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.

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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;

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Spanish Delights

I thought I can go for a diet when I was in Spain recently. Sad to say, I did not have the chance for a right diet. In contrary, I was eating a lot of Spanish and Filipino foods. Thus, I gained weight instead of losing it. One of my favorite was paella. It taste really good especially the one with seafood in it.

During my first trip in Spain last year, I remember, our bus stopped somewhere on our way to Cordova in a store. I called Spanish delights the ones you see in my photo here. It seems that it reminded me of the Turkish Delights during our vacation in Turkey the same year. Sad to say, I did not have enough space on my luggage, that is why I only bought a little.

I am off now to look now for syntheroid reviews. I am trying to find one for an important article. I wish everyone a wonderful week in advance!

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Musical Shows in Madrid

One of the beautiful capital cities I visited in Europe. I fall in love with Madrid since my first visit last December 2011. It has a lot to offer to its guests and visitors. Whether you want to see its numerous sights, go for dining, shopping, nightlife, Madrid has simply everything.

There are also a lot of musicals shows, operas, concerts and live bands in Madrid. During my second trip recently, I happened to pass-by in Gran Via and saw this musical show, El Rey Leon (The Lion King). I am wondering if they are using lexicon in the show. Sad to say, I did not have the chance to watch it. Hopefully in my next visit to Madrid, I can already experience some of its musical shows and operas.

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Walking Around Buen Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain

It was one sunny afternoon when I decided to go walking in Madrid. From Plaza de Manuel Becerra , I just walked going to Buen Retiro Park. It is only around 2.5 kilometers from my departure point. I took me around 25 minutes to walk including the photo stops I made in between especially when I see interesting monuments and buildings along the streets to Buen Retiro Park. It is also the largest park in the city of Madrid.

I did enjoyed my walk in this park which literally means "Gardens" or "Park of the Pleasant Retreat".

The Monument to King Alfonso XII is located in Buen Retiro Park (El Retiro), Madrid, Spain. The monument is situated on the east edge of an artificial lake near the center of the park. The monument is 30 meters high, 86 meters long, and 58 meters wide I took this image during my visit last March 16, 2012.

The Buen Retiro Park is a large and popular 1.4 km2 (350 acres) park at the edge of the city center, very close to the Puerta de Alcalá and not far from the Prado Museum. A magnificent park, filled with beautiful sculpture and monuments, galleries, a peaceful lake and host to a variety of events, it is one of Madrid's premier attractions. The park is entirely surrounded by the present-day city.

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Watching TFC Channel in Madrid

This would probably one thing I will miss when I will leave Spain. I am already used to watch TFC channel in the apartment that I am staying in this city. TFC is a Filipino Television channel located worldwide. I like watching these so-called Teleserye in Filipino which are also known as soap operas. I don't have a TFC channel in Germany and I will find a way to watch it. I just remember that I can also watch it online.

This is the advantage of our modern technology now. With the advent of computers and internet, you can already watch news, movies, shows and entertainment online. If you are familiar or know what is hdmi, you can watch movies from the internet by connecting the hdmi cable to your bigger LED Television. I don't have to worry about TFC because I can also watch it online back at home in Germany.

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A Tour Inside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain

During my first visit in Madrid last December 2011, I already saw this stadium. Finally last Monday, March 26, 2012, I already had the chance to have a tour inside Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. It was a great experience being inside one of the world's most famous and prestigious football venues.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was inaugurated on 14 December 1947. It is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol and has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators. Formerly known as El Bernabeu, it was renamed in in honour of their former chairman Santiago Bernabéu Yeste.

Our tour lasted around 3 hours including shopping in its souvenir shop. We did saw and experienced a lot including its history.

Awards and trophies inside the museum in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain. I was there!

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.

a view of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium from inside during our tour last March 26, 2012.

The stadium is served by its own metro station along the Line 10 called Santiago Bernabéu. It is also served by bus routes 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 147 and 150.

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Exploring Guadalajara, Spain

I am still in Spain and currently staying in Sol, Madrid. The weather is currently sunny but you can still feel the cold breeze. Yesterday, I went exploring Guadalajara. It is a city and municipality in Castile La Mancha in Spain. From Atocha train station in Madrid and riding the Cercanias train, it took around an hour to reach this city .

As I went around Guadalajara, I saw a lot of historical monuments, stores and shops and many other interesting things. I went in one of the stores there and saw nice motorcycle boots. Sad to say, shopping is not included in my list.

Among the sights that I saw were the bridge across the river Henares, the Palacio del Infantado, the Church of San Ginés, the Church of Saint Mary, the Panteon de la Duquesa de Sevillano and other historical sites in Guadalajara.

It was so far a nice trip I had in this city yesterday.

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The Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Islas Filipinas, Madrid, Spain

I am currently in Madrid and had the chance to explore Spain's capital city. I did not knew it until a friend told me that Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines has a statue in Madrid, Spain. I was challenged after knowing that Dr. Rizal really has a monument in this city. Being a traveller and exploreR, I did not hesitated to go to Islas Filipinas alone. I rode the Metro from Sol going to Islas Filipinas. With the help of the map, I finally found the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal last Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

The statue of Dr. Jose Rizal in Islas Filipinas in Madrid, Spain. I was there!

