Surviving Spain

Every country has its own culture and if one is smart, one should study the etiquette of that country before visiting that country. One always wants to show that he is a good ambassador of his own country and one does not want to offend the people of the country one will visit. By knowing what some of the written and unwritten rules are, one can have a successful and enjoyable trip.

Spanish Food

Madrid is a melting pot for the cuisines from all over the peninsula. Gourmets sometimes argue whether Madrid cuisine exists or not, but the truth is that the capital of Spain has enriched its gastronomy with the contributions of the Andalusians, Galicians, Asturians and other immigrants who have settled here. Eating food out in Spain is often cheap and meals are substantial rather than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served at any time of day in local bars. In Spain food ranges from cheese and olives to squid or meat delicacies and are priced accordingly. Many of the specialities of Spanish cuisine are based on seafood, although regional specialities are easier to find inland than along the coast. Madrid's own cooking is the proud cuisine of the Castilian high plains, and often the despair of the visiting vegetarian. The most celebrated dish is Cocido Madrileño, a stew that mates chickpeas, potatoes and other vegetables with chicken, pork cuts, and beef. Cocido is poor farmers' food in that it economically produces several courses, starting with its broth and culminating in the meats. A close second is Callos, in which a tripe casserole is enlivened with chorizo and chillies. From the mountains just north of the city, there are also roast lamb and suckling pig. Some of the Madrid region's favourite dishes: Cocido Madrileño, Callos a la Madrileña, Sopa de Ajo (garlic soup), Tortilla de Patata, Bacalao a la Madrileña (Salted Cod in a sauce) and Potaje de Garbanzos (chick pea stew). Restaurants and cafés in Spain have table service. In Spain the thing to drink with tapas is a dry (fino or manzanilla) sherry, or a glass of tinto (red wine). "Tienda" is Spanish for "boutique" or "shop", and this food shop for Spain has really interesting Spanish food such as fresh and dried chorizo sausages, beautiful Serrano hams, Spanish saffron, and canned goods. So you can prepare Spanish food at home.

Madrid: A Shopper’s Paradise

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and the beating heart of Spanish culture. Visitors to Madrid are spoilt for choice for things to do, including  museums and sightseeing. Many people, however, visit Madrid specifically for its shopping opportunities, whether its fashion or food. Like any modern metropolis, Madrid has several shopping centres or malls to choose from, dotted about the city. But Madrid is also a historical city, and small family-run shops selling traditional goods are still to be seen. The more upmarket Salamanca neighbourhood, based around the streets of Serrano, Velazquez and Goya, is the place to go for the top designer boutiques and more expensive stores. For more avant-garde tastes, areas such as Chueca, Fuencarral and the Rastro Flea Market are excellent choices. Whatever you wish to buy, Madrid has everything under the sun. Shop opening times in Madrid are quite standard in all shops in Madrid and Spain, although some variations do occur. Generally, shops in Madrid open at 10 am and stay open until 2 pm. Between 2 – 5 pm there is nowhere to shop in Madrid as the shops all close for lunch and an afternoon siesta. Shops in Madrid open in the evening at 5 pm and remain open until 8 pm. Spain is a predominantly Catholic country and although religion in Spain is not as important as it used to be ,Sundays are still respected as a holiday. Many shops in Madrid do not open at all on Sundays although there is a chance to do some shopping at a few shops that stay open until about 2 or 3 pm on Sundays.

Spanish Art

Long influenced by Europe and North Africa, as well as drawing upon it’s own interminable layers of tradition and deep regional roots, Spanish art and culture has been one of Spain’s greatest sources of pride and one of its greatest exports. From tall Gothic spires to the unmistakable sounds of flamenco-rock, Spain and its cadre of artists, writers, and architects have long been both cosmopolitan and inward-looking, able to live in the world and apart from it, often managing to combine both at the same time, all in the name of Spanish culture. Spain is probably best known for bullfighting and flamenco dancing but it has also produced some world famous painters over the years. The most well known are obviously Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Goya and Velásquez whose works can be seen in the Prado museum in Madrid. With Goya, a new era in art was born. Spain has also produced some world class composers and opera singers. World famous Spanish composers include Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo. Flamenco music and dancing were born here in southern Spain, Andalucía in particular. It has strong gypsy roots and is still very much a part of gypsy (Gitano) culture. Bullfighting or “La corrida de toros” as it’s known, still has an enormous following in Spain. It became popular in the 18th century, when the two first breeds of fighting bulls were created - El Toro Bravo (fighting bull).

