Hi Ramon,

 The entire trip to Spain was terrific and for the most part went smoothly. I asked my three travelling companions to contribute any criticisms  and they were hard pressed to name any. Thank you for your arrangements. That being said here is a more detailed assessment.

Your choice of hotels was highlighted by their location. We were able to walk almost everywhere. From Las Letras we had easy access, by foot, to Plaza Major, Puerta del Sol, and all the museums. Hotel was very fine with an amiable, helpful staff. La Casa del Mudejar was right on the square and next to the Cathedral and not far from the Aqueduct. Our only problem was finding it by car through the windy narrow streets, but we managed. Los Agustinos was a fine hotel. The Parador at Hondarribia  and Ordesa were wonderful. At Aiguestortes, Els Encantats was simple but a fine mountain retreat. The Onix in Barcelona was, again, superbly located. 

 The time in La Rioja was a great highlight. The wine tours with Kathy were terrific with a good mix of the old processes of wine making, the more modern technics, large bodegas and small. The entire experience was excellent and Kathy more than helpful and guided us like we were her friends.  We all learned much about wine making but expecially about wine drinking. My wife who had been a passive drinker of blancos now says that she really understands the subtleties of taste, but now declares that all she tastes are "a little young."

 In addition to our time in La Rioja, other highlights included the museums in Madrid, the Cathedral in Toledo and the synogogues, eating suckling pig in Segovia, driving through small coastal towns near San Sebastian and eating whole baked turbot, the aquarium in San Sebastian. Ordesa was breathtaking and our hikes were wonderful. Likewise Aiguestortes. Barcelona is one of the greatest cities we have every been in. Its rhythms, nonstop activity and the whimsical nature of the Gaudi architecture make us want to come back . We loved the opera and the opera house itself. Supertitles in catatonian was a challenge. We went to a guitar concert played by Manual Gonzales at Basilica del Pi. I especially loved exploring the church of Santa Maria de la Mar after reading the Cathedral by the Sea.

 I'm not sure that we took advantage of the excellent food in the Basque country or Catalonia but we tried, the small restaurant Lo de Flor, in Barcelona,  was wonderful . Enjoyed the Flamenco show.

 Ramon, thanks for everything.I will try to send travelers your way and encourage people to visit Spain. If you have a need for any references let me know. I do think that my friends Roella and Susanne want to use your services next year. If you ever get to LA let me know and prehaps we can meet after all.  I know a terrible Tapa's restaurant.

Richard