Natural Zest For Life | View of gorge from our hotel in Ronda |
I was so surprised after visiting Spain to realize how much diversity this wonderful country displays. For instance, it has both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coastlines; unbelievably, there are four official languages spoken; there are 17 autonomous regions in Spain; and architecture which copies North African Moors, Gothic and Romanesque from France, and Renaissance from Italy. You might think you are in a new country as you move from region to region.
The Food is remarkable!
Fava Beans, Chorizo sausage, seafood, Paella (rice dish), Valencia oranges, El frite (fried lamb), olives, & the spice, saffron. Most interesting are the Tapas Bars where drinks & Tapas (single servings usually eaten standing at bar)are available. They are really small snacks such as olives, shrimp, Calamares fritos, Chorizo sausage, Albondigas (meatballs), garlic flavored chicken wings, & Jamon serrano (salt-cured ham to name a few.)
Before I visited Spain, I thought of it as a rural society. How wrong I was! The roads & bridges are excellent; the population is quite well educated; & automobiles are a way of life. Art abounds; in one art museum, I marveled at Picasso, Miro, & Dali
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What I loved the most about Spain and the Spaniards is their pursuit of joy...unlike America where most people put work first & family & entertainment next, the Spaniards make time for leisure, for family, for friends. They are not lazy, just efficient. It seems that in the cities, people never sleep. It seems they work, take time to rest, work some more, take their nightly PASEO (stroll), eat, & then their night begins!
Spaniards are so friendly & quite helpful. They are naturally outgoing ,& the smiles they display are incredible.
I was also surprised that television played such a large role in the life of the Spanish. (Lots of sports on TV).
As I did expect, SOCCER rules.
Bullfighting is still popular, or popular again.
I loved the mountains, the coast (both the wild northern coast & the milder southern coast), the big cities, & the small villages. Most of all, I loved the attitude of the people....enjoy life...take time to rest, to make love, to have fun. |
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