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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.

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By di and rob in transit
September 9th 2008

Alicante

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Alicante

After finding some last minute accommodation online we were feeling at ease on our express train trip to Alicante. We arrived close to 11am and decided we would attempt to walk to our hotel. After walking for a good 30 mins we realised that due to roadworks there was no way we could continue walking toward the hotel, so we turned around disheartened and made our way back into town to grab some lunch and start again. Rob realised we could catch a tram towards the area of our hotel so we jumped on and made our way into the next [View Full Entry]

By globetrekker2008
September 9th 2008

Valencia

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Valencia

Holy Grail!

I´ve discovered the Holy Grail! I don´t know what all the fuss has been about all these years. It´s been safely sequestered here in Valencia at Santa Iglesia Catedral since 1437! Monty Python and his gang were way off track in their comedic Grail Quest. Tom Hanks too, was following a blind alley in The Da Vinci Code. The chalice on display here was created in the 1st Century BC, and reputedly used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. This very historic cathedral was founded in 1262 on the foundations of a Mosque which was in turn built upon the [View Full Entry]

By 10eam 2
September 9th 2008

Spain: The Country of One Endless Party

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community

Los Moros

Spain is a country where the fiesta never ends; in addition to the national holidays and festivals, every town or region has their own special festival or saints day. Some of these festivals are really well known such as the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or La Tomatina in Valencia (Everyone has a huge, 3000 person tomato fight in the streets and then the fire trucks come through to hose everyone down) or Las Fogueras where every neighborhood or school builds elaborate paper mache figures or statues (very big, some are taller than the buildings) that are paraded around the [View Full Entry]

By Jay and Alex
September 8th 2008

Valencia and Cabo de Gata

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Valencia

Hello again. We´ve now moved onto Valencia further up the coast heading towards France. The city is beautiful with all sorts of old catholic and roman relics. There´s a cathedral here that supposedly holds the Holy Grail according to the Vatican so we´ll have to go check that out and report back to any DaVinci Code fans out there. We´re in a great little hostel with all sorts of other tourists our age which is nice after the hotels in Almeria and Cabo de Gata. A little about Cabo de Gata. It was this very small town stuck out in the [View Full Entry]

By 10eam 2
September 3rd 2008

Spanish Swear Words and Slang

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Alicante

Beach in Altea
You know you are all jealous.

Well, today was our first day of our intensive Spanish course which we take for 3 hours a day, 5 days per week. I was placed in the middle of three possible levels (they divided ourselves up based on the results of our placement exam) which I consider an accomplishment seeing as I haven't taking a course in Spanish in almost 2 years and most of the people here are majoring in Spanish(more about the intelligence of my fellow Americans later on in the post). The class does not seem as if it is going to be very difficult and as [View Full Entry]

By 10eam 2
September 2nd 2008

De La Horchata, La Paella, y El Aceite de Oliva

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Alicante

La Fruta
The desert bowl

The food in Spain is very different from what I am used to in the United States but I must admit that I am enjoying the switch from the over processed food to a more natural, fresh ingredient based diet. This part of Spain (the southeastern coast) eats a mediterrean diet, full of lots of olive oil, fish, and bread at every meal. They put olive oil on everything, the bread, salads, meat, fish, every thing is covered in olive oil. At least I know that my hair will be healthy. My family cooks a lot of fish, especially tuna, but [View Full Entry]

By Scofflaw
September 1st 2008

Tomatina baby!

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Buñol

Well its pretty much what they say it is. one giant tomato fight. The action began at about 9am with the Greasy Pole Climb in which everyone tried to climb a greasy pole to reach a ham that was tied to the top. At 11am the tomato fight started, with truckload after truckload of tomatoes coming into the square. Then the maddness takes hold with an every man for himself barrage of tomatoes in every direction. I was forewarned to wear goggles, clothes i didnt care about, and a disposable camera. all of which were excellent ideas. unfortuneatley the camera formated [View Full Entry]

By mickandjoc
August 25th 2008

Day 10 - Valencia, Spain

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Valencia

Valencia Market
Miguel was enchanted by the stunningly good looks of the fruit girl. Why have we got so much fruit now?

Activities Official Rest Day Market Shopping practice Highlight(s) * Taking the opportunity for a rest day after a really busy and hot few days on the go. * The lady that served us at the fruit shop had looks like a movie star - you don't get that at Prahran market. * Lunch at the little Italian place. The handmade duck ravioli needed another run. * We took the opportunity to do a little shopping practice in preparation for Rome. * Miguel's Gelati count - 13 Odd Spot * Our newly invented launguage is tak [View Full Entry]

By mickandjoc
August 24th 2008

Day 9 - Valencia, Spain

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Valencia

Countdown to race start

Activities European F1 Grand Primo - Race Day Highlight(s) * Massa won!!! * Jenson finished!!! * Spanish commentator leading crowd in singing Spanish fight song prior to race start. * Ease of getting to and from the race track. * Miguel's Gelati count - 12. Odd Spot * First 5 laps of race were spent in and out of seat as entire crowd would rise to cheer each time cars went past. * Spanish crowd were unforgiving towards Nakajima after his role in ousting local hero Fernando Alonso from the race. * Raikkonen [View Full Entry]

By mickandjoc
August 23rd 2008

Day 8 - Valencia, Spain

Europe » Spain » Valencian Community » Valencia

Turns 2 & 3
View from our grandstand seats of turns 2 and 3. Expecting some significant action here during the race.

Activities Grand Prix Qualifying Race preview party with James Allen Highlight(s) * F1 Qualifying was down to the wire with the Ferrari of Massa just sneaking onto pole. * Watching the GP2 race - which is like the F1 Seconds - the start was hugely exciting with a few cusualties. * Meeting James Allen - who was a really nice bloke, and even asked if he could join us for the rest of our trip. * Mick's Gelati count - 11. No gelati's today!!! Odd Spot * Seeing a guy exchanging his ticket for cash under the fence [View Full Entry]

Travel Blog » Europe » Spain » Valencian Community