Andalucia

... holidays with the motorbike :))

... enjoy the mountains, trails, nature … and tapas, of course

... 3 weeks, planned for spring 2008

I lived in Andalusia, Alabama, for many years. Andalusia was named for Andalucía in Spain, and that’s why I would like to visit this region.

Charming Mediterranean region. Famed for its orange juice, sangria, flamenco dancing, beaches of the Costa del Sol and great destinations such as Alhambra, Grenada, Sevilla and Marbella.

I love Spain.
I really, really, love the whole country and I always had a great time during my trips. I visited Andalucia a couple of times, being based in Malaga or Fuengirola and I do recommend visiting Sevilla and staying in one of the many small hotels in the historical centre.
Granada and the Alhambra can’t be missed of course and Malaga, which is quite a touristic place, of course, but not as much as to give away its real nature, which explodes during the famous Feria that, for what I can remember is a whole week of partying in the streets from noon to dawn, every day! Which is the reason why I can hardly recall those moments ;-)
Then of course you have the Costa del sol, Marbella on top which means crowds of young tourists coming from all over europe, really.

In the end what I really recommend is visiting and enjoying: the weather, the people, the rythm, the music and the tapas before dinner (or instead of a proprer dinner if you travel backpacking …yuumm albondigas).
Take a walk in the streets and…enjoy the whole enjoyment! :-)

I will go to Cadice – Andalusia next week. Never been there but looking at photos and everything else seems so a nice place :)

Hope to enjoy it… than will explain you my trip.. byezz

I want to see the mix of Spanish and Arab culture here. Plus, I want to hear the Andalucian accent.

I was chaperoning a group of students over Semana Santa and found myself at the 12 midnight Easter service. The service began with “Lumen Christi” in Latin and I realized that back home, the Easter vigil was also beginning with the very same words. I am not fanatically religious, but I felt very connected to the rest of the world.

Oh, and cafe con leche in the town plaza in Almunecar and churros on the beach and Moorish ruins on top of Roman ruins on top of Phoenician ruins and seeing the Alhambra… I will return someday with my family.

Wow this region was one of the best areas in Spain.. I studied in Spain and well the whole southern region became home. Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz, and Sevilla are recommended places..wow..This place has changed my life in the sense of speaking spanish..I have a darn Andulucian accent when I speak..LOL!

or more specifically…las gitanas.
i had such a great time in spain. i ran out of money in almeria…never made it to sevilla or cadiz like i wanted to.
i must go back & do flamenco classes, eat & drink & re-connect with the gypsies. i miss flamenco, haven’t danced in years.
i’ll always remember maria, the gitana/rom woman who called me over to join her & her family for a chat & they offered me a sandwich – crusty bread with sardines & tomatoes. deliciosa. they were sleeping outside on old matresses & were open & generous with me. i visited her several times, smoked cigarettes in secret, away from her husband. i gave her a little money for her daughter’s meds a couple times. i remember she had her sister’s name tattooed on her cleavage.
un dia volvere…

I have now been here for 2 days, and have started in my language school..after a quick test, I was put in a class which is exactly at my level. by 7pm on the first day, we were covering the subjunctive and imperative tenses. So, the first goal of preparing myself for my exams this summer is well underway….In 1 week I am thinking of hiring a car and travelling around Andalucia. I am very excited but more than a bit nervous about doing this myself, it would be great to have a co-driver. Preferably someone who can drive on the other side of the road!! I need to decide today or tomorrow whether to book a hire car or continue for another week here in Granada. I have yet to explore Granada although it looks a beautfiful city. I am going to see the Alhambra later on this week and can´t wait!!