Category ‘Cordoba’
The Crosses of May – Come to Córdoba
April 20th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
In a couple of weeks time there will be a full raging battle on the streets of Córdoba. Not the sort of battle you may imagine. Not guns… but perhaps roses!
The beginning of May sees the most scented and colourful event of the year – and Córdoba does it best. The Crosses of May is the floral occasion, and you must see and of course smell it for yourself. So this Spring, come to Córdoba for the Crosses in May.
Truly a holiday for those of you with green fingers, or ‘budding’ gardeners…
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Read the entire post » The Crosses of May – Come to Córdoba
St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
March 16th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Tomorrow, the 17th of March, is the feast day of St Patrick. New York will hold the BIGGEST parade, and undoubtedly Ireland will drink the MOST pints of Guinness – well, you have to ‘wet the shamrock’! But where did Paddy go on his holidays? Why, Spain of course…You didn’t know that, really?! This year there’s an extra green connection between Ireland and Spain, of the global awareness kind.
Read the entire post » St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
Read the entire post » St Patrick in Spain – The Luck of the Irish!
Top traditional foods of Spain
January 18th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Self catering on a Spanish holiday means that you get to try out all of the great local foods. Traditional Spanish food is known the world over, but how much of it do you know, what have you tasted? Forget impersonal hotels and the ubiquitous buffet – try renting a beautiful Spanish holiday home and rustle up some local flavour instead. What will you try?
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Where to go in Spain in 2013 – Córdoba
December 23rd, 2012 by vernon
There are lots of reasons to visit Córdoba in Andalusia.
The place is about so much more than its attractive and colourful patios. Or the even more famous La Mezquita. If you are looking for pastures new to explore in 2013, get yourself to Córdoba.
Read the entire post » Where to go in Spain in 2013 – Córdoba
Read the entire post » Where to go in Spain in 2013 – Córdoba
Bridge over untroubled water
September 27th, 2012 by vernon
I was in the great city of Granada the other night – possibly the last truly hot night of the year. The temperature was twenty seven celsius at 9pm. But it was something that I have taken for granted that made me get all hot under the collar.
That was how wonderful the bridges over the rivers are went lit up at night. So often i walk or drive across the bridges of Spain without fully appreciating their appearance. Here are just a few I have crossed that have grabbed my attention.
Read the entire post » Bridge over untroubled water
Read the entire post » Bridge over untroubled water
Heading for the hills of Cordoba
August 28th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
It´s still August, albeit the tail end of this hot and humid Spanish Summer of 2012, and we´re all still slowly melting away! What a Summer it has been, compared to the predictable wash out for those unfortunate enough to stay in the UK…well, you know what to do next year...!
If you are visiting Cultural Cordoba at this time of year, remember that it is as hot and stifling as it is stunning, the `frying pan´of Europe is not a tag given lightly to the Seville and Cordoba areas of Spain.
So when you need a break for a day, you could just enjoy a cooling mint tea next to the Mosque, but I have a better idea. Look to the hire car, crank up the air conditioning, do as the locals do …and head for the hills! Let´s drive…
Read the entire post » Heading for the hills of Cordoba
Read the entire post » Heading for the hills of Cordoba
Covering up – the Spanish Shawl and the Silk Route
July 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
A night out watching a Flamenco performance is often the highlight of your special Spanish Holiday. Particularly when performed on a balmy night in one of the Gypsy barrios of Seville or Granada. But it´s not just about the music…take in the colourful swish of red clothing and the use of the Abanico or Spanish fan. Watch as the mysterious dancer entrances you with clacking heels, a turn of her wrist and a sweep of the shawl…even clothing has its own language and every movement a secret signal or code. What is the history of the Spanish shawl? Where did it come from? Let´s find out…
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Read the entire post » Covering up – the Spanish Shawl and the Silk Route
Painting a picture of Andalusia
July 10th, 2012 by vernon
More and more i come across artistic exhibitions that celebrate the beauty of Spain in general and, in my neck of the woods, Andalusia in particular.
Now the splendid Palacio Carlos V building in the grounds of the Alhambra Palace has another must see exhibition. One that displays paintings of the grand palaces and the gardens in Andalusia, including those by one of Spain’s finest painters, Joaquin Sorolla.
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Read the entire post » Painting a picture of Andalusia
Strumming along to the music of Córdoba
July 4th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Well, happy Fourth of July! Noooo, don´t panic…. Spain doesn´t actually celebrate that particular one – we have enough fiestas of our own to contend with!!
Should you happen to be lucky enough to be in the Córdoba area this week, then remember to bring your guitar and a spare set of strings – yesterday kicked off the start of the 32nd International Guitar Festival in Córdoba. So put away that star spangled banner and join in…
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Read the entire post » Strumming along to the music of Córdoba
‘Moor’ the merrier in Spain
April 28th, 2012 by vernon
Are there really religious tourists? That was the question fired at me recently. You better believe it, was my response. I know, I have met them.
