Thursday, March 08, 2007

The Spanish Means of Solemnizing Semana Santa

Spain is a highly religious, Catholic country that has kept numerous habits, which remain unchanged over time regardless of the many things that have been revised every now and then. The Spanish people's means of solemnizing Semana Santa or Holy Week is living proof that there is no other country probably more Catholic than Spain itself.

Solemnizations are held for eight long days starting off with Palm Sunday and finishing off with Easter Sunday, which is characterized by numerous processions of saints' statutes carried around in wooden platforms or flashy floats. The people who carry these floats are called costaleros who believe they are following the habit with pride and should exude grace regardless of how heavy the wooden floats are or are how long the procession would take. The marchers, meanwhile, display clothes that are reminiscent of the people of Nazareth and are tasked to chase the costaleros.

If the first seven days are spent in wailing, deep prayers, silent worshiping, sacrifices, and fasting, the Easter Sunday brings back the people to a celebratory, festive mood filled with lights, colors, happy faces, and luscious dishes. Cathedrals ring bells gleefully as if it is Christmas, accompanied with the heightened, happy spirit all throughout the country.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Madrid is an Adorable Home to the Appealing Royal Palace

Grandiose is the country of Spain; with vibrant culture and artistry, who wouldn't fall in love with her? Much to my amazement, when I headed to Madrid, I learned to admire the country even more. As soon as I landed in the country, my jaw essentially dropped with the Baroque and Gothic class of buildings and museums.

I did not leave the adorable Madrid without personally catching sight of the alluring Royal Palace. The whole construction, which currently has 2,800 rooms, took almost 26 full years to build and complete. As part of the palace policies, a pilgrim can only examine 50 rooms.

It is remarkable that while the accessible rooms all have antique furniture and decorations, the rooms are not, however, decorated in a similar manner. With the design, a visitor can very well discern|notice the capability and ingenuity of the decorators and maintenance staff of the palace.

As I entered the Throne Room, I was surprised by the decors that date back to the epoch of Charles III. The embroidered velveted wall and the fresco all over the ceiling remind the pilgrim of the monarchy and royalty that wholly is the flagship of the later epochs. On the fresco are images of gods and goddesses and the celebrated dominions of Spain.

Having experienced all these, I more or less aimed of making a home in Madrid. While seeking its opportunity, at that time, I settled with enjoying the country's full peacefulness.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

The Finest Ingredients For A Romantic Fete in Spain

A romantic tour to Spain's quaint cities and villages is not complete without tasting the Olla Podrida, a prominent Spanish dish since the Middle Ages. This tasty course is a reflection of the rich Spanish history and culture, making it a voyager favorite. The primary composition of the Olla Podrida is the mouthwatering red beans, prepared and softened by stewing them in a clay pot. Olla Podrida's official name was Olla Poderida, with the word Poderida, which in truth translates to "powerful". Its Ingredients with powerful tastes contain slices of chorizo, a Spanish cured ham, morcilla or blood sausage, and differing parts of smoked pig such as the ears, the snout, and the ribs. This course is a perfect comfort food during the Spanish winter, while it is highly recognized as a local treat in the Extremadura region of Spain, where tourists flock to taste this delicious dish.

Since Spain is the world's third most vast wine producer, it undeniably has the perfect beverage to complement the Olla Podrida -- a glass of Cava. This outstanding Spanish wine is the local correlative of the French champagne. Delicately fermented and brewed, the Cava is a famed Spanish wine among visitors. Indeed, Olla Podrida and a glass of Cava wine is definitely among the most distinguished romantic fete any couple may enjoy only in Spain.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Just Shop for Mango Apparel

I really appreciate shopping especially when buying cool clothes and pants. I only shop for clothes from brands that make durable and hip clothes. That is the reason why I like buying apparel from Mango -- a clothing brand that developed in Spain.

The shop provides a wide range of garments from casual clothes to sportswear up to formal wear. Mango specializes in trendy yet cool clothes that are fit for everyday activities. I, for one, cherish Mango shirts because of its one-of-a-kind texture and material. They also sell elegant pants as well as gorgeous stilettos, trendy rubber shoes, and sophisticated leather bags.

Mango has come a long way from its modest beginnings in Spain since at this time, Mango is a multinational company with more than 850 stores in 81 countries that are located on five continents. It has boutiques in Paris and New York, two of the fashion seats in the world. Mango also employs as much as 5,800 employees where a bulk of them work at the company's main shop in Barcelona. The spiel of Mango is just one of the success stories of Spain and a proof that shows that the Spanish are once again conquering the world – the fashion zone that is.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

A Sighting Of The Spanish History through Charming Melia Merida

For a genuine taste of Spanish history, the territory to go to while in the country is the Melia Merida Boutique Hotel happily found inside two important Spanish historical landmarks namely Pacheco's Palace and Mendoza's Palace, both of which fall under the territorial jurisdiction of Extremadura in Merida. Extremadura was dedicated in 1993 as a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity awardee for being the gracious host of the two palaces since these were first established in the 18th and 19th centuries respectively.

From Mendoza's Palace came the foundations upon which the Melia Merida was subsequently established, but still retaining the Renaissance frontispiece and Gothic interiors. Additionally, the modern designers retained a 14th century patio with accompanying porticoes to further promote the rich history of the place. From these, the rich Melia Merida sprang forth, which now boasts of some 76 elegant rooms provided with cutting-edge facilities that include eight meeting rooms capable of accommodating as much as 200 guests.

The rooms are provided with various high-tech provisions like cable TV, safety deposit boxes, and jacuzzis, among others. Outside, one can have an engaging time playing several outdoor sports like golf and tennis, or have a more personal category of relaxation through the sauna services and the spa and fitness centers of the hotel. Additionally, a hotel disco is open nightly, where one can spend a fun and engaging evening.