Time to Party in Calella, Spain

Hey folks! I am back here! How are you doing? I hope you are doing great  this month. Time flies so fast that we are already on the seventh month of the year 2015. I can't also imagine that we are already on the middle of July. This means that my big day is almost fast approaching and it is time to celebrate once in a while.

Back to the main topic..I just miss those days where I had fun with friends during that trip in Spain. I can say I had a bash that time and I can never forget those days especially the nights when we just sat down on the restaurants and bars drinking wine or tasting local foods.

Our hotel is around some minutes walk from the beach in Callela. Every night, there are live performances along the beach especially at the restaurants and bars. You can witness live bands playing good music with their musical instruments and singers. I am not quite sure if the lead singer used a mudguard in that band group where we witnessed in one of the nights when we were there.
Nightlife in Calella  is indeed never boring.

For you information the seaside town of Calella is located on the Costa del Maresme, 58 km northeast of Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. Today, the town has been an attraction to many tourists especially from Europe and locals due to its nice  beach and  nightlife.

The Street Performers in Madrid

It is always good to remember past travels. Thanks to my digital cameras, I can always turn back time by looking all the photographs I took from my travels. One great example was my trip in Spain's capital. Madrid is one of the cities I love in Europe and I still want to go back there even though I already visited it twice.

A very funny street performer in Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain.

 The last time I visited Madrid last last winter 2012. I had a great time in this city walking around from east to west and from north to south. This is the only European capital where I explored most of its corners. I always walked around Madrid everyday during that trip that after each day walk, I need an exciting foot rest. Walking can be very tiresome if you don't do it in a pace.

One I thing, I remember most in Madrid are the many street performers you can see around especially in Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. There are musicians playing too and they really play good music.

One of these days, I believed I will visit Madrid again!

Had Fun With Friends in El Escorial, Spain

I read this saying somewhere this week. It says something like this, "Travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you rich". I was struck by it and I believed I never made a mistake when I go traveling. This is one thing that makes me really happy and I have  a passion for it.  I feel  glad and contented everytime I visit a new place. It seems that it is adding days to my life.  Of course,  I  only travel  when time and finances are available. For me, this saying is indeed true! First, you will be rich with the many travel experiences you gather. Second, I find it very interesting to know the life and culture of  people in a certain  place or country.  I am very  thankful of  the many chances  and opportunities  given to me  when talking about travelling.

I guess,  it is time to begin my main topic.  I miss my friends from Spain especially in Madrid. I met good and nice people  there during my three weeks visit last year. One day, I and some of my friends decided to visit El Escorial.  Some of them already  work and live in Madrid for many years but haven't been to El Escorial yet. They were so happy when I mentioned that I want to go to this monastery. Two of my friends went with me there.

Since we already decided to go late in the afternoon  that day, the El Escorial sightseeing tour already ended. The gate going inside the  monastery where you can buy  entrance tickets  was already closed. We ended up  going around on its exterior. Even though, I  did not see its interior, I was still happy when that trip ended.

These are some pictures taken during our trip last   March 2012 to El Escorial.

The Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial,  known for short as The El Escorial.

The Courtyard of the King and the Basilica.

 Here is a bit information about El Escorial:

• It is a historical residence  of the King of Spain, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
• Juan Bautista de Toledo is the architect  in the design of El Escorial.
• On November 2, 1984, UNESCO declared The Royal Site of San Lorenzo of El Escorial a World Heritage Site.
• Originally a property of the Hieronymite monks, it is now a monastery of the Order of Saint Augustine.
•   The Escorial comprises two architectural complexes of great historical and cultural significance: the royal monastery itself and La Granjilla de La Fresneda, a royal hunting lodge and monastic retreat about five kilometres away.

View of Albayzin from the Alhambra in Granada

It was one of the best travels I had last 2011. Visiting Andalusia was  very memorable for me. This region of Spain has a lot to offer to its  guests and tourists. I am one of those who was happy and contented  coming home after seeing the beauty of this region.

Our 4-star hotel  is located in Granada, where we stayed for some nights. From there we  had some trips to Cordoba, Seville, Albayzin and Granada as well.  We also visited Toledo and Madrid  during that 8-days trip. I never heard about  Boaz Saragossi when I visited Andalusia. I thought  he is a Spanish product designer but I guess he is  an Italian. Any idea?

Palacio de los Abbecerajes in Alhambra.

During our sightseeing in Granada, we also visited Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex in this city.  This architecture is very interesting considering its construction and history.

View of the Albayzin from a window in Alhambra palace. Taken during our trip last autumn  2011.