And there are many people who want to see more of Spain. And by that i mean they want to learn more about the Moors. The people who once ruled Spain and whose influence is to be seen throughout the country.
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Read the entire post » ‘Moor’ the merrier in Spain
Crossing over to Spain and the Día de las Cruces
April 28th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The temperature is rising steadily in Southern Spain. The air is getting a little balmier by the day and Spring is well underway. For most that means an early Spanish holiday, a time for relaxing and recharging, a time to start the Summer with a smile and an early suntan. May for most of Spain means the start of the fiesta season, so let´s kick off the party with the floral Festival of the Crosses...
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Read the entire post » Crossing over to Spain and the Día de las Cruces
Go take a bath…! Finding Mecca in Córdoba!
April 4th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Aching muscles? Tired limbs? You need a holiday! Soothe away the stresses and strains of life with a long bath…come to Córdoba and experience the secrets of the Hammam – the only way to bathe in Spain!
A weekend away on a city break with a difference – supplement the sightseeing and shopping with a trip to the baths - the Arabic Hamman – and be pummeled and polished with style…a holiday to relax, revive and rejuvenate…
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Read the entire post » Go take a bath…! Finding Mecca in Córdoba!
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.
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Read the entire post » My unmissable Spain
Laurie Lee on Spain – Part 2, Savouring Seville
February 26th, 2012 by vernon
Before the outbreak of the Civil War, Laurie Lee made his way from northern Spain to the south. He stayed in Zamora and Toro on his way to Valladolid.
Heading south, en route to Almuñécar (see part 1 feature), he spent time in Cadiz and Malaga.
But it was in Seville that he first experienced the true character of Andalusia.
Judging from what he writes, both places have improved greatly in the intervening years.
Read the entire post » Laurie Lee on Spain – Part 2, Savouring Seville
Read the entire post » Laurie Lee on Spain – Part 2, Savouring Seville
Puente Genil- a sweet Spanish place!
January 25th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The Bridge over the River Genil – or Puente Genil – is actually the name of a town home to over 30,000 residents. Should you find yourself in the cultural city of Cordoba then travel just 45 miles south of the city to discover a town where you can satisfy your sweet tooth enjoying the taste of Membrillo- for this is where it is from.
Membrillo? A delicious jam-like pulp made and set firm with Quince and sugar, sold all over Spain in blocks or little triangles and best served with…Manchego cheese! One to take home and impress at your next dinner party!
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Read the entire post » Puente Genil- a sweet Spanish place!
Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
October 6th, 2011 by vernon
So we have established that there are museums for every age, interest and taste in Spain.
True, there have been one or two notable casualties recently. Expensive white elephant museums that have closed their doors almost before the paint has dried.
But there are some very well established museums all over Spain that continue to be popular, despite not being promoted heavily by local tourist offices.
In part one i came across ships in Sanlúcar, planes in Malaga and football in Barcelona.
Here’s a few more for your must see list.
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 2
A green fingered Spanish holiday – Córdoba!
October 6th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
The gardens of Spain make for pleasant days discovering the Spanish love of formal gardens, connected to architectural planting, from plants that withstand heat and strong sunshine, to water features that literally reflect the Moorish history of this fascinating country. For an insight to the horticultural history of Moorish Spain, let´s visit the star of the story – Córdoba – and do a little digging!
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Missed museums of Spain – Part 1
October 2nd, 2011 by vernon
It was announced this week that one of the newest museums in Spain is to close. The Niemeyer Centre in Avilés will shut its doors after only six months. The arts centre cost 44 million euros and opened to a fanfare. A new regional government in Asturias has said the building will shut because of “financial irregularities.” It may open again next year.
The people of Avilés took to the streets to protest. They had hoped the futuristic new building would do for that city what the Guggenheim museum did for Bilbao.
It is indisputable that, in some major Spanish citities, those working in the tourism industry are encouraged to send everyone to the same places. Hence why a few are packed and others are empty.
So here is my tribute to just a few of the lesser known, inexpensive museums of Spain. There are many more where they came from.
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 1
Read the entire post » Missed museums of Spain – Part 1
In Spain? Then take the water
September 29th, 2011 by vernon
I love the fact that I don’t pay for bottled water in Spain. I just fill up at the natural springs and drink what is, at many times of the year, snow melt.
There are many ways the waters of Spain can refresh you. People swear by its restorative powers. Some even claim it has cured them of long term health problems.
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Read the entire post » In Spain? Then take the water
What the Romans did for Spain
September 27th, 2011 by vernon
What did the Romans ever do for us? Well, when it comes to Spain, the answer to the Monty Python question is… an awful lot.
The Romans have left their mark on Spain. They had a huge impact on the culture of the country. On its food, roads, water supply and so much more.
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Read the entire post » What the Romans did for Spain
