Below you can read a summary of the last 100 messages posted to the TravelSpain
discussion group. If you're interested in participating in these discussions about travel in Spain, why not join our group? Just
enter your email address in the box below, click OK and you'll be on your way to Spain in no time!
Re: [travelspain] Re: Gardening
Posted on Wed, 14 May 2008 01:34:52 UT
How about the fall Clematis paniculata, think they have changed the 2nd part
of the name. amm
**************
Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new
twists on family favorites at AOL Food.
([link])
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Gardening
Posted on Tue, 13 May 2008 22:01:09 UT
Could always try grapes? just a thought but the vines can be trained
many ways.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Gardening
Posted on Tue, 13 May 2008 20:25:06 UT
Thanks a lot for that Tom, off to Spain at the weekend so
hopefully I'll get some planting done
Cheers
Cha
In a message dated 06/05/2008 03:29:41 GMT Standard Time, ta...@schweich.com
writes:
When we were visiting Cueva de la Pileta, there was an Aristolochia
climbing around in the rocks. Polunin and Smythies Flowers of Southwest
read more...
Re: [travelspain] tickets to tour Palau De Musica Catalana
Posted on Sat, 10 May 2008 17:13:19 UT
It may be worth a try talking to
[link]. They
speak English and I see they have the venue listed in their resources.
Hope that helps
Regards
read more...
Re: tickets to tour Palau De Musica Catalana
Posted on Sat, 10 May 2008 16:20:06 UT
Good Evening Roger I want to thank you so much for the web page. My
daughter and I will be visiting Barcelona only one day, we are on a
cruise.. Bill and I did not have the opportunity to see the concert
hall on our previous trip to Barcelona. So this time it it on my list
to visit for sure. Many many thanks for the translated page.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] tickets to tour Palau De Musica Catalana
Posted on Sat, 10 May 2008 08:02:59 UT
English version seems to work for me. This is their contact section ...
[link] Roger.
On Sat, May 10, 2008 at 7:02 AM, Belmont Bill <hihandi...@comcast.net>
wrote:
read more...
tickets to tour Palau De Musica Catalana
Posted on Sat, 10 May 2008 05:02:11 UT
Hi.We are visiting Barcelona,on a cruise ship, in late May and would
like to visit Palau De Musica Catalana. I have accessed their website
but it is in Spanish which I don't understand and the translation
doesn't seem to work. I have also tried to call them,but the number is
always busy. Any information or suggestions as to how to contact them
read more...
Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Thu, 08 May 2008 14:18:49 UT
Stewart,
It's a bit far from Torrevieja, but if you want off the beaten track,
take an easy drive about 45 minutes east of Lorca to Velez Blanco.
There's a nice castle there (although the main courtyard is missing,
having been lifted out part & parcel & shipped to Manhattan during the
romantic era). There's also a cool set of "cave" drawings -- really
read more...
[Fwd: In praise of Cabo de Gata]
Posted on Wed, 07 May 2008 19:10:58 UT
I'd intended to post a message about the Cabo de Gata Natural Park in
Almeria in January when we had a lovely day's walk there.
We went back to the same place yesterday and this time I've put fingers
to keyboard.
The Cabo de Gata-Nijar park is geologically fascinating by virtue of
its fairly recent volcanism - two episodes between 15 million and 7
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Gardening
Posted on Mon, 05 May 2008 23:53:20 UT
When we were visiting Cueva de la Pileta, there was an Aristolochia
climbing around in the rocks. Polunin and Smythies Flowers of Southwest
Europe says that Aristolochia baetica is an evergreen climber to 2-3 m,
found on uncultivated ground in Portugal, southern and southeastern
Spain. In California, we have Aristolochia californica which climbs
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Local Specialities
Posted on Mon, 05 May 2008 21:37:29 UT
Glad to hear your reviews, Mac. We usually go to Cantabria with our 2 kids for a week in July. Two years ago, I decided that since we had never been to Asturias, we should try it out. It was the worst week of my life --- only because I went hungry!!! We were in Ribadesella. It was a cute town, but most of the eateries all served the same thing. My son (then 10) loved fabada, but who wants to be with a 10 y.o. who has eaten beans for 4 days straight?? It was the only thing we could find that he liked. We also tried the sidra, because it was typical of the region. It reminded me of week-old beer. There were lots of people drinking it, but I had to order some vino after only 2 sips. Yuck.
read more...
Local Specialities
Posted on Mon, 05 May 2008 20:54:22 UT
When travelling in Spain (or anywhere) I like to sample the local food
and drink specialities (sometimes against my better judgement). The
recent trip to Asturias and Cantabria was no exception. Here are some
impressions (with scores out of 10!).
