Posts Tagged ‘barcelona’

Barcelona, Spain

Saturday, March 14th, 2009

Barcelona is a charming and elegant city that will enchant you from the moment you arrive. The city has become a destination for world-famous architects, many inspired by Barcelona’s native son, architect Antonio Gaudi. In fact, the city’s skyline is most famous for Gaudi’s masterpiece, his unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral. The most famous street in Spain, the tree-lined boulevard Las Ramblas, is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually jam-packed with shoppers. As soon as the sun sets, the city’s many bars and restaurants come to life. Dinner is typically between 9:00 pm and midnight, and the bars and nightclubs are open well into the early hours of the morning.

If you on a tour, make sure you have at least 2 nights in Barcelona. Cruisers – take note that many Mediterranean cruises begin here, but you do not have time to see Barcelona. Make sure and add a few pre or post nights if you have the time so you can enjoy this great city.

Spain Travel: Tapas! Authentic Spanish Cuisine

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Tapas are canapes served day in & day out in every bar & cafe in Spain. They can be served cold or warm. You can have them as appetizers, or combine them for a full meal. Popular items for tapas are cheese, omlettes, ham, sausage, meatballs, seafood, veggies & bread.

Tapas is a tradition that is believed to have begun in the 19th century in Andalusia, where single slices of cheese or ham were used to “cover” glasses of sherry to deter flies (Spanish verb Tapar means to cover). After finishing their drink people would eat the ham or cheese. Tapas are so much a part of the culture & social scene in Spain, that they invented the verb tapear which means to go & eat tapas!

Want to experience authentic tapas in Spain? You can travel November through March on a 6 night package to Barcelona & Madrid for as low as $619 per person for the hotel, taxes & train between both cities. Or why not prepare your own Tapas in Spain on the Catacurian: Wine & Cruise of the Priorat as featured in Gourmet Magazine, May 2008?