Spain

Granada España con Gabrielle

21 March 2016

Granada, land of dreams for me
My song becomes gypsy-like
When it is for you.

My song made of fantasy
My song a melancholy flower
That I come to give to you.

We collect our car and head south to Andalusia, Spain’s rocky, sun-baked southern coastal region Here is embodied much of what one thinks of as Spanish: tapas, matadors and music. Yet it was under Moorish rule from the 8th-15th centuries, a history that shows in its architecture, including such cities as Seville and Córdoba, and Granada’s Alhambra palace, our destination for today.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Toledo España Con Señorita Gabrielle

19 March 2016

Toledo 1972

Toledo 1972

What impresses me immediately this morning is the easy, clean, fast and beautiful rail service and train stations we use to travel south to Toledo. The one drawback is the first train is sold out so we wait an hour. Should have bought tickets yesterday.

However, the hour is not wasted. Madrid’s rail station has a wonderful tropical, garden with a plethora of turtles to keep one occupied, plus comfortable lounge chairs. Heavy security checks bags and person before we are allowed into the boarding area so extra time is needed to meet the train, which does leave on time. The high speed takes 33 minutes to speed through 74km of Don Quixote’s windmill country and costs 20.60€ round trip. (more…)

By Pat, ago

Madrid España Con Señorita Gabrielle

17-20 March 2016

Decadent chocolate and churros, oh my!

Decadent chocolate and
churros, oh my!

Sadly, there is no such thing as a convenient flight. I am pleased with flights that are on time, reasonably friendly and uneventful with no massive weather delays and no one deplaned by police. I have come to adjust my personal flight pattern by taking more time to get from Point A to Point B – much more time. What once was a painfully long flight has turned into a mini vacation where I am able to browse, lounge, shop, or eat. In need of message or pedicure? Check out the airport. I now visit airports like I once visited cities. All that is lacking is a bed and that can be had for a price. Regardless, if I choose to travel the world, I have no option other than to enter that world of airlines, that tube of recycled air, and subject myself to its pain. No pain no gain.  (more…)

By Pat, ago

Travel Con Gabrielle – Part II

With teens you never know. I know I enjoyed my travels to Italy with Gabrielle last spring. Italy is my favorite stomping ground and I loved exposing its richness to her. And, being an inveterate solo traveler, I wanted to get my chance to influence another generation of female traveler. But, what one never Read more…

By Pat, ago

Tenerife Canary Islands Spain

Atop El Teide

Tenerife (Spanish pronunciation: [teneˈɾife] 4 syllables) is the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean 70 miles off the coast of Morocco. Tenerife has an area of 785 square miles and is the most populated island with 900k inhabitants. About five million tourists visit Tenerife yearly. While driving on this island one may notice the “Canaries libre” graffiti supporting the separation of the islands from the mother country of Spain. Between 1833 and 1927 Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands, until in 1927 a decree ordered shared capital status with Las Palmas, as it remains today. (more…)

By Pat, ago

València Spain

High seas through the Mediterranean, we rock and roll in 13′ swells as we make our way west to the coast of Spain. Too windy to be on deck and waves periodically washing our fourth floor cabin window. I feel as if I am in a popcorn machine as we creak, groan, crackle and pop our way to València. (more…)

By Pat, ago