Thursday, January 25, 2007

Dishabille is Non-Issue to Spanish Nationals

If you have not been to any of Spain's lovable white sand beaches adorned with blue, cool waters and golden sunlight that can produce the most beautiful tan, then you are missing half of your life -- the fun part. That's because Spanish beaches are interestingly accentuated by naked people who have no twinge of shedding off their pieces of clothing for a warm sun bath, despite their strong Christian connection. But there is no need for panic because foreigners who are not happy being around naked bodies of all colors, shapes, and sizes, can shun nudist beaches, usually found in the coastal area of Spain in their travel agenda, and settle for more traditional ones where people in conventional swimsuits frequent. In most nudist beaches of today, naturism or the sense of showing off the most natural sense of a person or in other words nudity, is as much of a requirement than a choice so it is better to check first with the exact resort you are eyeing before even taking the plunge; otherwise, prepare yourself for the surprise of your life. If you are not conditioned to see naked flesh in every turn, do not get too worried either because based on my personal adventure, you will still enjoy the spectacle enough to come back and check out other nudist resorts in the Spanish coast.

The Eminent Picasso

I am a devotee of art, that's why on a holiday to Spain, I sought out the art galleries and the museums first. I have always believed that a holiday is never complete if I am not able to stop by at least one museum. So on my holiday in Barcelona, I made it a point to include Museu Picasso in my route. The museum houses a set of Pablo Picasso's artworks when he was still under his father's tutelage. Just two of the most recognized paintings of Picasso that can be found here are "The First Communion" and the "Science and Charity", both sketched during the late 1900's.

Aside from being one of the most eminent Spanish, Picasso is also the most generative artist who have ever lived. Born in October 25, 1881, Picasso sketched a total of 147,800 works of art in his lifetime which counts paintings, book illustrations, sculptures, and engravings. A quantity of his paintings like the "Nude on a Black Armchair" and "Garçon à la pipe" were among the most steep in the whole world. Picasso, in collaboration with Georges Braque, was the creator of Cubism, an art movement.

In truth, my interest on Picasso's artwork started only recently when a comrade gave me a rendition of one of the eminent artist's portraits: "L'Accordéoniste". Since then, I became engrossed with his innumerable works. Today, I not only have "L'Accordéoniste" shown in my living room but a framed print of "Au Bon Marché" as well.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

The Spanish Way Of Lemony Liquor

Not many people are heedful of the many styles of preparing and cooking the citrus fruit called lemon. In fact, I was one of those people who did not think that lemons could be made into some other flavorful liquors. I assume that is why I am enjoying all my journeys for I get to see and learn new things on my trips.

When I was in Spain, I was taught by my Spanish pal of the many ways of turning lemons into fantastic beverage and dessert treats. One nice lemon dessert my friend informed me to make was the lemon sorbet. This dessert can also be formulated at home by making a lid off the lemon top and making a scoop in the remaining lemon part. Then have the lemon and the lid to standstill in the fridge for a while before taking the lemon out to be topped with sorbet. Meanwhile, the lemon liquour my pal proudly taught me was made by putting the lemon ice cream and some iced champagne in the liquidizer for a quick and refreshing drink. The lemon refreshment I had with my Spanish friend has been a worthwhile participation, which I will never forget.

Monday, January 22, 2007

The Sublime Lights of Larios Shopping Complex

Typically, you would go to a shopping mall to put in your hard-earned funds on items such as clothes, home appliances, souvenirs, and other necessities. If the mall looked modest enough, no one really cares what it looks like from the outside; as long as people can go in and score what they want then it's all good. But in recent times, mall owners find it interesting, and challenging even, to push the envelope further by paying close attention to the building's construction. This is just what Ramon Miranda, Aparo Carillo, and Esteban Herrero did with the fashionable shopping complex of Larios.

The fascinating lights at the Larios Shopping Mall are more than just decorative visions; they are also the building's main attraction. The 45,000-square-meter tourist attraction can be found along the quiet Andalusian shoreline of Malaga in the south of Spain. Home to several historical points of interest, including Pablo Picasso's birthplace, Malaga is simply a dream destination for a lot of jet-setters. The fascinating shopping complex, established by Sacyr-Vallehermoso, opened its gates to the excited public in 2000. It features over 130 fascinating retail boutiques, a few good restaurants, and a cinema. The marvelous lights only add to its appeal as Larios calls on to passers-by and draw them in for an unique shopping experience.

Abode Turned Into A Lovely Guesthouse

Once a mansion, now a enchanting guesthouse. Hostal del Cardenal is an archetype of the old-days mansion turned into a modern and tasteful hotel. Once a sumptuous abode of the Cardinal of Toledo, Hostal del Cardenal still exhibits the gorgeous feature of the mansion.

My three nights at the guesthouse was nothing but a luxurious experience of the past with a little touch of stylishness. My guestroom was commodious complete with flat screen television and international channels. Also, a dressing room was on hand just off the tasteful bathroom. I spotted as well that the doors were thick and perfectly carved, which gave me a hint that those must be the original.

Hostal del Cardenal has splendid features inside as well as attention-grabbing qualities outside. The garden surrounding the guesthouse was still and delightful with all the pretty fountains, trees and flowers providing the picturesque scenario. And inside the garden were well-known restaurants. No better way to eat than being close to the nature while appreciating its quietude.

To boot, if you are entranced about culture, history, and art you might want to stay at this hotel because this proves to be the best spot for people like you and me.