COCIDOS (9) Various stews/thick soups. Usually delicious. The sort
read more...
Gardening
Posted on Mon, 05 May 2008 19:51:38 UT
Hi, can anyone recommend a climbing plant to train up a chain link fence to
use as a screen from a road, I've a holiday home inland from Malaga so it
would need to thrive on neglect!!
Hope someone can help
Cha.
read more...
[travelspain] recommendations for place to stay in Barcelona
Posted on Mon, 05 May 2008 01:55:05 UT
Interestingly, Kim, today's Los Angeles Times had an article on seeing Barcelona by foot. They also recommended a few places to stay and eat. Check it out at:
[link]
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Sun, 04 May 2008 22:24:33 UT
Hi
Guide dogs are most definitely allowed on planes. It will be a long and
uncomfortable flight for him probably, but...
Shanda
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.8/1413 - Release Date: 5/3/2008
11:22 AM
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Sun, 04 May 2008 22:21:21 UT
yes, as a (once upon a time) trainer - I can say that with a permit these dogs are allowed on flights. A couple of things to do - make sure you either have a bulkhead or exit row. This is domestic only. On an international flight , I have flown with a Mastin all the way from BAC to Denver !!
He was a puppy though
read more...
Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Sun, 04 May 2008 19:13:51 UT
I'm fascinated that you expect to be taking your guide dog to Spain
with you. How will this be arranged? Are guide dogs allowed on
planes?
Best wishes
read more...
Re: [travelspain] recommendations for place to stay in Barcelona
Posted on Sun, 04 May 2008 07:15:32 UT
Pleased to see you are starting to put it altogether. Some suggestions.
Yes, take a taxi from the airport to your hotel destination. Then, after
that,walk or travel by metro or city bus. The metro will take you to
wherever you need to go, or at least close. Sometimes, you might have to
then switch to a bus to complete the journey- like up to the hill to
read more...
recommendations for place to stay in Barcelona
Posted on Fri, 02 May 2008 15:17:39 UT
Thank you to all of you.... what a learning curve....I'm the
frustrated post, lol. Got the booking done...Now I've been looking for
a place to stay for my 20 yr. old daughter and I in Barcelona.
Mercy, even a good hostel will do at this point. Seems like I"m going
around in circles. I took the advice and we aren't going to Porto but
read more...
Re: Santander to Oviedo. The Little Train
Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:32:36 UT
Mac,
I just wanted to add to the chorus. Your trip posts have been
particularly sharp and evocative. Thanks for taking the time to share
with us all!
Lester
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Re: frustration builds !
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:16:08 UT
[link] The renfe site. If it redirects back to the home page you can change the language
(idiomas) towards the bottom of the page.
UN Saludo
Clive
"Helping you create successful events in Spain"
-----Original Message-----
Stewart Fishburne
Sent: 29 April 2008 13:35
read more...
Re: [travelspain] frustration builds !
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:34:43 UT
Kim
The best I could find is a flight on AirBerlin from Sevilla to Oporto. The
only downside is that it goes via Palma de Majorca! Whilst a long way round
it is scheduled to depart at 12.00 and arrive at 16.30, so it must be a
quick turn-round. But is Portugal an hour behind so this is a 5.5 not 4.5
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Santander to Oviedo. The Little Train
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:19:29 UT
Hi Mac
As usual I've been enthralled by your posts - it's been a real bonus
that you 've had a second trip this year.
I was particularly pleased you'd stopped in Llanes and you told me
something I didn't know - that I'd witnessed the evolution of a work of
art over the years.
I first visited Llanes in 1969 when donkeys were much more common than
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:02:31 UT
Hi Stewart
I'm afraid I don't know Torrevieja itself but I reckon that you could
have a pleasant week using it as a base - although you would need a hire
car.
My recommendations would be Alicante - Castle, Museum of Contemporary art
Elche - palm tree gardens also rich early history
Murcia city is also worth a visit and Valencia's science museum is on my
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:30:58 UT
Hola, all,
Hope this finds you well.
Roger, you are correct I'm sure that "looked down upon" is probably
incorrect usage, but you got the jist in any case. <smile>
I'm so glad my high school Spanish teacher taught us vosotros, it will
come in handy after all. <grin>
Well as more questions come, I will write.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:27:11 UT
I don't think "looked down upon" is really the right expression.
Certainly it used to be unusual in the city centre to see people
wearing shorts, but the influx of South Americans and other
nationalities in the last few years has made this much more common.
