Hola, the Andalusian Sun, Tomatina, San Fermin, Messi, Bullfighting in Seville, beaches of Barcelona, the night life, pickpocketing in La Ramblas... and nowdays the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara route... many things come to ones mind whilst thinking of Spain. Trips are planned to ensure that nothing is missed (barring the pickpocketing, of course).
Day 1
An 11 hour long journey via a reliable Emirates accompanied with the toddler-flight adaptation blues - not bad for start. A pick up by a Mercedes C-Class in extremely lovely European spring led to "Apartosuites de Sabatini" in Madrid - amongst the top 10 hotels as ranked on Tripadvisor and complete with a kitchen bassinette, baby cot and sumptuos breakfast.
After 2-3 hours of Siesta and hotel delivered pizzas, we started of the city walk. Madrid is known for its plazas and each one of them brings a lot of shopping, performers, music and colour. We walked through Plaza de Espana onto Gran Via and then to Puerta Del Sol. The shopping kickstarted at the first location itself. Had our first Tapas on this day which was awesome and saw some really beautiful city sights during the walk. The crux is in feeling the city spirit and Madrid had a lot of it. Amongst the most Spanish cities despite being pretty cosmopolitan and extremely people friendly.
Day 2
Bang opposite the hotel was the Royal Palace, flush with gardens. Post a tour of same, went for further plaza exploration. Longwalks along small lanes led us to the largest and the most happening - Plaza De Mayor. A must for every Spain visit. The beer was always provided alongwith olives and the food - be ot the tapas or the paella had a tinge of olive oil - for taste or for cooking. A good hearty meal was followed by the orginal - churros con chocolate. BLISS square 1000000000 !!!!!!
A train journey via AVE took us to Toledo, a congragation of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures. Spain owes a lot to the various conquests and reconquests. They have given the country and its cities a great dimension wrt the buildings. Especially cities like Granada, Cordoba and Toledo have a strong Muslim or the Ottoman Empire influence. Toledo was once the capital of erstwhile Spain. Just 70 kms away from Madrid, it was very accesible. The journey within was a little tiring but the majestic panoramic views of the city were breathtaking enough for bringing down the tiredness. Not to forgest the meschief mongering of Anaya on the train journeys :-)
Day 4 - SEVILLE
Andaluscia, same region within the national borders but a different one in spirit. More Spanish, more traditional, more food, more festivities, more culture and more of everything. We had quite a coulourful hotel within the streets lades with whote houses giving the city a distinct feel. We chose our regular place for tapas and lunches as "Estades de Hercules". Had every range of hotels and encountered every type of person from the uptight executive to the tattooed dopist. All safe and sound, Couldnt resist putting up the picture of "Las Columnas" - this small joint is as Spanish as it comes - great food, great beer and great service.
In the evening we started the cultural pursuit. Passing through the "Jardines" we reached Plaza de Espana - (every town has a plaza de Espana). But this one is special. Gigantic, has the entire history of each and every city of Spain and a World Heritage site in true sense. We further went ahead to the Seville Cathedral which looked beautiful in the night. Apparently the plaza wherein the "Alcazar" and the "Cathedral" (3rd largest in the world) are placed is the longest in Europe - built with the help of Americans, it threw a divine yellow on the beautifule Seville White.
Day 5
Started off the day with a long walk around Seville again. Saw the Real Maestranza - the largest bullring in Espana and the oldest in the world. The entire experience was gory but an essential part of Spanish history and culture. Followed it up with a nice 3 hour tour of the Gothic Cathedral from inside. It housed the remains the Christopher Columbus - This first Spanish we came to know during school.
In the evening we head to Cordoba - which ended up becoming Kiran's favorite city till date. In addition toe the beautifule church-mosque at the end of the bridge which offered a heavenly view of the town - Cordoba became special because of the way we were personally greeted by the locals, a few also hailing from Pamplona. Also we were at the time of a local festival - El Rocio. The same encompassed a pilgrimage of nearly horse-riders with another 50 carriages and hordes of women in Traditional Flamenco dresses. An endless procession. They say Andaluscia has 300 + festivals in the year, damn lucky to see 1. Cordoba was super special !!!
From Madrid to Seville to Cordoba to Ronda - from a metropolis to a village. Ronda is a must see for everyone visiting Andaluscia. The hired cab journey was beautiful, brought to life the natural beaity of spain. A quaint town which now has become a tourist attraction. The tall bridge is the postcard of the place which also boats of some great restaurants - Don Zavier for instance. A traditionally old bullring ads to the culture.
Day 8
Being in Barcelona at the fag end of the Spanish Liga wherein Barcelona were crowned champions. What a time !!!! Reached Barca, settled in and immediately left for a tour of Nou Camp - the 2nd largest stadium in the world and a must experience for every sports fan.
