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Weekend Away in Bilbao

September 17th, 2010 | Posted by sawidner in Stephanie | Traveling outside Madrid - (0 Comments)

We’ve previously talked about the wonderful museums in Madrid, but one I had to add to my list outside of Madrid was the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao.  So, we ended up stopping through Bilbao on our way up to San Sebastian.

We were hooked on Frank Gehry’s architecture, after seeing the hotel he designed at Marque de Riscal winery.    The museum sits along the banks of the Nervion River next to the La Salve Bridge.  We parked a couple blocks down in the heart of Bilbao’s downtown, with its wide streets and quaint cafes, all leading toward the river.  Then, we walked through a beautiful city park with Roman columns surrounding a fountain, and a children’s playground with a small pond that meanders along the river up to the museum and the many new futuristic condo projects being built nearby.

Impressive doesn’t even begin to explain the Guggenheim Bilbao’s architecture.  I had seen it on many shows on Spain, but of course it doesn’t compare to seeing in person.  This is one of those buildings you have to walk around the entire building to appreciate this amazing piece of art that defies physics, that Mr. Gehry is so famous for.  The large sculptures around the museum, that alone would probably dwarf the Guggenheim in New York, are also worth seeing.

The town itself is quaint and I was impressed to see a city that was once an industrial hub, now have endless bike paths and pedestrian bridges.  It reminded me of Spokane, WA another river town we enjoyed seeing as well.  It also made for a nice spot to relax for half a day on our way up to San Sebastian.

Museo Guggenheim Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 Bilbao 48001, Spain

The not-to-be-forgotten Spanish White

September 15th, 2010 | Posted by Courtney in Courtney | Food and Restaurants - (8 Comments)

Truthfully, Spain isn’t too known for it’s white wines. Think Spanish wine and often your mind shifts to oaky Tempranillos from the Rioja and Ribero del Duero regions. But in fact Spain has an extensive white wine industry that spans from Galicia down to Andalusia and on top of that who can forget Cava!

As I have encountered during my time here you’ll most readily find Albariño and Verdejo whites in restaurants and stores which are from Rías Baixas and Rueda respectively. Verdejo is a dry, fruity, crisp wine that I can compare to a sauvignon blanc. Perfect as an appertivo on a terrace in the spring or summer. Albariño is a light wine with hints of stone fruit that actually has a decently high alcohol content (up to 12.5%).

Cava is produced mostly in Catalonia and the grapes mostly used are Macabeo, Parellada and Zarel-lo. Cava was originally called Champaña until the name was changed to Cava (meaning cellar). It is made in the same method as champagne and many argue that it’s quality is just as good. The nice thing is cava is much more affordable. Another example of the Spanish mentality of allowing the masses to simply enjoy.

And of course, Sherry. Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the South of Spain and made mostly with the Palomino grape. Brandy is added to the wine which kills off the flor yeast and fortifies the wine. The alcohol content of sherry is usually between 15-22% alcohol.

A few other popular Native Spanish whites are Airen, Godello, and Loureira.

What I have gathered is that the Franco era really hurt the wine industry in Spain, especially for white. But since his death the industry made a significant turn around. And with the introduction of quality assurance measures such as the DO and DOC labels you will find consistently good wine year after year.

For some great back ground information in Spanish Whites see In-Spain.

Interested in purchasing or tasting whites while in Madrid? Try these recommendations.

If you’re not able to make it to the above locations in Spain you should be able to find good white wines near your home as well.

Weekend in: Lugo, Galicia

September 13th, 2010 | Posted by jodiehop in Jodie | Lifestyle | Traveling outside Madrid - (0 Comments)
Roman Wall of Lugo

Lugo is a good stop off en route to Galicia from Madrid. It takes 4-5 hours to drive depending on speed (there are cameras so watch out for the signs). It is also a good stop en-route to the beautiful northern beaches of Galicia.

The town has a roman wall which is 2 1/4 km long circling it with a walkway along the top enabling strollers to get a good view of the city. Inside the wall, the old town is mostly pedestrian.The town centre is small and easy to walk around but it’s relaxing and there is plenty to keep you occupied. We spent a couple of hours lying on a bench in the immaculately kept green plaza in the centre.

