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Here we have the interview with Christine!! She is an American expat living in beautiful northern Spain after spending three years soaking up the Andalusian sun. Enjoy the interview and smile while reading! And know the importance of learning a little bit of Spanish when travelling to Spain! đ
– What is the most impressive place in Spain you have ever been to? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?
It’s so difficult to name just one place in Spain that has impressed me. I’ve been equally impressed by the Moorish history in Granada as I have by the natural beauty found in Basque Country. The pueblos blancos, Sevilla’s Cathedral, Madrid’s Royal Palace, Barcelona’s architecture, the medieval towns and castlesâŠSpain impresses me as a whole.
The advice I’d give to someone wanting to travel to Spain is to definitely brush up on their Spanish before coming here. While a lot of people in the hospitality industry speak a little English, it’s always helpful to be able to ask for directions, order food, etc. in Spanish.
– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase when traveling?
If I ever were to forget my DSLR camera, I’d be so disappointed! I love capturing my travels through photos–they’re the best souvenirs!
– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their
own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking
part in organized tours?
I would tell them that everyone is afraid to travel alone at first, but once you do it, it’s one of the most liberating feelings ever. If you can find your way in a foreign country (bonus points if the local language is not your native tongue!) you’ll feel like you can take on anything alone. I would encourage them to get in touch with others who have traveled solo, to stay in hostels (makes it easier to meet fellow travelers) or to couch-surf and really get a taste of local life.
– What kind of food have you tried on your travels around Spain and you
found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try
it out?
I am so in love with Spanish cuisine! Before coming here, I didn’t really know what to expect of the gastronomy, but I have been blown away by it! Some of my favorite foods are boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar, olive oil and topped with lots of garlic), carrillada (braised pork cheek) and alubias a la vasca (red beans flavored with pork fat). I’d recommend eating regionally when you’re in Spain. Every region has their own specialties that are made the best in their place of origin.
– Finally, tell us something that happened to you while travelling and that you will never forget âŠ
When I first came to Spain, I took a solo trip to Jerez de la Frontera. I knew Jerez was famous for its sherry, and I wanted to go on a wine tour/tasting, so I walked around town following signs that promised a winery nearby. I was feeling pretty proud of myself that I’d found the place without a map and as I walked up to buy my ticket, I started rehearsing in my head what I’d say to the woman at the ticket counter. At that point in time, my Spanish was basically non-existent, so the fact that I had had made it through the conversation with a ticket in hand had me feeling a huge sense of relief.
As I was walking up to the museum, I was still convinced I was going to learn all about sherry, until my tour guide greeted me and asked why I was so interested in clocks. I quickly looked around and realized I had just bought a ticket for the Clock Museum! I was so embarrassed by my mistake, that I just went along with the tour because I couldn’t face the woman at the ticket office again. Easily the most boring tour I’ve ever been on!
Thank you Christine for your time with the interview! Do you want to know more about Christine and her adventures around Spain? You can follow her stories, photos and adventures at www.christineinspain.com
1 – Sagrada Familia (1882-currently under construction): this is probably the most famous Gaudiâs building. The Project started in 1882, and GaudĂ got involve one year later. The architect did not abandon the Project until his death in 1926. The building is still under construction and it is built from donations. GaudĂ himself said: “The expiatory church of La Sagrada FamĂlia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people.” Learn more about it and tickets at: http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/?lang=0
2- La Casa MilĂ (1906-1912): it is known as La Pedrera (meaning âThe Quarryâ in Catalan). Casa MilĂ is the fourth and final work GaudĂ did on Passeig de GrĂ cia, the main avenue of the city at the time. The building marked a break with the architectural language of GaudĂâs work in terms of innovation in both the functional aspects and the constructive and ornamental ones. Find more information about the history of the building and the tickets to visit it at: http://www.lapedrera.com/en/home
3 – Park GĂŒell (1900-1914): Eusebi Guell bought a large farm in the “Muntaya Pelada”, Gracia. He wanted to build a Garden-city, the works were commissioned to Antonio GaudĂ. It was opened to the public in 1926 as a park for its beauty. In 1984 it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. You can visit the park and find more information at: http://www.parkguell.es/en/index.php
4- Casa BatllĂł (1904-1906): was commissioned by the textile industrialist Josep BatllĂł. Nowadays, is an iconic landmark in the city. The “Manzana de la Discordia”, or Block of Discord, is a series of buildings in Passeig de GrĂ cia. It is home to a collection of works by the most renowned architects, amongst which is Casa BatllĂł. The house, now a museum, is open to the public, both for cultural visits and for celebrating events in its splendid modernist function rooms. Learn more about Casa BatllĂł at: http://www.casabatllo.es/en/
5- Casa Vicens (1883-1888): is a family residence designed by Antoni GaudĂ and built for industrialist Manuel Vicens. It was GaudĂ’s first important work. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Works of Antoni GaudĂ” in 2005.
It is located at Carrer de les Carolines 24, in the Grà cia district of Barcelona. This early work exhibits several influences, most notably the Moorish or Mudéjar influence. The house is constructed of undressed stone, rough red bricks, and colored ceramic tiles in checkerboard and floral patterns. The owner, Manuel Vicens, was the owner of a brick and tile factory, so the ceramic tiles pay tribute to his employment. It is not posible to visit the house inside, but it is wonderful to see it from the outside. It is currently on sale. Visit his web: http://www.casavicens.es/
If you want to know more about GaudĂ and all his work, in the following link you will find all his projects: http://www.parkguell.es/en/hist_2.php
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