This morning we had planned to go out early because I want to be back in time to see the Queens funeral. The black out curtains put paid to this as we dont wake up till 8am (that would be 7am back in the UK). I cant believe its so late, Ian says I fell asleep around 6pm last night - I must have been exhausted.
We decide to skip breakfast and go straight to the cathedral. The tourist office assured us it would open at 9am today although our guide book said 10. Out of date guidebook? Its a half hour walk to the historic centre so we wont be there at opening timebut near enough.
We arrive at the cathedral. It doesnt open till 10! We walk around the outside taking photos. Its much less crowded here than yesterday but already the sun is hot. We decide that time will be tight so we wont go inside after allit will take ages to climb the tall tower alone.
We return to the hotel via a supermarket. Good old Lidl. We pick up some food for breakfast and lunch and head back to the hotel. It appears
we are lostgoogle maps is up to its old tricks. Ian eventually manages to get us back on course with his paper map.
We are back in our room with just enough time to attach the ‘do not disturb sign to the door and take a quick shower. And now Im glued to the BBC world serviceQueen Elizabeth is just leaving Buckingham Palace for the last time.
We have just seen the Queens coffin transferred from the gun carriage to the hearse so we decide to visit the 10th century Castillo de Gibralfaro. We saw it in the distance yesterday and we know its at the top of a very steep pathway. Fortunately you can get there by road too so we hail a taxi!
The sun is strong and theres little shade up here. We make our way around the ramparts enjoying fabulous views of the town, sea and mountains. We then take the path downhill back towards the town. This is definitely preferable to climbing up but its jolly steep in places and the crazy paved slabs of the path are very
and now to find an ATM for some cash. We locate a very nice Santander that interestingly doubles up as an air con Internet cafe.
Back in our room. Excellent timing, the Queens coffin has just reached Windsor. We are in time to see the second service at St Georges Chapel.
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