The Legends Festival of Sant Marti de Tous

History, legends and oral traditions are as much a part of Spain's culture and heritage as the lands and monuments that are found throughout it. This year, for the first time, the town of Sant Marti de Tous, in the Penedes wine region just south of Barcelona, is hosting a Legends Festival (Tous es Llegendes), where the visitor is welcome to meander the town discovering the secret nooks and crannies and the incredible stories that are everywhere. The festival is more than just about the town, as the legends incorporate the whole of Catalonia, from the witch of Girona to The White Lady of Andorra. Friday and Saturday July 2-3 will see the town come alive with the generations of history and tradition opened up to the public for the first time.

For more information about this or other festivals in Spain this summer, contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to help.

A drive along the Northern Coast

The final day of Arleen and Eva's tour found us driving, finally rain-free along the northern coast of Spain to the Parador of Limpias. First stop: The Chillida Museum, with it's huge park and restored farmhouse museum of San Sebastian's most recognizable 2th century artist, Eduardo Chillida.

After a leisurely stroll through the grounds (and a spectacular photo taken by Eva of the flowers), we mounted once more for the last long trip in the car. This time the weather cooperated, and watching the landscape change as we drove out of the Basque Country and into Cantabria, which is truly one of Spain's most underappreciated regions, filled with historical and cultural heritage, wonderful food and some of the best coastlines.

After checking into the wonderful Parador at Limpias, we skipped off for a tapas lunch at a local restaurant, including some wonderful Callos and Albondigas. It always amazes me that even in these small towns the tapas are unique and delicious!

In the afternoon we drove out to the Cuevas de Altamira, which was a wonderful and relaxing way to finish the tour. The last meal at the Parador was an entertaining and enjoyable affair, and the following morning Eva and Arleen were off to the airport. In all a wonderful time, even if, contrary to the well-known refrain, the rain did not stay mainly on the plain.

An extra day in San Sebastian

Due to the incredible downpours and trecherous driving conditions caused by them (the news has been talking about the flooding that is going on across northern Spain right now), Arleen and Eva decided to not chance the 6 hour trip to Leon and chose instead to spend the day relaxing in Hondarribia. A morning massage session for the ladies and tapas for lunch, and finally the rain broke. We took advantage of the (relatively) nice weather to go shopping in San Sebastian. We did stop in a wonderful tapas bar in San Sebastian, right in front of the neogothic cathedral. For dinner we had a request for Paella, and while the first two restaurants on our list were closed, we did manage to find some decent paella at La Comigo in the old city.

The following morning gave us time to run over to the Chillida Museum. Started in 1984 by Eduardo Chillida to house his sculptures. Opened in 2001, the museum is a spectacular medium to appreciate the art of San Sebastian's most famous 20th century artist.

A drive through the Pyrenees - on flowers, hills and picturesque towns

The drive from Vielha across the northern sections of Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and Basque Country is one of the most enjoyable drives in Spain. As we left Vielha it was to see the sun peaking through the clouds that draped the majestic mountains. It's amazing how beautiful the Pyrenees really are. Our route took us through some truly eye-popping landscapes of valleys, rivers, rising mountains, wild flowers and some interesting moss formations. Stopping along the way in the towns of Ainsa and Jaca, as well as in several spots along the road (technically a highway, although at one point we drove for 40 minutes without seeing a single car behind or in front of us) to enjoy the scenery and take some pictures like the one above.

San Sebastian is beautiful - even in the pouring rain

The torrential downpours that started last night as we drove from Pamplona to Hondarribia continued today through most of the day. That did make the morning visit to San Sebastian a very wet, windy affair, but San Sebastian is such a lovely city that even the driving rain cannot ruin its charms. Esther was our wonderful guide this morning, and was exceptionally helpful getting Eva to the pharmacy and helping Arleen get her rain hat. After visiting the old city and taking a (very) quick peak at the Concha beach (the wind really kicks up there!), we stopped for lunch at Kokotza, which was originally planned for dinner. Fantastic food. The scallops and artichoke mix was stunning, as was the pork in a potato cream with fresh beans.

Afterwards we headed over to the Guggenheim, which is always a unique experience. The way the building molds to the art, or is it the other way around? And the expositions by Anish Kapoor and Rousseau were spectacular. The ride back to Hondarribia was a slower through the driving rain, but back in the confines of one of my favorite Paradors in all of Spain and a full day to reflect back on.

Vielha and a taste of Aranese

The first day of Arleen and Eva's tour brought us to Vielha. I've talked about it before, but getting there is half the fun. Driving up the national highway around resevoirs, sharply cutting cliffs, waterfalls and traces of snow high up in the peaks and crevasses above,  you really start to feel the Pyrenees well before you even get to the Parador.


Dinner in the Parador was a sumptuous affairs. With a view right out over the clearly marked valley where the town of Vielha sits, we enjoyed some of the best local fair, including a delicious Olla Aranasa (a soup/stew made with local ingredients). Eva's pork shank was enormous! And dessert was simply lovely.

For information on visiting Vielha and the Pyrenees on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

The Spanish Touch goes North

Next week I will be heading north to visit some of the most scenic parts of Spain. Hopefully I will be able to take lots of pics with my guests Arleen and Eva. First stop the Pyrenees and Vielha...

Barcelona's Greek Festival

This weekend in Barcelona marks the start of the annual Festival Grec (Greek Festival). This festival, started in 1976 by a group of theater students hoping to update Barcelona's drama scene, has increased in span and popularity over the years. The festival includes a number of  productions in theaters around the city, most notable among them are the Greek Theater itself on Montjuic, the Teatre Lliure and Poloví, both also on Montjuic mountain, as well as the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)and even the Library of Catalunya.

The festival runs from June 13 to the beginning of August, allowing all those summer visitors to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant drama scene. One more reason to visit Barcelona this summer!

Churros and a plate of clams in Granada

After a morning tour of the city center, we took the opportunity of being in Granada to go one of the best places I know for Churros con chocolate. Even in the late spring, there is something irresistable about those fried delicacies, and the cup of thick liquid chocolate that comes with. It really hit the spot as we people watched in the plaza, and Jay got a gift of luck (according to the Spanish) courtesy of one of the local birds.

