Bullfighting: The Folklore that Continuously Disunites Opinions

The art of Bullfighting can be traced as far back as a couple of thousands of years ago, yet many people argue that it should not be practiced as part of Spanish folklore in light of the worldwide call for serious animal preservation. Regardless of all the disapproval being thrown against it, bullfighting is continuously held in greater parts of Spain with numerous events that usually take place every summer. While some look at it as brutality to bulls, letting bulls and humans fight their lights out until one is dead and the other is proclaimed the winner, locals see it merely as a centuries-old tradition that defines the Spanish way of life.

I have been to a bullring recently, and I can not possibly explain the agitation and the fun that can be found in the stadium as the bulls go after each other with their trainers donning vivid costumes. It was a very whimsical show that can not equal just about any sport, may it be played by humans or animals, based on the deafening cheers from the tumultuous crowd. A bullfight is definitely a fascinating sight that any accustomed local would continuously look forward to every season and any visiting traveler would seek out for to experience Spain in its entirety.

Spain's Dynamic Cultural Heritage Remains Alive Thriving Today

Sharing the wonderful Iberian Peninsula with Portugal found in Mediterranean Europe lies the sovereign state known as Spain. Graced with scenic views, a vibrant night life, and a culturally diverse background, it's no wonder why Spain is annually visited by swarms of tourists.

My first visit to Spain was the general itinerary that is mostly concentrated on visiting basilicas that has noticeable architectural designs. Spanish cathedrals frequently manifest Baroque or Gothic architectural designs. If you're the type who likes to see the tiniest architectural details or just plain interested in architecture, then Spain is a wonderful place to visit. These cathedrals are quite conducive to aspiring architectural majors for it enables one to see the notable features of a particular architectural movement during the height of Spanish culture.

If you want to deviate from the general tourists destinations in Spain, however, I suggest you visit Bejar, a small town in Salamanca situated in the western central Spain. Going to this environment is like going back to Spain's past through a time machine. Some of the highlights of this environment are the Castanar bullfighter arena which is the oldest bullfighting arena in Spain and La Muralla, an Arab wall that remains as the living proof of the Muslim's hold over Spain prior to the country's unification.

Get The Best Bite Of Spanish Foodstuff

A close colleague of mine was happily showing us the snap shots of his trip to Spain the previous Christmas. He had already seen a handful of popular sites, courtesy of a co-worker who went to Madrid the previous year. A particular snap shot that captured my interest was of my friend sitting in an obviously large diner filled with people. Joyfully, my colleague said that it was taken at the Restaurante La Dorada in Madrid. One of Madrid's largest and best fish diner, the La Dorada is a sough-after spot of local citizens and tourists alike.

La Dorada is known for serving fresh and delectable seafood foodstuffs in the most reasonable prices ever. The service is prompt, capable, and friendly, so it is of no wonder that the place is packed from weekdays to weekends. Among the most-ordered dishes are the Ensalada de Bogavante or the lobster salad, the exquisite Fritura Malagueña or the Malaga-style fried fish, and the Lubina a la Sal, a mouth-watering dish of sea bass that was baked in salt. Spanish foodstuff is known for its distinct flavors and noticeable spices, and they go very well with chilled wine that is readily available at the eatery.

The Impressive Pertegaz and his Glamorous Career in Fashion

The talented Manuel Pertegaz is considered to be a fashion guru respected the world over. For years, he has created and designed countless pieces of couture that captured the quintessence of Spanish fashion and innovative trend. Born in Teruel and raised in Barcelona, this full-blooded Spanish guru made his way into the glamorous world of fashion with undeniable talent, hard work, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart. Without his creative influences and inimitable trends, clothes in Spain would've been nothing out of the ordinary.

Pertegaz started out in the business as a mere shop staff member back in Carmen Street, where his fondness for fashion only grew. He joined the tailors of the Angulo group and there he picked up on his true calling -- coming up with women's apparel. In 1942, he created his very first haute couture line by opening a dressmaking house along the prestigious Diagonal Avenue. Before anybody could stop him, he opened other Pertegaz outlets in Madrid, Paris, and then later on in New York, Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia, where he was constantly praised for his masterful designs. It was only a decade ago when he created his first men's apparel collection -- a new line he's incorporated into his design portfolio ever since.

A Modern Murcia Inn

Even though I have been to Spain many times already, I have not visited all the fabulous places in the country. Barcelona and Madrid are already getting a bit old for me, so for my latest escape in Spain, I opted for a less popular tourist spot: Murcia. I have heard of this old city innumerable times before, but it was not only until latterly that I made up my mind to visit it. The city, founded in 831 AD, has a very intriguing Islamic records. The city also has numerous architectural splendors, which makes for great sightseeing. Just some of the things worth seeing in Murcia are its antique Baroque and Renaissance churches that were structured as far back as 14th century.

I have this perception that to appreciate the ancientness of Murcia better, one should stay in a modern inn. This is absolutely what I did during my last retreat there. I stayed in Hotel Nelva, a modern inn located 4 kilometers from the city's center, near the Center of Congress and Auditorium. The hotel has over 200 rooms, all festooned in neutral colors with modern conveniences like safe deposit boxes, minibars, and air-conditioning. Since the inn sits on 5,000 square meters of garden, there's an excellent scenery just outside your window. The inn also has a pool, meeting rooms, and expeditious Internet service. I got to tell you, it's delightful to return back to a contemporary environment after a whole day of soaking in Murcia's old architecture, history, and culture.