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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Ten years ago, I lived in Barcelona for a month. It was a most enjoyable experience pretending to be a local, speaking my faulty Spanish where people prefer to converse in Catalan. Fast forward to May 2016 – and I have taken the chance to come back and spend an extended long weekend in this city. Barcelona is unlike any other Spanish city. It is dynamic, cosmopolitan and creative. A gothic and modernist wonder on the Mediterranean sea. Once crowned as the “coolest rendezvous” in this continent – the Catalan capital has some of the most inventive restaurants, bars, shops and hotels – making it one of the most…
As Christians around the world observe Semana Santa or Holy Week, it brings back memories when I was in Alicante a few years back. Alicante is a port and seaside city located in Spain‘s Mediterranean Costa Blanca. The city holds an elaborate Holy Week procession, which is a tradition that dates back to the medieval times. Lifelike wooden and plaster sculptures are carried through the streets by penitents dressed in robes with caps and hoods, accompanied by elegant female mourners dressed in black with lace veils. Hundreds of people line the narrow streets in the historical centre of Alicante, with the scent of fresh flowers and…
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