Bear in mind that most Spanish people in the city centre during the
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Re: possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:16:29 UT
Hi,
You answered my questions indeed.
I did not know that the guide dog would make me stand out so much. Ahh
well. <smile> I used a cane for a long time, but...
I have read that is looked down upon if Americans--and presumably
others--wear shorts in Madrid? Is this incorrect then?
Is vosotros still very commonly used?
read more...
Re: [travelspain] possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:04:04 UT
Dear Shanda,
First of all, please don't worry about standing out as a tourist,
because the Spanish are used to seeing tourists and foreigners of all
kinds in Madrid.
Whatever you do to blend in, just the fact that you may not be rushing
along purposefully to catch the next bus or Metro or whatever will
read more...
possibility of going to Madrid in 2009
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:34:21 UT
Hi all!
I trust this finds you well.
There is a possibility--a good one if I can find all the money--of
me going to Madrid for five weeks int he summer of 2009 with a group
of people fromt eh university I attend.
We will live with a host family for those five weeks and take two
meals a day with them, the other we will find on our own.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] frustration builds !
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:03:01 UT
Kim,
Is it absolutely necessary for you to get to Porto, or have you chosen
it simply as a place you'd like to see?
The reason I ask is that I'm sure you could make your trip a lot
easier and also see some more interesting cities if you leave it out
of your itinerary and include instead Lisbon or Madrid.
read more...
frustration builds !
Posted on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:06:10 UT
Hi all, I have been on the internet trying to figure out whether I can
get her to there by flights and planes... i'm stuck on going from
Jerez De La Frontera (maybe out of Seville or Cadiz ?) to Porto(O
Porto), Portugal. I have to say I'm wishing I could have done this
months ago.... only 2 weeks left and I've been in front of this
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:17:40 UT
Well, it's only an hour's flight and I can assure you, it's worth it ;-)
I would recommend to anybody a side-trip to Lisbon if they have time
before or after their trip to Spain.
It's a wonderful city, perhaps still run-down in some areas, but for
me that only helps to maintain it's slightly decadent, colonial air,
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:59:54 UT
Sure Roger, I'll touch base in August.
Wow, travel to Lisbon every weekend - talk about a long-distance love affair! We've been to Spain about 5 times now and to Madrid 3 times. Seems to me "en Madrid son muchas mujeres hermosas así su compañera debe alguien muy especial !
Cheers
John
----- Original Message ----
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:19:55 UT
Haha, it would be nice if it were, wouldn't it? But I'm afraid there's
no nice equivalent expression in Spanish.
I must have missed this in your original post. In fact I split up with
the mother of my daughter 4 years ago and now travel every weekend to
be with my current partner, who lives near Lisbon, so unfortunately
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:08:29 UT
HI Roger,
When referring to "Humble Pie" would this be the appropriate phrasing "Tengo que comer el pastel humilde!"
Looks like when I read the note I completely missed "Costa Blanca" in the subject. I remember when we stayed in Arcos 2 years ago, there was a town at the northeastern end of the lake called Villamartin. So it might be a nice drive.........6 hours......maybe not!
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:28:37 UT
John,
I think you may have got your locations a little mixed up. Villamartin
on the Costa Blanca is more than 500km away from Arcos de la Frontera
- at least a 6 hour drive.
Roger.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:09:55 UT
Hi Stewart,
Should be lots to see and do. You are a short drive to Rhonda to see the Puente Nueva and also close by is Acinipo where the remains of a Roman amphitheatre are evident. Then you are also close to one our favourite Pueblas Blancas, the town of Arcos de la Frontera with it's fantastic ridge overllooking the Serenia de Rhonda. Grazelama in the mountains is a great village to visit and to explore as well. We went to Ulbrique two years ago and although it was a Sunday and very quiet it was a beautiful town to wander around.
read more...
Villamartin, Costa Blanca
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:59:20 UT
Hi all
It appears that my partner has won a (genuine) free week's accommodation in Villamartin, Costa Blanca to be taken between October this year and March 2009. A quick look at the place suggests that it is a golf/sun/beach/bar resort not far from Torrevieja. This doesn't match closely (if at all) with our preferred holiday preferences of countryside and villages/museums and cities/restaurants.
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Oviedo
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:58:34 UT
Thank you for sharing your travel experiences, I have enjoyed reading them.
I looked forward to reading your daily postings and will now miss them until
your next trip. Espero que sea pronto.
Gracias,
Maria
-----Original Message-----
Behalf Of Mac
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 5:32 AM
To: Travel Spain
read more...