Spain: Culture and Society

Say Spain and the three things that come into mind is Guitar, Don Quixote and the bullfights. But Spain is much more than that. Every country has its own culture and etiquettes and Spain is no different. It is appreciated if you are well versed with the culture and mannerisms of the country. Culture of Spain is a vibrant one that has won the global fame for its variety. It traces back to Iberian and Latin influences. The Spanish Culture is shaped by the history of the nation, its Mediterranean climate and its geography. This enriching culture of Spain has lots to offer. Spain is many countries all rolled into one therefore the culture in Spain is very varied and interesting. Its Atlantic shores and the huge plains of the interior have very distinct characteristics. Spain has a similarly rich linguistic heritage. There are four official languages; Castilian Spanish (the most commonly spoken), Catalan (used in Catalunya and the Balearics), Basque (spoken in the Basque regions of both France and Spain) and, finally, Galician. As if that weren't enough, there are a number of local dialects such as Valéncian and Andulucian. This is all part of the diverse culture of Spain. The exploration of the Spanish culture remains incomplete without inquiring into their national sport, bullfighting. Bullfighting has been an object of ridicule by the animal lovers worldwide. It is reported that about 24,000 bulls face death each year in Spain during the season of bullfighting. But the sport of bullfighting has made its way in the culture of Spain since 711 AD. There is a fine blend of spiritual and cheerful characteristics in the Spanish culture.

Sightseeing in Madrid

There are many instances of architectural and artistic styles spanning the range of medieval to modern throughout the city. Attractions that demonstrate a baroque style include Fuente de la Fama, Convento de San Antón and San Isidro. San Jerónimo el Real is essentially Gothic in appearance. Neoclassical architecture may be seen in the Puerta de Alcalá and Palacio de Bibliotecas y Museos whilst the Botero Statues and Faro de Moncloa are distinctly modern. As Europe's lushest capital Madrid has an abundance of pleasant parks and open spaces, such as the Real Jardín Botánico, Casa de Campo and Parque del Oeste, which offer a diversion from the hubbub of the city. These areas are also arenas for a multitude of leisure activities, for example visitors to the Parque del Retiro may wish to unwind by rowing out on the lake. Thanks also to the Prado, Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, Madrid is a top port of call on the European art tour. Madrid's main sights occupy a compact area between the Palacio Real and the gardens of El Retiro. However, monuments are not really what Madrid is about. To get a feel for the city you need to branch out a little, and experience the contrasting character of the various barrios. The most central and rewarding are the areas around Plaza de Santa Ana and c/Huertas, east of Puerta del Sol; La Latina and Lavapiés, south of Plaza Mayor, where the Sunday market, El Rastro, takes place; and Malasaña and Chueca, north of Gran Vía.

Marvellous Madrid

Madrid is a unique melting pot of traditions and the modern life of a dynamic capital city. Madrid's motto: "live and let live" can be experienced anywhere day and night. It’s mixture of tradition, culture, culinary specialties and wild nightlife is not only worth a visit but the perfect place to get to know and experience Spanish lifestyle. Madrid became Spain's capital simply by virtue of its geographical position at the centre of Iberia. Located on the river Manzanares, which flows right through the centre of the country and through the Community of Madrid. Madrid lies in the heart of the peninsula and right in the center of the Castillian plain 646 meters above sea level, has a population of over three million. A cosmopolitan city, a business centre, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Most of its industry is located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered. Madrid is characterized by intense cultural and artistic activity. Madrid’s calling cards are many: astonishing art galleries, relentless nightlife, its transformation into Spain’s premier style city, an exceptional live music scene, a feast of fine restaurants and tapas bars, and a population that’s mastered the art of living the good life. The citizens of Madrid, refer to themselves as Madrileños.

Surviving Scotland

Scotland is home to ancient castles, fascinating landscapes and vibrant cities. The country is part of the United Kingdom, yet it feels quite different from England and you will soon see why. Scots are passionate about their country, guarding its uniqueness and refusing to go along with English ideas. While cool and aloof externally, they are extremely sentimental about their family and their country. Overall Scots are free of class consciousness and social elitism, except in religion. They have a keen, subtle sense of humour and value generosity, respectability. They are an independent and proud people who have their own culture and customs. Here are some tips to make travelling in Scotland easy.