SPAIN, SPANISH AND SPANIARDS💘

Hello Readers, 

Today, I would like to share with you all my experience of visiting the country of my dreams - SPAIN! 

Let us start from the very beginning. I wanted to learn Spanish since I was 14. However, as the saying goes- 'Better late than never'- I started learning the said language last year and Oh My! I fell head over heels in love with it!

Needless to say, I was besides myself with joy when an opportunity to travel to Spain presented itself. 

I was lucky enough to travel with a group of students from my institute who were equally thrilled about going to Spain. And this crazy bunch of people with limitless energy and curiosity made my travel experience a 100 times better. 

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A fair warning: I love Spain, Spaniards and the Spanish language. So I might have biased opinions. 

But Spain is unlike any other place I have ever visited. Like most European countries, Spain too, doesn't compromise on it's external beauty- roads adorned with pretty fountains, beautiful gardens, walking plazas running parallel to a number of dainty little shops, endearing alleys, and architectural beauties all over. But what makes it distinct, according to me, is it's internal beauty- The People. 

The Spaniards are so beautiful inside-out, that never for a moment did I feel unwelcome. Every one-right from the staff at our hostels and teachers at our language course, to the strangers on the street conversed with us with utmost warmth and love. As such, I had so many conversations with the locals- much more than I imagined. This helped me greatly in learning the language even better.

What I love most about Spain is it's chilled-out attitude. In the evenings, after work, the people just come out onto the streets, enjoy with their families and friends, or go out for 'Tapas' or drinks ("Ir de Tapas" and "Ir de Copas"). They also celebrate a lot of events and enjoy life to the fullest. I strongly believe that the Spaniards have unlocked the ability of 'Living the Life'. 

 Being a 'Punekar', what also fascinated me is the concept of Siestas 😉. Don't know what Siesta is? Go on! Google it!

Another point that appeals to me is that Spain, like India, is culturally powerful. Spanish culture is an amalgamation of various historical influences such as the Roman-Celtic, Iberian, Visigoth, Greek, Arabian and other cultural influences, which makes it quite unique. The Spanish culture is widely known for the music, Flamenco, bull-fights, gastronomy, architecture- and rightly so!

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Although I loved and enjoyed Spain in it's entirety, a few places/events have left a mark on me forever. Out of the 9 cities I visited, the following are a few places that have become a part of me now.

1. La Sagrada Familia

 This church (now a basilica) is the brain-child of the fabled architect- Antonia Gaudi. It has rightly been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) in Barcelona, was in my bucket list for a long time and I was waiting eagerly to witness this architectural wonder. Now, all I can say about it, is that it is overwhelming. I cannot possibly describe it in words, and pictures won't do it justice. 

I 100% recommend visiting La Sagrada Familia.

2. Casa Battlo

Casa Battlo is another masterpiece by Gaudi. The local name of the construction is 'House of Bones' since it has a skeletal look. It truly is one in a million.

3. Montjuïc

Montjuïc, literally meaning Jewish mountain, is a beautiful hill overlooking the Barcelona harbor. It previously played an important role in defense strategy of the city. Now, a number of gorgeous buildings decorate Montjuïc such as the Olympic stadium, a national museum, the Royal Palace, etc. A number of beautiful statues lift up the charisma of the place. What I enjoyed most were the street performances, the music, and the general ambiance of the area. I would definitely like to go back to Montjuïc.

4. El Acueducto de Segovia

 This aqueduct was constructed to transport water from the mountains into city. Isn't it truly fascinating and beautiful?

5. Salamanca- University, Casa de las conchas, and the Tower. 

 Salamanca is a beautiful little city with a huge charm. It houses the third-oldest university in the world that is still in operation. