Scholarship table
Mucho Gracias. This is valuable info, and we are budget conscious by nature. We are always happy with accommodations that are simply clean and comfortable, nothing fancy. With Alhambra a "pretty quick train ride" away, this sounds like a winner. I'm going to read up more about what already looks like the best place for a short trip. We'll skip the bullfighting but authentic flamenco (we've saw some in Charlottesville once) is absolutely amazing. As you correctly mentioned, Columbus' remains are allegedly there. Other sites include some in South America. Not only did the guy not know where he was sailing, he's not sure where he is.
I highly recommend Seville. The Cathedral is amazing (Columbus' remains are allegedly there), Barrio Santa Cruz, bullfighting, flamenco dancing (not the super touristy stuff), Pretty quick train ride to the Alhambra.A very inexpensive hotel, right in the center of Seville (right next to the Cathedral) is the Hotel Dona Maria.
Yeah, da folks in CO ar hi 'nough already, aina?
Pot is a gateway drug
Leelanau peninsula for a week. Hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, dune climbing, kayaking, winery/brewery tours, sunsets over Lake Michigan......aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Not there yet. A week away. Though it looks like a 'no'.https://www.leelanauticker.com/news/sugarfoot-saloon-long-loved-local-hangout-in-cedar-has-sold/
We are going to be in Portugal for 11 days and Sintra is included in our itinerary. The 2-3 additional days will be in Spain.
Thanks Muggsy, Lawdog, Hards Alumni and Babybluejeans for your suggestions. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.
Have a great trip Scoop Snoop! I'm sure I don't have to remind you to snag some Paella.
Socarrat!!! Possibly the best thing in the world to eat. A side order of pata negra. Try to make it to La hosteria del Laurel for some orange wine. Don Juan's hangout.https://www.hosteriadellaurel.com/
That crust on their rice is beyond words. Superb food overall in Spain. I was young when I was there and didn't have much coin but still felt I was eating prime-time cuisine at every meal. They have some garlic soup that was absolutely out of this world. I know it's made with smoked paprika and some egg yolk. The basket of homemade croutons they served with this soup (at some joint in Madrid) were absolutely ridiculous. I could live on that soup. Need to figure out what it was and find a recipe.
Some people think the French are the star chefs in Europe. They are sorely mistaken. Viva Espana!
Muggsy, I have that Authentic Spanish Garlic soup recipe. Ill have to dig it up for you... I got when my wife and I were in Spain. She was in the MU Madrid Program, and spent 1 year there. We go back and see her "sponsor" family. Ill let u know when i find it ! ! !
I've been very fortunate to travel quite a bit. Nothing against the French but I'm with you. I didn't have a single meal that wasn't excellent in Spain. Now, I have since gone to Italy and Greece and had more money to splurge. I had a number of insanely good food experiences in both of these countries . Nothing crazy fancy but the local cuisine in various spots was spectacular, especially seafood based courses. All that said? My greatest food experiences have been in Asia but part of that is personal preference and that I've been there more often.
We just got back from a trip that included 9 days in Paris. I like the food in Spain better as well. While in Portugal, have some peri peri chicken, the cherry liquor and of course, pasteis de belem. And while in Belem, visit all the museums. Worth the time. Also, lots of places to sit and drink by the river.
Ahhh.....yes. The piri-piri chicken. Great call pbiflyer. MIstakenly people think Nando's and South Africa invented the dish. I'm not a big Sardine guy but they supped to be fantastic in Portugal.
DO NOT MISS THE SARDINES. So salty, so good. And a stop by A Ginjinha, a little stand in Lisbon helmed by an old Portuguese man, for a taste of the cherry liquor is a must. Get it with the cherry in it.