Jaen..should be pronounced: High End

Today May 1st, I write from the bus station in Jaen. We arrived a little over 24 hours ago and are already headed out of town. This was just a short side trip to stay in what we thought was going to be a castle of some sort. The Spanish government has built hotels (Paradores) in and around different historical sights. The hotel we were in was only a 1 minute walk to an old Castle that had an estimated start of a few hundred years B.C. Because of different wars a lot of the castle had been destroyed which made of a less spectacular sight than we anticipated. The staff of the hotel was very nice though. We were told that the hotel has a ghost or (fantasmo) that is a women. When we were having a snack in the bar area the bartender also told us about the ghost. He said se only comes out at night though.

How convenient I thought.  The bartender although nice seemed just a little shady. I think I was able to figure out the fantasmo situation. I think, late at night the bartender puts on a mask and goes in search of guests and staff to scare off. I think this is all part of his plan to become the owner of the Parador and have it all to himself. Had Amanda and I stayed another night, I think I could have caught him. I know what he would have said too "my plan was going just fine until you kids and your little dog showed up and got in the way." SCOOBY SCOOBY DOOOO!!!

The Parador was a decent hotel however Amanda and I are both in agreement in saying the room, dinner (60 Euro or about 90 U.S. dollars total) and the breakfast (15 Euro or about 20 U.S. for each of us) was not worth it. We also had to take cab to and from the hotel which was about $20 euro total. This is part of the trip we could have bypassed. The itinerary wasn't that great but, Amanda and I enjoyed our time together anyway.

There was one bit of relative excitement during our 2 hour plus wait here at the bus station. Only a block from the bus station there was a march/parade/demonstration for workers to get better wages. I was able to get out and take a few pictures.

But. Now, we have another hour before we leave for Cordoba and I know this will make up for the last 24 hours. There was one bit of relative excitement during our 2 hour plus wait here at the bus station. Only a block from the bus station there was a march/parade/demonstration for workers to get better wages. I was able to get out and take a few pictures.

Alright then. If you are reading this that means I have found a way to post it from Cordoba.

Until next time...God Bless.
-Ryan