Category Archives: SPAIN

Sevilla, Granada, BARCELONA, and Madrid!

Madrid!

“Barca, Barca, Barcaaa” was the only thing going through my head when I arrived in Madrid. Coming from such a vibrant and passionate city as Barcelona, I was extremely skeptical when my dad and I stepped off the train in

Madrid!

“Barca, Barca, Barcaaa” was the only thing going through my head when I arrived in Madrid. Coming from such a vibrant and passionate city as Barcelona, I was extremely skeptical when my dad and I stepped off the train in

Sevilla Tradition

I would consider myself an extreme sports fan. Aside from playing almost every sport, I love going to games, matches, competitions, anything having to do with a #fieldcourtarenarinkstadium$20parking$5nosebleedsectionconcessionstandridiculousfanschants&cheersblood&tears ….it’s all natural to me! Granted, I would rather play than watch–I

Sevilla Tradition

I would consider myself an extreme sports fan. Aside from playing almost every sport, I love going to games, matches, competitions, anything having to do with a #fieldcourtarenarinkstadium$20parking$5nosebleedsectionconcessionstandridiculousfanschants&cheersblood&tears ….it’s all natural to me! Granted, I would rather play than watch–I

The Alhambra of Granada-Slideshow

The Alhambra of Granada

Spain has been overwhelmingly good to my dad and I. After staying in Sevilla for a few days we went to Granada for only one night on our way to Barcelona. If you haven’t heard of Granada or the Alhambra, I strongly suggest looking them up! I’ve always secretly considered myself a gypsy at heart, and Granada gave me the necessary motivation to “come out” of the gypsy closet because you feel so in touch with the town and it’s carefree ways. Each person’s pace of life is their own and with so many ethnicities and cultures swirling around the town through tourists and exchange University students, nobody cares enough to judge what’s “normal” from what’s not.

The town is a little piece of treasure hidden in the hills of Spain. Rolling hills covered with cobblestone walkways, flower pots and laundry hanging out of windows, and gypsy’s offering to trade/sell you anything you like “por only un euro, bonita.” I didn’t know whether I should put my nose ring hoop in and take off my sandals, or grab a soccer ball and see if any locals had heard of the modern changes made to the century old game of futbol. Life and time stops in Granada. Priorities, stress and concerns vanish in Granada. I found peace in Granada. I feel as though I would need a large wardrobe and a small british child in order to find it again.

The best part of the city is mounted proudly on the hill overlooking the entire valley: The Alhambra. This Moorish/Baroque Palace was originally built in the 8th century by the Muslim Leader Muhammad (the 1st, or 5th or 9th….or something), and was partially reconstructed later in the 16th century when Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand took over Spain and declared it strictly Catholic. They banished the Muslims but there is still a lot of Muslim and even African culture in Granada (hence, my beloved gypsy’s) that was never fully removed. That’s what makes it so surreal and enchanting I suppose.

I have attached pictures of the Alhambra that don’t bring it nearly enough justice, but if you have time, click on this link (it’s only wikipedia, but it will give you some more info):

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra

The Alhambra of Granada-Slideshow

The Alhambra of Granada

Spain has been overwhelmingly good to my dad and I. After staying in Sevilla for a few days we went to Granada for only one night on our way to Barcelona. If you haven’t heard of Granada or the Alhambra, I strongly suggest looking them up! I’ve always secretly considered myself a gypsy at heart, and Granada gave me the necessary motivation to “come out” of the gypsy closet because you feel so in touch with the town and it’s carefree ways. Each person’s pace of life is their own and with so many ethnicities and cultures swirling around the town through tourists and exchange University students, nobody cares enough to judge what’s “normal” from what’s not.

The town is a little piece of treasure hidden in the hills of Spain. Rolling hills covered with cobblestone walkways, flower pots and laundry hanging out of windows, and gypsy’s offering to trade/sell you anything you like “por only un euro, bonita.” I didn’t know whether I should put my nose ring hoop in and take off my sandals, or grab a soccer ball and see if any locals had heard of the modern changes made to the century old game of futbol. Life and time stops in Granada. Priorities, stress and concerns vanish in Granada. I found peace in Granada. I feel as though I would need a large wardrobe and a small british child in order to find it again.

The best part of the city is mounted proudly on the hill overlooking the entire valley: The Alhambra. This Moorish/Baroque Palace was originally built in the 8th century by the Muslim Leader Muhammad (the 1st, or 5th or 9th….or something), and was partially reconstructed later in the 16th century when Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand took over Spain and declared it strictly Catholic. They banished the Muslims but there is still a lot of Muslim and even African culture in Granada (hence, my beloved gypsy’s) that was never fully removed. That’s what makes it so surreal and enchanting I suppose.

I have attached pictures of the Alhambra that don’t bring it nearly enough justice, but if you have time, click on this link (it’s only wikipedia, but it will give you some more info):

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra

Gaudi

Gaudi

Rooftop of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo

Gaudi

Gaudi

Rooftop of Gaudi’s Casa Batllo

VAMOS ESPANA

First stop this summer is Spain! It is the country I am most excited about because I’m always trying to build up my weak Spanish roots and because my beloved FC Barcelona is from here! I’m traveling with my dad

VAMOS ESPANA

First stop this summer is Spain! It is the country I am most excited about because I’m always trying to build up my weak Spanish roots and because my beloved FC Barcelona is from here! I’m traveling with my dad

Spanish Beginnings

After arriving in Madrid we took a train to Sevilla, where we encountered the overwhelming heat and Spanish stares. With our 3 pieces of giant luggage (2 being mine), I guess we didn’t exactly blend in. Contrary to what I

Spanish Beginnings

After arriving in Madrid we took a train to Sevilla, where we encountered the overwhelming heat and Spanish stares. With our 3 pieces of giant luggage (2 being mine), I guess we didn’t exactly blend in. Contrary to what I