Day 1,063: Mediterranean Cruise 2. Cadiz, Spain.

Cadiz is an Atlantic naval and commercial port near Gibraltar. After 1492, it was a major port of entry for goods from the new world.  Dozens of watchtowers sit atop buildings near the waterfront.  Signals exchanged between the towers and incoming ships facilitated meetings for trade with local merchants.  Cadiz is the birthplace of Spanish composer, Manuel de Falla.

In south Spain, Cadiz is a port
Of both naval and merchant import
Whose rooftops embower
Many a watchtower
That aided import and export.

Day 1,062: Mediterranean Cruise 2. Malaga, Spain.

Malaga is a lovely port city on Spain’sCosta del Sol. On a hilltop overlooking the city are two Moorish fortresses, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. Beneath the hill is what remains of a Roman theater.  Pablo Picasso was born here.  The Mueso Picasso Malaga exhibits some of his artworks that were donated by his family.

Alcazaba and Gibralfaro,
Moorish forts from a long time ago,
From a hilltop look down
On Malaga town
The birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

Day 1,061: Mediterranean Cruise 2. Cartegena (Murcia), Spain.

The cruise ship pier in Cartagena overlooks a marina.  The city tour that was led by a local guide focused on what remains of a Roman theater that was unearthed and made into a museum in the recent past.  Laetitia chose the theater as the subject of her limerick.

The city now called Cartagena
Once was home to a Roman arena
And its “Teatro Romano”
Is a place you’ll want to go
In this “Mare Nostrum” port with marina.

Day 1,060: Mediterranean Cruise 2. Cabo de Palos, Spain.

Between the coastal lagoon called MarMenor and Cartagena is Cabo de Palos. Atop the highest point on the cape is a former watchtower that is now a lighthouse. During the early nineteenth century, it was part of a chain of watch and signal towers built to warn of the approach of the Barberry pirates.

AtCabo de Palos, the light
That aids ship navigation by night
Was once a watchtower
Against pirate power
To protect against Barberry might.