Albayzin is a district located in Granada near the Alhambra. Albayzin along with Alhambra,  are now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The Statue in front of the Alcazar of Segovia

I visited Segovia once. I was in Madrid that time and made a day-trip to Segovia.  I boarded the Renfe, a fast train in Spain. If you arrive at the train station of Segovia, you still need to take the bus going to the Old Town . I guess it will take around 15 minutes for the ride. 

There were many tourists visiting this historical  city of Segovia when I was there.  The bus where I rode was  full .  That was quite an adventure for me when I was there because I was alone. I don't have any idea where to go exactly and what sights to see. Good to know that near the aqueduct of Segovia, the tourist  office can be found. I went there immediately and ask for a plan for sights to see. 

That was  quite a short visit in Segovia but at least I had seen it once in my life. 

The Alcazar of Segovia during my visit last March 2012.

 I had a walk around the Old City including the Alcazar of Segovia, the royal palace located on top of a rock between the rivers Eresma and Clamores, is documented for the first time in 1122, although it may exist in earlier time

Monument located in front of the Alcazar of Segovia.

Words encrypted  on the  monument  above.

"A LOS CAPITANES DE ARTILLERIA D. LUIS DAOIZ D.  PEDRO VELARDE LA NACION ESPANOLA."

I translated  these words using google and it  means:  
"TO MASTERS OF ARTILLERY D. Daoiz LUIS D. Pedro Velarde THE SPANISH NATION. "

Visiting Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain

When I first visited Spain last  December 2011, I told myself that I must also visit Barcelona one day.  During my first visit, we had a sightseeing in  some of the cities in Andalusian region including Cordoba, Seville and Granada. We also visited Madrid  and Toledo that time.

I visited it  again for the second time in March 2012 hoping to get a temporary job in Madrid.  That job did not materialized. It is a long story and I  will try to share it next time. While staying in  Spain's capital city for almost three weeks, I did some sidetrips to Avila, Guadalajara, Alcala de Henares, Aranjuez and  El Escorial. During my stay there, I also had the chance to visit most  corners  of the city.I will never get lost in Madrid because this is the only city in Europe  where I explored most.

My visit in Spain happened for the third time. Last summer 2012 in July, my friends invited me for a bus trip  from Germany to Catalonia's capital city.  It was a very exhausting long long trip but we  enjoyed it  a lot. To make the story short,  I finally  visited Barcelona.

Bird nests built by Gaudí in the terrace walls.© http://myeurotravelandadventures.blogspot.com

One of the sights we visited is  Park Güell. It is located on the hill of El Carmel in the Gracia district of Barcelona. The famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi designed and built it from 1900 to 1914.

We had a walk around the park.  The weather was quite hot that time  despite being cloudy. I was informed that the best time to visit Barcelona is during autumn season, in October or November.  During our walk, I saw the Gaudi House Museum, the dragon or salamander mosaic at the entrance of the park, the viaduct, colonnade partway, mosaic on the ceiling of Hypostyle Room and the pavilion at the entrance.

Park Güell or Parc Güell in Catalan is not listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites under "Works of Antoni Gaudi. I still wish to visit this park again.

More travel stories in this blogs; Europe Travel Pad, Countryside Trip and Travel Snapshots.

Buildings at the entrance of  park Güell. From the main terrace of the park, you can have a  nice view of the city of Barcelona.   © http://myeurotravelandadventures.blogspot.com

Snapshots from Seville Spain- The Plaza de España

I was browsing some of my photo albums in my external hard drive. I found out that it is exactly a year now since I and my friend paid a visit to the beautiful city of Seville in Spain. Known in Spanish as Sevilla, it is a beautiful capital city of Andalusia region known for its architecture, culture and many interesting sights.

One of the  sights we visited in  Seville  was the Plaza de España or the Spain Square. I never forgot one of the things we did as we were there. What can you do when nature is calling and you have nowhere to go. This square is located in the Parque de María Luisa or the Maria Luisa Park. It has a Renaissance  Revival style  in Spanish architecture.

Since our time is very limited during our visit, we ended up not going all around the Plaza de  España. I still wish to visit this city again.

The beautiful landmark of Seville, the Plaza  de España. I and my friend Joy visited this city last December 7, 2012.

A  nice reflection of the building on the water.

The Street Performers in Puerta del Sol Madrid

Musicians in Puerta del Sol.

If you have been to Madrid especially in Puerta del Sol, you might noticed various street performers in this square. One afternoon in this area, I happened to stop by because I heard a group of musicians playing Spanish songs near the monument to King Charles statue III. They really played good music that a lot of people were surrounding and listening to their music. Their music instruments are perfect for them. I just wonder if they got a guitar case at Musicians friend? Any idea if you happen to be there?

