Posts Tagged ‘Seville’
‘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...
Read the entire post » Crossing over to Spain and the Día de las Cruces
Read the entire post » Crossing over to Spain and the Día de las Cruces
Bus Stop – to Granada
April 19th, 2012 by vernon
I never cease to be amazed at how many people living or holidaying along the coastlines of Spain never hop on a bus to see more of the country. Especially the cities that are easily reachable in a day.
In Spain it is wise to see more than the sea. So leave the car at home and get on one of the comfortable coaches that run daily linking so many coastal towns, with inland villages, and the distinctive cities beyond.
Here is such a journey. I take the bus to gorgeous Granada.
Read the entire post » Bus Stop – to Granada
Read the entire post » Bus Stop – to Granada
Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
April 2nd, 2012 by vernon
I had my doubts that the chain smoking Spanish would be prepared to stand outside bars and cafes when the smoking ban was implemented two years ago. But i was wrong. In Spain, as in so many countries today, you can see customers stood outside in all weathers keeping up to their cigarette smoking habit.
And, as a result, cafe culture on the streets has taken off. There are now more and more outside seating areas. The irony, of course, is that those who used to sit outside to avoid the smoke may now opt to go inside in order to… avoid the smoke!
But is there a better way to soak up Spanish life than sitting outside a cafe or bar and watching the world go by?
No.
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
Read the entire post » Cafe culture in Spain – take it outside!
What’s in a name? – in Spain
March 19th, 2012 by vernon
In Spain those displaying an ‘L’ plate for learner, or ‘P’ plate to prove that they recently passed their driving test, also show the place from where they are from.
Each time i see a driver displaying a sign in the back of their car that shouts proudly – ‘L’ MORON i have to laugh. The quality of the driving on Spanish roads is such that i think almost every driver should have a sign in their car that says MORON!
But, in this case, it refers to the place called Morón de la Frontera.
So what’s in a name?
Read the entire post » What’s in a name? – in Spain
Read the entire post » What’s in a name? – in Spain
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!
Read the entire post » Activities for April – in sunny Spain
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
Lent in Spain
February 22nd, 2012 by Carol Byrne
Did you all have a flipping good time making pancakes yesterday? The traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes, or crepes, are delicious anytime and often served in Spain as a snack as well as a dessert, with various toppings both sweet and savoury.
Today of course is Ash Wednesday, and the start of the season of Lent observed by the whole Catholic world, who in turn make up most of the Spanish population. The prelude to Easter - Semana Santa- the biggest and most celebrated festival here, and worth booking ahead in advance.
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Read the entire post » Lent in Spain
New Year Resolution – Spain….sunshine guaranteed!
December 26th, 2011 by Carol Byrne
So the gifts have been unwrapped and the turkey has been decimated – if you look at another leftover turkey sandwich or liqueur chocolate or watch another re run of The Wizard of Oz you´ll scream….
So pull up to the computer or switch on that laptop instead – but of course – you´re already here!
Why not spend a few rewarding moments perusing the site at Spain Holiday instead. Forget the cold weather outside your window, give the central heating a miss, browse the selection of holiday homes to rent and make 2012 the year to discover Spain and all it has to offer you – I can think of no better way to start the new year with a smile!
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Read the entire post » New Year Resolution – Spain….sunshine guaranteed!
Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
December 3rd, 2011 by Carol Byrne
What exactly is Duende?
Well, I guess whatever it means to you…a good feeling, the magical spirit of a place, an embodiment of character, and the name given to the soul of Flamenco – when the singer gets carried away on the soul of the song – a word that sums up special Spain.
Seville. Simply one of the most special cities in Spain. Whether you´re visiting for the Cathedral, the Royal Palaces, other tourist attractions of Seville or just to soak up the sun in the `Frying Pan´ of Spain – then take an afternoon in the district of Triana – and discover your own Duende!
Read the entire post » Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
Read the entire post » Discovering Duende in Triana, Seville.
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!
Once a dead spot, now an icon in Seville
October 6th, 2011 by Louise Juhlin
Plaza de la Encarnacion was once a dead spot used as a parking lot right in the middle of Seville, today the area boasts a new landmark icon which is the world’s largest wooden structure. The innovative modern structure holds a strong contrast to the surrounding medieval buildings in the city, and it´s name is the Metropol Parasol. The Parasol is often referred to as a “honeycombed mushroom” or “a giant waffle”, and yes there might be some truth in that, the fact is that the structure is definitely “one of a kind” and standing beneath it will have your imagination go wild.
Read the entire post » Once a dead spot, now an icon in Seville
Read the entire post » Once a dead spot, now an icon in Seville
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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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.
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Read the entire post » Culinary Spain – the north south divide
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.
Read the entire post » What the Romans did for Spain
Read the entire post » What the Romans did for Spain
Hollywood Movie Location: Plaza de España, Seville
September 6th, 2011 by Louise Juhlin
If I had to give one reason to visit Seville then I would say Plaza de España. Not only have I and thousands of visitors come to realize that the Spanish Square is a magical place but even Hollywood. This breathtaking place right in the middle of Seville has been the set for various films, and the latest actors to film here were Sasha Baron Cohen, Megan Fox and Ben Kingsley.
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Read the entire post » Hollywood Movie Location: Plaza de España, Seville
Finding Flamenco
September 1st, 2011 by vernon
I was alarmed recently when speaking with Spanish friends at how they fear for the future of flamenco – in all its forms.
How can a cornerstone of Spanish culture be under threat?
Surely there are still many locations in Spain that promote flamenco and keep it thriving.
Read the entire post » Finding Flamenco
Read the entire post » Finding Flamenco
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
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
The tantalising taste of Seville
July 7th, 2011 by Louise Brace
Seville or Sevilla in Castellano is a great place to savour the real taste of Andalusia. The capital is brimming with bars and restaurants; although Sevillanos are not big diners out, ‘ir de tapeo’ (to go out for Tapas) is more the culture in Seville.
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Read the entire post » The tantalising taste of Seville
