Film locations; Lawrence of Arabia and all that!

Recently I watched "Lawrence of Arabia" again; one of my favorite films. But this time, when I saw the scene of the entrance of the Officer's Club in 'Cairo', I realised it was in fact the Plaza de Espana in Seville! There are several more recognisable locations in the city! The Plaza des Las Americas provides the setting for the Civic buildings of 'Jeruselem'; El Casino is the 'Council Chamber'; and the courtyard of the Alfonso Xlll Hotel for the 'Officer's Club'.

Spain's varied geography and historic buildings offered the film industry an endless variety of locations! Mountains or plains; rural farmlands or city; seascapes or forests; Spain has them all! Some locations were built to make Westerns, and have remained as tourist attractions. There is one such mini-hollywood 45 minutes from Lubrin in Almeria. The Tabernas Desert Theme Park has all the classic Western attactions; a saloon (with a Can-Can show), boardwalks, hitching rails and horses, an oil rig, a Sherrif and guys in old timer costumes and big hats! Visitors can hire costumes and dress up for pictures of themselves as a gun-slinger or other Western characters! To be relaxed don't try to get there and back from my place in one day. It would be more enjoyable to include it in a tour of eastern Andalucia. Oh yes, and its very hot in that area, so don't go in high summer!

Everything Changed!

In 1492 Christopher Columbus set off to discover the New World, which led to more profound world changes than the Apollo programme and landing on the moon 500 years later. Columbus believed he could reach India by sailing west. He discussed the possibility with two monks at the La Rabida monastery. One was an astronomer, who thought the idea was feasible. The other monk was the Confessor to Queen Isabella, and able to present her with the idea and enlisted her help. She provided three caravels the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Before setting sail, Columbus left his ten year old son under the care of the monks, as it was uncertain whether he would return from his dangerous mission! The rest, as they say, is history.

Visit La Rabida monastery, near Huelva, where the plans were made. Go to the little harbour at La Rabida (near Huelva, close to the Portuguese border) where there is a little harbour with replicas of the caravels. You can explore them. See for yourself how uncomfortable life was on board then! It is extraordinary what risks people are willing to take!

As the journey from my place is about 7 or 8 hours, make a mini-holiday of it, and see other places on the way. It's worth taking several days over the trip. Take time to see magnificent Sevilla and Jerez en route. BUT avoid going in summer when the weather is unbearably hot!