Travels, somewhat recent
Category Archives: Spain, 2012
Cordoba’s Mezquita: a mosque becomes a cathedral
What happens when you take a major mosque and turn it into a cathedral? We saw the opposite happen in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia; in Cordoba, it was the Christians’ turn. Continue reading
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The Juderia of Cordoba
Of the old Jewish sections we wandered through, Cordoba’s was certainly the most attractive with its whitewashed buildings, blue trim and flowers. Continue reading
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Cordoba’s alcazar: from Inquisition to tourist attraction
Cordoba’s alcazar was important in the long-ago wars against the Moors, then later grew into a more sinister purpose when it was taken over by the Inquisition, and is now a beautiful tourist spot whose most enchanting feature is its extensive gardens. Continue reading
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The city of Granada
The real attractions of this town are the Alhambra and the albaicin neighbourhood, but the central area is also charming and worth a few hours getting lost in. Continue reading
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Granada: a walk through the Albaicin
The old Moorish quarter of Granada retains not much in the way of ancient atmosphere, but still seems to be the magnet for counter-culture in the city. Continue reading
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Granada: a visit to the Alhambra
It’s said that the Alhambra, the complex of palaces and forts used by Granada’s last Muslim rulers, is Europe’s most visited tourist attraction. Continue reading
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Fond, but cold, memories of Madrid
Madrid was a vibrant, exciting city to visit. If ever it had a reputation of being dull or stodgy, it is anything but now. Continue reading
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Toledo: an enchanting medieval city
Toledo was the easiest place we have ever visited to get lost in. Not even Venice compares. Continue reading
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Toledo’s weird, weird cathedral
Where other cathedrals were about worship and sacrifice, this one was all about getting eaten by monsters, mutilated by mutants and having things done to you with knives by women who were either saints, doctors, or evil incarnate. Continue reading
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Salamanca on a Sunday
Salamanca was a friendly city but not quite what we expected. Continue reading
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The magic of Segovia
I think Segovia was probably my favourite place in Spain. The medieval town, the alcazar, the aqueduct and the cathedral were each fascinating and within easy walking distance. Continue reading
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Segovia’s alcazar: is this the real Disney castle?
Was Segovia’s castle the inspiration for Walt Disney’s? According to some, it was indeed. Continue reading
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Segovia’s cathedral
If you think you’ve ever been to a big cathedral, visit some of Spain’s. The one in Segovia was as big as a couple of city blocks and contained a lot of artwork and detail that depicted life in the 12th-17th centuries: that alone made it worth a lengthy visit.
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Barcelona: first impressions
Despite all the reports of pickpockets and muggers, we encountered no signs of violence nor the slightest hint of trouble during our visit to the city. And what a city it is! Continue reading
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Antoni Gaudi: the One Reason to go to Barcelona
If we needed one reason to visit Barcelona, the architecture of Antoni Gaudi was more than enough. Photo galleries of La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and the fantastical Park Guell. Continue reading
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Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
A photo gallery of Gaudi’s yet-to-be-completed Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Continue reading
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La Pedrera: the avante-garde of a new urban life
Photos of La Pedrera, Gaudi’s nature-inspired gateway to 20th century urbanism. Continue reading
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Park Guell: what was Gaudi thinking?
Photos of Park Guell, Gaudi’s fanciful take on living in the rich suburbs in the hills above Barcelona. Continue reading
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You mean Munich’s not in Spain?
Munich was a one-day stopover on our way to Spain in November, 2012. We had never been there before and it seemed to be a great opportunity to see the city. Continue reading
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