Spain: Where Everything Began
"Demasiada cordura puede ser la peor de las locuras, ver la vida como es y no como debería de ser." Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be. Miguel Cervantes
This section is particularly important, more to myself than to my readers - although some of them might be especially interested in traveling in Spain. The reason for this is very simple: Spain, or Madrid to be precise, is the very place where I lived abroad for the first time in my life. I went there for an Erasmus program: what a thrilling experience! Of course, there were ups and downs, for this stay was a totally new situation for me. But it was by far the most intense months in personal evolution and self-knowledge. And most importantly, it was the first step of an intoxicating need to travel and live in different countries for the years following my Erasmus...
I will spare you lines and lines of elation about personal and social enrichment that a stay abroad represents, and will go straight to the point: what is to be visited in Madrid, Avila, Segovia, Almerìa, Slamanca ... and maybe Cordoba and Granada if I ever find my photographs again.
I will spare you lines and lines of elation about personal and social enrichment that a stay abroad represents, and will go straight to the point: what is to be visited in Madrid, Avila, Segovia, Almerìa, Slamanca ... and maybe Cordoba and Granada if I ever find my photographs again.
Madrid
The Corazonada (celebrating the candidacy of Spain to host the Olympics in 2016) around the Correos Cibeles.
To be honest, Madrid is not the city where I would live. What a weird way to introduce it, isn't it? But the reasons I am going to give you will certainly make you want to visit it. It is a city that never rests. Hectic, full of life and people. The streets are crowded all the time. The stores are open late and on Sundays. The bars are swarm with Spaniards and tourists. Silence is nowhere to be heard. In other words : it is tiring, and intoxicating. But for a short period of time it is an incredibly stimulating atmosphere. And when I say "short", I mean several months. But not an entire life. Well, I personally couldn't.
So what is this dynamic climate made of? Of course, everybody has heard about tapas and sangria. There are a bunch of restaurants that offer this convivial type of food, but the one I preferred was the Lateral. As for the sangria, make sure to try the big "jarras" at Las Cuevas del Sésamo. Finally, if you like the Spanish ham, the famous serano, El Museo del Jamòn will be heaven for you.
So what is this dynamic climate made of? Of course, everybody has heard about tapas and sangria. There are a bunch of restaurants that offer this convivial type of food, but the one I preferred was the Lateral. As for the sangria, make sure to try the big "jarras" at Las Cuevas del Sésamo. Finally, if you like the Spanish ham, the famous serano, El Museo del Jamòn will be heaven for you.
El Palacio de Cristal, built in 1887 by Ricardo Velàsquez Bosco.
Let us stop talking food and switch to culture. Madrid hosts some of the most famous masterpieces in the world, among which Guernica by Picasso. You definitely should visit the museum Reina Sofía where it is exhibited, a former hospital. If you want to spend even more time admiring paintings as Goya's or Dali's, the Prado Museum will keep you busy for at lease 4 hours... if you rush!
But Madrid also offers opportunities of less intellectual activities like shopping and clubbing. It goes from mainstream and touristy clubs - Joy, Pacha, Shanghaï - to alternative places like Salacul. No need to show up before 2 am, or you will find yourself alone with a few lost tourists in the middle of the floor. After a night of clubbing, nothing could beat a good after party with churros. Just follow the Spaniards, they will lead you to the secret spots.
Madrid also has many green places where you can relax. Do not miss the Templo de Debod in the West Park. This temple of the Egyptian god Amon was built in the 2nd Century and was formerly in Debod (in Nuba). They brought it and re-build it in Madrid in 1972. But the West Park is a very small one compared to the Parque del Retiro, where the beautiful Palacio de Cristal stands. It usually hosts artistic exhibitions. You can have a siesta in the park or take a little boat on the small lake (or should I say pond?). Finally, one of my favorite activities on Sundays: wander through the crowd in the market El Rastro. Bags, jewels, clothes, handicrafts, flea market, CDs... there is something for everyone. For a brunch, you can walk from the streets Cava baja to the Cava alta and you will find tens of welcoming restaurants.
But Madrid also offers opportunities of less intellectual activities like shopping and clubbing. It goes from mainstream and touristy clubs - Joy, Pacha, Shanghaï - to alternative places like Salacul. No need to show up before 2 am, or you will find yourself alone with a few lost tourists in the middle of the floor. After a night of clubbing, nothing could beat a good after party with churros. Just follow the Spaniards, they will lead you to the secret spots.
Madrid also has many green places where you can relax. Do not miss the Templo de Debod in the West Park. This temple of the Egyptian god Amon was built in the 2nd Century and was formerly in Debod (in Nuba). They brought it and re-build it in Madrid in 1972. But the West Park is a very small one compared to the Parque del Retiro, where the beautiful Palacio de Cristal stands. It usually hosts artistic exhibitions. You can have a siesta in the park or take a little boat on the small lake (or should I say pond?). Finally, one of my favorite activities on Sundays: wander through the crowd in the market El Rastro. Bags, jewels, clothes, handicrafts, flea market, CDs... there is something for everyone. For a brunch, you can walk from the streets Cava baja to the Cava alta and you will find tens of welcoming restaurants.