And several successive evenings of tapas,  the Lums decided they were ready to get back to a "regular" meal. So we strolled down Los Navas past the tables outside the tapas bars on both sides of the pedestrian street to the restaurant. Of course, this being Granada, as soon as we had ordered the drinks our waiter brought out an enormous plate of clams in a garlic-butter sauce as a group tapa. Now I've been doing this for years, but I have never seen a plate of clams that large served as your free accompaniment. Never. So much for not eating tapas. And when dinner was ordered, everyone started passing their plates around for others to sample. It's amazing how easy it is to get into the Spanish style of sharing meals. The meals were excellent and the drinks as well, but that plate of clams has set a new standard for the free tapa.  

Caves of Altamira - A Palaeolithic Paradise

Defined as the "Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art", the original caves of Altamira on the Cantabrian coast will reopen to the public sometime in the near future. The cave's paintings, some 15,000 years old, were discovered in 1879 by a local botanist's daughter. A compromise has been reached between scientists and the local government that will allow a limited number of people to visit the caves under tightly controlled conditions.

The cave first opened to the public in 1917, but was closed 60 years later as the deterioration of the site grew steadily worse. Up until 2002 visits were still available on a very limited basis. Since 2001 visitors have been able to visit a colossal and exact replica of the original cave. This replica was designed by a team of experts to perfectly recreate the caves so that visitors can see without risking irreparable damage to the original cave. While in the area you can also take advantage of the museum and the surrounding area in Santillana del Mar. 

For more information or to include a visit to the caves of Altamira on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch. 

Horses and wine in Jerez

One of the best things about touring are the unexpected adventures. The last week with the Lums was a great example. When we arrived in Jerez, we immediately made our way to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to watch an unforgettable display of "How Andalusian Horses Dance". As a huge horse fan, Vicky was very excited and kept a running commentary.


The show took about an hour and a half, leaving us just enough time to head over to the Sandeman's Sherry winery (with the minor inconvenience that they had decided to close off the street from the time we went into the horse show to the time we came out, making our arrival a bit more complicated).  The Sherry tour was both informative and enjoyable, and we got the chance to sample 3 of the most traditional wines produced: the dry fino, the medium dry Amontillado and the Armada Rich Cream Oloreso sherry. Vicky liked the sweet Oloreso, but Jay and Melissa were more fans of the dry fino.

After the visit, we settled into a small restaurant around the corner from the bodega called las 7 puertas (not to be confused with the more famous 7 portes in Barcelona). More reasons to love Spanish cooking: simply ask the waitress for her recommendations and you can get everything from grilled  peppers to a wonderful carrillo and pork sirloin to a very refreshing salmerojo.  Wonderful food, and a wonderful way to spend a day out on the way to Seville!

Monastery sweets and a Taste of Heaven

For those people who are looking to delve a bit more into the local foods of a region, The Spanish Touch would like to recommend the book “A Taste of Heaven: A Guide to Food and Drink Made by Monks and Nuns,” by Madeline Scherb. The book offers a view into the intimate gastronomic world which dates back centuries. In Spain, a country with its fair share of monasteries and convents, there are a number of these places just waiting for the knowledgeable visitor to sample. 

For more information or for help arranging a visit to one of these places on your next visit to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch. 

Espetos - a Malaga seafood specialty

Malaga is a great town for seafood. That is, of course, to be expected, given its location right on the Mediterranean. But it's the way in which that seafood gets to your plate that makes Malaga so special. All along the promenade you see the wood-burning grills right on the beach in front of each restaurant. And on these grills, just as natural as can be, you will find espetos. An espeto (stake in Spanish) is just that: it's a wooden stake mounted with sardines which are cooked over the fire until they reach perfection. The memory of the smell alone makes me want to eat them. It's a fairly simple practice, really, but I haven't found espetos anywhere outside of the province of Malaga, and the best are along the Malaga promenade in places like Pedregalejo and El Palo.  

A visit to Cordoba

The other day we went to Cordoba, a beautiful drive through the farmlands of Andalusia until we reached the city of Cordoba itself. We met Lola, our wonderful local guide and were off. The walk to the Mezquita took the Lums through the flowered patios as Lola told them about the flower fair and Cordoba's fair happening now (which explained the unusually high number of people in full flamenco dress). But the Mezquita was the highlight. As Roy put it, "almost too much to absorb". There is so much beauty and history in the oldest regularly used building in Spain (Mass is still held at the Cathedral in the middle of the 8th century mosque) that just to appreciate it completely takes all morning. In fact, almost everybody wants to go back through it as soon as they leave. It's a great way to start your trip's journey into the fascinating history of Spain's Al-Andalus!

Besalu - a not-so-hidden secret

While it may not be the only walled medieval village in Catalonia, Besalu probably holds the title for the most interesting. Just up the road from Barcelona, this fascinating town has been attracting tourist attention for years from Europeans coming down to the Costa Brava. However, to most Americans it remains a secret. Which is a shame on some levels, and a blessing on others. The town, more than 1200 years old, still retains the layout and character it has held since it was a key city in Catalonia's separation from the Franks over 1000 years ago. It boasts several wonderful examples of Romanesque churches, Spain's only surviving Mikvah (a tribute to the very important Jewish community which lived in relative peace until the Spanish Inquisition forced them out) and a spectacular stone bridge.

For more information about Besalu or to include a visit on your next trip to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch

El Pimpi - a genuine Malaga wine bar

In the center of Malaga, on its busiest pedestrian street (calle Granada), you will find one of the true gems of Malaga's underrated gastronomic scene: El Pimpi. Large and inviting, inside you can see rows of barrels of different sweet wines from the region. The tables inside and out on the terrace are wonderful for sipping a glass of Malaga's finest and enjoying a plate of tapas. For those looking for the traditional Spanish wine bar, El Pimpi shines brightly. If you go, go early to avoid the crowds as it fills up with locals, especially on the weekend.