Oviedo
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:31:39 UT
Saturday afternoon is not the best time to arrive in a Spanish city,
but eventually Oviedo did not let me down. After some time spent
admiring the outside of various grand buildings with aid of a tiny map
torn from a guidebook, the Museo de Bellas Artes eventually opened its
doors. And what a contrast to its counterpart in Santander! A
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:25:57 UT
Pre-planning trips and arm chair travel is a great part of the journey
experience and enjoyment. Suggest you do a lot of searching on the web.
Spain has a lot of good websites. The official Spain tourist site is a good
place to start, and then follow various links as they develop. The railroad
site *Renfre* has routes, time schedules and prices. Bus are a little
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Santander to Oviedo. The Little Train
Posted on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:05:57 UT
Mac,
You should compile these "Travel tales from Spain" into a book -
wonderful reading, thank you!
Roger.
read more...
Santander to Oviedo. The Little Train
Posted on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:56:45 UT
A visit to two villages of the high pastures of the Picos, Sotres and
Tresviso, blessed with a road only in recent years. I sampled the
local cheese (more on that later) anbd at remote Tresviso gave a lift
to a local octogenarian and his tiny birdlike wife. Thinking they
wanted to get to Sotres for supplies, I took them perhaps further than
read more...
[travelspain] Re: coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:21:17 UT
Wow, it's interesting how people can have completely different experiences in the same city. I went to Spain six years ago (I can't believe it was that long ago), in May 2002, spent six days in Barcelona and could have easily stayed at least another week, because there was so much to see and do. I, too, knew about the scam artists/thieves, so took extra precautions, like keeping my money and credit cards underneath my clothes, paid more attention to my surroundings, like I do in any major metropolitan area (I live in Los Angeles County), and had no problems. I also walked around, day and night, and again, never had any problems (I went as a single, 47-year-old woman; I'm now 53).
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:50:20 UT
I only spent 3 days in Barcelona, loved the Gaudi Park, a must see, but I seemed to be on edge there, as there was so much talk on thieves. I spent one day in the American conselet...where I ran into a family who had a huge scam pulled on them with their rent a car....everything was stolen...I think you would need many days there, to get the whole feel. beach, shopping, Park Gual, loved the under ground train system to get around, very cool, but again this is where I was ripped off by the cab drivers, and our room was terrible there, not even room for 1 person, let alone 2.......finally had a good meal there, at the hard rock cafe....You don't really get the Spain feel there, as there is many cultures there, which was kinda cool....very different from Madrid, which I truly enjoyed....and Sevilla, was wonderful too!...there was a very cheap air fair there
read more...
RE: [travelspain] Re: coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 15:02:57 UT
Dear Friends, Thank you for your suggestions, keep them coming.... so sweet. The next few days I'll need to decide what to do.... just got an invitation from our international students family in France to come to their home also.... oh, what to do, lol! Maybe we'll skip Barcelona , as it's the only place we don't have somewhere to stay and fly to France, the Belfort area, in stead. ANyone been there? Thanks again... Kim Ps Am I crazy to skip Barcelona? Kim
read more...
Re: [travelspain] coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:29:57 UT
HI Kim, my wife and I are returning to Spain again this year and certainly the flights are expensive. However, the cheapest ones we have found so far are with ClickAir. We are flying from Barcelona to Sevilla of 25 euros each.Unbelievabe but true - and this is the standard fare on the web. It is at least half of anywhere else, Iberia was cheaper last year and had more options but not this year.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:32:15 UT
Not to sure how I got on this Email list, other then I went to Spain last nov. to meet my daughter, who was studying abroad in Salamanca. I had only 12 days there, went to Madrid, sevilla, salamanca, and Barcelona...... Took a train from Madrid, to sevilla, wonderful! and just long enough...but from from Madrid to Barcelona, I would take a plane, it's far! though you have a month...also we found tickets , much cheaper, through a web sight, called Tap Air.. cheaper!....check it out. not to mention, the trains are quite expensive!!!! any other questions, let me know, watch out for cab fairs from the airports, they truely take advantage. let me know if I can help.....loved it there!......Sharon Sharon
read more...
Re: [travelspain] coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:57:45 UT
also check out Iberia air, Spanair, and Vueling...they say they have promotions, and are cheap...good luck! Sharon
2008, 12:34 PMHey all, It's been a pleasure lurking here, now it's time to post. Iam a visual artist in Oregon and my 21 yr. old daughter (also anartist and dancer) will be arriving in Madrid for a month ofadventure. I had a friend (?) say she would arrange for thetransportation within the countries we were going to see, but I foundshe is not... so I'm on my own. I hope someone has suggestions forus... We would like to visit Madrid (arriving and departing fromthere) , Barcelona , down to Jerez De La Frontera, over to Algarve(Portugal) and Porto then back to Madrid and home. Should we beflying or taking trains? I know it's a late date as we leave May 13th!I am stressed.... can't wait to get this planned get there!!! Thanksfor any help! Kim
read more...
