Photo Essays of Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Monserrat, Segovia, Granada, Cordoba, Gibraltar, San Sebastian, Guernica, Bilbao, and more…
Vamanos! (Let’s go!)
Barcelona
Barcelona MetroLas RamblasCasa MilaLa BoqueriaThe more reasonably priced hotels have old world charm and no elevators.And some of the facilities can be quite “cozy”, as seen in this shared aseo.La Sagrada Familia… by far, the most beautiful, audacious, jaw-dropping piece of architecture I have ever seen. So much so that it alone is enough to justify a trip to Barcelona!
Dali Museum, Figueres
Mae West in 3-D, Dali Museum
Montserrat
Montserrat MonasteryMontserrat Monastery Chapel
Madrid
Finding your hotel is easy once you realize that the signs are little more than a small plaque in the doorway.Greenpeace LadiesJamonEvening PaseoPlaza MayorPlaza Mayor EntertainerPlaza Sol DemonstrationGuitarist, Retiro ParkFootball, Retiro ParkBig Chief, Plaza SolPolicia, Plaza SolRoller Skaters, Plaza SolStreet Entertainer, Plaza SolTapas, El AbueloPatatas BravasTurkish Football fans, Plaza Sol
Atocha Station Memorial
Located at Atocha station in Madrid, commemorating 191(2) victims of the 11 March 2004 train bombings.
Atocha Bombing MemorialNo fear, no revenge, just peace.
Segovia
The fairy tale castle (alcazar) is second to none.Alcazar InteriorThe ancient Roman aqueduct alone makes Segovia worth a visit.Toledo Alcazar
Valley of the Fallen
Valley of the Fallen is a very strange place indeed. It does not seem to know what it is dedicated to. Is it the tomb of Dictator Francisco Franco or a memorial to all the victims of the Spanish Civil War?
It seems that it cannot be both. As such the monument remains a subject of intense controversy.
Controversy aside, the site is an impressive engineering and architecture project (the cross is 500 feet tall)Ensalada Mixta
Granada is absolutely dripping wet with Moorish influence. The exquisitely beautiful Alhambra is the main draw here, but don’t miss
AlbayzinAlhambra TreeThe crypt of Isabella and Ferdinand of Christopher Columbus and Spanish Inquisition “fame”
Nerja
Nerja CavesTortillaThe mixed salads throughout Spain are absolutely fresh and delicious!Young Communists
Ronda
Sevilla
Gypsy ladies ready to “charm” unsuspecting touristsFutbol is a religion
Gibraltar (geographically part of Spain)
“The rock” is taller, steeper, and more massive than I expected, topping out at 1400 feet elevation. Geographically part of the Iberian Peninsula, but politically eminently British.
Looking North across the airport runway into AndaluciaHeads up: If you climb the rock, you will meet the Barbary macaques, whose manner and body language make it quite clear that you are in their house. Don’t dare to bring food along. They will snatch it. And don’t even carry anything that merely suggests you have something fun to eat or you WILL lose it.
Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum alone make Bilbao worth one night’s stay.
Guggenheim Museum
Gernika (Guernica)
Gernika (Guernica), bombed by the Nazis at Franco’s request, is the namesake of Picasso’s world-famous anti-war piece.
The original oak tree, enshrined for posterity near the assembly house.Basque separatist sentiments remain strong and are quite visible…Replica of Picasso’s anti awr masterpieceThe famous stained-glass ceiling. (The oak tree symbolizes Basque pride and freedom).
Lekeitio
Lekeitio is an authentic fishing village on the North coast of Spain.My guardian angel, who graciously directed me to my hostel when she noticed how lost I looked.Good Friday ProcessionFriendly gentlemen enjoying lifeHighly visible reminder that this is Basque country.
San Sebastian (Donastia)
Picturesque San Sebastián (Donastia in Euskara) is in the heart of Basque country…
La Playa de la Concha, a unique crescent of sand that seamlessly connects the city with the seaPerro Caliente y Cervesawhere ETA separatist sentiments are quite visible.
