Logroño Spain

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , | en 4:08




The capital of La Rioja is Logroño which has 148,000 inhabitants and covers 79 km2. It is a very pretty city with lots of green areas and lots of historical buildings due to the meeting of different cultures and the Camino de Santiago which crosses the city. Logroño is also well known for its attractive gastronomy.

It is located at the mouth of the river Iregua, in the Iregua valley to the east of the river Ebro. The entrance to the city is quite impresive with its grand ancient stone bridge and view over the old part of the city.

Logroño is affected by the Camino de Santiago which crosses the city crossing the stone bridge at the entrance and then going up the Rúa Vieja, it passes the hostel for pilgrims and the Santiago fountain, Barriocepo street, until it arrives at the Murallas de Revellín (city walls) and leaves the city through the Puerta del Camino continuing on to the Grajera reservior.

Logroño is famous for its shops especially its shoe shops, clothes shops and food shops. It has very good restaurants and tapas bars and is well known for its lively nightlife at weekends.


Things to see in Logroño

Churches in Logroño:

Santa María de la Redonda Cathedral (Plaza del Mercado and calle Portales): It was rebuilt in the 16th century in a Gothic style upon the remains of a 12th century Roman church. Its 2 Baroque towers (known locally as the twin towers) were built by Martín de Beratúa.

Santa María de Palacio Church: It was built in the 12th century and renovated in the 16th century. Things to look out for are the cloister, the museum and its curious gothic tower in the shape of a pyramid which is called 'la aguja de palacio' (the palace needle).

San Bartolomé Church: This is a Norman church built in the 13th century. Its Norman facade and Mudéjar tower are especially interesting.

Santiago el Real Church: Built in the 16th century in the style of the Reyes Católicos upon the ruins of an ancient medieval church. It has a 17th century Baroque facade.
Museums in Logroño:

The Rioja Museum (c/ San Agustín, Tel.: 941 291 259 941 291 259 ): This is also called has the Palacio de Espartero. it is an 18th century Baroque building where general Espartero lived once he had withdrawn from service. It houses paintings, sculptures, archeological finds from the region and ethnographic pieces.

Cultura del Vino de la Dinastía Vivanco Museum: This museum, dedicated to wine culture, houses paintings related to wine and goes from the Egyptian period up until the present day. The museum was awarded the title The Best of Wine Tourism in Australia in 2004.

Casa de las Ciencias (c/ del Ebro, 1, Tel: 941 245 943 941 245 943 ): Located in a former abattoir built in 1910.
Prehistoric Remains in Logroño:

The Varea neighbourhood: There are some archeological remains from the Roman town - Vareia romana - which dates back to the 5th century or earlier. You can see a house with various sections where Roman generals once lived such as Tito Livio, Plinio, Estrabón and Ptolomeo.

Historic Monuments in Logroño:

Muralla de Ravellín: This ancient wall dates back to medieval times.

Parlamento de la Rioja: This is located in the old Tobacco factory.

Fuente de los Riojanos Ilustres: This fountain was built by the architects Dalmati and Narvaiza in 1999.

Puente de Piedra: Also known as Puente de San Juan de Ortega after the person who built this primitive bridge which was destroyed when the river broke its banks. It was rebuilt in 1884. It has 7 arches and is 197 metres long.

Puente de Hierro: This bridge was opened in 1882. It is 330 metres long.
Squares in Logroño:

Plaza del Mercado: This is at the centre of the shopping district and is where you can find the best shops. It is also at the centre of the city's nightlife. The Cathedral is located here too.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento:This is the square directly in front of the townhall. Throughout the year various fairs and fiestas are held here like the Christmas fair to celebrate the city's patron saint la Virgen de la Esperanza.

Paseo Príncipe de Vergara or del Espolón: This street is where many of the city's fiestas are held. There is a sculpture of Espartero and la Concha del Espolón here.