Re: [travelspain] coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 01:02:55 UT
Actually travel by bus within Spain is cheaper and probably just as fast or
faster than the train--at least that is my experience. This might be true
for Portugal too. If u need to fly Ryan air is pretty good. I'm sure others
will post their opinions.
read more...
coming to Spain May 14th!!!!!
Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:34:31 UT
Hey all, It's been a pleasure lurking here, now it's time to post. I
am a visual artist in Oregon and my 21 yr. old daughter (also an
artist and dancer) will be arriving in Madrid for a month of
adventure. I had a friend (?) say she would arrange for the
transportation within the countries we were going to see, but I found
read more...
The Cares Gorge
Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:35:38 UT
"Los despredimientas de rocas son frecuentes en toda la Ruta de
Cares. Caminar por la senda es peligroso tras un periodo de lluvias
intensas"
Well, I'm sure it didn't tell me that before I started. I've arrived
in Caín, at the southern end of the Garganta or Desfiladero de Cares,
after one of the most impressive walks I've ever undertaken. I'd
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Covadonga
Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:37:19 UT
Haha. This has to be filed in the memory banks alongside such great
Spanish brands as Bimbo bread and DYC whisky (rhymes with pick)
Roger.
read more...
Covadonga
Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:46:50 UT
In the confessional beside me a white-robed monk in a wooly hat is
doing his paperwork whilst waiting for customers. The bells ring for
mid-day mass, which is quite well-patronised for a damp Tuesday
morning out of season.
I'm in the Basilica of Covadonga, a name known (I presume) to every
Spaniard from schooldays, as the birthplace of resistance to the
read more...
Water, Water, Everywhere
Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:36:38 UT
Two snowploughs idle by the Puerto San Gloria, the highest point on
the main (but not big) road round the south of the Picos. They've
been busy, so the road is clear, but the clouds rolling over the peaks
are sending down more wet snow, blown horizontal by the wind. Further
down, water cascades onto the road from the overhanging cliffs. Side
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Visiting Spain
Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:34:27 UT
Answering my own question. Easter in 2009 is April 12. Semana Santa is the
week prior to Easter Sunday. This period is a major holiday and in some
areas, the road traffic is bumper to bumper. Something to consider. On the
other hand, Easter in Sevilla is something to behold. Good travels.
edwwwwwwwwwww
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Visiting Spain
Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:26:18 UT
And how many in your small group? Car rental vs train/plane/bus. Are you
flying into Spain? Madrid? By south, do you mean the coast "resorts" or
Sevilla, Granada etc. Will you be in the south of Spain during Easter week
(Semena Santa) as that might impact accomodations, road congestion, etc.
(Having asked that, I will now have to look up Easter date myself to see
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Visiting Spain
Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:24:18 UT
Hello and welcome to the group!
I think you really have to help us a little more. Spain is such a
large and diverse country, at least by European standards, that you
really have to give us more information about what you want to see and
do, your interests and likes.
Spain has many historical cities with world-class museums and
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Visiting Spain
Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:24:18 UT
Hello and welcome to the group!
I think you really have to help us a little more. Spain is such a
large and diverse country, at least by European standards, that you
really have to give us more information about what you want to see and
do, your interests and likes.
Spain has many historical cities with world-class museums and
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Visiting Spain
Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:24:18 UT
Hello and welcome to the group!
I think you really have to help us a little more. Spain is such a
large and diverse country, at least by European standards, that you
really have to give us more information about what you want to see and
do, your interests and likes.
Spain has many historical cities with world-class museums and
read more...
Visiting Spain
Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:15:06 UT
I am planning on visiting Spain with a small group of
girl friends next year perhaps in April. We are all
celebrating 50 years and over 25 years of friendship!
We had thought of visiting only the south of Spain for
about 10 days.
I have read up a lot on Spain but it is highly
confusing as to what to do and what to leave out.
read more...
Heading for the Hills
Posted on Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:13:40 UT
I'm writing this by the Invernales de Panizales, an upland wintering
area for stock high above the village of Beges, which is in turn high
above La Hermida, where I'm staying.
The sun has just emerged from the rain clouds to light up the roughly-
tiled stone barns which dot the small green mountain pastures. A
read more...
