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Friday, December 13, 2019
Spain Travel―Basic Spanish Greetings
Thursday, November 28, 2019
Beyond the Mosque: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Córdoba
Córdoba: A Jewel of Andalusia
Córdoba, once a wealthy and coveted city, was adorned with impressive fortifications. This rich history, where Arabic, Jewish, and Christian influences beautifully intertwined, has earned Córdoba the well-deserved title of "Pearl of Andalusia."
One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge), a sixteen-arched structure stretching gracefully across the Guadalquivir River. Leading directly to the old town, this bridge serves as a gateway to Córdoba's historic center.
However, the true crown jewel of Córdoba is undoubtedly the Mezquita Catedral located in the heart of the old town. Considered the most magnificent mosque of Moorish origin in all of Iberia, this architectural marvel is a testament to Córdoba's vibrant past.
Additional details can be found in the companion article below.- Córdoba Travel (link)
Figure 1. Cordoba City Center |
Figure 2. Cordoba City Center |
Top Attractions
- Mezquita of Cordoba (information)
- Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Festival de Patios
- Puente Romano (Roman Bridge; information)
- Cordoba Synagogue (information)
- Juderia de Cordoba (Jewish Quarter; information)
- Puerta De Almodovar leads to Jewish Quarter
- Palacio de Viana (information)
- Medina Azahara (information)
- Calleja de las Flores (information)
- Calahorra Tower (information)
References
Seville: A Captivating Journey Through Spain's Andalusian Heart
You will find in Seville (⭐⭐⭐) all that a traveler can hope for:[6]
- Pedestrian shopping streets and quiet alleys
- Flower-scented gardens
- An ancient palace and immense cathedral
- Hundreds of historic sites
- Three thousand years of conflict and peace
- Thrilling evening entertainment
- Excellent museums
- Great food and drink, especially the tapas
- Rewarding nearby attractions
- Andalusia Travel―Visiting Royal Alcázar of Seville
- Andalusia Travel―Visiting Plaza de España
- Andalusia Travel―Visiting Canal de Alfonxo XIII
- Andalusia Travel―Visiting Catedral de Sevilla
- Andalusia Travel―Visiting Hidden Narrow Alleys
- Spain Travel―Visiting Christmas Lights and Shows
Top Attractions
Based on [1], the top 10 attractions of Seville include:
- Royal Alcazar of Seville (information)
- Cathedral of Seville & Giralda (information)
- Plaza de España (free)
- Plaza de Toros (information)
- Santa Cruz district & Historical centre
- Santa Cruz with the narrow pedestrian streets and lots of shopping and eating
- Torre del Oro (information)
- Park Maria Luisa
- Casa de Pilatos (information)
- Archaeological museum (information)
- Metropol Parasol - Setas de Sevilla (information)
- Also known as Sevilla Mushrooms
Christmas Markets
Feria del Belén, Seville
Seville offers visitors a different kind of Christmas market, specializing only in figurines and sets for Nativity scenes, known as Beléns in Spanish. Extremely delicate and intricate, you can buy anything from Mary, Joseph and The Three Kings to mini market places, shepherds, and even moving water wheels. Located in the historic centre, near the Cathedral, it runs from November 18th to December 23rd.
Mercado Navideño de Artesanía de Sevilla
Seville’s other Christmas market is a more traditional Christmas market affair, yet focusing on handicrafts and handmade gifts. Taking place on Plaza Nueva, it features an array of modern-style booths, where you can stock up on a variety of gifts. It’s particularly good for ceramics, for which the city is famous. The market runs from December 15th to January 5th.
Figure 1. Santa Cruz in Seville |
Figure 2. Walking tour as shown in video 2 |
Walking Tour
Seville’s historic center (see Figure 2 & Video 2) is quite large—about a mile wide by 1.5 miles long, riddled with countless little alleys and important landmarks. You can discover it on foot if you are selective and seek out the particular attractions that most appeal to your interests.
Starting out at Plaza Nueva, the most popular place in town. This central area with the plaza and the streets leading to it is really the heart and the focal point of the city. Notice the broad street that is for pedestrians, bicycles, no cars allowed, and the tram. Seville has a recently installed modern tram system that really is a great way to move people around. This neighborhood along Constitution Avenue has been entirely transformed by the tram service
Plaza Nueva is just one block over from the main pedestrian street of town which leads right into the shopping district -- Calle Sierpes, lined with the best shopping and liveliest atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon when the locals are out enjoying their traditional stroll.
References
- Top 10 Attractions of Seville
- 12 Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Spain
- Sights & Attractions Seville
- Why Visiting Spain in Winter Was the Best Decision We Made
- Andalucia.org
- Tourvideo.com
- Arcos de La Frontera
- The Most Scenic Cycling Routes in Seville
- Seville Travel Guide (video)
- The 10 Best Brunch Spots in Seville, Spain
- Seville 🇪🇸 Spain Best Cities Guide - Travel & Discover (video)
- infoTicketing (Royal Alcazar of Seville)
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Travelling Spanish―Basics At a Restaurant
- ¿Quieres algo para comer? – Would you like something to eat?
- (kee-EH-res AL-go pa-ra koh-mer?)
- ¿Quieres algo para beber? – Would you like something to drink?
- (kee-EH-res AL-go pa-ra beh-ber?)
- ¿Qué quieres comer? – What would you like to eat?
- (KAY kee-EH-res koh-mer?)