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Ibiza’s Relaxed Hotspots

There have been many, many words written about Ibiza’s party scene, and recently, just as many about the other side of Ibiza. But if the latter is what appeals to you, where the best places to stay are and what can you expect when on holidays to Ibiza?

Sandy Puerto San Miguel

If it is tranquillity you are after, you could do a lot worse than heading to Puerto San Miguel and its secluded beach. The beach is surrounded by pine trees and steep hills which are perfect for walking if you want to get a bit active on cheap Ibiza holidays. The steep cliffs that surround the beach make the water very still and safe to swim in, perfect for families with young children or unconfident swimmers.

Self Contained Cala Llonga

Approximately 10km north of Ibiza Town sits the secluded and self contained resort of Cala Llonga, which from humble beginnings as a small fishing village has quickly become a family friendly resort that is shielded from the shenanigans that goes on in the islands most lively resorts. Of course, if you want to experience the high life for a night or two, you are perfectly placed to do so, but if not, just lay back and let all of your worries float away!

Ibiza, Spain. photo by Nextlevels

Rugged Santa Eulària

Not all of Ibiza is golden beach. The town of Santa Eularia is distinguishable thanks to Puig de Missa, the imposing hill behind the resort which dominates the skyline and provides the visitor with an idea of the sort of holiday to expect here. On top sits the Church of our Lady of Jesus which is lit up at night and provides quite a view. There are restaurants (in fact Calle San Vicente is a street full of nothing but restaurants), bars – not over-the-top bars that are common elsewhere on the island, mind – and a lovely street which runs right down to the waters edge. The beach is still the focal point though, which will not doubt please sun worshippers.

Ibiza deserves it reputation as a party capital. But like most other places in the region, it has a lot more to offer than just the 18-30 type cheap holidays. If you want a relaxing destination, consider what Ibiza can offer before you dismiss it out of hand. You will not be disappointed.

Written by Ricky Durrance for Beat the Brochure.

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Countdown to Spain

Thanks God that my migraine is over now. Still not 100% okey but I am glad that I am feeling better now compared to yesterday. I guess my migraine attack was caused by the drastic change of weather.

Back to main topic..I am also starting my countdown to Spain. Six more sleeps and I will be flying to Spain soon. Of course I am quite excited about this trip. I guess I have more time to experience more of the culture and tradition of the Spaniards. It will be a 6-weeks stay and I will be staying most of the time in Madrid. I am also planning to do some side trips in the nearby towns and cities near the capital city.

I am also happy to share about the progress of my diet plan. I actually started it last weekend. I found out that I already lose almost 2 kilos. If you want to know more on how to lose weight, feel free to click here. I hope I can continue this diet plan when I am in Spain. I love Spanish foods. I tasted some during our trip there last December 2011.

Here is a snapshot of one of my favorite, some anchovies with lemon. I love it.

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Sidetrips To Do While in Madrid

I am quite busy during the past weeks looking for cheap international flights not only in Europe but also to other destinations including the United States of America and Canada. The first one I booked some weeks ago is my flight to Spain next month. Yes, I finally had my ticket confirmation. It will be a long stay in Spain and I will be staying most of the time in Madrid. Due to this, I am currently planning some sidetrips when I am in Spain's capital city. I can't imagine myself staying for 6 long weeks in Spain.

These are some of the places I would love to include in my sidetrip itinerary.

Avila- This city is very famous for great and beautifully preserved medieval city walls. It also has numerous churches with romanesque and gothic architecture. Its stunning Gothic Cathedral with its unusual military air is also one of the city's famous monuments. Avila is located in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon in Spain.

I am planning to take a cheap train from Madrid-Chamartin station going to Avila.

Toledo- For me, this is a very beautiful city. I was there twice last year and I will try my best to visit it again when I will be in Madrid next month. This city which is located above Tagus River is truly a must-to-see when you are in Spain especially when you are in Madrid. Due to its monumental and cultural heritage, Toledo is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1986.

the beautiful setting of Toledo above the Tagus River. This was taken during our trip there last Dec. 2011.

Some of the reasons why I want to go back there again is to go inside its museums and to taste again its delicious Mazapan. I love the mazapan at Confiteria Santo Tome. It is quite expensive but its worth the price. There are just a lot to see and to experience in this city especially its historical architecture and monuments.

From Madrid, there are buses available for transportation. Taking the renfe trains is also possible.

Segovia-Another splendid and lovely city perched up on a rock in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Segovia is famous for its aqueduct. It is located within the Iberian Peninsula, near Valladolid and Madrid. I would to see there the Alcazar, the Aqueduct, Segovia's Cathedral, the Casa de los Picos and other interesting sights in this city.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial- This is not so far from Madrid and I can surely make a day trip there. Its main attraction is the the world famous Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It is one of the main Spanish Renaissance monuments and also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I am also planning to visit Barcelona and Lisbon in Portugal. When I was browsing the internet today, I found some cheap flights in Easyjet from Madrid to Lisbon. I am actually thinking of booking it anytime soon. I need to finalize all my trips before the end of this month and I hope to have a wonderful time again in Spain.

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