Monasterio de Piedra - The Stone Monastery of Zaragoza

Dating back to 1194, the Monasterio de Piedra located just outside of the city of Zaragoza, is one of the truly spectacular sites of the region. It brings together history (the founding of the monastery during the reconquest of Spain), culture and a natural setting which is every bit as wonderful and moving as the monument. In a two hour walk around the monastery you will see waterfalls, caves, lakes and woods which offer sanctuary for anyone who loves nature. One of the most interesting facts is that the Stone Monastery is not a public setting. Shut down as a religious center in 1835, it was bought 5 years later by a private investor and is still privately owned, although it can be visited. .

For more information or to include a visit to the Monasterio de Piedra to your next visit to Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Girona's flower show

Now through this Sunday, May 16, Girona is hosting the 55th annual "Temps de Flors" show to celebrate the coming of Spring to the ancient Roman city. Already a beautiful city with its walled old city, Cathedral and bridges, the city is bedecked with flowers everywhere from the 11th century Cathedral cloister to the ¨Pont de Pedra" stone bridge over the Onyar River. But for me the highlight is to see the steps leading up to the Cathedral covered.

Take a trip through 2000 years of history with this spring´s floral offerings making it an unforgettable experience! For more information about the festival or for information about a private tour, contact The Spanish Touch

Museum of Knives - Albacete's steel treasures

When we think of Spain and steel, most people immediately think of the fantastic swords from Toledo, which are deserving of their fame. Nonetheless, slightly off the beaten path we can find a collection of weapons just as interesting in Albacete's Knife Museum, Museu de la Cuchellaria. Knives and Albacete have been linked together since at least the 15th century, and the history of the last 500 years as seen through the intricate and delicate blades and different styles of knives reveals a unique perspective on the history of the city and Spain.

The museum is housed in the spectacular Casa de Hortelano, a modernista-inspired house in front of the Cathedral.

For more information or for a private tour in Spain, contact The Spanish Touch.

Fish Market stands in Spain

We have talked about Spanish Markets before. But today I want you to focus your attention into the fish stands. Beautiful places. I personally like to go there a lot, because it is the best way to buy fresh fish in Spain and because I like the atmosphere (usually very noisy) and even the smell! I would like to give you some advice on how to buy fish in markets in Spain:

1. Don't go on Monday. Bad idea. The fish or seafood is not fresh! The fish and seafood usually comes to the market on Tuesday.
2. Take a look on every fish stand and observe prices and quality. If you don't know how to distinguish what fish to buy in terms of quality, you just have to watch in which stand there are more people (not foreigners, of course).
3. Stall holders can give you lots of good recipes and ways to cook each fish, so ask them! That is also important for the stallholder to prepare the fish for you to cook it later.
4. And the most important thing: have fun! Buying fish or seafood in a market in Spain is a unique experience! Don't be shy and talk with everyone.

Viehla and the Val D'aran

Tucked into a Northern Corner between Catalunya and Aragon in the Pyrenees lies the Val d'Aran (Valley of Aran). A traditional winter sports retreat, the region is also a joy to visit in the spring and summer, when the flowers and trees are bright and the weather is warmer. As a region with more than 1000 years of history and its own language (Aranese), there is plenty to visit and lots of culture to soak up.

The city of Vielha is the capital of the region, featuring one of the most picturesque Parador hotels in Spain. The region also boasts the highest spa in Europe, the Banys de Tredos. Aside from the breathtaking scenery and the cultural heritage, the local cuisine is not to be missed, with dishes such as La Olla Aranesa and local meats and freshwater fish, as well as desserts and liquors.

Patios de Cordoba - A Flower Festival Spanish Style

Starting May 5 and going through May 16, the city of Cordoba once again welcomes spring with its annual Patios de Cordoba Festival. This is an opportunity for the people of the city to show off their best in one of the most traditional and colorful festivals in Andalusia. The patios, a traditional element of Andalusian houses, become the focal point as locals brighten up every corner with flowers and ceramics. This year it is even possible to spend a night contemplating them as the city has opened up a series of accommodations. This is a unique opportunity for those who love flowers and culture, and the locals are always more than happy to welcome new visitors with traditional Spanish hospitality!

For more information about this festival or a visit to Cordoba, contact The Spanish Touch and we can help arrange your next visit.

Fiesta de Lamprea - Galicia's fish festival

Finding the right fiesta in Spain is a question of being in the right place at the right time. This weekend the options were out in numbers. From the opening of the Seville Feria to Sant Jordi in Barcelona. But Galicia was not to be left out of the action. The annual Fiesta de Lamprea (Lamprey fair) was held and the organizers this year were hoping for even more than the record 25,000 visitors from last year's event.

Held in the Rias Baixas region, the festival's star is the lamprey, a strong-flavored fish which is not the first that comes to mind when you think of Spanish seafood. Nonetheless, every year thousands gather to enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes. The festival is held every year in the end of April.

For more information on festivals in Spain or for information on which festivals you might enjoy when you visit Spain contact The Spanish Touch.

A romantic outing in Barcelona

The Spanish Touch is pleased to announce that starting in 2010 we will be offering a unique "Romantic Barcelona" day tour. This one-day package includes a visit to the city center, and an afternoon cruise on a yacht through the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean. Your day starts with a pickup at the hotel and includes the opportunity to watch the sunset from the sea, followed by dinner reservations in one of Barcelona's most romantic restaurants!

For more information regarding this package, contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to arrange your personal romantic day in Barcelona.

Spain's open arms helping stranded travelers

In light of the massive mess that has spread throughout Europe over the last week, Spain has risen to the occassion. As a southern country, Spain, like Portugal and Italy, has largely avoided the horrors of mass airport closings. And as such, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are offering travelers a way out. For many travelers, getting to Spain means completing the first (and often most difficult) step in getting back to their homes.

