Category ‘La Rioja’
Using your 5 senses in Spain
April 9th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
A holiday in Spain will leave you with all sorts of lingering, beautiful memories. Uploading your photographs when you get back home is all part of the pleasure, remembering each sun filled day out, that great Paella, the gorgeous beach you chose when you booked that perfect holiday home. Spain will fill all of your senses, and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. What are your special memories of your best Spanish holiday?
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Celts. The Winter Solstice. Which Spanish destination?
November 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
For such a Catholic country, Spain does like to celebrate it’s Celtic beginnings! Then again, perhaps Spain just likes to celebrate. Full stop!
The Winter Solstice is another important date on the Celtic and Spanish calender, marked out each year on the same date, December 21st.
Choose a stunning destination and a winter holiday to enjoy the start of something new, and where better to have a winter holiday than Spain?
Read the entire post » Celts. The Winter Solstice. Which Spanish destination?
Read the entire post » Celts. The Winter Solstice. Which Spanish destination?
Time to wine in Spain
October 25th, 2012 by vernon
Grapes are all around me. A friend cannot give me enough. A neighbour has land where I am encouraged to take as many grapes as I wish.
If things carry on this way I will soon be running my own bodega. But there is no need to. There are plenty for you and me to visit throughout Spain.
So let’s go on a road trip. You can drink. I will drive.
Read the entire post » Time to wine in Spain
Read the entire post » Time to wine in Spain
When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
July 18th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Let’s follow on from the post on kitchen paraphernalia….So now you know your Cazuela from your Chino and the Sartén is out ready for breakfast….but what’s the best sausage to buy? Honestly, have you seen the choice in Spanish supermarkets? Whole aisles are dedicated to the not so humble sausage, just picking one type may take up a whole afternoon!
Head to the nearest bar and order up a café con leche and a tostada smeared with fresh tomato and take a few minutes to consider the different sausages on offer – you’ll be less baffled with a little meaty knowledge!
Read the entire post » When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
Read the entire post » When is a sausage not a sausage…When it’s Spanish of course!
Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
July 11th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
We all know a glass of red wine is good for you – I said one glass!
Here where I live in Las Alpujarras, history tells us that local wine made up a good portion of the daily calorific intake during the Años del Hambre- the Hungry Years when ration cards were distributed to the Spanish population. The wine boosted energy levels, and allowed people to continue to work and farm their land, although probably mostly through blurred eyes – some of the local wine here - Vino de la Tierra – is extremely strong.
What other Spanish brews are also said to act as healing elixirs? Are there any for everlasting youth I wonder?!
Hmmm, Let´s see…
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Read the entire post » Healing all ails in the spirit of Spain – cheers!
Flaming June in Spain
May 8th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
We always said that years ago – Flaming June…but as I recall there was never anything remotely hot about it! At least not on Northern European shores…this June book a respite from the damp squib of early British `Summer´ weather and come to Spain instead – let´s see what´s on…
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Read the entire post » Flaming June in Spain
Every Picture Tells a Story – Men on Stilts
April 14th, 2012 by vernon
Having travelled throughout much of Spain i have, predictably, taken way too many photographs. As is the way with the digital world, i get too little time to look back at them. Now i am going to change all that.
With many a photo there is a story of Spain. Of its people, of a city, town or village. Or of a holiday destination visited at the height of the season, or when the place is almost empty. Photos of fun, fiestas and fabulous food.
So come sit down with me. And I will show you my photo album of Spain. I want to tell you a story!
Read the entire post » Every Picture Tells a Story – Men on Stilts
Read the entire post » Every Picture Tells a Story – Men on Stilts
My unmissable Spain
April 3rd, 2012 by vernon
So what events, places or celebrations would I miss about Spain were the aliens to land tomorrow and beam me up to a planet where fiestas are unheard of, where a siesta comes in the form of a device like something from the Woody Allen film ‘Sleeper’ and where paella is considered to be a food only suitable for creatures who require plenty of salt to survive.
A friend asked me the following question recently. What are my unmissable bits of Spain? Those i would go back to see for a repeat performance.
Read the entire post » My unmissable Spain
Read the entire post » My unmissable Spain
A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
January 17th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Well, will she say yes?
To what? …..Your marriage proposal of course – St. Valentine’s day is just around the corner – next month – so if you’re going to do it – then propose in style in Spain. A weekend away as well as a sparkling diamond? How can she turn you down?!
Plan February 14th with sunshine in mind – take a trip to Romantic Spain and choose a special place to spring your surprise!
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Read the entire post » A Fine Romance – Valentine’s Day in Spain
Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
December 31st, 2011 by Carol Byrne
No, I haven´t gone all Christmassy on you again, not that star…although in Spain the Three Kings are still out there and getting ready to go…
I refer to a particular tradition, the one of taking a long walk in the fresh air for New Year´s Day.
We always used to do that, the dog pulling us uphill and down dale, the idea was, I guess, to blow away the cobwebs of the Christmas period, clear the head of hangovers and results of overeating – and the resolution of a healthier New Year - well, in theory anyway!
Now, you could just go for a ramble close to your front door, but what with all the sunshine and longer days that Spain has to offer, why not book a flight and pack your walking boots instead? I have just the thing for you…
Read the entire post » Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
Read the entire post » Town of the Star – Estella la Bella
People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
October 28th, 2011 by vernon
On my travels around Spain you are struck by how vast the country is. By how varied it is. And by how, when you take into account how big the country is, just how underpopulated Spain is.
But in among those people are some very interesting characters.
You see travelling through Spain is not simply about seeing the sights. Taking photographs of monuments such as the La Sagrada Familia (still a work in progress) or the Alhambra Palace in Granada (in essence a reform that just happens to be the biggest tourist attraction in Spain).
