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Are you enjoying your Sunday afternoon? Feeling ecclesiastical? It’s so hot here this afternoon in Andalucía, the cicadas are starting their Summer rumble and the sun is besting down as the church bells of Murtas call the faithful to prayer. There aren’t that many left, and certainly not enough to fill the largest church in the Alpujarra, but they’re called religiously all the same. Thinking about the cathedrals of Spain – and there are many! – and compiling a list of 10 to visit. Let’s take a look…

Read the entire post » 10 Cathedrals to visit in Spain

Easter. What does it conjure up for you?   Chocolate. Easter Eggs. The Easter Bunny. More solemnly, Religion? Somehow, sunshine figures somewhere in there too, why do all childhood memories of Easter involve yellow ribbons and sunshine?  But you can still have some sunshine too, not if you stay at home, but come instead to sunny Spain for Semana Santa – probably the biggest and most important date on the Spanish calender.

Read the entire post » Holy Week and Easter in Spain

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!

New Year….New you?

Where will you spend it? What will you do?

If you’re still looking for some ideas on where and how to bring in the New Year of 2013, then look no further than the University of Salamanca.

A Spanish New Year with a difference, and you don’t have to be a paid up member of the Students Union to apply!

Read the entire post » A Scholarly New Year in Salamanca

I have to be honest.  A visit to a city or large town in Spain is a real pain in the neck. Eh? Well, half the time you will be craning your neck skywards, admiring the fascinating architecture, spirals and sculpture, gargoyles and saints, intricate carving and superb styles that depict Spain and it´s colourful – and sometimes chequered  - history.  Absolutely do buy a guidebook and swot up before you visit. But, hang on – what do all those terms actually mean?  Let´s have a look…

Read the entire post » Getting the builders in…architecture in Spain

Not the usual story! This is a legend set in Salamanca, that beautiful university city in Spain.  Actually a true story too and just right for Christmas.  You´ll find Salamanca north west of the capital, Madrid, and the town centres around the university which was one of the first in Europe founded  by Alfonso IX in 1220.  I expect that there are a lot more stories and legends surrounding somewhere with so much history but this one is particularly festive!

Read the entire post » A story for Christmas!

What do you like? A beach holiday for recharging the batteries? A gardening holiday touring the best of Spain’s formal gardens? A city break for a quick culture filled getaway? Ski-trips in the Sierra Nevada? Walking holidays in Las Alpujarras?  How about a road trip with a difference?  Let’s take a look at some of the magnificent palaces of Spain – so pack your best diamond tiara and walking shoes!

Read the entire post » A holiday fit for Royalty? Palaces in Spain – Part 1

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.

Read the entire post » Plazas in Spain

How about a stunning necklace of Romanesque churches, a splendid turreted and domed Cathedral, and a tale of jailed priests? Come to Zamora, known as the ‘well walled’ , a fine old city and Province of the same name,  in the Southern Castile and León, set on the banks of the River Duero.  Let’s stroll….

Read the entire post » Breaking bread in Zamora, Castile and León.

Leaving the medieval city of Caceres behind us on the horizon we headed north entering the region of Castilla y Leon, with our aim to reach Salamanca. The first time that I had ever heard about Salamanca was over 12 years ago when I decided to learn Spanish and was told that Salamanca was a pulsating university town where they speak the “purest” Spanish.  However I opted for a warmer destination along the coast (and unfortunately a bit less “pure” Spanish”…) and therefore I was now eager to finally get to know the city that I had never gotten to know.

Read the entire post » Road Trip around Spain: Part 4 Salamanca