Parks and Gardens in Logroño:

Parque del Carmen

Parque del Ebro

Parque de San Miguel

Parque de la Ribera

Recommended restaurants in Logroño: Restaurante El Cachetero (c/ Laurel, 3, Tel: 941 22 84 63 941 22 84 63 ): Excellent regional cuisine; Restaurante Iruña (c/Laurel, 8, Tel: 941 22 00 64 941 22 00 64 ): Traditional cuisine from the Rioja; Restaurante La Chatilla de San Agustín (c/ San Agustín, 6, Tel: 941 20 45 45 941 20 45 45 ): Excellent regional cuisine; Restaurante El Rincón del Vino (c/ Marqués de San Nicolás, 136, Tel: 941 20 53 92 941 20 53 92 ): A mixture of traditional and modern regional cuisine; Restaurante Asador Emilio (República Argentina, 8, Tel: 941 25 88 44 941 25 88 44 ): Very good regional dishes; Restaurante Epicureo (c/ Marqués de Murrieta, 29, Tel: 687561710): Regional cuisine.

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San Fermin

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , , | en 4:03


Pamplona's fiesta of San Fermín is probably Spain's most famous. In fact, it is one of the best known festivals in the world, to a certain extent because of Ernest Hemingway's enthusiasm for it, but also because it is one of the most exciting experiences in the life of anyone who attends — believe me, it cooks.

The Txupinazo, Rocket. The kick-off to San Fremín happens on July 6 at midday every year. Thousands of people gather in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where a rocket is let off to signal the start of the celebrations, and the traditional "Pamploneses, Viva San Fermín, Gora San Fermin!" ("People of Pamplona, Long Live San Fermín," in Spanish and Basque") is declaimed. The party then begins in earnest, people drinking, dancing, spraying each other with cava, and so on. Many will have experienced their last moment of sobriety until the fiesta is over.

The Encierro, Bull Run. This is the most emblematic part of San Fermín. Every morning at 8.00 am from July 7 to 14, the bulls which are to be used in that afternoon's bullfight are run to the bull ring, and hundreds of mozos, young people, run with them. The runners assemble half an hour beforehand to take up their positions along the route - there are two ways for them to enter (the rest of the route being closed off), from the Plaza del Mercado or the Plaza Consistorial. A rocket is let off to signal that the gate should be opened and another when all the bulls have left their compound. The runners do not race the bulls, which would be impossible, but run ahead of them, trying to keep up with the pace, about 50 metres being as much as is recommendable to try before getting out of their way as cleanly as possible. Many runners carry a rolled up newspaper, to distract a bull if necessary.

If you are going to run, inform yourself properly first - this page is good but not enough. And don't even think of it if you are drunk. If you intend to at least watch an encierro (and what are you doing here if you don't?), you will need to find a vantage point well before 7.30 am. Don't try to get too close, i.e., beyond the barriers, you will only get moved out by the police and have to start all over again.

The Corrida, Bullfight. To purists, this is even more central a part of the fiesta than the encierro, which after all would not exist if it were not for the bullfight. It is held every afternoon from July 7 to 14 at 6.30 pm. There are notable differences between standard bullfights and those in San Fermín, but the similarities are easier to spot: see my article on How to See a Bullfight.

The Procession. The Procession of San Fermín takes place on July 7 at 10 am. It is a religious affair, involving the statue of the saint and various official bodies, but is lively and photogenic.

Giants and Cabezudos, Bigheads. These are the most important figures carried by dancers in the comparsa, the parade which entertains people in the mornings of San Fermín.

Other Events. There is always something happening in San Fermín: a concert, a firework display, the (unofficial) struendo or drum banging... According to the municipal website, "158 programmed performances ... happen 24 hours a day throughout the festival, every 90 minutes there is a different act." The most unmissable is the Basque Rural Sports display, if only because you may never get another chance to see anything like them.