With the prospects of the chaos finally clearing, life might soon return to normal. But more than a few have taken advantage of Spain's most recent display of its famed hospitality and The Spanish Touch would like to take a momet to thank the Spanish again for once more rising to the occasion and helping thousands of people return home.
 

Sant Jordi Festivity (Saint George) in Catalonia Part II: The legend of Saint George

Once upon a time there was a dragon in the town of Montblanc (Tarragona), a very ferocious monster that could run, fly, swim and killed lots of animals and people of the town and around the area. People from Montblanc reached the following agreement: they would give, by drawing lots, a person every day to the dragon to calm down its hunger. The pact seemed to work for a long time until it reached the turn of the princess to be eaten by the terrible dragon. All the citizens of Montblanc were very sad for the young princess and some of them offered their lives to prevent the death of the beautiful and delicate lady. But the king was determined to sacrifice his daughter the same way other parents needed to sacrifice their children. The poor girl walked towards the lake where the dragon was living, and was prepared to die when a knight, dressed in armour and riding a white horse, stopped her on her way to be eaten. The knight was Sant Jordi and, getting off the horse, caught the dragon by its neck and gave it to the princess who brought it to the main square of Montblanc and the dragon was finally killed by all people of the town. The legend tells that dragon's blood turned into a beautiful red rose.

Sant Jordi Festival (Saint George) in Catalonia Part I

Sant Jordi is one of my favorite festivals of the year. It takes place on almost every street of the different cities and towns around Catalonia on the 23rd of April. Some people call it the Catalan Saint Valentine's Day, but it is very different. Usually men have to give a rose to their partners and women give a book, but in fact, men give roses to "the women of their lifes" and that can include their partner, mother, sister ... even a friend, and the same for the women. In Barcelona the streets fill with impromptu book stands and flower stalls, and everyone comes out to enjoy the festive and colorful atmosphere! Let me show you some pictures of the Sant Jordi Festivity to better understand what I am talking about.

Malaga film festival

This week marks the 13th annual "Festival de Cine en Español" (Spanish-language Film Festival) in Malaga. Designed to raise the profile of Spanish-speaking cinema, this year's festival takes place from April 17 - 24 in the capital of the Costa Del Sol, and origin of Spain's most prominent ex-pat, Antonio Banderas. The films are being shown in various cinemas and theaters around Malaga, including some wonderful settings such as the Teatro Cervantes, Museu Picasso and the University of Malaga. In the ever-popular Plaza de la Merced you can find the Zonazine. It promises to be a fun and exciting week in Malaga!

For more information about the Festival or things to do in Malaga, contact The Spanish Touch.

Feria de Abril - Seville's April Fair

Nowadays, all Spain celebrates the "Feria de Abril" (April Fair), but we can find its origins in Seville (Andalusia) and it is still the best city to go if you want to really enjoy and live what a real "Feria de Abril" is. Basically, the fair is a collection of stands and attractions that wants to celebrate the andalusian culture and traditions. Usually it always takes place in the same spot and a big gate indicates the entrance to the fair. The gate itself is one of the most popular attractions.

The beginning of the fair is two weeks after Easter and is marked by spectacular fireworks and the lighting of the gate and entrance to the fair ("El alumbrao"). This year the Fair will begin on April 20th and will end on April 25th.

During the "Feria de Abril" you can see all sort of Andalusian traditions such as the typical flamenco and sevillana outfits, carriages all around the premises, lots of music, good wine and food ...

Picasso: the artist most forged and stolen by organized crime

I was reading the newspaper today when I saw that title: "Picasso, the artist most forged and stolen by organized crime". I didn' t know that!

According to Noah Charney, a renowned expert in crime and works of art, stealing and forging "Picassos" started to become a fashion between 1960 and 1961. The interest of mafia started thanks to TV when it was reported that Picasso and Cézanne were the two most valued artists in the stock market. But Picasso is not the only Spanish artist targeted by the organized crime. Sadly, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró are very popular in these circles, too.

"La Sardana", the Catalan traditional dance

I am from Barcelona and yes, the Sardana it is part of my roots, part of my culture, part of what I am ... but I must admit that I learned once how to dance it and I don't remember. In my defence I will say that I was very young when, at school, a teacher showed us. It is one of the things I have to learn before I die. Every Sunday at 12:00, next to the Cathedral of Barcelona, you can see the "dançaires" (Sardana dancers) and you can also see Sardanes on special ocasions (Saint George Day, September 11th, etc.). People from various ages, hand-in-hand, making a circle and dancing. Sounds a bit strange, doesn't it?

The origins of Sardana are unknown. One more unknown to add to the list of great mysteries in Spain ... Lots of theories but nobody knows for sure.

A night with Picasso

The Picasso Museum in Malaga offered a special evening with live music and a guided visit of the museum, Saturday April 10. The art collection of Malaga's most famous native son - born in a house just around the corner in the Plaza de la Merced on October 25, 1881 - is hosted by the 16th century Palacio de Buenavista in the city center. The museum, opened in October 2003, has paintings and drawings from the artist from his teenage years through to the early 1970s.

For more information about The Spanish Touch, tours of Malaga including the Natal House and the Picasso Museum, contact us here.

Barcelona's MNAC opens its archives

Starting from next Friday, April 16, Barcelona's MNAC (Museu Nacional de Art de Catalunya) is opening its storerooms to the public for a limited time and only with advanced purchase. The Museum, celebrating its 75 anniverary, is offering guided tours on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings for small groups of up to 15 people. The museum is housed in a renaissance style Palace designed for the 1929 International Exposition on Montjuic. Directly in front of the palace are the Magic Fountains, also designed for the 1929 Fair.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information on the MNAC and other sites in Montjuic (Joan Miro Museum, Olympic Stadium, Greek Theater).

Catalan gastronomy gets a Harvard Education

Starting in September, students at the world's most prestigious university will be able to study the fascinating and complex world of Catalan cuisine. Harvard University and the Fundació Alícia have worked together to bring the "Science and Cooking" project to fruition. The course, led by 6 of Catalonia's most most innovative and respected chefs will lead the course on science and cooking. Catalan cooking, led by Ferran Adria, has been at the head of the scientific revolution in the kitchen, and now Adria, along with 6 Catalan chefs(including Carme Ruscalleda, Joan Roca and Carles Rovira) will work side by side with American chefs utilizing the scientific facilities of Harvard.

