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).