Puerta del Sol, known in English as "The gate of the Sun", is one of the best known and busiest areas in Spain's capital city. Events and celebrations are also held here from time to time. It is originated as one of the gates in the city wall that surrounded Madrid in the 15th century.

I would love to visit Madrid again for the third time....

Ideas for a holiday in Majorca

An island it may be, but there are so many opportunities to see other attractions apart from the fabulous sandy coves, beaches and clear blue sea. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your Majorca holidays…..

Sightseeing, excursions, boat trips, water sports, golf and cycling are just some of the many things to do on the island of Majorca.

Majorca Cathedral.

Hiring a car is an ideal way to experience the differences in terrain this small island has to offer. In the centre - the agricultural plain, to the west - mountains, whilst to the south you'll find the buzzing cosmopolitan city. Visit the charming inland villages to get a real feel for the rural life of the locals.

What makes this island paradise even more appealing these days is the array of top quality Hotels in Majorca available.

A day trip to Palma is often on the ‘to-do’ list of holidaymakers. It is the main port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. Palma is famous for La Seu, its vast cathedral originally built on a previous mosque.

If you want some splash tastic fun or just a cool down in the heat of summer then one of the Islands water parks is a great day out. Aqualand L’Arena is one of Europe's biggest water parks located in beautiful gardens near L’Arenal resort. Western Water Park is home to the highest slide on Majorca ‘The Beast’. Hidropark is a fabulous day out for visitors to the North of the island. Marineland was the first dolphinarium in Spain.

Majorca is full of first-class golf courses, some designed by real masters of the game. There are golf courses and hotel accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. With such a diverse choice of excellent golf courses, this sun-kissed island has become an important landmark on the golf tourism circuit. The Island currently features 21 golf courses and there are plans to open some more in the coming years.

With a flat terrain, rolling hills, long climbs and diverse scenery cyclists are offered the perfect environment along with pleasant temperatures all year. The Island offers some of the most impressive, demanding and leisurely rides making it a popular destination for amateurs through to professional cyclists. Alcudia is a hive of activity during the cycling season, with many cycle friendly hotels that offer bike maintenance, secure storage and regular organised rides. The Playa de Palma offers mainly flat routes with the odd hilly area for example Randa offers something more challenging.

Visit HolidayCheck for more information on a Majorca holidays and to start planning your holiday today.

I Miss This Night Walk in Albayzin, Spain

It was quite a chilly evening but it was a lovely one. This little town of Albayzin which is located near Granada in Andalusia, Spain is truly a worth to see place.We had a night sigthseeing there and our tour guide was quite a good one.

That night, we passed thru the narrow winding streets of this Medieval Moorish town. If you are near the church of San Nicolas, you can have a spectacular view of the famous Alhambra.

Albayzin which is also known as El Albaicin is listed in the World Heritage Site since 1984 along with Alhambra.

We witnessed the Flamenco show in Albayzin that night. It was quite interesting.

A  historical Moorish Bath in Albayzin.

View of the lighted Alhambra from the  Church of San Nicolas in Albayzin..I love especially this view.

.These images were taken during our trip last December 2011.

A Souvenir Shop in La Subbetica, Andalusia

After some hours trip with the bus from Granada, we stopped-by in this souvenir shop in La Subbetica. This district is said to have 14 towns in the south of Cordoba province in Spain. We were actually heading to Cordoba city that time.

The souvenir shop we stopped-by was selling souvenirs of all sorts from magnets to ceramics, olive oil, alcohols and spirits and many more. I already know that they are not selling Rocky Patel there. I should want to give it as present for someone who love to smoke. I only bought a bottle of olive oil, some fridge magnet and ceramic souvenirs. I am happy with what I got because they are not really so expensive.

Here are some souvenir items from La Subbetica.

nice hand made ceramics at the souvenir shop in La Subbetica.

Visit to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

We are finally backed from our trip in Spain. It was a long and tiring trip we had but it was all worth-it. It was again another dream came true when I visited Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia region. This city is also the second largest in Spain after Madrid. This is another interesting city I visited in Europe. A day trip in this city is not enough to see everything. This is also the reason why I would love to visit it again in the future.

One of the sights we visited was the Sagrada Familia. This famous architecture  commissioned by Antonio Gaudi is now listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2010. This architecture is truly amazing. Called as Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family or Basílica y Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia in Spanish, this is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona.

