SPAIN
2008
After originally
falling in love with
Spain during a two-week stint in 2003, we returned in 2008 for three weeks
to not only repeat what we had done previously, but taking on stops Córdoba
in the south and visiting a good portion of the north as well.
Happily, we were able to share our love of Spain with our families this time around. Trent's parents joined in the fun in Madrid and Toledo while we traveled with Amy's parents through to Granada. We also met up with Trent's brother Todd and his wife Stephanie (who currently reside in Zürich, Switzerland) for several days in the north.
Our itinerary took us from the center of the country through a sweeping tour of the south, from Jerez de la Frontera in the west as far to Granada in the east. Then we flew north to Asturias and steadily moved east until we hit the border with France (see the map at the bottom of the page for a visual guide).
Though the weather was unusually rainy for May, we enjoyed ourselves immensely, no doubt due in part to our ability to speak a fair bit of Spanish. We loved what we experienced and would return to Spain for a third time in a heartbeat.
Lots of stories, lots of pictures, and lots of food below!
The nation's heart (and stomach), including a stops at the Prado and Plaza Mayor
Spain's original capital and a maze of medieval streets
The capital of Andalucía, complete with an enormous cathedral and gorgeous Jewish quarter. Also home to the difficult-to-watch national pasttime, bullfighting.
From dancing horses and sherry tours in Jerez de la Frontera to Arcos, the gateway and first stop in Spain's phenomenal White Hill Towns
Our favorite town in the Pueblos Blancos, including some hiking up in the mountains
The last stop on our White Hill Town tour, the town that's perched on the edge of a cliff. Includes a second night in the country at a charming (and less touristy) B&B.
Home of the Moorish Palace the Alhambra and the Albaicín neighborhood, and of course more good food
Home of the Moorish Mezquita and winding lanes. Includes images of the spring feira with all the girls in their Flamenco dresses.
Asturias and Cantabria, the home of the magnificent Picos de Europa National Park.
Great people, great food, and a strange language.
Spain's not-all-that-happenin' wine region, a night in the Monasterio de Valvanera, and all things bulls and Hemingway in Pamplona
The weather finally cooperates fully as we end our trip hiking the white-capped mountains forming the border between France and Spain
