Tapas to Flamenco

Tapas to Flamenco

Spain is a very popular destination and I have been blessed with going there many times. I think it is the No.l. European destination for the British and many people have bought a second home there, or retired there because of the climate and excellent prices. My grandparents rented a house there every summer, and my younger sister did her masters degree at Barcelona University so I went regularly to see her. Over the years, we have explored every part of the land and always enjoyed each visit.

When I think of Spain, I think of tapas, which is the first course of a meal, the appetizer. These small dishes reflect the wonderful variety of food found in Mediterranean cooking. You can go in any tavern or bar and have a glass of wine or beer and try their tapas. I love a glass of sherry, and they have a wonderful selection of the finest you can buy. Drinking is not excessive here and one wouldn’t think of drinking without eating. You can have sherry, pastis, wine, ouzo or raki along with your tapas. You can fill up on the variety of what is offered, and don’t need a big meal. Both lunch and dinner are eaten late so having some tapas are meant to stave off hunger and whet your appetite. Many taverns and bars have wonderful guitar music and the dancing and flamenco you will see is outstanding. I can honestly say that over the years, we have eaten our way around most of the small streets and become experts on the food and music. I remember munching happily at a dish of “something” while sipping my dry sherry and finally I asked what I was eating. The chap at the bar didn’t know the English word so he drew me an octopus. I didn’t eat any more.

For your first time to Spain, I would take a packaged tour which will save you time and money. A good one is Spain’s Classics, 11 days and 14 meals from a price of $2,649, land only. Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona. You can find a 7 day tour, and then spend a few days on your own in whatever part of the land you choose. There are several excellent companies who will take you on a wonderful tour of Spain, such as Abercrombie & Kent, Insight, Tauck, Globus, and Collette. You can join a group with as few as 15 people, and the hotel accommodation is usually in a central location and excellent choice. A must is to see a flamenco show, and there are lots of wonderful palaces, churches and museums to explore. If you want to include a few days at the beach, then you should make sure you go south, to the Costa Del Sol, and relax there. Another option would be to have a few days in the Balearic Islands, Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. I like Majorca the best for a variety of reasons.

Spain has had several invaders and you will find food from that country blended into today’s culture. The markets are fun to wander around, looking at the vegetables, herbs, and the wonderful selection of fish. I love seeing the citrus groves, and the variety of olives grown here. They are famous for their olive oils. The Arab Moors ruled for some 800 years, so many places have wonderful architecture, lots of fountains, and magnificent gardens.

Shopping is superb. I always buy something in leather, shoes, handbag, or jacket. The selection and prices are good. The jewelry is also unique, and worth looking at. Ask for a VAT tax refund and when you get to the airport, go to the European Union tax rebate desk. Allow plenty of time, there is always a queue.

English is widely spoken, and it is known for making foreign visitors feel welcome.

Going to see a bull fight is an experience and worth seeing for the ceremony and watching the Spanish enjoy this pastime.

If you rent a car, the roads in some regions are very poor. Excellent train service between major cities.

Summer in the Mediterranean region can be hot, so choose your time to visit wisely. First thing I do is buy a straw hat, you will need one.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com