While the course is open to students of Harvard, the chefs and their creations can be found in Catalonia, and The Spanish Touch can help you organize a visit to these wonderful, innovative restaurants and see firsthand the fruits of these chefs forays into the world of science and cooking.

"Las Fallas 2010", Valencia. Some pictures

Here you have some pictures of "Las Fallas 2010" in Valencia. Enjoy them!

Garnatxa Festival

It's spring time, and maybe not the time traditionally associated with wine festivals, but for the people in the Emporda region in Catalonia it's been a time to celebrate for the last 13 years. April 2 and 3, in the town of Gairguelles the region's best winemakers and local chefs celebrate with samples of the superb red, Garnatxa, and a local delicacy known as Brunyols, which is traditionally eaten at festival times such as Semana Santa. Activities include an open wine tasting competition and Sardanas dances in the evening. The Spanish Touch will be on hand to witness the celebration, and with the springtime in full bloom it promises to be a wonderful experience.

Small-town Semana Santa

Semana Santa (Easter Week) is upon us again in Spain. Long considered one of the premier festivals throughout the country, it has been (rightfully) extolled in places like Malaga, Toledo and Seville. However, it would be a mistake to limit ourselves to just the big cities. Some of the best, most moving and spectacular scenes I have seen have been in small towns and out-of-the-way places that most people tend to drive right past. In towns like Cuenca, with it's cliff-face houses and panoramic views, or Lorca in Murcia, or St. Feliu de Guixols along the Costa Brava the experience seems more personal, closer, more accessible.

For help planning your next Spanish vacation or more information regarding Semana Santa celebrations, contact us at The Spanish Touch.

Madrid's Gran Via turns 100

It is sometimes strange to think of 100 being a relatively short period of time, but when we say something in a city as steeped in history as Madrid is 100 years old, we have to fight the urge to add "only". However, when we are talking about major thoroughfares through Madrid, then perhaps we can understand how impressive 100 years is. On April 4, 1910 King Alfonso XIII swung the first stroke for what would become Madrid's most famous, most-used road: the Gran Via. More than 100 years ago the urban architects of Madrid had the foresight to see the need for a single road that would connect old Madrid with the rapidly growing city without passing through the ever/increasingly congested Puerta del Sol. In fact, the first plan was submitted in 1861, but the final project took almost 40 years to come to fruition.

The city of Madrid will be hosting a series of events, including guided tours of the street's most famous (and not-so-famous) areas, conferences and expositions.

Check out The Spanish Touch's for more information about our services in Madrid and the surrounding areas, including Toledo, Segovia, Avila and El Escorial.

The Spanish Touch welcomes the Springtime

After one of the wettest and coolest winters in recent memory, Spain welcomed Spring with open arms over the weekend. With Las Fallas saying goodbye to winter as only the Spanish can, the new season brings new and exciting possibilities for people looking for something more than just a "standard" experience. With the fruit trees and flowers in full bloom, it's a great time to take an excursion up to El Chorro to see the Camino del Reyes (pictured above), or explore the scenery of Montserrat. It is also a great time to visit the wineries and witness first-hand this year's promising crop.

The Spanish Touch is offering a 15% discount on all walking tours and select "rural tourism" routes such as visits to La Garrotxa and El Chorro.

Contact us for more information about our upcoming specials or for information regarding any of Spain's Springtime activities.

Picasso's Guernica in 3D

The 3D craze has spread its wings throughout popular culture again. With it's return to worldwide popularity through Avatar, more attention has been drawn to other genres that have been employing it for years. As people become more aware of 3Ds' possibilities, "discoveries" are made which stretch our imaginations.

A wonderful example of this is Lena Gieseke's 3D exploration of Guernica, Pablo Picasso's masterpiece. Gieseke chose to use digital infographics to allow people to contemplate the great Spanish painter's from a different perspective, and it certainly offers us that!

The original painting, inspired by the civil war and the bombing of the Basque town of the same name, is on display at Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum, is surrounded by sketches by the artist showing the progression of his ideas and painting. For many years it was not in Spain, as Picasso had stated that he did not want his work displayed while General Franco's facist regime was in power. The work is one of many on display by Picasso at the museum, which forms a part of the so-called "Golden Triangle" of museums in Madrid, with El Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Templars in Spain

Mention the Templar Knights a words like "legendary" and "mystical" often pop up in the conversation. The Templars were an extremely powerful order during the times of the crusades, and their exploits have been linked to everything from the Holy Grail to Solomon's gold. A lesser-known fact is that Catalunya and Spain was one of the most important Templar areas, as the frontier land between the Christians and the Moors. The Castle-Fortress of Miravet, in the Ebro River Delta, is considered one of the best, and best-conserved, examples of the Templar architecture in all of Spain. The best way to get to the Castle is to take the local ferry, a truly unique experience!

For more information or to arrange a tour of all or a part of The route of los Templars, which starts at Miravet and continues throughout Catalunya and Aragon, contact The Spanish Touch.

Walking with the Kings

Everyone remembers the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. They united the Spanish and Aragonese empires, completed the Reconquista, and commisioned Columbus' voyage across the Atlantic. This year the Spanish Touch is offering a route tracing some of most important places where the Monarchs stayed. Starting in Madrid and Toledo, the route includes visits to Ronda, Frigiliana, and Granada. Join us to learn discover some of the most interesting and curious facts about Spain's most famous king and queen, and to experience the history and culture of Spain in an 8-day tour, starting from just $1,680 per person!

For more information contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to give you more details on this or any of our custom and private tours in Spain.

