Aug 7, 2025 — John Poiser: Spain (Part 2)

Bulletin for August 7, 2025

Featured Speaker: John Poiser

A Two-Week Tour of Spain — Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Barcelona

OPENING

The meeting began with a prayer led by Skip. Jeff led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dana offered this pithy piece of wisdom: 'Never date a tennis player — love means nothing to them.'

TRIBUTES

Tributes were paid to Pete and LT, with nostalgic recollections of their contributions and personalities. A 'Pete Colzer Tribute' was suggested, remembering him as a Vietnam combat fighter pilot. Personal anecdotes highlighted Pete's love for music, his involvement in a musical group, and his impressive collection of fancy cars. Marty was specifically thanked for facilitating Pete's entry into the club through a speaking engagement.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• London TheaterWorks Tour: A request for a roommate to help lower the cost.

• Christmas Party: Two options being explored — Patty Jewett and Valley Hi.

• Zoom Setup: A request was made for help with Zoom logistics for a member in Texas who wishes to attend remotely. Barbara and Jeff are working on it.

KEYNOTE: A TOUR OF SPAIN — BY JOHN POISER

John continued his presentation about his two-week journey through Spain last October. The itinerary included flying into Madrid, taking a bullet train south to Cordoba, then Seville ('Sevilla' in Spanish), the coastal town of Rueda near the Mediterranean, and Granada, before flying to Barcelona.

Chuck Benson compiled the presentation from over 400 slides, narrowing them down to about 60. Each of the 15 participants contributed four photos. Longtime members Norm and Carmen Anderson were among the group.

Historical and Architectural Highlights

• Segovia: A Roman aqueduct built without mortar, mostly underground, still functional until the 1800s. The Royal Palace, built in the 1500s, is larger than Versailles and remains an official royal residence.

• Toledo: Once the capital of Spain; its cathedral features five aisles and a dramatic skylight.

• Cordoba: The Mezquita (mosque-cathedral) dazzles with horseshoe arches and hundreds of pillars. A Christian cathedral was built inside it centuries later. John's hotel was in the Jewish quarter — narrow white streets adorned with flowers.

• Seville: The Metropol Parasol, the world's largest wooden structure, was built to revitalize the city. The Royal Alcázar, a lavish Moorish garden from the 10th century, still serves as a royal residence. The Seville Cathedral (begun 1248) remains one of the largest in the world.

• Granada: The Alhambra Palace, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, was a crown jewel of the trip.

• Barcelona: The journey concluded in this vibrant coastal city with its iconic Gaudí architecture.

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