I am still quite tired from our Spain trip. For now, I would just like to share some images taken from Barcelona. More travel stories and updates to come in my other travel blogs below;

See The World
Travel Euroasia
Europe Travel Pad

 

View of the Nativity façade during our day trip to Barcelona last July 14, 2012.

a detail of the  Nativity part of Sagrada Familia. 

The style of la Sagrada Familia is variously likened to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism and to Art Nouveau or Catalan Noucentisme. While the Sagrada Família falls within the Art Nouveau period, Nikolaus Pevsner points out that, along with Charles Rennie Macintosh in Glasgow, Gaudí carried the Art Nouveau style far beyond its usual application as a surface decoration. wikipedia.

Travel Snapshots from SEgovia, Spain

It was quite and adventure when I visited Segovia, a city in Spain located on the north of Madrid.  I travelled to this city alone and I boarded the fast train  of Spain called  AV. It only took over 30 minutes and I was already in Spain.  I would say, it was an adventure travel because there were a lot of experiences I had  when I went there. Besides  it was my first trip to this city and I still don't speak Spanish.  I wish  to share more  about my trip to Segovia in my future post.

For now, just enjoy watching some of the images I took from this city. It was only a day trip and I guess, I only spent almost 4 hours there. At least I was able to see some of  its tier sights.

The Cathedral in Segovia, Spain during our trip last March 2012.

A monument located in front of Alcazar of  Segovia.

View of the surroundings of Segovia from the Alcazar.

The Temple of Debod in Madrid, Spain

After around two kilometers of walking from Puerta del Sol to Paseo del Pintor Rosales, I finally reached my destination, the Temple of Debod. Thanks to the map that was given by our tour guide named Lothar during our tour in Madrid last December 2011.

We did not had the chance to visit this temple during that first trip. During my three weeks trip in Spain's capital last March 2012, I really put it in my list of sights that I will be visiting in Madrid. I am happy to be there despite the unfriendly weather that afternoon.

The Templo de Debod or Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid, Spain. The temple was built originally 15 km south of Aswan  in southern Egypt very close to the first cataract of the Nile and to the great religious center dedicated to the goddess Isis, in Philae.

The fountain at the back of the temple. You can see the  Torre de Madrid (Tower of Madrid at the center) and the Edificio España (on the right)  buildings at the background.

Address:

Temple of Debod

Paseo del Pintor Rosales, 2

28008 Madrid, Spain

The Templo de Debod  or the Temple of Debod during my sightseeing last March 2012.

The temple was rebuilt in one of Madrid's parks, the Parque del Oeste, near the Royal Palace of Madrid, and opened to the public in 1972.

In 1960, due to the construction of the Great Dam of Aswan and the consequent threat posed to several monuments and archeological sites, UNESCO made an international call to save this rich historical legacy. As a sign of gratitude for the help provided by Spain in saving the temples of Abu Simbel, the Egyptian state donated the temple of Debod to Spain in 1968.

Sightseeing in Aranjuez, Spain

Aranjuez is not really far from Madrid. It is around 48 km from Spain's capital city. We took the train when we visited  this city. I guess we only paid around 5.00 Euros for the return train ticket.

We had the chance to see the Royal Palace. Since our time was limited we did not go inside it. We also visited part of the Royal garden. This palace was once the spring residence of the kings of Spain from the late 19th century.

We had a short time visiting this place but I am hoping to visit it again in the future. The most important thing is, I had a great time during my visit there with friends.

I guess I have to slowly sign-off now. Before that, I need to search first about off site data storage. I guess I need one for my files.

Aranjuez is now listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are some of the images I took from Aranjuez.

One of the fountains in the Royal garden.

The Royal Palace in Aranjuez during my  three weeks trip to Spain last March 2012.

My Adventure in Guadalaja, Spain

I decided to travel alone to Guadalajara, not in Mexico but in Spain.  Now I forgot if I took the train from Atocha train station or Chamartin  in Madrid.   Opps, I got it. I did took the Cercania train from Chamartin train station in Madrid going to Guadalajara. Depending on the time you are leaving from the station, usually it will only take up to 40 minutes going to this city.

It was quite an adventure for me when I visited this city in the region of Castile-La Mancha in Spain. It was my first time to visit there and I don't even know anyone. When the train arrived at the station in Guadalajara, I just followed the exit and tried to find the bus going to the city. I don't really know what bus should I take. Thanks to this friendly Spanish lady who told me what bus  should I take. I am lucky because she speaks English. My travel Angel truly helped me during my adventure to this city.

Without further adieu, I strolled around Guadalajara city  and found the sights that I wanted to see.

