"If I could make love out of words as a potter makes cups of clay." I chart my "happiness levels". I really do, as I'm curious when, where, what or why I'm Happy. If the eyes are the window to the soul, then Cuenca is a smorgasbord for your spirit. Everywhere you look is a feast for the eye. This honey colored 15th Century walled city was built by the Moors in a defensive position of the land of La Mancha. Their conquered lands had begun to slip from their grasp long before, but being true architects, something incredible was created for us all. Even in defeat, there is beauty. Less than an hours train ride (€20-40) round trip on renfe) from Madrid's Atocha Railway Station, you'll arrive at Cuenca Fernando Zobel. Walk across, down and out the Cuenca bus (Circle Line) stops right in front of the station. It's about a 15 minute ride to the Cathedral (make this as a favorite on Google maps, now, you won't get lost?). The star of the show is Casas Colgadas (again...Googles map, cause this is the view!), the hanging houses. Cross the Puente de San Pablo to the old Catholic monastery (Parador de Cuenca). Just walking across this gorge, cut by the Rio Huecar, will lift you from your cares or worries. Look around, you'll see trails everywhere, but don't miss the ancient Roman aqueduct. It's on the Cathedral side of the bridge and to the right as you face the city. Run your hand along it edges. You just touched art, and history. Turning every corner is like falling down the rabbit hole, only to catch your breath, and then continue the fall. It's precisely like climbing into a time machine and turning back the clock. Any path you pick leads to somewhere that will delight you only for a bit, then you'll see more you want to see. It really is such a mysterious and scrumptious destination, and one you'll want to add to your list. Losing yourself from reality is a difficult thing, I think. Forgetting all and focusing on the enjoyment of the moment is possible. My happiness levels were off the chart. Aloha. read more

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