Friday, May 25, 2007

Spain's Exceptional Eating Style

Meal time in Spain is peculiar to that of the other European countries because it is far more defined, nominal, and provides a lot of choices not only for locals but most especially for visiting tourists. Spaniards love spending their eating hours as well as receiving guests out in on hand restaurants rather than at home, so it is no longer rare that cafes, bars, and restaurants operate on most parts of the day.

Breakfast is almost missed; otherwise, it would be a plain serving of toasts, jam, and coffee; churros, a sprinkle of sugar, and hot chocolate; or croissants and freshly squeezed orange juice. Lunch and dinner, meanwhile, are more ostentatious and lavish, usually composed of a four-course meal or more, consisting of either authentic Spanish dishes or foreign cuisines such as French, Italian, and even American. The sensible treat of course, is to partake all the standard meals that Spaniards have been known for all over the world like paella, tapa, meat casseroles, and gazpacho toppled with a refreshing glass of sangria afterwards. Obviously, Spain is heavy on meat but that is not to say however, that Spaniards miss the worth of vegetables when in fact, they grow one of the freshest varieties in the world.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

An Exceptional Volcanic Island Spree

After a three-day business arrangement in mainland Spain, I was given three more days to appreciate an island getaway-- all-expense paid by my company. I instantly got my map, surfed the net, and queried some Mexican fellows about the loveliest and probably the most exciting and exotic island in Spain. Of my six fellows, four recommended Lanzarote Island. Right then, I elatedly packed my things, left the hotel, and set off to the island.

Lanzarote is part of the huge Canary Islands, surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean and a few kilometers away from Africa. Beaches are everywhere, so swimming in the azure waters, playing with the great waves, and going fishing are all thinkable. The sand is superb, powdery, and all white, adding more charm to the perfect sight of the blue skies, endless beach water, and volcanic backdrop. Add to that the plain bliss of the many stunned foreigners.

Being a volcanic island, Lanzarote has a chain of volcanoes, which provide a gorgeous landscape, perfect for shooting scenes for flicks such as "Planet of the Apes." Timanfaya National Park also has a version of its volcanic setting where some species are blossoming. But there is more to Lanzarote other than the volcanic scene and beaches because at night, the island is so vibrant with bars playing fine, folkloric music from the traditional instrument "timple."

Lanzarote is unquestionably far from the traditional idea of an island because of its volcanic landscape not typical to any other place. Now, I grasp why four of my fellows wanted me to experience Lanzarote.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Northern Spanish Culinary Delights In The Seville Expo

Within the next month, Spain will be celebrating its culinary delight expo in Seville, and to compliment this tradition, hotel operators within the area are coming up with Food Travel Packages in collaboration with various airlines. Once again, we are at the business of stuffing ourselves with what Spanish culinary delights can offer so be ready! This year, the highlight will be fixed on Northern Spanish food which is primarily influenced by the Moors and Muslims. We all comprehend that these people do not eat pork and as a Spanish, that is intended as a sin. Pork is actually a chief part in Spanish cuisine, but nonetheless, there is still more to look forward to in the jubilee.

Our feature culinary delight is the Baked Basque Fish which is, of course, baked fish served with baked potatoes and vegetables of your distinction. Primarily, the fish is baked in foil or pan with olive oil, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato, bay leaves, sharp white wine, lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. Northern Spanish food or Basque food involves mainly of seafood readily procurable within the county. There is a copious supply of various fish and shellfish in the area, but cured ham is also used sometimes in their culinary delights.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Power of Blahnik Sandals

If ever Manolo Blahnik is well-known as a good source of high-heeled shoes and sexy stilettos, more of the credits should go to the quality of the brand itself rather than the honor that was created by the American TV series Sex and the City. For one, the brand has been in existence since 1973, decades since Sarah Jessica Parker and her Carrie name in SATC made waves in the ratings game.

Manolo Blahnik was born in the Canary Islands, studied in the University of Geneva, moved to Paris for further studies, and later figured his first shoe shop in London by acquiring the existing Zapata to build his own empire around it. Creating glamorous shoes is what his shop stood its finances by and it proved to be more of the company's strongest pillar when Hollywood models started to take notice. Parker is one of the many regulars that frequent Blahnik's place for amazing shoes and awesome heels that go well with the chic outfits they wear to parties and other glam functions. The amazingly high pairs of slip-ons -- with up to five and one half inch of heels -- designed by Blahnik are mainly found distinct through the embellishments of either beads, ribbons, or buckles.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Islamic Lodgings In The Interior Of Christianity

Spain was overpowered by the Berber Muslims closing in from the North of Africa in 8th century. The espousal of Ferdinand and Isabella, both Catholics, in 1469 started a way to finally end the Muslim rule (781 years) in 1492, but today, Spain's national religion is Roman Catholicism and with only about 3% Muslims.

Marbella, an upmarket city in Andalusia, Spain, has a lush Islamic heritage in its old days. You can visit the city and see the rubble of an Arab wall with narrow white washed streets, captivating shops, boutiques, old churches, and the Orange Square. During the Muslim rule, a castle was created bordered by towering walls, and today, it remains a tourist spot alongside Marbella's beaches. In 1954, Hotel Marbella Club was created by Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe when he became captivated with the place.

The extravagant Hotel Marbella Club has 84 rooms and 37 suites on the beach front resort. The hotel-club also has 16 Andalusian-Style villas on flourishing subtropical gardens. Each villa is refined with Mediterranean's superior fabrics and interior designs, and even has its own private pool. Just recently, the hotel-club commenced its 18-hole golf aqueduct that was designed by Dave Thomas.