Category Archives: Spain

Cadiz, the beautiful port city along Spain’s southern Andalusian coast, is sometimes called “Europe’s oldest city”, but we have a hard time trying to figure out how to verify that claim. Maybe Neanderthals grouping together didn’t really have what we … Continue reading →

On this second visit to Barcelona in the last two years, Jay and Tanya had to make some readjustments in our perception of the place. We try not to be influenced by popular opinion before visiting places, whether that opinion … Continue reading →

Germans, and other northern Europeans, love vacationing in Mallorca and it’s easy to see why. Jay likes to compare the German affinity for the island to folks from the Pacific Northwest USA enjoying Hawaii. Mallorca is easily reached from several … Continue reading →

Mallorca, largest of the Balearic Islands, is part of Spain and sits in a beautiful location in the western Mediterranean. It’s very popular with Germans (and Brits) as a holiday destination and I compare it to how people on the … Continue reading →

Alicante. The word makes me think of things other than Spain. “Drive the new 2016 Alicante by Buick. Now at your Buick dealer” or “How would you like your steak sir? And, with a little Alicante sauce on the side, … Continue reading →

Europe’s southernmost city is a study in the layers of history that characterize this part of the world. Many travel writers are critical of Malaga as an example of overbuilding and apartment speculation that have ruined a once beautiful city … Continue reading →

Flamenco music and dance is such an integral part of Andalusia that it is impossible to stroll about downtown Sevilla without running into performers practicing their craft. Afterwards, a visit to the Plaza de España made for a perfect afternoon.

The Christian holiday of Corpus Christi was celebrated in Sevilla during our visit and it was a fascinating look at how Sevillanos (just guessing at this) enjoy this special day. Different neighborhood groups, complete with their own bands, conduct processions … Continue reading →

OK, Jay and Tanya understand that Gaudi is widely regarded as an innovative architectural genius. And Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, still under construction, is considered his crowning achievement. The interior of the cathedral is designed to represent trees growing to heaven. … Continue reading →

High in the hills, northwest of Barcelona, lies the spiritual home of the Catalan people, Montserrat. The monastery, home to around 50 Benedictine monks, is a focal point for pilgrims and others. Even though the monastery has been rebuilt and … Continue reading →