Santander
Posted on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:41:45 UT
It is undoubtedly more civilised and less stressful to arrive in a
country by any means than by air, which is why I'm travelling by land
and sea to Spain this time. I'm also travelling solo: Mrs Mac has
decided that the Picos de Europa are way beyond her vertigo limits,
and has opted for Paris instead; I presume she won´t be going up the
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Travel by Rail/taxi/bus from Madrid to Salou
Posted on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:56:25 UT
Hello Try Renfe.es they have an English site.
Regards John Salter
-------Original Message-------
To: travelspain@googlegroups.com
Buenos Dias
I would like to travel by train and taxi if necessary from Madrid to Salou
on the Costa Dorado. I am arriving on the 5th of July. I would be very
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Travel by Rail/taxi/bus from Madrid to Salou
Posted on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:50:55 UT
Hi Margaret,
I believe your best bet would be to travel by train to Reus and then
take a taxi or bus to Salou.
According to
[link], a train leaves Madrid every evening at 10pm
and arrives in Reus the next morning at 4:50am. You can purchase
tickets online at the Renfe website.
From the Reus train station you should be able to take a taxi - to
read more...
Travel by Rail/taxi/bus from Madrid to Salou
Posted on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:32:22 UT
Buenos Dias
I would like to travel by train and taxi if necessary from Madrid to Salou on the Costa Dorado. I am arriving on the 5th of July. I would be very grateful for your help. Muchas gracias.
Margaret Reynolds
______________________________ ______________________________ _____
Win 100’s of Virgin Experience days with BigSnapSearch.com
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Throwing the Dogs
Posted on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:41:33 UT
Mac wrote:
I've been too busy to read the group for the passed few weeks so imagine
my delight at finding
so much to read on my return!
As to hire cars - Keith Floyd (yes the tv chef - who also did some
really good programs on spanish cooking)
once said, on screen, "What is the only car that can go anywhere?" His
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Spain Travel Plans
Posted on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:13:36 UT
I agree with Roger about Granada. My favourite tapas is at Bar Reca on the western edge of Plaza Trinidad.
AND, if you are a seafood lover, you MUST go to Cunini on Plaza Bib-Rambla. It is popular and busy so be sure to make your reservations to be sure to get in.
Both of these are an automatic revisit when we return to Granada.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Spain Travel Plans
Posted on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:36:39 UT
Hi Bob,
Nice to read a post from you!
I can't remember recommending the El Caldero restaurant on the group,
although I have been there and you won't be disappointed.
I DID recommend the Ribeiro de Miño here ...
[link]
read more...
Spain Travel Plans
Posted on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:41:40 UT
Hello Group,
I've enjoyed reading and gleaned from the group's posts for more than 5 years, but have never made a post - - since our last trip to Spain was 1971, there was no new news to share.
However, informed and inspired by the travel spain group input, we have made travel plans to visit Spain from May 3 through 19, 2008.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Ordesa Canyon
Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:47:49 UT
Thanks, Mac
I'm getting more into the idea of a visit every piece of research I uncover.
I (re)discovered an old Rough Guide to the Pyrenees I forgot that I had
which gives details, but they must be out of date.
It looks like the easiest way to fly would be to Biarritz/Bayonne and drive
from there. And combine some coastal activities with some in the mountains.
read more...
The first European was Spanish ;-)
Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:21:09 UT
The oldest human fossil found in Europe was discovered recently at the
Atapuerca archaeological site, famous for the many human remains and
tools found here....
[link] It is believed to come from a human of 1.2 million years ago!
Atapuerca is a Unesco World Heritage site and is located in the
read more...
Re: Ordesa Canyon
Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:59:59 UT
Hello Stewart
You'll find a lot of info about the Ordesa Canyon, including how to
get there, here:
[link]
You've aroused my interest now, although I doubt I'll have time to go
that far along from the Picos de Europa, where I hope to be next
read more...
Ordesa Canyon
Posted on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:03:57 UT
I have just read an article (in a series entitled "Incredible Journeys" in the Observer newspaper) about the Ordesa Canyon in the Spanish Pyrenees, and want to go there! It sounds and looks (on the picture with the article) absolutely magical.
But getting to it seems quite an adventure in itself. The writer of the article stayed in a campsite in Torla which I have just about managed to find on a map, just on the Spanish side of the mountains. But the nearest town of any size seems to be Lourdes in France and I have no idea where the nearest Airport and hire cars might be located.
read more...
Tickets US-SPAIN this summer
Posted on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:06:21 UT
Wow. Ticket prices are outrageous this year. I really didn't think I was going to have to deal with it, but here I am.