It is about the people you meet en route.
Read the entire post » People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
Read the entire post » People I’ve met in Spain – part 1
Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
October 27th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
So, you´ve selected the area you want to visit for a break over Christmas, or perhaps in the New Year – nothing like escaping the British weather – or Irish, if the Dublin floods this week were anything of a prelude of what to expect 
– and browsed the Spain Holiday site. You´ve chosen a lovely property from the huge selection available, remembering that renting directly from the owners has the advantage of a home-from-home with usually well equipped kitchens and all that´s needed.
Now all you have left to do is to pack and look forward to your winter place in the sun!
What can you expect to buy and cook there? Forget the weekly dash around the supermarket that sells all – you can do that too – but it´s far more fun to explore the art of shopping – Spanish style!
Read the entire post » Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
– and browsed the Spain Holiday site. You´ve chosen a lovely property from the huge selection available, remembering that renting directly from the owners has the advantage of a home-from-home with usually well equipped kitchens and all that´s needed.
Now all you have left to do is to pack and look forward to your winter place in the sun!
What can you expect to buy and cook there? Forget the weekly dash around the supermarket that sells all – you can do that too – but it´s far more fun to explore the art of shopping – Spanish style! Read the entire post » Self catering in Spain? Cooking up a storm!
Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
October 26th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
If Spanish cities were a necklace of the finest jewels, then the understated elegance of Vitoria would be the sparkling central stone. Where is it? The capital of both Álava and Euskadi – it´s concentric rings of streets contain lots of new places to discover – as well as sightseeing, Christmas shopping and nightlife galore. Open the treasure chest that is Vitoria-Gasteiz, and imagine a winter weekend in this magical city….
Read the entire post » Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
Read the entire post » Visit Vitoria – stylish capital of Álava
Why I love Spain!
October 26th, 2011 by Louise Brace
Today I wanted to write down in words (or type them!) some of my favourite things about Spain. I started to think about what attracted me to Spain when I moved here nine years ago and what I have grown to love over the years. The items on my list have changed somewhat, but some ‘magnets’ never change: sun, seafood and Spanish hospitality, to name just three.
Read the entire post » Why I love Spain!
Read the entire post » Why I love Spain!
Culinary Spain – the north south divide
September 28th, 2011 by vernon
A British made television series that saw the chef Rick Stein travel around Spain has revitalised interest in Spanish food. An enthusiastic Stein was on a voyage of discovery, trying to see if Spanish food had improved since he first ate in the country as a child. He decided it has come on in leaps and bounds. And he’s not wrong.
I’ve been known to set off on my own culinary tour of Spain and I have been fortunate enough to taste some of the best food on offer in the country.
And unlucky enough to eat some of the worst.
Read the entire post » Culinary Spain – the north south divide
Read the entire post » Culinary Spain – the north south divide
Cycling through Spain
September 7th, 2011 by vernon
The Spanish equivalent of the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España, has been attracting lots of attention recently. I’m watching it on television principally for the scenery.
Seeing fit men serves only to confirm to me how inadequate I am and does nothing for the ego. Therefore I look past the bikes and, instead, soak up the beautiful Spanish countryside.
But men in lycra riding bikes up hill and down valleys are everywhere in Spain. You can’t avoid them. Especially on a Sunday.
Read the entire post » Cycling through Spain
Read the entire post » Cycling through Spain
Best of Spanish Gastronomy: Rioja Grape Harvest Festival
August 18th, 2011 by Louise Brace
If like me you are partial to a glass of Spanish Rioja wine, then I recommend that you head to the town of Logroño for the annual Rioja Grape Harvest Festival. The Festival de La Vendima Riojana takes place this year from 20-26 September 2011, celebrating both the town’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Valvanera and the Greek God of Wine, Bacchus (Dionysus), otherwise known as ‘debauchery’. Drink enough Rioja during the festival and we can promise you a rather debauched trip!
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Read the entire post » Best of Spanish Gastronomy: Rioja Grape Harvest Festival
Take a hike in Spain
July 26th, 2011 by vernon
I feel sure that the most pleasant days I have had in Spain have been those spent on foot. Walking through mesmerising countryside. Strolling through stunning cities.
Discovering hidden gems simply by putting one foot in front of the other.
It can be hard work. Especially if you live, as I do, surrounded by mountains. No walk is flat for very long.
But the sheer variety of landscape throughout Spain means that you can experience all manner of walking terrain in the space of a day, let alone a week. I’m not a serious walker, but I’ve met those who are.
What is clear is that whether you walk Spain for 30 minutes or an entire day; you’ll be glad you did take a hike.
Read the entire post » Take a hike in Spain
Read the entire post » Take a hike in Spain
Plazas in Spain
July 18th, 2011 by vernon
There are certain aspects of daily life in Spain that have changed little down the years. Sitting in a plaza in a Spanish town or city is one such way to pass time in Spain.
Or stroll around and through the main square. You have to do it. It is in the unwritten contract you undertake when visiting Spain.
And if you live in the country, the best way of experiencing the true pulse of a city is not to be square. But to be in the square.
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Read the entire post » Plazas in Spain
A stroll around Logroño, La Rioja
June 24th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
Should you find yourself in Logroño, La Rioja then do stop and stay awhile. Whether you’re on the Camino de Santiago, or staying in the wine growing region, make a point to visit this elegant town of plazas and parks. Churches, cathedral, museum and what about no less than 50 Taparías? There really is no excuse not to have that 2nd glass of red!
Read the entire post » A stroll around Logroño, La Rioja
Read the entire post » A stroll around Logroño, La Rioja
