Posts Tagged ‘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
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.
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Read the entire post » Where to go in Spain in 2013 – Córdoba
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.
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Read the entire post » Saddle up 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
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…
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Read the entire post » Heading for the hills of Cordoba
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
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
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
Getting the builders in…architecture in Spain
March 10th, 2012 by Carol Byrne
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…
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Read the entire post » Getting the builders in…architecture in Spain
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!
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
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
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.
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Read the entire post » Cycling through Spain
A little light theatre in Seville
August 28th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
In fact a little more than just greasepaint and lights. Seville, that wonderful city of Flamenco and the historical, artistic and cultural centre of Andalucía, has been hosting some of the best events all through the hot Spanish summer.
Of course, this is Spain, and the city’s thermostat is still notched up for another month at least. The so called ‘frying pan’ of Spain is the best place to go for late Summer fun – and the curtain is still up on many of the performances. So, what’s on the bill?…Let’s have a look…
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Read the entire post » A little light theatre in Seville