The Pobre de Mi, Poor Old Me. At midnight on July 14, Pamplona's peñas, party clubs, gather in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to sing this only half-ironic tragic song, which goes "Pobre de mí, pobre de mi, que se han acabado las fiestas de San Fermín" ("Poor old me, the San Fermín fiesta has finished." The "Poor Old Me" has a double meaning, not only grieving for the end of the fiesta, but also lamenting the sad state in which the singer finds himself after eight days of non-stop partying.

Practical San Fermín

What to Wear. July in Navarre is usually hot and close. You are not obliged to wear the traditional San Fermín red-and-white combo, but you will feel less conspicuous if you do and probably enjoy yourself more. It is very straightforward: white trousers and shirt, with a red neckerchief (the red waistband is probably overdoing it).

Food and Drink. San Fermín is not just a drunken revelry, in fact it is a thoroughly family oriented affair. But if you are drinking, and something tells me you might be, take my advice, eat as much as you can, when you can, and try not to get carried away with the drinking euphoria: the idea is to reach a level of intoxication and maintain it, not go over the top. Your staple food will probably be bocadillos and raciones, but Pamplona has taverns and restaurants aplenty. The problem there is timetables: remember, Spaniards, including Basques, all want to dine at the same time, 10, 10.30, or later, so getting a table at 11.00 can be tricky indeed. See the Spain and Portugal for Visitors Pamplona page for more information.

San Fermín Travel

Where to Sleep. If you intend to go, and I recommend it, you will probably have to reserve a hotel something like a year in advance or resign yourself to sleeping in a park or your car (or not sleeping, an option an amazing number of local lads and lasses seem to go for). If you have to crash out in the open, do take sensible precautions against theft, but do not worry, no-one will mind you: indeed the local authorities provide public showers and such precisely for visitors like yourself.

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Madrid

Posted in | en 12:06


The Spanish capital is a vibrant, atmospheric city, short on famous monuments but rich in cultural sights.

Pride of place belongs to the city’s three superb art museums. The Prado has one of the most remarkable art collections in the world, with works by major Spanish and European masters from the Renaissance onwards. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is devoted to 20th-century Spanish art with representative works by Miró, Dalí, Juan Gris, and above all by the Cubists, including Picasso. The most famous work on show is his masterpiece from the Civil War period, Guernica. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is one of the most important private collections of western painting in the world, with more than 800 paintings from the Italian Renaissance to the 20th-century avant garde.

The Royal Palace dates from the mid-18th century. There are more than 20 rooms open to the public, exhibiting priceless tapestries, paintings, carpets, clocks, furniture, silverware and porcelain. The armory has one of the most valuable collections in Europe, mainly from the 16th century.

Madrid’s most historic square, the Plaza Mayor, is enclosed by arcades sheltering a variety of craft shops, restaurants and tapas bars. It was completed in 1617 during the reign of Philip III. The popular center of Madrid is the famous square, the Puerta del Sol, the main shopping district and hub of the city’s nightlife.

Madrid’s most accessible green space is the Retiro Park. A former royal retreat, its attractions include a boating lake and summer concerts.

The Botanical Gardens, a short walk from the Prado, are worth a visit.

The Casa de Campo, west of the city center, is a huge open space with a swimming pool, tennis courts, a jogging track and a zoo with aquarium. On the edge of Caso de Campo is the Parque de Atracciones, a large amusement park.

Southeast of the city is the Parque Biológico, a new theme park on bio-diversity with pavilions recreating a variety of ecosystems. There is a 250-hectare Warner Brothers theme park in San Martín de la Vega.

Many visitors to the city take the opportunity to see Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful football clubs, at the Bernabéu Stadium.

EXCURSIONS:

There are numerous places of interest within easy reach of the city.

The Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial (49km, 30 miles) was commissioned by Philip II as a mausoleum for Spanish rulers. The highlights are the art museum, with works by Rubens, Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese, the palace, the basilica and the library.