Last year we got bumped off our flight in Madrid. They gave us 4 vouchers good for free RT intl flights or $400 off. They put us up over night at the Hotel Auditorium - it was terrible. It was HUGE. The lobby was nice, but the rooms were dingy and badly in need of updating. The pool was tiny. And the food was awful. But we thought that this year's trip to Spain would be taken care of. The USAir woman that gave us the vouchers said we could use them to come back to spain nex summer (it's the only trip we make) Wrong!
read more...
Spain 2008
Posted on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:18:22 UT
Hola Amigos,
Well we have just finalized our flights back to Spain for our vacation next September. Thank goodness for airmiles points considering the increase in flight costs.
I am looking for a lot of help this year as we are venturning to north. Previously we have devoured Andalucia but think it is a time for wider horizons. We have several days planned in Barcelona followed by Tarragona and the finishing up in Girona (my wife spent time there with her family many years ago and wants to return). So my questions to all of you are basically these:
read more...
In Alicante
Posted on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:21:58 UT
It's good that Alicante, like Málaga, can exist as a thoroughly
Spanish city so close to the nigtmare developments of the coastal
strip. Benidorm! Marbella! The very names mage me grue, yet peple I
know go for their holidays there every year. Alicante is good for
winding down after a couple of weeks on the road - down by the Puerta
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Las Alpujarras
Posted on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:57:27 UT
What I remember from Pampaneira is a fairly level main plaza
(
[link]) with a couple of
streets that could be negotiated by wheelchair. Restaurants and
shopping along both streets. The visitor center for the National Park
was in this plaza, but I am remembering 3 or 4 steps up into the visitor
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Las Alpujarras
Posted on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:42:12 UT
No Torremolinos, indeed! I thought you said you wanted rustic!
We have stayed at Hotel Maestre in Cordoba a number of times. It's a
seven or eight minute walk to the Mezquita and five minutes from Plaza
del Potro, which has three or four restaurants that set up tables in the
plaza and are quite nice. Maestre has only a couple of floors, with an
read more...
Las Alpujarras
Posted on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:57:42 UT
We'll be staying in a villa next to Orgivas, about 45 KM outside Granada in Las Alpujarras the last week of May/first week of June.
Beyond the obivious Alhambra and sites in Granada proper...and the southward jaunts to the sea, any suggestions from the group?
My wife uses a wheelchair, so hill climbing and rustic trails are out, but every little village, odd monument, relic of Islamic architecture, tavern, restaurant is in.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Getting out of Jumilla
Posted on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 20:18:33 UT
Mac, I agree with Roger. One of our perennial favourites is from the bodega Casa de la Ermita. The winery is a pleasant place to visit and the people are welcoming and hospitable. Although we can occaisionally buy their wines in Canada, we elected to purchase some more. We did not stay long though because of a sudden cloud burst which very quickly turned into a torrent and covered several of the roads. I highly recommend the trip.
read more...
Re: Vota con Todas tus Fuerzas, con Cabeza y Corazón
Posted on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:47:56 UT
Lester
Please don't regard my post as a political update! It is simply,
like all my messages, a subjective snapshot of things as they appear
to me at the time. Anyone living in Spain, such as several people who
contribute to this board, would be able to supply a far better account
of what is actually happening here than I could.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Getting out of Jumilla
Posted on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:41:34 UT
Hi Mac,
This mail caught my attention. I am interested to know if you tried any wine
as well.
The wine from Jumilla is gaining popularity in U.S. as well.
The business must be booming there as I am finding some reasonably priced
Jumilla wine popping up in my local wine store that is quite good. I imagine the
read more...
Re: Getting out of Jumilla
Posted on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:55:17 UT
Roger, you'll be thinking me a terrible philistine in more ways than
one, but I very rarely drink wine (but am a bit of an expert on beer,
so you may imagine that I have a bit of a thin time in southern
Spain).
But I am at last managing to catch up with some culture that I can
understand - a piano trio in the Bellas Artes of Alicante tonight.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Getting out of Jumilla
Posted on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:19:55 UT
Mac - did you try the local Jumilla wine?
It is becoming more and more popular in Spain, and according to the
experts there are one or two from that region that really make the
grade.
Roger.
read more...
Getting out of Jumilla
Posted on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:25:50 UT
I don't want to denigrate Jumilla, which is a perfectly ordinary
Spanish town. There is a Tourist Trail, but it takes too long to see
the few gems that can be discovered (for example the simpering lions
on the floor of the tiny upstairs room of the Puerta de Granada). No,
the best bits are outside the town: the peaceful Monasterio de Santa
read more...
