Cuevas del Drach

It has been a bit strange celebrating big holidays here without our normal family, friends or traditions.  Last year for Thanksgiving we were invited to join our British friends, The Kitcheners, at their home just outside of London in Oxfordshire.  We had such a wonderful time and even though it wasn't the same as our past Thanksgiving it was so special to be with special friends, eat good food and see great sights.  And for Christmas we had Josie's best friend, Elliott and her family here to visit.  It would have been really tough I think to be without good friends for our first year abroad on these major holidays.

This year we knew we would be on our own for both special holidays where we are normally surrounded by family or friends.  I knew I wasn't going to make a turkey even if we had stayed in Berlin and although we were invited to a couple different friends houses

to celebrate with them we knew this would be a turkey free (other than classroom celebrations) holiday.
On Thanksgiving day, we decided to go to the famous Cuevas del Drach.  I had read about this cave before and was fascinated.  Thankfully the family agreed and we were off.  Apparently in high season it is hard to get a ticket and then you have to wait in line forever.  Another benefit to the low season.  No line and we just waited about 10 minutes for the next entrance time.

Cuevas del Drach is a pretty amazing, subterranean world.  The caves have been around since the middle ages and these limestone caves were fascinating. It was 1,200 meters filled with amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.  It was so dramatic that we kept saying that if Disney had created it it would have looked so overblown.  There were lakes
We eventually ended up at the end where we sat in ampitheater seats and watch as a slow moving boat carrying classical musicians and they played 3 or 4 classical music pieces from their boat as it slowly passed in front of the all of us seated.  It was beautiful and a bit cheesy all at the same time.

and water dripping off certain formations.  It wasn't at all crowded (theme of the trip) so we were able to take our time and wander through the cave.   One of the biggest complaints of this cave tour is that the hurry you along so that you all end up at the end area for the concert.  Because there were only a few people we could take our time.

We were able to exit by boat which we chose to do and then were done.
Later in the day we walked along the several mile promenade - we had it all to ourselves.  For dinner we ate at the hotel.  Thursdays happen to be "Gala Night" which worked perfectly since it was Thanksgiving after all and a special meal was in order.  The food was really pretty amazing.  Fresh paella, freshly cooked meat or fish to order, tons of fresh salads, veggies, fruit and bread. 

And to top it all off they had an incredible chocolate fountain with fruit to dip into it along with several other amazing dessert options.
We went to bed full, thankful and missing family a bit.  Our meal was delicious and I didn't have to lift a finger but I would've made 5 Thanksgiving dinners just to be with family on this holiday.  OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration.  I certainly would have made ONE Thanksgiving dinner.