An alcázar is a Spanish palace or fortress of Moorish Origin* Dozens of alcázars are in Spain but only six are considered “Royal” — or “Real” in Spain.” The grandest one is just across the river from us, Real Alcázar – Sevilla and it is simply astonishing! Very few other palaces compare to its exotic …
Author Archives: janie.weeks
Ronda – A Day Trip
I know there are others but to us Positano, Santorini, Sorrento, and of course, Portofino are among the most beautiful, romantic towns in the world. Add to that list the stunning, magical town of Ronda, Spain. When in Southern Spain, do not miss this beautiful spot. This dramatic mountaintop city sits on top of a …
A Week of Leisure
We covered so much of Sevilla on foot and by bus in the last few days that we are becoming intimately familiar with its tiny streets and the lovely old mansions, palaces, buildings, and parks. This city seems to reflect old Spanish culture more than any other Spanish city we have visited. Here the architecture …
There are places I remember . . .
I dearly love that song! I dedicated it to Stan twenty years ago on Valentine’s Day. I want it sung at my memorial. Earlier this week Stan and I were enjoying un vaso de vino de Riojade la casa at a table in dappled sunlight under orange trees on a small plaza in Seville. We …
Expo 92 – Seville
We are taking it a bit easier. After all this 2022 time traveling in the Old World, cathedrals, palaces, and city walls have lost some luster. Between past travels to Europe and South America, we have seen so many stone bridges, churches, city walls, and green-carpeted valleys that we have become a bit jaded. With …
Seville – First Impressions
There’s a lot to see here. In the next six weeks, we will see and learn as much as possible and also have time to visit other towns in this part of Spain on a day trip or even an overnight stay. First, let’s talk a little about Spain. Spain and Portugal, that roundish land …
En Route to Seville
We just arrived in Toledo for a two-night stay. Same song, fourth, fifth, and sixth verse, it is beautiful! All over Spain, medieval towns are easily recognizable not only by their city walls and castles but also by the color of the ancient dark sand-colored stone. To the left of our hotel balcony, the city …
Foods and Wines of North Spain
This one is about food. There won’t be a lot of talking here, just a lot of photos of the foods and drinks we enjoyed in Northern Spain. In about a week, we will be in far South Spain. The food may be similar there but our experience says although, in the same country, the …
Exploring Northern Spain Towns
The people who live in small north central Spain villages are a lucky bunch. They are pretty smart too for having treasured and saved these little villages for explorers like us to see and enjoy a walk through time on their tiny roads and paths. It seems most of the Spanish towns have a befitted from …
On Foot in Santander
Taking advantage of the cloudy but dry days with pleasant temperatures, we’ve done a few day-walks recently. Stan planned a walk for us to the nearby town of Santa Cruz de Bezana. On another day we used a bus to get to the Sardinero Beaches where we took a look at the Palacio de Pineos …