Approximately 9km (6 miles) from the Escorial is the Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen), a huge crypt cut into the mountainside surmounted by a stone cross of 152m (500ft). The dictator, General Franco, conceived this dramatic monument as a tribute to those on the Fascist side who died in the Civil War. Franco himself is buried here.

Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the birthplace of the writer Miguel de Cervantes and the English queen, Catherine of Aragon. The main point of interest is the university, founded in the 16th century by Cardinal Cisneros.

Other attractions include the 17th-century convent of San Bernardo and the oldest surviving public theater in Europe – as important to Spain as Shakespeare’s Globe is to England.

Aranjuez is famous for its gardens, an 18th-century Summer Palace, built by the Spanish Bourbons and Charles IV’s enormously expensive folly, the Casita del Labrador, on the banks of the River Tagus. Aranjuez is known for strawberries and asparagus.

The Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa), complete with steam engine and wooden carriages, operates between Madrid and Aranjuez between mid-April and July and September to mid-October.

Chinchón is an attractive little town with an atmospheric main square, Plaza Mayor, still used for bullfights during the fiesta (August) and for a passion play at Easter. T

he mountains of the Sierra de Guadarrama are easily accessible from Madrid and are an important center for skiing and winter sports.

Puerto de Navacerrada and Valdesquí are the main resorts.

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Tips for visiting Lisbon

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , , | en 11:57




Lisbon is the capitol and largest city in Portugal . The city has 500,000 inhabitants with the greater Lisbon area numbering 3 million. The Lisbon International Airport is located just 5 miles outside the city.


Language
The language of Portugal is Portuguese and while it is a Latin language with the same base as Italian, French and Spanish but it sounds nothing like any of them. There is a sush sound and a rolling of or's that is very uniquely Portuguese. People will say to you that everyone speaks English in Europe, this is not true in Portugal, not even in Lisbon. Personal experience with cab drivers rates about 1 in 10 who can speak fluently and only a few basic words from the rest. Be prepared to show them where you want to go on a map or write the name on a piece of paper.


Money
Portugal used the Euro and is part of the European Union. Each country has their own unique Euros but Euros from anywhere can be used in Portugal. ATM machines in Lisbon are plentiful. Most places will also take credit cards like MasterCard or Visa, some accept American Express and none accept Discover. There are still places where only cash is accepted so be prepared just in case.


Tipping
Tipping in Portugal is not as wide spread as in other parts of the world. Americans are apt to over tip, keep in mind that a 20% tax has been added to all restaurant bills, 10% is acceptable. Round up your fare in a cab, tips aren't required but as with everywhere are appreciated and the smile you get is well worth it. Tour guides also will be grateful for any tip you give, it is quite refreshing to have a tip being given because you enjoyed the service not because you are required to by etiquette.


Hotels
Hotels are expensive in Lisbon especially during the season. Expect rooms to be smaller than in the US and in most cases breakfast will be included. Don't expect the same breakfast you get in the US it will be much more International and if it is a buffet can include cold meats and cheese and room temperature milk and cereal. If you want two beds that is know as a twin and a double is one bed, the one bed can really be a double or it may be a queen or even a king.


Dining
Dining is delightful in Lisbon. They have every kind of cuisine that you could possibly want to try. There are also some typical chains such as McDonald and Hard Rock Caf. Be sure to try a few of the local specialties.. Grilled sardines, smoked sausage, salted cod, rice puddingwith cinnamon, cod cakes and delicious crusty bread are among the favorites. Tax is included in the menu price but not tip.


Deals
Sundays until 2pm many museums offer free entry, do your research and find out if the one you want to visit is included in this plan. The Lisbon card is a good deal for anyone who will visit all the places it covers. It also covers public transportation and the elevators.


Cabs
Cabs are plentiful and cheap, especially is there are three or more in your group, it will be cheaper to take a cab then to take public transportation.


