¡Qué Interesante!

Skiing in Spain

2007-01-31T04:11:00.000-08:00

Skiing isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Spain because of its southern latitude. In reality, Spain is a relatively "high" and mountainous country in elevation, only second in Europe to that of Switzerland. As a result, there are a number of options in Spain to go skiiing. The two main and favorite options are the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. The Pyrenees are in the Northeast of Spain and help create the border of France. The Sierra Nevada is in Southern Spain, which includes the city of Granada.

Some claim that the Sierra Nevada range above Granada provides the best snow and longest skiing season in the country (5 months). Apparently it is also possible to ski in the morning and then travel a short distance to sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon.

Spanish Wine

2007-01-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

According to ACNielson, the consumer research firm, national sales for Spanish wines increased about 28% over the last year. With all the types of wines, the reds are getting the most attention in sales. Doug Jeffirs, wine manage for Binny's Beverage Depot, says that the regions of Jumilla and Toro in Spain are great places to find good wines. Jumilia, a region of eastern Spain, is known for its monastrell grapes. Toro, a region of north-central Spain, is known for its tempranillo. Tempranillo, like monastrell, is a type of red wine grape.

Check out some more info on Spanish Wine.

- info from Chicago Tribune, Bill Daley

Segrada Familia

2006-11-22T06:20:00.000-08:00

In 1883, Antoni Gaudi was assigned the Segrada Familia and completely redesigned all of the original plans. Gaudi worked on the project for over 40 years of his life until he died in 1926. The plan was to finish the structure with his left over drawings and models, but some were lost in the Spanish Civil War in 1935. Since then, the construction has continued based on reconstruction of lost models and using modern adaptations The Segrada Familia calls for a total of 18 towers that represent the 12 Apostles, four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and the talest tower (170 M) Jesus Christ. As you can see from the pictures, construction of the tallest towers are not under way yet and the end product is nowhere in sight.

As you can see from the picutures, the detail of the towers are amazing (3nd picture). The second picture is part of the inside ceiling. We were also able to climb one of the built towers, leaving a view of the city (below).

Oranges (Naranjas)

2006-11-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

Though orange production in Spain doesn't compare to that of Brazil (#1) and the U.S. (#2), it is worthy to note the origin of some types. For example, Valencian oranges originated in the Iberian Peninsula and are known as the world's most important commercial variety. A Valencian orange is neerly seedless, thin-skinned and are popularly used for orange juices. Another type, the Seville orange, is very tart and is specifically used to make marmalade.

Oranges are grown on evergreen trees and can be picked year round, but different kinds typically have peak seasons.

Daylight Savings Time

2006-10-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

Daylight savings time does end in Spain tonight like most of North America, just at different times. In Chicago, you will be setting your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. while I will set mine back at 3 a.m. (local time of course). Additionally, Eastern Europe, aka Russia, will be delayed another hour and set back its clocks at 4 a.m.

The idea was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin and really began during the first World War. It was used on and off until it became officially implemented for the whole U.S. with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. There is debate on who actually drove the need for changing the time. Regardless, it makes us happy in the fall and pisses us off in the spring.

Plaza de Toros

2006-10-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the giant bullring in Valencia. Spain in general has always been famous for its bull-fights and is currently more popular with the older generations. From idealspain.com, it is reported that 30 million people witness about 24,000 bulls killed in these rings all over Spain. The tradition dates back to 711AD in honor of the crowning of King Alfons VIII. The bullfighting season runs from March to October.

Olives

2006-10-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

With more than 300 million olive trees, Spain has the highest number of any country. This allows the country to be the largest olive and olive oil producer and exporter in the world. You can find a liter of olive oil here for under three dollars. Olives of varoius kinds are also popular tapas. Green olives sutffed with anchovies are very good tapas. Both green and black olives come from the same trees. The green ones are the unripe version.

The trees are grown in groves and are traditionally slow growing. Natural growth bears its fruit after 15 years, but modern techniques have sped up the process to five years. Maximum productivity for an olive tree is said to be after 40 years. Also, 1,000 year old trees still are able to produce quality olives. They are usually picked from November to the end of March.

Catedral Seu (more info)

2006-10-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

The cathedral is also home to numerous side chapels, or capillas, which feature various statues, depictions of biblical stories and historical relics. One such relic is the complete hand and arm of St. Vicente (pictured above), a Catholic saint who was murdered in Valencia. The side chapels are common in various styles of cathedral architecture, such as gothic, baroque and romanesque. This cathedral had about 20 chapels, each with different symbols, including artwork done by Francisco de Goya.

This is special piece done by Goya and is located in one of the side chapels. Above the body are demons (monstruos, in Spanish), which are a reflection of the dying man's unrepented sins. This is the very first of many instances where Goya used demons as symbols.

Flamenco

2006-10-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Southern Andalucian Region of Spain brought the world a unique song and dance called Flamenco. Flamenco was originated by the lower levels of society, thus the spirit of struggle, desperation, hope and pride are reflected in the performances. Flamenco first started with the song accompanied by hand clapping or knuckle rapping as the percussion. Later, it incorporated guitar playing, which most people are able to associate Flamenco with today. Since its culture became distinct about two centuries ago, Flamenco style has constantly been in flux as new versions begin when adopted by different groups.

La Tomatina

2006-09-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of Spanish culture that you may have heard of before. "La Tomatina" is the world's largest food-fight located in the town of Buñol, which resides in the Valencian region. Every year during the last wednesday in August, upwards to 30,000 people gather in the streets with protective eyewear and throw tomatoes at each other. Large trucks frantically dump more than 240,000 lbs of tomatoes into the streets as people duck and throw all they can get their hands on. The tradition supposedly began in 1945 and continues to grow each year.

32nd America's Cup

2006-09-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

The America's Cup, titled after the name of the inaugural yacht winner and not the country, is a challenge-based sailing competition. In June 2007, the event will take place in Valencia, Spain. This event, dating back to 1851, is often called the oldest trophy and most difficult to attain in sport. It hardly changes hands because the defending champion hosts the cup and even sets new rules. Proof of the difficulty in winning lies in the fact that only three other nations besides the U.S. have won. The Swiss team chose this European location due to the sea's excellent sailing waters and predictable weather.

Alcazar Castle

2006-09-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

Look familiar? It should. This is the Alcazer castle/palace located in the Segovia province in Spain. It is the very structure that Walt Disney drew his inspiration from and essentially duplicated in the states. This castle is very famous not only because of its amazing appearence, but also because its past residence of many Spanish royalty.