Almería
Ruins in Almería, Andalusia
I missed especially one thing in Madrid: water. Water around or in the city. As an inhabitant of Lausanne, I am used to having a blue hedge in my city, a place to look at to meet peacefulness, a place to go away from the urban environment. Madrid being a very dry area, you need to drive a few hours, take a train or a plane to find yourself in front of a vast blue stretch.
If, like me, you prefer quiet beaches and try to avoid touristy places at the sea, you should go to
Almería, a city situated in Andalusia. You will come across empty beaches, abandoned houses, ruins of castles...
For me, one of the highlights of the region is the natural parc Cabo de Gata-Nijar. Apart from the stunning views and treks this place offers, there is a hippie community that lives in a quasi autarcy in a small village. Don't be shy and do not hesitate to embrace their way-of-living: take off your swimsuit and enjoy the nature; you are part of it!
Ávila
A walk on the Walls of Ávila is the highlight of this little city.
Away from the seaside, Ávila will delight those who are attracted by Middle-Age looking cities. Known as the ciudad amurallada ("walled city"), this little city is located in the autonomous community of Castile and Leòn. It was nicknamed after the roman walls that surround the core of the city and that used to protect its inhabitants from assailants. The walls, along with churches and the historical district are now classified in UNESCO's World heritage.
Built in the 11th Century, the Walls have a diameter of more than 2.5 kilometers and contains 9 impressive gates and 88 towers. It is worth going on top of it and walk on its edge : you will catch an amazing view on the city, like the Plaza Mayor.
Built in the 11th Century, the Walls have a diameter of more than 2.5 kilometers and contains 9 impressive gates and 88 towers. It is worth going on top of it and walk on its edge : you will catch an amazing view on the city, like the Plaza Mayor.
Vista on the Plaza Mayor and the Church of San Pedro
Every city that I visited in Spain has a Plaza Mayor. These places were used for markets, executions and important national events. The first I saw was in Madrid so I tend to compare any other Plaza Mayor to it. And I must say that they usually present the same architectural features - rectangular, sided by long and old buildings with balconies, enlightened during the night. But Ávila's Plaza Mayor was very different: an old church, the roman church of San Pedro, can be seen on one side, while alternating old and new buildings compose the other sides of the place.
If you plan to go to Ávila in October, it is the best choice you could do, because the Fiesta de Santa Teresa will take place in all over the city. Music bands, bulls fights, and religious processions will keep you entertained every day.
If you plan to go to Ávila in October, it is the best choice you could do, because the Fiesta de Santa Teresa will take place in all over the city. Music bands, bulls fights, and religious processions will keep you entertained every day.
Segovia
The 166 arcades of the Roman aqueduct are simply breathtaking.
Very near from Ávila is another lovely little city, also classified as World Heritage by the UNESCO: Segovia. It is especially famous for its aqueduct, a reminiscence of the Roman time. Built between the 1st and 2nd Century, it is by far one of the most beautiful examples of aqueducts in the world. Its 166 arcades rhythm the 1200 meters of the monument, on two levels.
Apart from this impressive monument, a lot of ancient buildings are worth a visit: you will come across numerous roman churches that revel an intense religious activity in the Middle-Age.
Another picturesque building that you cannot miss in Segovia is the Alcazar, a beautiful fortified castle said to have inspired Walt Disney for its logo. Like all the Alcazars in Spain, it was built during the Arabic domination. It was first conceived as a fortress but later served as a royal palace, a State prison, and a military academy.
The other architectural emblem of Segovia is the cathedral, high and of an immaculate white. One of the last Gothic buildings built in Europe, it was ordered under Charles Quint's reign in the 16th Century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is located in the main place of the city, not very surprisingly called "Plaza Mayor".
Like most of the cities in Spain, the lovers of ancient buildings will be delighted during their visits, while gourmets and adepts at sangria will find their way in the bars and restaurants to drink a few (or more) glasses accompanied with delicious tapas. Bon appétit!
Like most of the cities in Spain, the lovers of ancient buildings will be delighted during their visits, while gourmets and adepts at sangria will find their way in the bars and restaurants to drink a few (or more) glasses accompanied with delicious tapas. Bon appétit!
Salamanca
The Plaza Mayor in Slamanca, one of the main meeting point for students before partying.
Finally, here is a perfect Plaza Mayor, very similar to that of Madrid. This one is in Salamanca, a destination for Erasmus programs. Moreover, the oldest university of Spain is the Universidad de Salamanca. In other words: a lot of students, many bars and cheap restaurants, and an intense nightlife.
It also contains beautiful ancient buildings, such as the breathtaking Cathedral Nueva de Salamanca (a mix between Gothic and Baroque) and the Convent of San Esteban. If you visit the original building of the university, make sure to spot the frog on its main wall: according to the legend, students who cannot see it will fail their year at the University. Good luck!
It also contains beautiful ancient buildings, such as the breathtaking Cathedral Nueva de Salamanca (a mix between Gothic and Baroque) and the Convent of San Esteban. If you visit the original building of the university, make sure to spot the frog on its main wall: according to the legend, students who cannot see it will fail their year at the University. Good luck!
