings, we would miss Renae's Ramblings! Only you can bring that to life.

Keely said...

Renae just keeps getting cuter and cuter! Look at that little face! I bet she never gets spankin's cause she just flashes that beautiful face at you!!

Tom said...

What a pretty place! Renae is such a ham! Hug her for me!

Scott & Julie said...

All the pictures were great. But I especially enjoyed the pictures of Renae. Happy New Year!

Scott & Julie said...

All the pictures were great. But I especially enjoyed the pictures of Renae. Happy New Year!

Mandi said...

Ooh I love it! Seriously, I want to visit you SO bad!!! Thanks for sharing!! And I can just imagine Renae's little entertaining bit - wonder where she gets that from?

Did you have a good birthday?

Anonymous said...

Julie -
That is SO CHEATING!!!!
I don't want any more comments on how LONG it takes me to blog.
At least I am original and don't plagerize (or however that is spelled!) ;)
(Mainly I'm just disappointed there aren't more pics of you guys and Renae since I checked K's blog first) :)
-Britt :)
P.S. - I plan on being "original" again in about 2 weeks. So stay tuned ;)