Lagos to Rota

Virgin Mary guarding the entrance to the Marina

Bill has returned home and it is now just Michael and I.  We left Lagos, Portugal and decided to do an overnight passage to Rota, Spain.  We STILL have not actually made it to the Mediterranean Sea but we are now very close.  It was such a triumph to make it to the mainland - that is when we felt that we had actually crossed the Ocean.  However, making it thru the straits of Gibraltar will be a huge accomplishment as well.  That will mark our arrival into the Med.

Rota

Rota is not a large town but it is an ancient town.  Founded by the Phonecians the town has a very long history.  Eventually falling into Spanish hands Rota is now primarily a play in the sun resort area for Europeans on holiday.  It is also the home of a large US naval base making US servicemen are a common site in town.

From 2:00 to 5:00 everyday the stores in Rota close for "siesta".  Walking around town at that time it seems the whole town has gone for a nap as there is almost no one on the streets.  But at 5:00 pm Rota comes roaring back to life.  They don't even think about dinner until 8:00 pm. Maybe that is why they have to rest up - they have a long second half to the day!!  Just a pretty, quaint little town.  We found a great Pasteleria that we frequented too many times!  Pastry's for breakfast and dessert.  Across the bay from Rota is the ancient town of Cadiz.  After exploring Rota for a day we decided to take the ferry across and spend the day exploring Cadiz.

Could have spent a bit more time hanging out here but as we spent a month in Sao Miquel we needed to make our way to Cartagena,  Cartagena, Spain is where we decided to leave the boat for the winter.  Due to Schengen visa restrictions we are only allowed 90 out of 180 days in "Schengen" countries - which is most of the EU.  So the clock is working against us leaving us with less time to explore all these great little towns along the way.  Next stop Barbate, Spain and then thru the Strait of Gibraltar!