- una entrada – an appetizer
- (oo-na en-TRA-da)
- un plato principal – a main dish
- (oon pla-toh prin-si-pal)
- un postre – a dessert
- (oon pos-tray)
- una bebida – a drink
- (oo-na beh-bee-da)
When you're ready to order, use either quiero (I want) or quisiera (I would like) with the items on the menu to tell the waiter what you'd like. For example, quiero…
- una sopa – soup
- (oo-na soh-pah)
- una ensalada – salad
- (oo-na en-sa-la-da)
- el pollo – chicken
- (el poy-oh)
- la carne – the meat (beef)
- (la car-nay)
- una agua – water
- (oo-na ag-wa)
- un vino tinto /blanco – red wine/white wine
- (oon vee-noh tin-toh / blan-koh)
- una cerveza – beer
- (oo-na ser-vay-sa)
- un café – coffee
- (oon ka-fay)
- ¿Qué me recomienda? – What do you recommend?
- (Kay may re-kom-ee-en-dah?In most restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, the staff will be more than happy to suggest a particularly tasty local dish for you to try.
- Soy vegetariano/a – I’m a vegetarian
- (soy ve-he-tah-ree-ah-noh/nah)
- Tengo alergia a [las nueces] – I have an allergy to [nuts]
- (Ten-go al-er-hee-ah a las noo-eh-ses)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much is it?
- (KWAN-to KWES-ta?)
- La cuenta, por favor – The bill, please.
- (la KWEN-ta por fa-vor)
Monday, November 11, 2019
Barcelona Travel―Tapa Bars, Restaurants and Food Markets
Figure 1. Google map with places mentioned in the video |
Figure 2. Places mentioned in the video |
Places Mentioned in the Video
- Mercat Santa Caterina
- 7:30AM–3:30PM (M/W/Sat) or 8:30PM (Tu/Th/F)
- Closed on Sunday
- Arcano
- Open from Monday to Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 0:00 a.m.
- Bar del Pla
- 11 am - 11 pm
- Closed on Sunday
- Sagardi
- 10AM–12:30AM (weekday) or 1 AM (weekend)
- Montiel
- 1–2:30PM (except Wed), 7–10:30PM
- Mercat de la Boqueria
- 8AM–8:30PM
- Closed on Sunday
- Be Chocolat
- 10:30AM–9PM
Barcelona Travel―Visiting Gothic Quarter and La Ribera
Gothic Quarter
The charming Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, has narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs and Catalan restaurants. The Museu d'Història de Barcelona shows remains of the Roman city. Artisans sell leather and jewelry near the Cathedral of Barcelona, while flower stalls and street-food vendors line busy avenue La Rambla. The Plaça del Pi, named after the adjacent Gothic church, hosts a weekend art market.
La Ribera
How to Access
Figure 1. L5 (Blue Line) and L4 (Yellow Line) |
Figure 2. L4 (Yellow Line) and L3 (Green Line) |
References
- Why Gracia is the Perfect Neighbourhood to Stay in Barcelona
- 12 Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Spain
- 10 MUST VISIT CITIES IN SPAIN
- We love visiting Girona in Costa Brava. If you are visiting Spain, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
- Eight really cool things to do and see in Valencia
- 17 Best Cities to Visit in Spain
- 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Barcelona
- 10 Gorgeous Perspectives Of The Sagrada Família
- Metro Line 4 Barcelona (L4 yellow line)
- Renfe.com (Train)
- Loco2.com
- BCN Aerobus
- BCN Airport Aerobus
- Sagrada Familia: Fast Track (online ticket booking)
- AMB (Àrea metropolitana de Barcelona)
- Park Güell - Official website
- Pre-Booking Museum Tickets in Spain Before You Travel
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Barcelona City Tour Sightseeing Bus Routes and Attractions (good)
- Finding public restrooms in Barcelona
- No toilets in underground stations
Spain Travel―Visiting Barcelona
Top Attractions (link)
- Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
- Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
- Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
- La Rambla: Barcelona's Social Hub
- Palau de la Música Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music)
- Parc Güell: Gaudí's Surrealist Park
- Casa Batlló
- Camp Nou
- The Magic Fountain
- Scenic Views and Art Museums in Montjuïc
- La Barceloneta
- Monestir de Pedralbes
- Mercat de la Boqueria
- Quadrat d'Or
Christmas Markets (link)
Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona
Time: Nov 24th - Dec 23rd (Time may vary each year)
By metro
- Catalunya or Urquinaona stations
- Liceu or Catalunya stations
- Jaume I station
Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Time: Nov 26th - Dec 23rd (Time may vary each year)
References
- Why Gracia is the Perfect Neighbourhood to Stay in Barcelona
- 12 Magical Christmas Markets to Visit in Spain
- 10 MUST VISIT CITIES IN SPAIN
- We love visiting Girona in Costa Brava. If you are visiting Spain, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
- Eight really cool things to do and see in Valencia
- 17 Best Cities to Visit in Spain
- 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Barcelona
- 10 Gorgeous Perspectives Of The Sagrada Família
- Metro Line 4 Barcelona (L4 yellow line)
- Renfe.com (Train)
- Loco2.com
- BCN Aerobus
- BCN Airport Aerobus
- Sagrada Familia: Fast Track (online ticket booking)
- AMB (Àrea metropolitana de Barcelona)
- Park Güell - Official website
- Pre-Booking Museum Tickets in Spain Before You Travel
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Barcelona City Tour Sightseeing Bus Routes and Attractions (good)
- Finding public restrooms in Barcelona
- No toilets in underground stations
- Barcelona - During the Christmas season (video)
- A Solo Traveler's Guide To Barcelona