The town is set about 1km up on a hill from the river where there are natural springs and the potential for some spa treatments. There are also the remains of roman baths but we didn’t make it to see them.

There are a range of restaurants and a typical Spanish street of tapas bars. My favourites were: Verruga where we had navajas (razor clams) plus free tapas of moules and squid in ink, and El Riba that had special vermut and great foie gras

As with many towns in Spain, the Cathedral dominates the skyline. It dates back to 1129AD and has roman, gothic, baroq and beo classical influences, all clearly visable. Opposite the main facade is one of the main entries to the roman wall walk way.

We stayed at Hotel Mendez Nunez which I’d recommend. It was 60euros a night with clean and spacious rooms in a great location and only 60euros/night.

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A Trip to the Post Office or Correos

September 10th, 2010 | Posted by sawidner in Stephanie | Transit and Transport - (4 Comments)

I had just moved to Madrid when I realized that I needed to have my mom send a package to me from home.  In about a week I received a slip in our mail slot to pick up the package, and thus began my adventure to the post office or Correos.

First off the slip didn’t give the address for my pickup, it just said go to your nearest Correros.  Luckily I knew that ours was in Plaza Ciebles, near Banco de España.  So, I head over there and figure while I’m there I’ll get some stamps for postcards and send two small packages to my mother and sister-in-law.

I remember walking up to the door and thinking how impressive the 19th century architecture was, and then inside I was surprised to see this very modern decor. (if you could envision what a high end IKEA would be like)  The first hurdle I had to figure out in my broken Spanish, was where to wait in line, and which one to wait in, since there were twelve desks open.  I quickly figured out that there are touch screens that you go up to and based on what service you need, they assign you to a certain desk.  Then, you wait like you would at the DMV for your number to be called by a  polite recording.

I took my packages up to the counter and then realized that I didn’t have enough cash to cover it, so I pull out a credit card, but they wouldn’t accept it since it wasn’t tied into a Spanish bank.  The little guy behind the counter, explained that I could go up a couple blocks to the ATM, and he would hold my purchase and place in line.  I ran out in the pouring rain, came back in 10mins to make my purchase, and then ask for stamps or sellos. He then explained to me that he couldn’t sell stamps at this window, and that I’d have to draw another number and someone at the other end would assist me.  So, I wait another 15 mins for my number to be called and quickly pay for my stamps.

I was just about to walk out the door, when it hit me that I still had that package to pick up.  I start to head back up to the desk when a gentleman stopped me, and saw the pick up slip I was carrying and said venga or follow me.  I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was walking me out to the older part of the correos, as he described it, which is around the corner from where we were.  I quickly realize that he was suppose to be behind the information desk, but since he didn’t have any identification on, it was difficult to understand this at first.  I thanked the gentleman and walked a couple blocks up the street to finally retrieve my package.

As usual I learned a couple lessons, always have cash when making purchases at the Correos, and realize that depending on the location you may have to buy stamps, send a package and/or pick up a package at three different help desks.

Correros for Spain Paseo Del Prado, 1 28014 Madrid Telf:915230694 (Main office) Open M-F 8:30am-9:30pm and Sat 8:30am-2:00pm (check the website for other locations and their hours)

S’avarca – the other Spanish sandal

September 8th, 2010 | Posted by jodiehop in Courtney | Shopping - (0 Comments)

So you’ve either been to Spain before during the summer or just arrived and quickly notice that if the people on the street aren’t wearing Espadrilles then they have on a simple leather sandal, the S’avarca. The Avarca is another unisex sandal whose origins date back 100′s of years on the island of Menorca.

These sandals were made to last. Originally intended to withstand a harsh Menorca country side and its humid temperatures, you’ll find they were absolutely made for Spain and its harsh summers. And luckily they’re pretty cute too. You can buy them at stores throughout Spain (I recommend you make your way through Sol or Chueca to find your favotires). They’ve evolved through the centuries to have many color options and designs and they even often have small heels, for those who need a little lifting.

So before the summer ends go out and get yourself another piece of España!

I have located this website for importing these sandals if you’re in the USA.