Category ‘Jerez de la Frontera’
Sanlúcar – Sherry and Sunshine
April 8th, 2013 by Carol Byrne
Sitting in the warmed up Spring sunshine late yesterday afternoon, I thought to pour a tall, narrow glass of sherry. No, I’m not ninety, and neither am I a granny…! But sherry is having a revival not seen since the first Easter – it seems everyone is drinking it, and there’s so much more to sherry than just the flavour of a trifle. But on a warm Spring evening, the Sherry to try is a cold Manzanilla, with a little tapa on the side. The perfect aperitif before a late dinner, and so refreshing. Where’s it from? Let’s take a look…at sipping sherry in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
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Read the entire post » Sanlúcar – Sherry and Sunshine
Spain in black and white
February 22nd, 2013 by vernon
We have grown accustomed to taking colour photographs on our travels. Spain looks great in colour. The vibrancy of the country lends itself to it.
But many people holidaying in Spain grew up in the era of black and white photography. And I have been taking a look at the country through a monochrome lens.
And I can reveal Spain looks great in black and white.
Read the entire post » Spain in black and white
Read the entire post » Spain in black and white
Horses for Courses
January 26th, 2013 by vernon
Lots of people visit Spain to go horse riding. And it is indeed a splendid way to see the countryside. Man and thoroughbred beast united amid stunning scenery and dramatic landscape.
And for those who are at one with horse flesh, there is lots to make you want to keep coming back on holiday to Spain. If you have always thought about going riding, but never got around to doing so, I cannot think of a better country in which to saddle up for the first time than Spain.
Read the entire post » Horses for Courses
Read the entire post » Horses for Courses
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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The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
December 20th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
I would assume that most people in the UK only buy a bottle of Sherry at Christmas – and that’s just to keep Granny quiet in the corner for a few hours. Have you noticed that she’ll only have a little glass but manages to quaff the entire bottle?! Hmmm.
But Sherry is becoming increasingly popular with younger people too – and so it should. Not just as a drink either. You only have to turn on a cookery programme to see the likes of Rick Stein or José Pizzaro flinging it into a pan, to sauté kidneys or marinate fruit. Sherry is best when drunk in Spain – naturally – and you could combine a holiday in the sunny South with a bodega trip or twenty. Sounds good, no? – Sherry is not just for Christmas!
Read the entire post » The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
Read the entire post » The Sherry Triangle of Southern Spain
Saddle up in Spain
October 30th, 2012 by vernon
Taking a riding holiday in Spain is fast becoming ever more popular.
The country and the countryside lends itself to being seen in this way.
Those who are not troubled by the idea of becoming saddle sore love coming to Spain and getting a leg up on these unique horses.
The Andalusian thoroughbred horse is a classy creature and there are so many lovely locations in Spain that are seen best from the saddle.
Read the entire post » Saddle up in Spain
Read the entire post » Saddle up in Spain
I spy in Spain
October 28th, 2012 by vernon
Parents will know all about those words they hear from the rear of the holiday hire car. Words guaranteed to send a chill down the spine of mummy or daddy.
Two words. What’s that?
An almost inevitable utterance from children who see something out of the car window. A sight they are not used to seeing when at home.
So, here are some answers to that annoying question. What is that?
Read the entire post » I spy in Spain
Read the entire post » I spy in Spain
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
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.
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Read the entire post » Bridge over untroubled water
Golf in Spain – the ‘hole’ truth
September 2nd, 2012 by vernon
Men who are into golf will be watching the Ryder Cup with the passion they reserve for this annual event. In 1997 Spain became the first country in continental Europe to stage the event.
Year after year men who love to play golf board aircraft to show off their green skills at golf courses all over Spain.
With the sheer quantity of golf facilities on offer in the country, you could be forgiven for thinking Spain invented the game.
Read the entire post » Golf in Spain – the ‘hole’ truth
Read the entire post » Golf in Spain – the ‘hole’ truth
Sounding out Spain
August 1st, 2012 by vernon
Wherever Paul Simon was thinking of when writing the classic hit record, ‘The Sound of Silence’, one thing is for sure. He wasn’t dedicating the song to Spain.
The Spanish love noise. They would feel bereft without it.
But what are the sounds of Spain? The loud ones, and the less intrusive, quiet ones.
And where should you go to hear them?
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Read the entire post » Sounding out Spain
Spain on a plate
July 29th, 2012 by vernon
Taste is one of the five recognised senses. And what better way to sample the flavours of Spain than to taste the place via its food and drink. And that is just for starters.
That’s what cookery book author Claudia Roden spent several years doing as research for her new, sumptuous book called ‘The Food of Spain.’
I can think of less tasty ways to savour all a country like Spain has to offer.
Read the entire post » Spain on a plate
Read the entire post » Spain on a plate
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!
All the fun of the Feria
June 10th, 2012 by vernon
Can you have too much of a good thing in Spain?
Can there be such a thing as too much horsing around?
Can you, as with sticky toffee pudding, tuck in to too many fairs in Spain?
No, don”t be silly. Of course you can’t.
Read the entire post » All the fun of the Feria
Read the entire post » All the fun of the Feria
Activities for April – in sunny Spain
March 14th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
April – It´s not all about Easter! Although, if you do happen to spend April in Spain, then Easter -Semana Santa – really is the big parade and one not to be missed. Spanish style is the only style when it comes to the biggest celebration of the year and Seville is one of the best shows to see, but what´s on the rest of the month?
Put the kettle on and have a read – there´s more to the start of a warm Spring in Spain than just the chocolate eggs!
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Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny 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
Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
February 13th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
The cold nights of Winter are offset by the days filled with bright sunshine and blue skies already here in Spain, with daytime temperatures already creeping up along the south coastline. Spain is truly wonderful for the clarity in seasonal change, and we know that Spring will bring heat and displays of blossom and flowers all over the country, what better time is there to escape?
So, what’s on in Spain for the coming months?
There’s always something going on – so with this month and next in focus – take a few days out and plan a visit to a Spanish destination, and combine your holiday with an event!
Read the entire post » Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
Read the entire post » Spring into Spain! What’s on in February and March…
A foodie in Spain
January 3rd, 2012 by vernon
The country of Spain varies so greatly. Not just with the landscape, or via the accent with which people speak. But also when it comes to the food on offer in the country.
If variety is truly the spice of life, then the vast range of food on offer in Spain – including the spices used in cooking – provides anyone touring this great country with a veritable culinary overload. I think touring Spain while tasting the food on offer is a great way of sampling the very best Spain has to offer the holidaymaker.
But it wasn’t always that way.
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Read the entire post » A foodie in Spain
Parklife, naturally! In Andalucía
October 4th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
The enormous area of Andalucía that covers Southern Spain is home to acres and acres given over to Natural Parkland – an abundance of preserved areas that act as a haven for wildlife, plant-life and home to geological formations and spectacular peaks.
The Spanish weather is nearly always guaranteed to please on your holiday, and where better to take the kids exploring on a free day out, and get a little exercise into the bargain?
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Pack your map, binoculars and compass, let’s go explore Andalucía!
Read the entire post » Parklife, naturally! In Andalucía
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
