Category Archives: spain

cold beer

08 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in sevilla, spain, summer, weather

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beer with a viewI’m really not much of a beer drinker, other than during the summer. And really mostly since I moved to Sevilla. Though the main problem with wanting to drink beer in Sevilla is that usually the only thing on offer is a gassy unpleasant brew called CruzCampo. But the good thing about Cruzcampo is that about two years ago they started installing taps in bars that served the beer at -2º, not only perfect for slaking one’s thirst but at that temperature you really can’t taste it anymore.

Trust me, when it’s 45º like it’s been the past few days you really want something that’s both COLD and refreshing…and slightly alcoholic is nice too.

Tonight I had the evening off – the calm before the storm – before a crazy busy pre-holiday week gets going full steam. So I found myself taking a stroll and then decided to go up on top of the Mushrooms (aka Metropol Parasol) for a nice cold one. And it was delightful just sitting up there taking in the view, enjoying the breeze, and drinking ice cold beer.

What’s your favourite summer beverage?

friday foto finder – coast

14 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by in friday foto finder, photos, spain

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fff- coast

This week’s Friday Foto Finder challenge is “coast”…

My favourite coast in Spain is the Costa de la Luz in the province of Cádiz, which faces the Atlantic Ocean. It’s my favourite because the beaches are beautiful with fine golden-white sand, and the towns and villages aren’t built-up with hideous high-rises as they tend to be along the infamous Costa del Sol. This is mostly because of the hot treacherous wind called the Levante, which can come up unawares and not stop blowing for a week or more. When this happens it’s impossible to even get near the beach (think standing in front of a hot sand blaster) and can easily ruin one’s beach holiday. I’ve only experienced this once and, believe me, it hurts like a sumbitch.

This photo was taken in a tiny village called Bolonia on the Costa de la Luz, which is reached by taking a narrow winding road off the main highway until you get to… THIS. Ruins of a Roman village called Baelo Claudia that go straight down to the beach, considered to be the most complete Roman town ruins yet uncovered in Spain, that make for spectacular views of this particular stretch of the coast.

Check out what other Friday Foto Finders are posting over here!

delicious spain

06 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by in food & drink, sevilla, social media, spain, tapas, tapas tours, wine

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delicious spain
This new Facebook Page is a collaboration by selected food tour and culinary professionals throughout the country whose aim is to contribute articles and food porn photos on a regular basis. We’re just getting started and have yet to work out scheduling and whatnot, but some great photos have already been put up so why not take a look?

I mean, how can you not “LIKE” a page called Delicious Spain… ?

Delicious Spain

change of plans

05 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by in london, spain, summer, travel, trips

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suitcaseWell, maybe. Remember my Northern Spain Adventure? I’m having second thoughts now that summer vacation time is almost here. Mostly because it’s not the kind of trip I want to do alone. I think there would be too many amazing moments that I’d want to share with someone. And I think it’s the kind of trip that is best done with a car, so perhaps better another time when I can go with someone who wants to do the same thing and who can also drive. The thought of me on my own catching buses and trains and then just hanging out alone in new places I’ve always wanted to visit somehow doesn’t appeal.

Having said that, I am still determined about taking my first ever proper holiday, as in, taking more than a few days off and not working while I’m away. So I may spend a whole two weeks in Málaga (if I can get Manolo’s apartment – still waiting to hear back) which would be different from my past quick getaways, and it would allow me to do some day trips while I’m there. I don’t mind exploring on my own but I think it will feel more relaxing to do this from a place I already feel at home (and I could take Smudge with me). I’m hoping to do this during the last two weeks of July, so fingers crossed.

I’m now thinking of also taking a week or so in August and doing a quick London & Bristol visit. Because who knows what news the September PET scan will bring? So I really want to make the most of this summer, even if I don’t do the northern adventure.

What are your summer plans?

corpus christi 2013

30 Thursday May 2013

Posted by in fiestas, sevilla, spain

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corpus13
I love Corpus in Sevilla. I’ve also spent this holiday in Lisbon and Granada, and there was also one unforgettable Corpus in Sevilla when I stupidly decided to move furniture (with 38º temps, streets closed off, carrying heavy things for blocks while ON CHEMO). And another very memorable one many years earlier when my friend Lizzie was here and we got up hideously hungover after about two hour’s sleep and dragged our sorry butts out to do the whole pre-procession thing. So in comparison today was uneventful but fun. Did the usual going out early to walk the route though didn’t get out early enough to have the streets to ourselves (Peter came with me). But there’s just something special about walking on rosemary-strewn streets in the fresh morning air…