It is Western Europe’s second-largest country. It’s got what many believe is the greatest club football team ever assembled. It has incredible architecture and passions that holds the key to understand its eternal appeal.
Spain!
I miss Spain, I miss it a lot … to the extent that it is slowly inching towards the #1 position in my list of European countries. And there are reasons why I do so.
1. Architecture –
Very few cities in this world are defined by their architecture to the same extent as Barcelona. Be it Antoni Gaudí work in Barcelona or Salvador Dali’s quirky, colorful designer house, it’ll leave your mouths open in awe. Segovia’s Aqua Duct or Seville’s Plaza de Espana, they can give competition to the world’s best architecture.
2. Beautiful outdoors –
Do you remember the beautiful locales where ZNMD was shot? Shall I make you jealous by saying that I visited it? 😛
The vast expanse when you go on long drives and wish that they never end. The aroma of Olives and oranges are just so refreshing. The natural serrated mountains of Montserrat that are also popular among rock climbers or salt mountain of Cardona, there is no dearth of outdoors activities.
3. Cultural extravaganza –
I wonder what makes Spain such a cultural powerhouse, have never seen such passion for cultural extravaganza in any other country. Flamenco, shall I call it their national dance? I am always at the edge of my seat when I watch these shows and hear foot tapping of those wooden shoes making their appearance beneath swirling skirts. Whatever is their age, the people eat, breathe and live Flamenco. I have written about it here and made a video which I still watch with much gusto. Bull fights, La Tomatino, and many, many cultural festivals will teach you so much about the country.
4. Food –
Then there’s local food, which I’ve suggested is among the best in the world. I am always interested in history of food. When I heard about FREE Tapas in Granada (I wrote all about it here), I was wondering how they can afford it on all 365 days! Or the local desserts Yemas de Avila came into existence because they did not want to throw the egg yolks. I’ve written the recipe here, go try it. Oh! How can I forget the ever famous Paella and the local drink Sangria? I assure you of gaining a few KGs in a week’s time. This, I can say from my personal experience there.
5. Beaches –
Do I still have to mention about Ibiza? The whole world converges to its ever popular and clean beaches. There is no dearth of white sands and turquoise blue water. Nude, family, crowded or serene … choose a beach that suits your mood best. Not only Ibiza, there are other famous beaches as well and they are very popular with couples who come there even for the wedding shoots!
6. Markets –
Be it big shopping malls of Barcelona, Madrid or hippie markets of Ibiza or local organic farm markets for fresh produce, you can never get tired of spending time and money here.
Ah! Did I mention that the longest shopping street in the whole Europe is in Spain and nowhere else? All big international brands lined up on both sides of this street in Lleida challenge you to control yourself from not buying anything. Lleida is a small town just 2 hours’ drive from Barcelona. And Hello! Have you bought your quota of Almonds, Olives and Olive oil? 🙂
7. People –
I am not sure if I can describe it in words. The hospitality & warmth I received in Spain, especially when I was backpacking alone in lesser touristy areas where English was scarcely used. I knew nothing of the local language. They helped me out of their ways and made sure that I was comfortable and relaxed. There are small incidents which I am yet to write about. These incidents and the people won my heart and made me think that I could go anywhere and anytime I wanted to.
Do you think you also miss a place like I do? Share your thoughts.
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