Re: Vota con Todas tus Fuerzas, con Cabeza y Corazón
Posted on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:46:43 UT
Mac,
Thanks for the political update. There's been no reporting on the
upcoming elections in Spain. Although it sounds extremely quiet on
the ground, big issues are at stake for Spain (the role of the church
in society, the role of Spain in worldwide military alliances, equal
marriage rights, immigration, etc.).
read more...
Vota con Todas tus Fuerzas, con Cabeza y Corazón
Posted on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:47:19 UT
You may have noticed that there is an election upcoming in Spain
(March 9th). Within living memory mainstream politics in Spain have
moved from completely murderous through non-existent to boringly
polite. A few days ago I watched some of the much-heralded Great
Debate between the two main party leaders, Zapatero and Rajoy, and
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:19:08 UT
The singing is something I'm less familiar with, but I do know that
the most important thing in flamenco music are the different "palos"
or flamenco styles, such as Alegrías, Bulerías, Martinete, Soleá, etc.
Each of these styles will have a different beat or rythym. They are
further defined by their melody and other more technical musical
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:33:21 UT
In message <a17b2e610802272234y5495df06ub c8766942c95...@mail.gmail.com> ,
Roger Warwick <ro...@gomadrid.com> writes
Thank you, that explains it perfectly.
Now I need to get my head around the singing... it's the same question -
if the same person sings the song the next time, will it be the same?
And if someone else sings the same song, will they sing the same melody?
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Throwing the Dogs
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:04:12 UT
Thanks Roger, Must have been passed it loads of times, Next time I go past
there I am going to call.
I live in Torrox, I know Salobrena too, but I have never been to the castle
there.
I remember you saying your family have a house there.
My son lives north of Granada.
By the way Andalucia day today.
read more...
La Sierra de Alcaraz
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:46:46 UT
From the commanding Castillo de Alcaraz, I can appreciate the position
of the town, tucked into a narrow valley on the northwest fringe of
the sierra, and also view the vast plain of Castiila la Mancha,
towards Valdepeñas and Manzanares, dotted with isolated eroded hills.
I can also see our small road heading up the valley towards La Mesta,
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Throwing the Dogs
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:33:37 UT
I can't find an official website, but the address is :-
"Casa Pepe" Carretera N-IV, Km 243, paso de Despeñaperros
Roger.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:30:51 UT
Possibly this was just another "event" organised by the Brotherhood.
Certainly the Wikipedia definition of Cofradía (in Spanish) gives no
other definition than that we commonly associated with these
groups.....
[link] Roger.
read more...
Re: Cofradias
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:23:36 UT
Of course I don't mind the thread being 'hijacked', but to return to
the original topic, I still am a bit confused about cofradías. I´ve
added the accent because I saw a reference to "cofradías y hermandads"
in the local (Hellín) paper. I thought the latter were all-male
groups (like the Masons) who processed the images through towns during
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Throwing the Dogs
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:22:55 UT
Hi, Roger and Mac.
Please tell me exactly where Casa Pepe is, I have been trying to find it on
the web, but I am not sure if I have found the right thing.
Regards
John
-------Original Message-------
To: Travel Spain
Well, yes, I believe we did go into Casa Pepe! Although I didn't
read more...
Re: Throwing the Dogs
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:15:18 UT
Well, yes, I believe we did go into Casa Pepe! Although I didn't
realise it's background. And it was the only place (cross fingers)
where our car was interfered with in any way.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:34:08 UT
Indeed, it's a dance she choreographed herself. If she danced it
again, with the same music, she would probably use the same steps
because she already has the dance to pat. Or given time, she might
change and improve it.
Somebody else, hearing the same music, would use totally different movements.
Basically she has a repertoire of steps and movements that she can put
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:37:41 UT
HI Roger,
Sounds like a budding future star. All the best to her and wish her a Happy Birthday from Canada
Cheers
John
----- Original Message ----
To: travelspain@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:34:10 AM
By
the
way,
my
wife
really
enjoyed
the
videos
of
your
daughter.
read more...
Re: [travelspain] Re: Cofradias
Posted on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 22:32:37 UT
In message <a17b2e610802261159h36cbf1e4l8 3805a698861d...@mail.gmail.com >
, Roger Warwick <ro...@gomadrid.com> writes
WOW - what movement...
I have often watched, and tried to understand flamenco, with little
success.
I would assume that she has "choreographed" it herself? I mean, will it
be the same steps and movements the next time she dances it? Or is it
read more...
More Information
about the TravelSpain Group here
