We had arrived at the hotel in Murcia, Spain, after dark so I didn’t have a real sense of the view I had from my window until the sun started to rise the next morning. As it did, I began to question my location. In the distance I could see what appeared to be a scene more at home in Rio, but I soon learned that this was another Christ statue — this one built amidst the ruins of the 11th century Monteagudo Castle.

The day began with a walking tour of the streets of Murcia and more stunning architecture. We piled out of our cabs at the Casa Consistorial, or Town Hall, and began making our way on foot toward the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary — more often called the Cathedral of Murcia.

Inside, the cathedral was pleasantly dark and full of ornate decoration.

Outside on the street, musicians created a wonderful soundtrack to a morning stroll.

Next stop, the market — full of fruits, vegetables and all manner of land and sea creatures.

More music on the street as we took a break for tapas. In my next post, I’ll take you inside a gentlemen’s club in Murcia that I would happily join, even though their billiard tables had no pockets…