Day 9
The HIGHLIGHT of ESPANA - Sagrada Familia. From the concept by Gaudi to the intricacy of design to the mammothness of the entire church - the place just swept us away. Still under construction and expected to be over by 2028. It felt like seeing a world wonder being built in front of our own eyes.
Day 10
Day 10 took us the Montserrat - at 1200 m above Barca and a beautiful place of religious importance. The place and the journey till there has its own charm. Added to the variety of experience in the trip.
The last evening was truly memorable. Saw the entire Barcelona Team alongwith Messi on their victory ride. Every soul in Barcelona was on the streets cheerring them. True spirit of Barcelona was on full display.
Rounded off the day with a visit to Casa Battilo, another one of Gaudi's famous works.
Day 11
All we could feel at the end of the trip was a sense of fulfilment of seeing amongst the best countries in the world - through its culture, its art, its buildings, its castles and churches and most importantly its people - HOLA Spain, Mucchhoos Gracias !!!!
For me and my family the same was an escape to start off with and in a first of many firsts, Kiran and I were accompanied by the two most important people of our lives - my daughter Anaya (her first saat samundar trip at 14 months) and sister-in-law Tavleen. And on a personal note, I got what I had aimed for - Fulfilment of a visiting a fantastic country with my family.
On a statistical front, Spain has the the 2nd largest no of UNESCO World Heritage Sities, the Seville Cathedral is the 3rd largest Gothic Cathedral in the World, Nou Camp is the 2nd largest football stadium, La Real Maestranza in Seville is the oldest bullring in the world and as per a latest survey, women in Spain are the 4th HOTTEST .... all this changed when the 3 ladies accompanying me set foor in Madrid on the 4th of May - the ranking went up for the women IN Spain.
An 11 hour long journey via a reliable Emirates accompanied with the toddler-flight adaptation blues - not bad for start. A pick up by a Mercedes C-Class in extremely lovely European spring led to "Apartosuites de Sabatini" in Madrid - amongst the top 10 hotels as ranked on Tripadvisor and complete with a kitchen bassinette, baby cot and sumptuos breakfast.
After 2-3 hours of Siesta and hotel delivered pizzas, we started of the city walk. Madrid is known for its plazas and each one of them brings a lot of shopping, performers, music and colour. We walked through Plaza de Espana onto Gran Via and then to Puerta Del Sol. The shopping kickstarted at the first location itself. Had our first Tapas on this day which was awesome and saw some really beautiful city sights during the walk. The crux is in feeling the city spirit and Madrid had a lot of it. Amongst the most Spanish cities despite being pretty cosmopolitan and extremely people friendly.
Anaya had her fun time with all what surprised her on the way. The most awesome sight for me was the piano playing frog - the person had some talent to have awesome songs being played by the automated puppet.
Overall a day very well spent.
Bang opposite the hotel was the Royal Palace, flush with gardens. Post a tour of same, went for further plaza exploration. Longwalks along small lanes led us to the largest and the most happening - Plaza De Mayor. A must for every Spain visit. The beer was always provided alongwith olives and the food - be ot the tapas or the paella had a tinge of olive oil - for taste or for cooking. A good hearty meal was followed by the orginal - churros con chocolate. BLISS square 1000000000 !!!!!!
Day 3
A train journey via AVE took us to Toledo, a congragation of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures. Spain owes a lot to the various conquests and reconquests. They have given the country and its cities a great dimension wrt the buildings. Especially cities like Granada, Cordoba and Toledo have a strong Muslim or the Ottoman Empire influence. Toledo was once the capital of erstwhile Spain. Just 70 kms away from Madrid, it was very accesible. The journey within was a little tiring but the majestic panoramic views of the city were breathtaking enough for bringing down the tiredness. Not to forgest the meschief mongering of Anaya on the train journeys :-)
Andaluscia, same region within the national borders but a different one in spirit. More Spanish, more traditional, more food, more festivities, more culture and more of everything. We had quite a coulourful hotel within the streets lades with whote houses giving the city a distinct feel. We chose our regular place for tapas and lunches as "Estades de Hercules". Had every range of hotels and encountered every type of person from the uptight executive to the tattooed dopist. All safe and sound, Couldnt resist putting up the picture of "Las Columnas" - this small joint is as Spanish as it comes - great food, great beer and great service.
In the evening we started the cultural pursuit. Passing through the "Jardines" we reached Plaza de Espana - (every town has a plaza de Espana). But this one is special. Gigantic, has the entire history of each and every city of Spain and a World Heritage site in true sense. We further went ahead to the Seville Cathedral which looked beautiful in the night. Apparently the plaza wherein the "Alcazar" and the "Cathedral" (3rd largest in the world) are placed is the longest in Europe - built with the help of Americans, it threw a divine yellow on the beautifule Seville White.