Safety
One thing that everyone in Lisbon will tell you is to watch out for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Especially on the 28 tram you will be warned not to take it. It does run to most of the tourist areas so you will have to decided if it is worth the risk. Multiple warning were issued especially concerning Romanians who are much in evidence begging around town at most heavily trafficked areas. Our hotel had a policeman posted at the front door.


Fado
Fado is an obsession in Lisbon and there are many places you can go to enjoy this particularly Portuguese song style. You really go and have a meal and then the entertainment is provided.


Words to know:
Obrigada/pbrigado thank you

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Things to do before travelling

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , , , | en 4:19

Travel preparations can be stressful. That's why you should tick off these 10 things immediately.
1. Passport and Visas
Make sure you have your passport and necessary visas. If you don’t have a passport already, make sure you apply for one 2-3 months in advance of your trip. Waiting for a visa can take up to a month in itself, so get your application in early.
2. Vaccinations
Get the necessary vaccinations, and make sure you are updated on other shots, like tetanus. You can find information about country-specific vaccinations from your physician.
3. Mail
Have a friendly neighbor collect your mail or arrange for your local post office to hold your deliveries for the duration of your stay in Eastern Europe.
4. Pay Bills
Depending upon the duration of your stay, you may want to pay your bills in advance, or set up internet accounts so that you can pay from your checking account remotely.
5. Call Your Bank
Call your credit card company or your bank to let them know that you will be using your credit or debit cards in Eastern Europe. Tell them what countries you plan to be in and the dates you plan to be away. Some banks or credit card companies will automatically cancel cards that are used overseas for security purposes.
6. Color Copies of Documents
Give someone close to you a color photocopy of your passport and visas. If something happens to your passport (or you), it’s good for someone at home to have all of your identifying information.
7. Contact Information
Give contact information to appropriate parties. Let others know what email address they can reach you at, what hotels you may be staying in, and the duration of your stay in each location.
8. Communication
Electronic communication is the most time-efficient way to tell everyone you are safe. If you choose to mass e-mail friends, you don't want to miss anyone in the high-energy flurry of your messages--so prepare your list in advance. Also be aware that initial set-up of an internet journal account from Eastern Europe may be frustrating, so do it at home. The internet cafes are fairly user-friendly, but you may have trouble navigating programs designed with native speakers in mind.
9. Photos
You may want to set up an internet photo gallery to share photo current photos with friends and family. Download directly from your digital camera to the photo gallery if you don’t plan on bringing your laptop.
10. Someone to Watch Your House
If you rent, let your landlord know how long you will be gone. If you own a house, have someone check on your place once a week.

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Cascais, Portugal

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , , , , | en 3:26


Cascais

Once a little fishing village, Cascais, 30 km west of Lisbon, has become one of the most bustling and sophisticated holiday resorts of the Portuguese Riviera.Things to do:

-Restaurants:


• Boca do Inferno (or Hell's Mouth) is a restaurant and a coastal rock formation with an inner small sea lake. Dependent on currents and winds the seawater can be pushed upwards here and create a spectacular view. Some of the natural formed caves can be explored. Beautiful place!
• The Casa da Guia in Cascais is a beautiful building from the late nineteenth century landscaped grounds, restored as a small shopping and entertainment. The ideal place to do some shopping, participate in events, visit exhibitions, outdoor walk quietly, enjoying the scenery and taste some of the culinary delights of international cuisine.
• Latitude 38: very nice place.
• Quinta do Cortador: Beautiful steaks its just a meat feast, and also delicious local wine!
• Fortaleza Do Guincho: Perfect for a romantic meal.
• Restaurant B&B: Small and charming restaurant with good food and modern, but cosy style

-Places to go:


• Rua Frederico Arouca This is one of Cascais's most interesting streets for Restaurants and speciality shops.
• Gelati Santini has the best ice cream in Cascais. Don't be surprised to find people queueing for a great ice cream.
• Sintra: It’s a little piece of paradis
• Cabo da Roca, cape, W Portugal, W of Lisbon. It is the western extremity of Europe

-Nightlife:

• Baluarte Bar. Very nice view over the coast. Fun place and good music for dancing.
• Coconuts: Amazing place. Highly recommended.
• O´Neill´s Irish Pub
• Ferdi´s Bar
• Bally Bally Pub
• Or you can always go to Estoril ´s Casino (the largest in Europe), 15min away from Cascais.