Las Fallas 2010

One of the biggest and best celebrations in a country famous for them is upon us: Las Fallas 2010 has arrived in full effect in Valencia! For those people lucky enough to get the chance to live the Fallas first hand, it is a truly unique and exhilirating experience. Every year the streets fill up with the Ninots (giant statues) and people, and the whole city seems to be a kaleidescope of colors, sounds and lights. The beauty of Las Fallas is that every year is completely different, as the giant paper-mache floats are burned and artists spend most of the year creating new statues to burn for the next year.

This year's celebration kicked off yesterday, March 15, and continues through the 19, with each day bringing new Ninots and new celebrations.

To visit Valencia during Las Fallas, or to learn more about this or other Spanish festivals, please contact The Spanish Touch.

Malaga Airport gets its due

It's been a long time coming, but the most active airport on Spain's southern coast finally got the expansion it has needed. Long considered the gateway to the Costa del Sol (for the good and the bad that name entails), Malaga International Airport suffered from its small size and lack of infrastructure. However, with the arrival of the T3 (Terminal 3), the capacity has essentially doubled, and will allow an increase from 12 to 30 million passengers a year. King Juan Carlos opened the Terminal in an official ceremony this morning.

Malaga's airport is ideally situated for those people who want to visit not just the traditional tourist towns along the Costa del Sol, but also for those who are looking to get in touch with cities like Granada and Nerja, or to take a trip through the region of Andalucia with The Spanish Touch.

I'm not dreaming - it's a white Barcelona

It's not every day, or every year for that matter, that the city of Barcelona gets any snow at all. So yesterday was a bit of an oddity, and despite the problems with transportation and power that some areas experienced, provided the city and the region with some spectacular, albeit uncommon, panoramas. While the snow and winds were enough to keep most people inside, those who were daring enough to brave the elements got to see things which are unique and beautiful. The city dressed in white is indeed a beautiful sight: For example, the above picture of the University of Barcelona, this one of La Pedrera:

While we may not like the traffic or the cold, there is no denying that the snowfall has demonstrated that the city looks fabulous dressed in white.

For more information about the city of Barcelona or tours, please do not hesitate to contact us at The Spanish Touch.

Barcelona Marathon

This coming Sunday, March 7, a record number of people will set out through the streets of Barcelona to complete the 26-mile Barcelona Marathon. More than 12,000 runners have registered for the event, which will start and end at the Plaza Espanya at the foot of Montjuic mountain. The practical effect of this annual event is that many of the primary and secondary roads along the route will be shut off to traffic as the participants make their way through various parts of the city, passing sites such as Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, The Cathedral, and even heading down Las Ramblas.

However, aside from the traffic problems, it will be a great day to be in the city. Event organizers have set up a number of "Animation points" along the way with events celebtrations for spectators and visitors to the city alike. Concerts and interactive events range from a Brazilian percussion bands to Columbian folk dancing to gastronomic samplings (of everything from escargot to local chocolate makers). In all there are 39 events throughout the city in celebration of the multicultural spirit of the city and the race.

For more information about events and custom tours in Barcelona, please contact The Spanish Touch.

Barcelona Restaurant Week

Following in the footsteps of cities like San Fransisco, New York, London and Madrid, Barcelona has introduced its first ever Restaurant Week 2010. From Saturday February 20 through this Sunday February 28, more than 30 of Barcelona's finest restaurants have opened their doors and their hearts, offering a set menu for 25 euros (including a 1 euro donation to the Fundacion del Corazon (Heart Foundation). The success of this week has been overwhelming, with many people taking the opportunity to visit some of the city's best restaurants such as Llucanes, Gresca, Hoffman and Els Pescadors. Restaurants offering everything from classic fish dishes to Catalan fusion cuisine with Adria disciples to Japanese to an Argentinean Steak house, the selection of establishments is a good cross-section of Barcelona's offerings.

Unfortunately, heading into the final weekend if you don't have a reservation already, better luck next time. However, given the success of its first edition, we at The Spanish Touch are certain that this will become an annual event. In the meantime, when in Spain, do not miss the opportunity to sample the wonderful cuisine, rich and so intimately a part of the country and its people.

If you have any questions or would like help in choosing restaurants during your visit, drop us a line and we'll be glad to help.

The "Fiesta de Sant Antoni"

For centuries Sant Antoni has been the traditional protector of all the working animals. The invocation of Sant Antoni is designed to produce fertility in the animals as well as the crop, and for purification. This celebration is held throughout the entire Catalan territory around January 17.

Madrid Food Festivities

What better way to shake off those winter blues than with some sumptious snacks? If grastronomical delights and creative cuisine sound like a good way to ring in the new year, Madrid is the place to be this month. The city is hosting two food fairs: the GastroFestival and the Madrid Fusion.

The GastroFestival is an exciting adventure in cooking, offering visitors to the city the chance to taste some of the best haute cuisine around in everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to some of the best tapas bars in the city. There will also be tastings of wines, olive oils, cheesses, and much more. For three short days (january 26-28) the Madrid Fusion fair will bring together top chefs from around the world to share their newest ideas and creations.

Madrid is a city which is rightly known for its outstanding restaurants, and despite its landlocked geographical situation, can offer visitors a wonderful selection of traditional Spanish foods from all over Spain. A local speciality, called Cocido, should not be missed by anyone wishing to experience the gastronomic gems of Spain´s capital city.

Contact us at The Spanish Touch for more information.

From Market to Market

Something that stands out when I think of Spain: The markets and ferias, or fairs. These markets can be indoor or open-aired. They might have fresh produce or fresh poultry. Or perhaps they are a display of local artisans' work. Maybe you're looking to pick up a pair of unique earrings for a friend back home, or you want to try some fresh squeezed OJ. Here in Barcelona, let alone Spain in general, I have found quite the array. Sometimes, it's a permanent market, like "La Boquería" on Las Ramblas. Sometimes, I've found myself wandering over by a certain plaza just to take a glimpse at what's on display on those brown tables or what's being sold under the white tents. And some of my favorite times are those surprises of walking down a street to find local vendors selling homemade chocolate, or cheese wedges, or other specialties!

Here are some pictures of markets around this city:

Fruits and veges on display at La Boquería.


