Blogs from Spain, Europe - page 969

Yesterday we had the opportunity to visit the Spanish Senate. Interestingly enough, Spain's Senate has 264 members - 208 are elected by popular vite, 56 are appointed by regional legislatures. Terms are four years, but the seats appointed by regional legislatures can be recalled at any time. I also did not know that Spain is comprised of 51 territories. We were able to tour several rooms, which is well-documented by my pictures. We started off in a smaller new meeting room, which was built in 1991. After that we saw the actual senate floor that is used today and the original senate floor (built in 1820). The original senate floor was actually a convent that the King converted into the Senate instead of destroying it during the inquisition. We also toured an amazing historical library. The ... read more

We arrived in San Sebastian the Basques countries most stylish city, I loved it as soon as we arrived. We were surrounded by three beaches hot sun and all the gelarto we could get our hands on. We enjoyed walking around the town and got accoustomed with the Pintox bars, so many choices of delousious food lined up in front of eyes. We soon got the hang of ordering and devoured as many as we could. Yum! San Sebastian is one of my favourite places! We climbed up Mount Urgal a 20 min walk and saw great views over the town the weather was amazing and we were sad to leave. I hope to be back some time.... read more

To say the Spaniards have been intrigued by our camping habits would be a substantial understatement. Spanish campsites are on the whole excellently appointed with most boasting outdoor swimming pools and onsite bars and restaurants. For the city dwelling flat loving Spaniard the campsite involves a permanent pitch for their caravan plus attachments and often a number of surrounding permanent standing tents that may act as kitchens or general storage. The campsite is not a base for perhaps local excursions or country walks but somewhere to sit away from the city and watch your fellow campsite dwellers amidst as many of your home comforts that you can feasibly bring. Our two man expedition tent looks more than puny in comparison pitched next door to the locals expansive camping accoutrements. Many eyebrows raised and discouraging glances passed ... read more

Yesterday, after siesta a few girls and I went to the local castle in Segovia. It is called the Alcazar and was once home to Spain’s Royalty. It was much prettier than the one I saw on my last excursion. I have included some pictures for you all to enjoy. At times the castles and old buildings are mountainous but to think that someone lived there at one time is really cool. We topped the afternoon off with some gelato before dinner, which was fun. That is my favorite part, just sitting at a café for a while without worrying about, oh someone needs my table, gotta go. Not in Europe. Hope you all are doing well. Love, Nicole ... read more

If any body is planning to go to Ronda in Andalucia at the begining of October try and book a place on the 5 rythm dance course organised by suromaholidays.net I was lucky enough to be in Ronda, Andalucia for the last course, and it was amazing, a weekend of dancing and releasing your emotions, after the weekend i felt so much lighter and invigorated. ready to continue my travels. Before this i had been travelling around Spain for 2 months, kinda semi enjoying it, I am not used to travelling alone, but now i feel more open to meeting people and ejoying the company of other travellers. Ronda is also a great place and i met lots of nice people. I am now off to Italy to check out the cinque Terre region. Micka ... read more