Picasso, a Spaniard who became one of the most famous artists in the world. Here in the beautiful Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the Picasso Museum which showcases over one thousand of Picasso’s paintings from his youth to his adult life. This museum is a great way to see the talent of Picasso from the age of 5 to the time he died in 1973 at the age of 91. Continue reading Picasso Museum & the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain
All posts by surreyfarms.net
Palau de la Música Catalana. Barcelona, Spain
If you like architecture and are a classical music lover, then this concert hall in the heart of Barcelona is a must see. While the rest of us were focused on the famed Gaudi sites, the popular Gothic Quarter, Picasso Museum and Buqueria Market, our daughter Rani who plays the cello was most excited about seeing the Palau de Musica Catalana. What an unexpected treat this concert hall turned out to be! The Pulau de Musica Catalana may not be Gaudi or Picasso but is a worthwhile “off the beaten path” visit in the heart of Barcelona. Continue reading Palau de la Música Catalana. Barcelona, Spain
Gaudí and Barcelona
A visit to Barcelona isn’t complete without a look at the famed Gaudi buldings in the city. Barcelona and Gaudi are words that are inexplicalby intertwined. Gaudí is the most famous architect in the Catalan region of Spain with Barcelona showcasing most of Gaudi’s buildings. Continue reading Gaudí and Barcelona
La Boqueria Market. Barcelona, Spain
For a colorful respite from your sightseeing excursions in Barcelona, head to this market for a fun-filled foodie experience. Think Farmer’s Market, combined with artisanal faire, combined with truck stop foods, combined with spice market. La Boqueria Market in Barcelona, Spain is a market for foodies. Any food one desires can be found at this market. Be it cooked, raw or fresh, its here. Spices, meats, cheese, olive oil, dried fruits, empanadas, ice cream, sangria, produce – you name it, you got it. What a treat for the senses!! Color, tastes, sounds, and aromas, every sense is on overload here. Continue reading La Boqueria Market. Barcelona, Spain
The Gardens of the Alhambra. Granada, Spain
The Alhambra Castle and Fortress in Granada has to be one of the most visited places in Spain with five to eight thousand visitors a day from all over the world. This giant castle and fortress compound spans over 35 acres and is covered in the most stunning gardens I have ever seen. This spectacular Palace, Fortress and Gardens takes over five hours to explore but truly the most amazing aspect of this visit are the gardens of the Alhambra. The flowers, the fountains, the reflecting pools, the kitchen gardens, the orchards, each and every part of the landscape at this thousand year old complex is awe-inspiring. It is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions, and showcases the country’s most significant and well-known Islamic architecture, combined with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden designs. I was so in awe of the gardens here that most of my photos are of the palace gardens and a few pictures of the palace itself. Here is a look at the gardens of the Alhambra. Continue reading The Gardens of the Alhambra. Granada, Spain
Real Alcazar Palace. Seville, Spain
Happy Monday!
Hope you had a great weekend!
This week I ‘d like to continue my series of posts on our recent holiday in Spain with a look at the Real Alcazar Palace in Seville, the majestic and grand Alhambra Castle in Granada, and then end the week with a look at our fun-filled holiday in Barcelona. Continue reading Real Alcazar Palace. Seville, Spain
Cantaloupe and Sugar Snap Peas Salad with Feta and Pistachios
This is a sweet refreshing salad with the cheesy tang of fresh feta and a mustardy vinaigrette. Cantaloupe adds not only a fruity flavor in this salad but also gives the salad some heft. Then add in thinly sliced sugar snap peas, thinly sliced onions and cucumber and this becomes a delicious salad that is sweet, fruity, crunchy and tangy. Served with some crusty bread and a chilled glass of anything drink, this makes for a wonderful light Sunday salad dinner on any hot sweltering summer evening. Continue reading Cantaloupe and Sugar Snap Peas Salad with Feta and Pistachios
Triana Square & Ceramics in Sevilla, Spain
Across the bridge from the main city of Seville on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River sits the charming neighborhood of Triana. This off the beaten path area is a discovery of our daughter Rani while she was researching places to see in Sevilla. What a cool find Triana turned out to be, as Triana is the most picturesque neighborhood in Sevilla. Continue reading Triana Square & Ceramics in Sevilla, Spain
Bull Fighting Arena. Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza in Seville, Spain
A bullring with over 240 years of history, built in 1761, Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza in Seville, Spain is today a landmark in Spanish bullfighting. With all the controversy surrounding bullfighting, my kids weren’t keen on seeing this museum in Seville, but I on the other hand was excited to tour this historic arena, Why? Because this is such an integral part of Spain’s culture that it’s hard not to separate bullfighting from the fabric of Spain. And as with any cultural tradition this too is steeped in history and a story of how this sport came about in the first place is what can be understood at this historic museum and still working arena. Continue reading Bull Fighting Arena. Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza in Seville, Spain
Exploring Seville, Spain. Off the Beaten Path
Seville, Spain, the largest city in Southern Spain is a cultural goldmine. Flamenco, bull fighting, cathedrals, palaces, all come together in this beautiful city. Must see sites include the Real Alcazar Palace, Cathedral Seville, Bull Fighting Arena, old town, and Maria Luisa Park. In this post however I would like to share with you the sites and sounds that are not on the “must see tourist list.” Continue reading Exploring Seville, Spain. Off the Beaten Path