Eggs of all kind inside la Mercat Santa Caterina (Saint Catherine's Market)

Christmas decorations at Fira de Santa Llucia (Saint Lucy's Fair), a seasonal fair during the month of December located outside of the main Cathedral


Browsing tee shirts, hats, scarves & more at this market set up right by Plaza Catalunya

Interested in visiting some of these hot spots? Contact The Spanish Touch to set up your next tour.

A Proper Tapas Spread

Ask any person to tell you something about Spain and chances are the word "Tapas" will probably come up in conversation. There is much to be said about these small rations of food that people pick at, usually accompanied by a beverage of your choice. They are a great way to try a little bit of everything while enjoying the afternoon/evening with friends. Plus, the menu varies all around Spain. No matter where you are, though, there seems to be something for everyone. And there seems to be the staple tapas, too. Something like "pan con tomato," or bread with tomato is a common one, along with "patatas bravas" or potatoes with a spicy Brava Sauce. However, you might order a small portion of a salad, something seafood (which might include calamari, sardines, etc.), a variety of sausage, mushrooms, and the list goes on! Usually you order a couple different types and end up sharing them with your party. But don't feel like you need to eat everything in one sitting. After tasting at one place, head on out to the next tapas bar for a different selection. Tapas Bars may seem to be a dime a dozen, but of course, there are always certain restaurants that have their specialties. A great one to check out here in Barcelona is Lonja de Tapas. They have 4 different locations right in the city. Mmmm. Is it dinner time yet?

The Spanish Touch offers Tapas Tours for those who everyone: from learning more about this Spanish experience to discovering some of the best places to satisfy your hunger to helping Tapas veterans look for a great new find or a great wine pairing!

Valencia Tour- something for everyone!

Another tour in Valencia, another day full of history, good food, and great shopping finds! Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, has a unique feel to it, but then again I feel that way about all of the cities I have visited. The Spanish Touch enjoyed a half-day tour with Barry and Donna Case, a couple who stopped in at this port city while cruising around the Mediterranean. So much to see, so much to share, so little time! So I will share with you just some of the highlights of our tour.

We had a great tour through the city, starting at the Bull Ring and Estación del Norte, the North train station ornately decorated with mosaic tiles. Such a style displays the Modernismo touch that graces various buildings around this city. We walked through the City Hall Plaza, spotted the rather large post office, and headed over to the Central Market. The market is quite the experience for all 5 senses as hundreds of stalls sell fresh fruit, fish and of course, my favorite, artisan chocolate, among other treats! We did not leave empty handed!

After admiring the 15th century silk exchange known as La Lonja, we brushed off our walking shoes once again. What would a Spanish city be without its cathedral? The Valencia cathedral (below, right) showcases Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic style architecture, along with frescoes, a pair of Goya paintings, and what is claimed to be the Holy Grail. Wherever you come from, it's hard not to admire the craftsmanship that went into this building.

Among other treasures, we also spotted the Serrano Towers. They are hard to miss as they were once the entrance into the old Roman city. Now, they serve as a great look out point and giant piece of architecture!

Of course we stopped to eat some lunch-- paella. Valencia is the birthplace of this rice, saffron and typically seafood and/or chicken dish. As the day moved on, more and more treasures were found both on the street and inside the shops. The handmade ceramics (produced right here in the Valencia region) decorate the walls of the city, but the memory does not have to end with a photograph! Why not give into the urge to bring home a piece of Valencia's ceramic!

On the car ride back to the port, we managed to drive by the famous Opera House along with a view of the City of Arts and Sciences. (below, photo taken at previous time) ¡Qué bonita!

Thanks again to the Case family for such an enjoyable great tour!
- Justine

La Castanyada - A Spanish Halloween

As a child, I always loved Halloween. The trick-or-treating, the costumes, the fun games.... So when I first got to Spain I was surprised to find that the customs were not exactly the same. As we approach All Hallow's Eve, in this traditionally Catholic country we find the emphasis not so much on the scary costumes which people used to use to keep evil spirits away from the graveyards, but on a much more practical aspect: How to keep yourself awake and warm while standing guard. The answer throughout Spain came in the form of a simple nut. The Chestnut, to be precise. While most Americans think of Christmas Carols when they hear the word Chestnut, in Spain it brings to mind the Castañada (Castanyada in Catalan). This festival is celebrated from Malaga to Barcelona to the Atlantic Coast of Galicia, and, while the local customs vary, generally concern roasting these tasty treats over an open fire to provide nourishment and warmth through the night. This was traditionally accompanied by the occasional swallow of the year's young wines to keep spirits up. And so, throughout Spain this weekend, people will be celebrating with friends and neighbors this annual tradition, and towns and villages provide bonfires to keep spirits warm and alive as they pass the night away.

Contact The Spanish Touch for more information about these and other festivals, and we will be glad to offer you a customtour designed to introduce to the culture and people of Spain you can't get any other way!

Harvest Festivals

These last few months have been pretty packed in Spain. Starting in late August with the grape harvest and continuing through November, the country has become a hotbed for local festivals and traditional harvest-time activities. Members of The Spanish Touch have been fortunate enough to get to events such as the Alella Harvest Festival and the Catalan Wine and Cava Fair in Barcelona, but the events are everywhere throughout Spain. This weekend we will be visiting the annual CavaTast celebration in San Sadurni, and we will also be taking some clients up to a local mushroom festival where local "boletaires" (wild mushroom collectors) will show us their best offerings and share some of their expertise and experiences. Each region has its own unique way of celebrating this wonderful season, and each celebration is a great way to really get in touch with the local culture and people. If you would like help organizing your visit to Spain to incorporate one or more of these Festivals, please contact The Spanish Touch and we will be glad to help!

Fine Dining with The Spanish Touch - A Dinner to Remember

I recently had the pleasure of taking Lynn and Herb Cantor around Barcelona for a few days, and we included a trip to the three-michelin-star Sant Pau restaurant to kick things off. The first thing that stands out is the restaurant itself, on the outside a relatively unassuming building with a small parking area for the guests. However, upon entering it was clear the restaurant was anything but typical. It balanced gentle colors and a simplicity that somehow perfectly fit the environment, and I found myself relaxing and drinking in the environment before we even got our seats. It promised to be a spectacular affair.