Rounded up a looooooooooong date at Betis - by seeing the Flamenco for freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. The starting price at any other location alongwith dinner was 40 Euros per person.
Midway through the trip and some recharging, walking through the city, sleep and rest. Seville is a fantastic city to walk when one is in the central location. The churches, like the one below are picturesque to watch. Best place to just sit by a Tapas bar and have a beer.
We had a small bar at a 50 m distance run by a sweet couple wherien we stepped in for a coffee time and again.
However the rest day didn't put a single comma to any of Anaya's antics.
Day 6
Started off the day with a long walk around Seville again. Saw the Real Maestranza - the largest bullring in Espana and the oldest in the world. The entire experience was gory but an essential part of Spanish history and culture. Followed it up with a nice 3 hour tour of the Gothic Cathedral from inside. It housed the remains the Christopher Columbus - This first Spanish we came to know during school.
We went right uptil the 35 th floor of the tower giving us a great panoramic view of the city - A sea of White. Seville, despite the hot sun had really lived upto its mark and we had done each and every place therein.
In the evening we head to Cordoba - which ended up becoming Kiran's favorite city till date. In addition toe the beautifule church-mosque at the end of the bridge which offered a heavenly view of the town - Cordoba became special because of the way we were personally greeted by the locals, a few also hailing from Pamplona. Also we were at the time of a local festival - El Rocio. The same encompassed a pilgrimage of nearly horse-riders with another 50 carriages and hordes of women in Traditional Flamenco dresses. An endless procession. They say Andaluscia has 300 + festivals in the year, damn lucky to see 1. Cordoba was super special !!!
Day 7
From Madrid to Seville to Cordoba to Ronda - from a metropolis to a village. Ronda is a must see for everyone visiting Andaluscia. The hired cab journey was beautiful, brought to life the natural beaity of spain. A quaint town which now has become a tourist attraction. The tall bridge is the postcard of the place which also boats of some great restaurants - Don Zavier for instance. A traditionally old bullring ads to the culture.
Definitely thankful to Jose - our driver who gave us a great commentary along the way and really built up the excitement.
Andaluscia - we bid goodbye !!
Day 8
Being in Barcelona at the fag end of the Spanish Liga wherein Barcelona were crowned champions. What a time !!!! Reached Barca, settled in and immediately left for a tour of Nou Camp - the 2nd largest stadium in the world and a must experience for every sports fan.
Saw everything which Barca had won in the last 100 years, the various league titles, the UEFA Champions League Trophies, memorabilia like T-shorts, boots, and above all the God of football - Messi. All his awards, his sports wear well kept. A little bit of nostalgia on seeing the same for Hristo Stoichkov. The best was the stadium itself - as majestic as it comes. Saw it from the stands, the ground and the press box.
Got myself some souvenirs and felt blessed.
In the evening we proceeded to the happenning Plaza de Catalunya and then on the "street which should never end" - La Ramblas. A relaxing walking experience in the Gothic area of Barcelona. From chocolates to various ice creams, to fruits to paintings - everything made the street adorable
We proceeded further through the Gothic quarter to the Barcelona Cathedral and again were lucky to have a concert going in in there
The same threw some fantastic colours along the cathedral. The music was Catalan, a different tune to the years. Another day really well spent. Overall Barcelona seems a lot more cosmopolitan, many Indians and fellow Pakistanis and overall very cosmo - comparatively less Spanish.
The HIGHLIGHT of ESPANA - Sagrada Familia. From the concept by Gaudi to the intricacy of design to the mammothness of the entire church - the place just swept us away. Still under construction and expected to be over by 2028. It felt like seeing a world wonder being built in front of our own eyes.
A well made audio-visual gave a brief history of the same and ensured we again saw the church in its entirety now connecting with what was shown.
Hats off the Gaudi and his vision. Proceeded further ahead to the Plaza de Espanya of Barcelona wherein we had the traditional Sangria and saw the beautiful Magical Fountains at Font Montjuic. These really round up the best of what Barcelona has to offer. Did reach the hotel in an inebriated state :-)
Day 10
Day 10 took us the Montserrat - at 1200 m above Barca and a beautiful place of religious importance. The place and the journey till there has its own charm. Added to the variety of experience in the trip.
Rounded off the day with a visit to Casa Battilo, another one of Gaudi's famous works.
Day 11
All we could feel at the end of the trip was a sense of fulfilment of seeing amongst the best countries in the world - through its culture, its art, its buildings, its castles and churches and most importantly its people - HOLA Spain, Mucchhoos Gracias !!!!
