Rather than trekking we took a wander through the Alcaiceria, the old silk markets. Tiny, tiny streets, hardly passing room, full of shops, stalls and sellers. Rather than the silk of old, today's wares include all manner of tourist bling. Marvellous! And then a short (so long as we don't get lost) stroll to Basilica de San Juan de Dios. According to the reviews on tripadvisor, it's ..... an amazing gem, incredible history, ornate, glitzy, fancy, beautiful, spectacular and riveting. One reviewer wrote, "with due deference to the Faithful I don't think I have seen a more bonkers building in my life" and another " ... you definitely need sunglasses". The basilica is linked to the next-door hospital and is in memory of John of God, now there's a name to be known by.

John, a Portuguese soldier turned health-care worker who formed the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, a worldwide Catholic religious institute dedicated to the care of the poor, sick, and those suffering from mental disorders.

Quoting that great source, Wikipedia, "At the age of 42 he had what was perceived at the time as an acute mental breakdown. Moved by a sermon he soon engaged in a public beating of himself, begging mercy and wildly repenting for his past life (I'm fortunate if people still possess a pulse or can muster a smile after my preaching). He was incarcerated in the area of the Royal Hospital reserved for the mentally ill and received the treatment of the day, which was to be segregated, chained, flogged, and starved. (Not available on the national health service today). He was visited by John of Avila, who advised him to be more actively involved in tending to the needs of others rather than in enduring personal hardships. John gained peace of heart, and shortly after left the hospital to begin work among the poor.

So there you have it, look out, not in, look up, not down. Look after others.

So this marvel of ostentatious decoration is in memory of John of God. The trouble we have today is that we look at the past through the lens of today. Our spectacles give a slightly skewed view. Our view of the bling, gild, decoration and glitz might mask the original intention of saying thank you, abundantly, for a life well-lived.

Today's extra - a great, great band we stumbled across in Plaza Trinidad.