dart
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OH, you will have so much fun!
People are great! Warm, and kind, in general, among the most inviting people I've met, anywhere in Europe!
Culture? Are you going with a school trip? Have you studied anything of the culture? You should know. But very influenced by the Moors, and the Jews who were a huge part of the population for hundreds of years (800 and 1700, respectively) and then pure, very conservative, not quite Roman Catholicism for the next 500 years. Nothing else was legal...One of my teachers always described them as "thinking they were more Catholic than the Pope, himself", so that should give you an idea. For the last 30 years, things have been moving into a more modern, industrialized world. You'll probably notice that things are more "green" there, than in the US. They are very clean (When I lived there, there was litter around a lot, and it wasn't so clean...things were backward...much has changed!) Better energy than we use. There were electricity windmills all over the place! Bio fuels, and natural gas used more than here.
They are generally very fashionable people. Proud of their style. And the food is outstanding! You do have to leave your American standards behind to really enjoy it all, but you'll enjoy much, even if you can't handle squid, octopus and organ meats. They'll eat most any meat/seafoods, and their preparations are really scrumptious. Don't go thinking that it's like Mexican! You'll be massively shocked! More close to French, but earthier.
My favorite part? AndalucĂa. No contest. It is the heart of what you think of as Spain. The most romantic, colorful, and highly influenced by the three cultures that dominated. It's where bullfights and Flamenco, and the traditional foods all originate...Okay, paella is really from Valencia, but that's really nearby! :) But Tapas, and some of the best wines are from there.
It's also where the tradition of partying heartily seems to stem from.
Poor Tricia! She missed it not getting to Toledo.
Assuming that you are going on a tour, I wouldn't suggest Rick Steves' books...they are best for people traveling on their own...if that's what you're doing, then get one. But you should check out some of his videos on Spain! (he's my hero! Wish I had had the know-how to start his business when I was younger!)
Personally, I prefer the DK books. They have all the information you'll want, and the most incredible photos and drawings! Maps galore! and you'll want to see EVERYTHING in them! |
Tricia G
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I am so excited for you!!! I was a foreign exchange student in Granada, so of course I am partial to Granada. I liked the Alhambra there. Queen Isabel is entombed at the Cathedral...she is the one who gave Christopher Columbus the money to find a new trade route to the East Indies (and discover America).
Cordoba is beautiful. I really regret never having gone to Toledo. El Greco made most of his paintings there. If you go to Barcelona, the cathedral was designed by a Antonin Gaudi. If you get a chance to go to Salamanca, they have this ornate carved in stone entrance to the university. It sort of reminds me of a Where's Waldo drawing. If you can find the frog on the doorway, it means that you will return some day.
I recommend that you get a Rick Steves guide book on Spain. His guidebooks not only give great advice but also tell you really cool off the beaten path type places.
The people are wonderful. In my experience, they aren't as fluent in English than in other European countries. If you stay in major tourist areas, they are more bilingual than other areas.
Enjoy! |
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