After starting with a welcome broth, we decided on the tasting menu, a 13-course carnival of tastes and contrasts. The highlights were many, and I could not, even now, choose a favorite, because each dish was a delicacy unto itself, so the crawfish with chamomile was a completely different experience from the lloritos, a Mediterranean fish only found in these waters during the summer months, which was completely different from the pork trotters with hot sauce, celery and hazlenuts. Perhaps the course that most stands out in my memory was the cheese course: 5 cheeses matched beautifully with a contrasting flavor, be it the local Garrotxa Bauma cheese matched with rasberry, vegetables and vinagrette, or the Barousse from the Pyrenees matched with nuts or the Cocagne with pear in eau-de-vie, each person at the table had a different preference, though everyone agreed it was sumptious.

The wines of the evening were a nice opening cava made locally for the restaurant, followed by a delightful young white wine (Godello grape) from the small Valdeorras DO. It went perfectly with the appetizers and the creative dishes. The second wine was a priorat, which was also an excellent selection and complimented the meat and cheese dishes without overpowering.

A surprise of the evening was meeting the chef in person, Carme Ruscalleda! All in all, it was a dinner that far surpassed all expectations, and left us discussing its proper place among the best meals of our lives.

Until the next time, bon profit and thanks again for the food and memories!

Wine and Mushrooms Tour - this October

Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you all know about a new tour The Spanish Touch has set up for this year: Of Mushrooms and Wine. The Barcelona-based tour includes some unique opportunities to visit wine and mushroom country as well as see several of the most interesting and fun local fairs surrounding them. This year we will be visiting the Cavatast celebration in the Penedes wine region and a mushroom festival in the heart of Mushroom country. And of course we include visits to Barcelona's most famous and interesting sites, as well as a few gastronomic treasures in the city itself. It promises to be a great time, don't miss this opportunity!

For complete information, visit our website or contact us via email (info@thespanishtouch.com) or phone (1-888-480-0013).

Tour de France in Spain

This year's Tour de France is underway, and we know the main protagonist in the form of Lance Armstrong. However, it also marks the first time in more than 40 years the Tour has passed through Barcelona, and tomorrow is the big day. Thursday, July 9 marks the date that the riders will wind their way down from the beautiful city of Girona ( to the heart of Barcelona itself, passing the Arc de Triumf, the Statue of Columbus, and finishing at the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic. While the city is preparing for the riders' reception, the people in the streets are divided on the issue. For many, it represents a great opportunity for Barcelona to show its splendors, and for others it is a headache that is interrupting trains, roads and public transportation. But whatever their feelings, the city is all set and ready to receive the biggest cycling event of the year with a full complement of activities at the Poble Espanyol and at the Citadel Park.

Contact The Spanish Touch to help plan your visit to Spain.

Jazz and Wine in Barcelona with The Spanish Touch

Next weekend in Vilafranca del Penedes, the capital of the Penedes wine region about 1 hour south of Barcelona, is the ViJazz Wine and Jazz Festival. From July 3 to July 5, The Spanish Touch will be there visiting with the wineries and cava producers of the region, as well as taking in some of the best jazz and swing music of the summer in the midst of the medieval center of Vilafranca. What better way to spend a day or two of your summer vacation in Spain than joining us. Come along with us to taste some of the best wines of the region, and take advantage of the opportunity to get immersed in the culture of wine, the music and the region!

The Mediterranean Society in Spain

A slightly belated thank you to the 18 members of the Mediterranean Society who visited Spain with us at the end of last month. During the twelve-day tour they visited Tarragona, Barcelona, and the Costa Brava. It was one of the best group experiences I've had, and would like to thank each and every traveller for the opportunity to share their experiences with us. Highlights included: Tarragona's Roman heritage tour (Thanks Xavi), The Modernista day in Barcelona, Empuries, Cadaques, Besalu, and even a late-late season Calçotada! Look for the pictures soon on our website, and thanks again to the whole group for making our job so much fun!

If you would like to plan your group's Spanish vacation,contact us and we will be glad to work with you each and every step from planning the itinerary to the tour itself. Let us be your friend in Spain!

New Facebook group

Hi everyone!

I just want to share some exciting news: We are now a part of the Facebook society! Come join us and share your Spanish experience with everyone. We will also be updating the site with upcoming events in Spain to help you, including local festivals, shows, etc...

And, as always, if you need any additional help, don't hesitate to contact us directly at The Spanish Touch for more information or any other questions or comments.

Truffle hunting with The Spanish Touch

We are still in the grips of one of the coldest, strangest winters Spain has suffered in a long time, but that does not mean that there are not things going on! With the recession affecting Spain as much as the rest of the world, prices have been driven down and barriers opened up to visit places and do things that previously had been extremely difficult to get to. This year, the Spanish Touch is offering a unique opportunity to go look for the culinary "black gold" of Spain, truffles. In the beginning of March we will be taking a small group into the region of Graus, in Aragon, and will be going out with a local farmer to search for truffles. We will also be visiting the truffle fair in Graus, with events like cooking classes and a truffle market.

There are still a few openings available, and if you are interested, please visit our website or contact us at info@thespanishtouch.com for more information.

The Spanish Touch in 2009

Happy New Year to everyone!

As the holiday season winds down (which in Spain happenned yesterday with Three Kings Day) we would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy 2009, and let you know of a few interesting developments in The Spanish Touch.

This year promises to be a good year,a year of change and hopefully we can help you celebrate that change. And speaking of celebrations, to celebrate our 5th anniversary we are offering a 10% discount on all our day tours!

We are grateful to everyone who has made our first five years so memorable, and look forward to the new challenges and faces we will see in the future, and as always, we hope to provide each and every one of you with a fantastic Spanish experience soon!


Thanks again and best of luck in 2009!!

The Spanish Touch Team
www.thespanishtouch.com