-Sports:


• For those who know how to kite surf you can always go to Guincho beware big rocks!
• If you are crazy about Golf you will really enjoy Cascais they have Quinta Da Marinha is a fantastic golf course.
• It´s perfect for long walks

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Tarifa, Cadiz "The City of Wind"

Posted in Etiquetas: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | en 10:55


Tarifa is a small town in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, on the southernmost coast of Spain. The town is located on the Costa de la Luz and across the Straits of Gibraltar facing Morocco.
Tarifa has become one of the most popular spots young people (16 to 45 years old) to spend their summers. The coast of Tarifa is also popular with windsurfers and kite surfers due to the strong winds of the straits. For this reason Tarifa is also dotted with hundreds of wind turbines.
Tarifa is a renowned place to watch migrating birds, in particular the storks which cross the Straits of Gibraltar in spring and autumn. Also whale and dolphin watching can be done on the 14 kilometer wide Straits.

THINGS TO DO



ACTIVITIES:



  • HorseBack Riding

  • KiteSurf

  • WindSurf

  • Bird Watch

  • biking


WHERE TO GO DURING THE DAY:



  • Hotel Dos Mares: Perfect if you are going with family.

  • Hotel,restaurant,chiringuito, kite school,Horseback riding…

  • Hotel Hurricane: They also have a little bito f everything.
    But their fresh meal and cakes are amazing!

  • Arte y Vida: I love this place it is next to Hotel Dos Mares.
    Music, Cocktail… It’s the perfect place to chill!!
    And also very good bbq during the day!
    If you want to see handsome people don’t miss this spot!

  • Spinout: it´s one of the best place for windsurfing kite.
    they have 140 Tabou boards and 280 Gaastra sails for rent.
    And of course a chiringuito next to it!
    Tangana: Very cool chiringuito. “Hippy – chic style”.

    EVENING PLANS:
    In order to have a few drinks and relax alter a long day of sun I recommend:
    -Gunlao
    -Café del Mar
    -Arte y Vida
    -Tres Mares
    -Explora

    NIGHTLIFE:

    -Pepepotamos
    -Mosquito
    -La Ruina
    -El Misiana
    -Terracita
    -JM

    FOR DINNER:

  • La Sacristía: it is a very nice place.
    Good meal and perfect for afterwards have a few drinks

  • 100% Fun: The only problem is that they only accept cash!

  • Venta el Tito:Wonderful meat in a beautiful terrace
    Try to get there soon in case of wind to pick up a nice table!

  • Pacha Mamma: It is a fun place, chill out, music, bbq, nice people.

  • Souk Bar: Marooco Food, very cute place!

  • Casa Amarilla

  • *El Tesoro: It is hard to get there but if you are planning a special evening this is your place & if you have full moon…

    HISTORICAL LANDMARKS of the city include:

  • the well-preserved Guzman castle, near the port, built by order of caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III (960). Annexed are the Guzmán el Bueno Tower (13th century) and the church of St. Mary, on the site of a former mosque


  • remains of the medieval walls. Of three gates once existing, today the Puerta de Jerez (13th cenury) has survived


  • Church of St. Matthew, built in the early 16th century in Gothic style, also over a former mosque. Teh façAde was redesigned by Torcuato Cayón de la Vega in 1774.


  • The ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, located nearby.

  • Visit Marooco 35 min away from tarifa

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