Ayuntamiento (city hall) of Guadalajara during my visit last March 2012.

San Nicolás El Real Church in Guadalajara, Spain.

Souvenir Shopping in Seville, Spain

This is one thing I always do when I travel. I always bring  home with me some souvenirs from may trip. Postcards, key chains,  shot glasses,  fridge magnet, travel books,  are only some of it. I love these Flamenco dancer  figurines from Seville, Spain but it is quite expensive. I rather stick to what I usually buy when I travel.

When I travel, I also bring some woman paraphernalia like airbrush makeup kits, sunblocks,  lotions and other  gadgets.

There are a lot of souvenirs you can buy when visiting Seville. It is also a very nice city being the capital of the region of Andalusia.

Barajas International Airport, Madrid

I still did not want to say goodbye to Spain  last March 31, 2012  but I have  too. Some friends accompanied me to Barajas International Airport, Madrid. I am truly thankful for their help and thoughtfulness.  In fact, I  had a great time with them  during my three weeks stay in Madrid. Even I had a long stay in Spain's capital city but I forgot to look for incredisocks. I have been to many stores there  but the power of forgetfulness  to find this stuff  always  attacked me.

While sitting down at the waiting area for  my final boarding, I had a conversation  with these German couple. They said that they had a vacation in Morocco that time and had their connecting flight in Barajas.  Since I already heard them talking German, I was also conversing with them in German. They  couple said that I can talk perfect German. Not really, but I would say I can already  talk  basic  German and of course understand and read as well . I still have difficulty with German grammar sometimes. What is important, I can already communicate in this language.  The couple were really friendly. I am always happy when I met good people everytime I travel. I met as well good friends during my three weeks stay in Madrid.

If you happen  to visit Madrid  and did  not fly there,  I suggest you  visit Barajas  International Airport. Its architecture is worth to see. It is so far the biggest and busiest airport in Spain.

Barajas Terminal 4  when I  departed Madrid last March 31, 2012. This was actually my second arrival and departure in this airport. Madrid has a lot of travel memories that are still haunting me..lol!

my flight number last march 31, 2012.

FC Bayern Versus Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid

The big day finally comes! In almost an hour, the game between these two famous European football teams, FC Bayern and Real Madrid will be held in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. Millions of football fans will be watching this spectacular game tonight. Over 80,000 football fans will be watching it in the stadium and it will also be shown live in many Television channels worldwide. For sure, million football fanatics around the planet will be watching it too.

FC Bayern won on their last game last April 18, 2012 in Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The score was 2:1. I had a great time watching both teams live on a German television.

Good luck to both teams! For sure the best team will win!

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid during my three weeks stay in Madrid, Spain last March 2012.

The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is an all-seater football stadium in Madrid, Spain. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. It has a current capacity of 85,454 spectators.

El Bernabéu, renamed in honour of their former chairman Santiago Bernabéu Yeste, is one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues. It has hosted the European Cup final on four occasions: in 1957, 1969, 1980, and the UEFA Champions League Final in 2010. The finals for the 1964 European Nations' Cup and the 1982 World Cup have also been held at the Bernabéu. wikipedia

Cheap All Inclusive Holidays to Majorca

Going on holiday is always an exciting treat, but it can also be an expensive treat when you have to worry about spending money on top of the cost of your holiday. Indeed, sometimes the spending money can cost as much as the holiday.

Choosing to go ‘all inclusive’ on holiday is a great way to ensure that the majority of your holiday costs are met ‘upfront’ so there’s no need to worry about running out of money while away. It’s also a convenient option as you won’t need to change as much currency, or worry about looking after large amounts of cash while you’re away.

Cheap all inclusive holidays can also offer great value for money, with meals, snacks, drinks and activities included for the duration of your holiday.

If you’re considering sunny Majorca all inclusive holidays are a fantastic choice. The island has a wide range of resorts and hotels to choose from, from the lively to the relaxed, so you’re sure to find a great deal for your family.

A Port in Majorca.

The Marina Skorpios in Cala Egos (near Cala D’Or) is a very special hotel in Majorca, with a four star TripAdvisor rating and an amazing 99 per cent average Airtours customer rating.

Among the many things that make this hotel special is its location, directly on a strip of secluded beach and a delightful azure-water cove. A lovelier location is unlikely to be found on the whole of Majorca.

A large pool, tennis court, mini-golf and Kidsworld facilities also make this hotel a great choice for all ages.

Travelling on an all inclusive package can be a convenient option that offers great value for money, and there’ s a wide variety of all inclusive hotels in Majorca to choose from, including the very special Marina Skorpios and many more fantastic hotels besides.