BCN

Categories: Accommodations · Barcelona · Food · Spain · TravelTags: · ·

The last time I was in this city, it was seven years ago – mucho tiempo sin verlo! I am back in Barcelona, a city that is dear to me, for less than 24 hours to catch my flight home. It was a walk down memory “paseo”! I had the chance to go back to Arrosseria Xativa for their paella, specifically the Paella Valencia con Pollo. They have a few branches in the city. It was a challenge finding a restaurant for Sunday dinner but got I lucky to find Besta in the Michelin Guide. It was one amazing Menú…

Ibiza

Categories: Accommodations · Ibiza · Spain · TravelTags: · · ·

Eivissa (in Balearic Catalan) or Ibiza has enchanted travellers for more than 3,000 years. For many, Ibiza is the Balearic island of excess with nightclubs, music scene and glamorous parties. For others (like me), I have come to the White Isle of Spain for some laid-back relaxation. The least-populated and most rustic part of the island where I stayed at, northern Ibiza has a boho, off-grid vibe due to its hippy heritage and remote landscapes. This is a magically beautiful region of forested hills, twisting backroads, timeworn whitewashed villages and a rugged coastline with some of the island’s most secluded…

Vamos a Comer

Categories: Accommodations · Food · Granada · Madrid · Spain · TravelTags: ·

Let’s eat! Here are some food places I tried (and the hotels I stayed at) that were good and worth a visit (except maybe for one)! Arriving in Granada after a trans-Atlantic and a connecting flight, I was famished. Queried the hotel concierge for a restaurant and I was directed towards Pinot Noir. With the name alone, I should have known that this will not be a traditional Spanish restaurant that I would have preferred. Serving pastas and pseudo Japanese fusion food.   After being dropped off from touring the Alhambra, I came across Casa Colon, which served really wonderful tapas….

Museo Sorolla

Categories: Art · Madrid · SpainTags: ·

I am glad I followed a friend’s suggestion to visit the Museo Sorolla in Madrid. Joaquin Sorolla excelled in the painting of portraits, landscapes and monumental works. Many of the famous pieces include the impressionist beach scenes. The museum occupies what was the Spanish artist’s family home from 1911. The house has been preserved, including his studio, together with a vast collection of his masterful works. The Museo Sorolla is considered one of the best preserved artist’s homes in Europe.                                        

Madrid

Categories: Madrid · Spain · TravelTags: · · 1 Comment

It was fifteen years ago when I first (and last) came to this monumental city – mainly to visit some dear friends. Now I am back to the grandeur of Madrid – built when Spain was at the peak of its power and the city became the seat of the great empire stretching around the world.                                              

Granada

Categories: Granada · Spain · TravelTags: · ·

The last time I was in Andalusia in Spain more than fifteen years ago, I missed visiting Granada and specifically, the Alhambra. Now, I made it the main reason for my return to this part of the country. Granada, the moorish Anadlusian city, conjures of the breathtaking Alhambra, snowcapped Sierra Nevada and the gypsy flamenco.                                                  

Alhambra

Categories: Architecture · Granada · Spain · TravelTags: · · · · · 2 Comments

One of Europe’s greatest attractions, the stunningly beautiful Calat Alhambra (Red Castle) is perhaps the most remarkable fortress palace ever constructed. Moorish architecture in Spain reached its peak in this 13th century hilltop palace of the Nasrid kings. Originally constructed for defensive purposes on a rocky hilltop above the Darro River, Alhambra was converted into a lavish palace in the 13th and 14th centuries. Somewhat somber in its exterior, the delights of this palace lie within.                                     The summer palace, Generalife, was built…

Tapas, Paella y mas

Categories: Accommodations · Barcelona · Food · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: · · ·

Eating is an extremely important social activity in Spain. Barcelona is known for both its traditional and inventive cuisine — with lunch “rush hour” at 2:00 pm and a chic dining hour at 10 pm. El Fornet is good spot for desayuno (breakfast) as it serves fresh baked goods and bocadillos. There are a number of El Fornet‘s in the city.   Known for its traditional Catalan cuisine is Freixa Tradicio located in the Gracia district. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, this restaurant has established itself as one of the city’s culinary institutions.   When I lived in Barcelona years ago, my…

Catalan Modernisme

Categories: Architecture · Barcelona · Spain · TravelTags: · · · ·

Catalan Modernisme was part of the general trend that emerged in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. It is the equivalent of other art movements in Europe in the names of Art Nouveau, Sezession, Arts and Crafts or Gothic Revival. The Modernisme movement was centered in Barcelona and was practiced by Antoni Gaudi and Lluis Domenech i Montaner, among others. The former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau was built between 1902 and 1930 is a masterpiece in Catalan Modernisme by Domenech i Montaner. It was a fully functioning hospital until 2009 and converted into a cultural site and research centre in 2014 after four…

Girona

Categories: Barcelona · Girona · Spain · TravelTags: · · · 2 Comments

Founded by the Romans, Girona is an important historical site in Spain. Located 97 kms northeast of Barcelona, it is an easy 35 minute high speed train ride to this city. It became a Moorish stronghold for two centuries and reputedly withstood three invasions by Napoleon’s troops. Today, its historic centre is a packed labyrinth of medieval buildings and monuments on narrow cobblestone streets with connecting stairways. For GoT (Game of Thrones) devotees – this is the location for King’s Landing and Braavos. It is also the locale for one of the most memorable scenes in the series wherein the Faith Militant…