Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and is considered the most “Spanish” city in the entire country. When I think of Spain, I almost always think of its famous flamenco dance, the tradition of bullfighting, and how sultry or hot the city feels as the Spanish guitars play late into the night! In fact, I find that Sevillanos are always happy to share
You can almost hear those sleigh bells ringing in your ears as the Christmas season approaches your world. The sound of Santa Claus' “HO, HO, HO” can be heard on the radio, television, in social media, and even as you you shop on the city streets. So let me tell you, there is no better time to visit a European Christmas Market than like the
Aiguablava is a small indention of a bay on the Costa Brava Coast in Catalonia, Spain. It rests quietly along the Mediterranean Sea with miles and miles of Spanish coastline. As I sit out on my balcony, staring at the beauty and charm of the Bay, I am struck by the simplicity of it all. It has an old world charm about it that is romantic as
Barcelona Spain with its cosmopolitan feel, "old town" architecture, some of the best gastronomy around, and beachside bohemian vibe, how could any city get much better than this? Truly visitors love its Mediterranean climate, as it never really gets too hot or too cold (only muggy in June and July). Barcelona's old town is like a breath of fresh air as you walk the medieval
Barcelona, Spain for Families… Visiting Barcelona is a wonderful family vacation destination because there are so many things to do in Barcelona with kids. From family-friendly restaurants to free activities galore, you can rest easy knowing that there is a long list of reasons why Barcelona family vacations top the list of so many traveling families. Barcelona, with its twisty streets and open-air plazas, is
Where to go in Barcelona I had arrived in the eclectic city of Barcelona, Spain, Madrid’s quirky half-sister, which is best known for its modern, undulating architecture, tapas bars, and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. It was a quick pre-trip for the Viking Ocean Cruises yacht, Viking Star, with little pre-planning done on my part for this city visit. I had a few ideas as to where
A quaint little town, known for its privileged geographic location by the Mediterranean Sea, Begur, Spain in the Costa Brava has distinctive Cuban style houses, a crumbling medieval castle, and astonishing crystal-clear beaches. This is an area of Spain that I am wild about! There are so many little medieval towns within this area, that it will be hard to choose which one will be your favorite. The
Having Spanish tapas is so much fun for foodies in Spain to do. There may be a bit of misunderstanding about what exactly tapas means, but regardless of that, you have to try them! The Spanish tapas I tried were bite-sized morsels of food that ranged from tiny serrano ham sandwiches to prawn cones to quail eggs, as well as amazing desserts. So many of the
Rock of Gibraltar is a limestone peninsula and mountainous rock that jets out of the end of the British territory at the southwestern tip of Europe. It is almost 1500 feet high and borders Spain and the United Kingdom. It was captured from the Spanish in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Gibraltar and its famous Rock were ceded to the British "in perpetuity"
I constantly find myself being the planner of things: the family vacation, the food that we eat, and the calendar that we live by. It was crunch time and I was in a spot: Our son was doing a study abroad program in Barcelona and we were going there with him to enjoy the richness of Spain, take in a few sights, and enjoy a
A quick jaunt over to the Hotel Arts Barcelona, had me excited about all the hype I had been hearing regarding this 5 star Hotel. Someone even told me it was the most luxurious hotel in all of Europe! I was ready to find out if Hotel Barcelona was the one! Arriving via ground transportation on the bottom floor, they quickly had me up the
Best Places to Visit in the World 2016 Written for Expedia By Dr. Cacinda Maloney “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” - Leonardo da Vinci As a world traveler, I am constantly asked: “Where are the best places to visit in the world?” I have
Small Luxury Hotel in Spain The beauty - Photo courtesy of Kerwin McKenzie On my recent visit to Salamanca, Spain in the Castile Y León region, I was fortunate enough to have lunch at the famed restaurant, Zorita’s Kitchen. It is located on the property of the Hacienda Zorita Hotel, a small luxury hotel. This was a perfect stop after touring the University of Salamanca, which
The Most Charming Walled City in Spain Are you a fan of walled cities? If you are, then you should head to Avila, Spain in the Castilla y Leon (Castles and Lions) province of Spain. Located just about an hour and a half drive from the Madrid Bajaras airport, it’s a city waiting to be discovered. This walled city is also known as the “City of Knights” which
Colonia Güell and Gaudi’s Crypt Best Day Tripa From Barcelona – Colonia Güell and Gaudi’s Crypt My Grandfather, John Clark, was born in a tiny hospital in a small town in Texas back in 1898. At that same time, halfway around the world, there was an artist who had been asked by his friend to build a place of worship. It was
If there is one thing I love about my travels, it is the architecture that I get to see in different countries. I love to see the shape and form of places and how families live within them. I am fascinated by texture and old world looks, with peeling paint, fauxed walls (whether intentional or not), old doors and the vines growing up the walls.
Apples in the countryside of Spain, Costa Brava I was zipping along on my electric bike in the countryside of Catalonia Spain between Peratallada and Pals. I was way ahead of the rest of the group. The wind was breezing thru my hair, putting little wisps of strands of hair on my face. I felt like a kid again! Pump, pump, pump,
By Cacinda Maloney Something about graffiti always catches my eye. I usually photograph it in almost every city I go to. Here is Graffiti #1 post and I am sure there will be many more to follow. Which is your favorite? Train station in Italy Cuenca, Ecuador Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain
La Boqueria Barcelona Tour of La Boqueria Barcelona: Sweet and Salty The tour I took in Barcelona was called: Farm to Fork, La Boqueria Barcelona, and Beyond. It began at the intersection of Carrer de la Boqueria and La Rambla, which was founded in the 12th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest markets. La Boqueria Barcelona If you haven't heard of La
Spain, Costa Brava Peratalada and Pals By Cacinda Maloney If you are following along in my series on Costa Brava, Spain: Post #1: Costa Brava: Spain’s Northeast Coast, getting there Post#2: Girona, Spain: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend Post #3: So, you want to go to Spain’s Brave Coast: Seaside LEstartit Post #4: Medieval villages along the Costa Brava of Spain -Begur Post
By Cacinda Maloney If you are following along in my series on Costa Brava, Spain: Post #1: Costa Brava, Spain's Northeast Coast: Getting There Post #2: Diamonds are a girl's best friend: Girona, Spain This is post #3: So, you want to go to Spain's Brave Coast? Seaside L'Estartit Costa Brava, literally, the "Brave Coast" of Spain, is not to be missed on a trip
By Cacinda Maloney This post is more of a "how to" versus a romanticized gallivant through Spain! I will be making a series of posts detailing the places to go and the things to do along the coast. That part will be gallivanting! (Posts#2-4) This is post #1 Costa Brava, Spain's Northeast Coast: Getting There Barcelona is probably the easiest entry way to get to
Girona, Spain and its Diamonds Sometimes on trips, you find diamonds …I found one... I can say, without a doubt, that exploring Barcelona and the Costa Brava area of Spain is a guaranteed adventure and an amazing trip within trips. It is a trip that must be taken. It can be done in 7 to 10 days by a family, a couple or alone.
BARCELONA, SPAIN If you have never heard of Antonio Gaudi, you will know who he once you visit Barcelona, Spain. Antonio Gaudi is Barcelona's inspiration, Barcelona's identity, and their love. He was a modernistic dreamer and architect of Catalan descent. Born in 1852 and having only died in 1926, after being struck by a train (while on his daily walk, without identification, he was not
