Getting into the Christmas spirit … in Madrid

We recently went on a weekend trip. My younger son asked to go “someplace Christmasy – like Vienna or Berlin”. We didn’t set out to dash those hopes, but in the end, we chose Madrid, Spain. The Spanish capital wasn’t selected for its Christmas decorations, but we were pleasantly surprised that it was well decked…

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Egyptian splendor … in Madrid

I’ve been a few times to Madrid, but when I was back for a visit last weekend, I was surprised to learn that Spain’s capital boasts an impressive Ancient Egyptian monument. This can be found at the Parque de la montaña, close to the Royal Palace. It is called the Temple of Debod and it…

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After your museum visit – exploring Bilbao, Spain

Last week I wrote about visiting the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. You can see my post here. But after your museum visit is over, you’ll want to make time to stroll down the river and enjoy Bilbao’s old town. Although Bilbao’s medieval old town and its architecture dates back to the XIVth century,…

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Bilbao’s fabulous Guggenheim, Spain

It’s been years I’ve been “meaning to” get to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. A holiday in France’s Basque region provided me with the opportunity to journey across the border into Spain’s Basque country to visit this modern art museum that celebrated its 20th birthday last year. This striking modern architecture was created by…

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Summer holidays in France’s Basque country – and beyond

Although I (admittedly) suffer from acute Wanderlust and love travelling anywhere, my main travel weakness is my status as a complete Italophile. However, as a close second, I’m also a hopeless Francophile. These two countries actually have a lot in common, with their strong regional characters that make exploring the various regions a real treat,…

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Surrounded by the Atlantic, in Vigo, Spain

Earlier this month, I was in Galicia, Spain for the first time. Although I’ve traveled quite a bit around beautiful Spain, I’d never journeyed to westernmost points before. I was in the port city of Vigo for work. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to explore this interesting city, but I did manage to do…

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Strolling La rambla in Barcelona

If you’re visiting Barcelona, chances are you’ll be strolling down La rambla at least once during your stay. This busy, tree-lined, central thoroughway leading to the sea is filled with all day and late into the night. The name comes from the Arabic word ramla, meaning the dried-up river bed. In the 13th century, a…

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Gaudí’s spectacular Casa Batlló, Barcelona

I’ve already written a post about Antonin Gaudí’s first major commission in Barcelona, Spain – the Palau Güell. The Catalan architect’s work are on prominent display all around Barcelona – and one that should not be missed is the whimsical Casa Batlló. This home, also known locally as the Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) for its bone-like shapes,…

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A bird’s eye view over Barcelona from the Columbus Memorial

Las Ramblas is certainly one of the liveliest areas of Barcelona, Spain. I’ve already written about Palau Güell, the first major commission of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí, which is just off the Ramblas. Once you’ve visited Gaudí’s impressive project, continue down the Ramblas towards the sea, and leave time to take the elevator up to…

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Admiring Gaudí ‘s Palau Güell, Barcelona

On a recent trip to Barcelona, Spain I was excited to see that Antoni Gaudí’s first major project, the Palau Güell, is now open to the public. The impressive family home of the wealthy Güell family, built between 1885 and 1889 is now a UNESCO Heritage site. I was unable to see this beautiful family home on…

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