May 18, 2013 - Malaga Day 1

This weekend it is going to be quite cold and wet in Madrid. Yesterday instead of the usual 25 min bus ride home, I had over an hour, as the traffic ground to a halt with the heavy rain. So, when I heard about the poor weather, I thought I'd do my best to ensure I could enjoy my weekend and get away from the rain. I checked the satellite pictures and the forecast for the weekend, and there was going to be rain everywhere in Spain except Malaga. So, with that, I was heading to Malaga! The train ride down to Malaga was quite interesting. I...

May 17, 2013 - Seville

Seville Woke up to rain and wind. Here we thought it was going to be hot! Breakfast. We are so far into the old city that the bus is about a 15 minute walk away...so we opted for a cab. Cobblestones and downhill didn't seem like a good idea in the rain. Cab drivers are totally amazing! Many sharp corners and narrow streets...we missed scraping by inches...really inches! He had to do an extra back up/go forward on one of the corners. Couple of hours on the bus including our potty stop. Then Seville...Spain's third largest city. Had a guided...

May 16, 2013 - Arcos de la Fontera

Arcos de la Frontera Slept well. Woke to the ringing of church bells and the crowing of roosters! Typical breakfast...bread, ham, cheese, yogurt, sweet breads/cookies, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. Coffee here is served last...yikes...and has not been all that good. We have used lots of our instant Starbucks ! Our morning field trips were to see the famous Andalusian horses at a breeding and training farm and to tour a sherry bodega. These were both nearby in Jerez de la Fontera. Both very interesting. Both very traditional and...

May 16, 2013 - Arcos de la Frontera

Slept in until 8:00! No alarm. The birds outside woke us up. Leisurely breakfast...one of our best...actually had eggs to order and fresh squeezed orange juice. Short bus ride on a winding road that was not made for buses much less buses meeting on-coming traffic! Beautiful mountainous area with the whitewashed hill town of Grazalema as our destination. We would catch glimpses of it as we wound our way around the corners. Went on a guided walking tour...just the four of us...with a script read by our designated leader...Diane! So windy and...

May 15, 2013 - Ronda

One member of the group fell getting out of the shower and had to get 11 stitches!! We left just an hour late...thank goodness he was okay...and leisurely worked our way to the small white-washed hill town of Ronda. This area gets really hot in summer so the white color is practical in that it reflects heat. It also makes the towns look quaint and is good for tourism. Saw lots of closely planted tree plots...assumed they are harvested for pulp products. Very picturesque...rolling hills, deep valleys filled with crops, snow capped mountains...

May 13, 2013 - Granada

Had a 3-hour guided tour of the Alhambra today. You have to google it to see what we saw. It just doesn't lend itself to words! It is one of the last and greatest Moorish palaces in Europe. Had tapas at a place close to the hotel for lunch...tuna/tomato salad and grilled chicken and vino. Wandered the shops and visited the Royal Chapel. Saw the tombs of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand. Rested for an hour or so, wandered more shops and squares and did three tapas bars for dinner. Nothing spectacular in terms of food...but great conversation.

Apr 24, 2013 - SPANISH FOOD

Eating in or out in Spain can be both gastronomic and cultural, especially good at the same time. TAPAS: The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Spain and food. When it is done well it is something that will stay with you forever. It is simple and cheap and is one of the most Spanish things to do. Andalusia is a great place to try the Tapas experience. The range of 'Nibbles' usually served 'Free' with a drink at the bar are too extensive in range to list but a small plate of shell fish, a selection of Ham or Cheese, a skewer...

Apr 22, 2013 - NERJA - Costa Del Sol

At the most easterly side of the Costa Del Sol, some 45 miles east of Malaga, lies the typically Spanish resort of Nerja. With the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe), a tree lined promenade jutting out to sea, at its heart, this town is a Mediterranean gem. The 'Balcon' overlooks the pretty little fishing beach of Calahonda with a stunning, magical, mountain backdrop. You can stay in a range of places from the Parador or one of the towns many Hotels, Hostals, or rent an apartment in one of the urbanization's. Easily accessible by Hire...

Apr 22, 2013 - CORDOBA - Getting There

Make your arrival point in Andalusia the Southern City of Malaga on the Costa Del Sol. From the airport as you leave the arrivals lounge follow signs for 'TREN' (Train) which takes you across the road away from the main terminal. As you enter the train station there are some automatic ticket machines which you can amend to give details in English. Select destination 'MARIA ZAMBRANO'(Remember to select the number of tickets for each member of your party) Make you way down to the platform in the direction of Malaga (NOT Fuengirola) On arrival...

Apr 22, 2013 - CORDOBA - Mezquita & Other Places

The Mezquita/Cathedral of Cordoba is one of Spain's most impressive buildings and a major tourist attraction. Featuring several architectural styles and uniting religious elements of Islam and occidental culture. It covers 24,000 square meters and includes 856 columns made of marble, granite, jasper, and other fine materials. The Mezquita is over 1000 years old and took approximately 200 years to build. In 1236 after Cordoba was recaptured by King Ferdinand III and rejoined Christendom, the mosque became a church. The Mezquita is...

Apr 22, 2013 - CORDOBA - Hostal Lineros No.38

Hostal Lineros No.38 Is the ideal place to stay for a Cordoban 'Mini Break' and at a very reasonable cost. There is no breakfast included but there is a small 'Prep' area adjacent to the main courtyard where you can rustle up a snack if you wish. The design and decor, as you can see from viewing the photographs, more than makes up for the lack of breakfast. Not far along Calle Lineros (left as you exit Hostal) you will find cafes & restaurants to provide breakfast (And meals, snacks & tapas at all times of day). We made our way to Plaza...

Apr 22, 2013 - GRANADA - Alhambra palaces

A fortress, a palace and a water garden, the Alhambra represents the Moorish history in Spain, especially Andalusia and is amongst the best architectural sights of Europe, with its peach coloured brick walls. A magnificent construction set against the back drop of the Sierra Nevada the ideal time to visit is in the spring. There are some complications when trying to purchase tickets as there number restrictions and only so many available on the day due to 'On line Bookings' in advance. The Nasrid Palaces has set times to visit. This is...