Background: Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.
July 20th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería day 17
We awake from a funny one-night stand near Barcelona to face the prospects of the day: More driving. And driving. Driving. The expression “hauling ass” comes to mind. We have to ... [full story]
July 20th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería day 16
From France onto Spain! Our family friends’ (Jinx & Bob) daughter is getting married in southern Spain and we have to get in gear. We leave our dear French campsite, and make our way t ... [full story]
July 20th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería day 15
BEST: So, the cover band of Day 5 re-appeared for a performance right in our campsite. French people apparently adore Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. Also? Muse is a big deal in Fran ... [full story]
July 20th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería day 14
Bastille Day for the French! Here in the our quiet town in the South, it sort of turned out to be like town day, with some fireworks. That and a French shopkeeper hounding me in fast French ... [full story]
July 20th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería amsterdam (days 7-12…13)
Amsterdam, bar none, is a great city full of wonderful warm people. If you get the chance to go, do so. It is a city made for young travelers: hostels abound, the ci ... [full story]
May 28th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería » Cabo de Gata-Nijar Phil came to visit me for almost two weeks here in Malaga. We were able to travel around a bit and got to do a lot of fun things. It was the best vacation. We called it our honeymoon vacation because ... [full story]
June 10th 2008Europe » Spain » Andalucía » Almería The Cabo de Gata Natural Park was so beautifully breathtaking that we had to venture back there twice in less than a year. The first time was in May of 2006 and the second time was with some fri ... 15 photos[full story]
February 23rd 2008Europe » Spain » Andalusia » Almería Travel blog 16
Thursday, 14th February
Bad hair day! Got up today to Andy's comment that if the Queens guard had the same hairstyle as me they could do away with their busby's! That was it, caught ... 10 photos[full story]
Map of Spain
Spain's Flag
