Spain is located in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the South and east, and to the west by the Atlantic ocean and Portugal. The Spanish territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the African coast.
Brief History: The Iberian Peninsula became a region of the Roman Empire known as Hispania. During the early Middle Ages it came under Germanic rule. Later it was taken over by Muslim invaders (which explains a lot of the Muslim and Arab influence in much of the Spanish culture to this day). Then, the Christian kingdoms in the north gradually subsided Muslim rule, finally ending its last rule in Granada in 1492, the same year. Spain became the strongest kingdom in Europe and the leading world power during the 16th century and first half of the 17th century; but wars and problems eventually led to a diminished status. The French invasion of Spain in the early 19th century led to chaos; which led to independence movements that tore apart most of the empire and left the country politically unstable. In the 20th century it suffered a devastating civil war and came under the rule of an authoritarian government. Democracy was restored in 1978 in the form of a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. In 1986, Spain joined the European Union; experiencing a cultural renaissance and steady economic growth.
-From wikipedia
An elderly couple strolling through the lovely streets of Toledo. Courtesy of Lonely Planet Photographer, Rachel Lewis.
One of the most beautiful things I truly admire about Europe, is the breathtaking architecture, and the best part is that depending what region of Spain you are in you can see different styles. The north of Spain has green hills and plenty of countryside area closely resembling Ireland. The South has many Moroccan landscapes, architecture, Moorish palaces, historic castles (complete with rot and all), Roman Ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals, and of course some fascinating new modern architecture.
Highlights of Spain: BEACHES! BEACHES! BEACHES! If you go anywhere to enjoy a beautiful day by the waters, Spain is definitely your one way ticket. The waters are pristine and Spain has an abundance of beaches to choose from. However, beware of the nudist beaches because there are plenty of them in Spain, unless you are interested in experiencing something like that.
- La Concha, San Sebastian
- Costa del Sol (party beach woot!)
- Costa Valencia (bordering Valencia, perfect white sands and turquoise waters)
- Costa Brava (stretches from Barcelona to French border, more rockier, hidden coves, not as much sand, home to a villa once occupied by Salvador Dali)
- Costa Verde (the coast is within the ancient province of Asturias filled with Romanesque architecture and medieval pilgrimage sites)
- The Balearic Islands (off the coast of Catalonia and a 45- minute flight from Barcelona, rocky, sandy archipelago, Mediterranean climate)
As promised one of the white sand, turquoise beaches straight from Heaven located in Costa Blanca, Spain. Courtesy of Google image search.
Food: Yum! my favorite....The Spanish really know how to enjoy food and enjoy it all day long. Tapas, otherwise known as snacks, are available throughout the day. A lot of traditional Spanish food is based off seafood, many dishes are incorporated with different seafood. In Aguinaga baby eel is a prime delicacy. The beauty of Spain is that depending on the region or city you visit you will experience different foods from another region. Each city prides itself in having a different twist on traditional meals. For example, in the Castille area you will find a great selection of meats and meat dishes. You can take your pick from roast meats, mainly lamb, beef, veal and suckling pig, but there are also stews, sausages, and country ham. Perhaps one of the most famous and raved about dishes in Spain is Paella (which I must try because I cannot stand watching another cooking show where they make one, without having my mouth water). The dish originates in Valencia, Spain but has spread throughout Spain. It is usually cooked in a "paellera" a round, flat pan. After that it is pretty much up to the cook on what ingredients should be added, usually the main ingredient is either some type of meat or seafood.
Here is a basic recipe of one type of paella:
Plain paella:
• 200 grs of cleaned monkfish cut into slices.• 200 grs peeled prawns.• 200 grs. clams.• 8 king-size prawns.• Fish consommé.• Salt.• Parsil.• 400 grs rice.• 1 onion cut into tiny chunks.• 1 carrot cut into tiny chunks.• 1 green pepper cut into tiny chunks.• 1 tomato cut into tiny chunks.• 2 cloves of garlic cut into tiny chunks.
Taste for the salt, and when it starts to boil, put the king-size prawns on top, and let boil on low heat for 15 minutes until it is done. (courtesy of spain4uk website).
Before leaving Spain: make sureeeee you immerse yourself in as much Spanish culture as possible. Watch a Flamenco show. eat, eat, eat. Visit a Spanish museum (Museo Nacional del Prado (Popularly called El Prado) (Madrid) contains art work from famous artists like El Greco, Goya, and Rembrandt). Talk to the natives (there is no better the way to get a feel of the culture than talking to the people. Sit at a Spanish cafe and enjoy the day like there is no tomorrow. WATCH a futbollll game!! Bull fight (though I feel bad for the bulls so I am not sure if I am a supporter of this age old Spanish tradition). Look at some face Gaudi architecture in Barcelona.
-There is so much to see and experience in Spain but that would take forever to write in detail but i would love to hear about people's personal experiences. Viva La España!!!
Yum!! Fruit market one of the many in Spain
(Mercat de la Boqueria)
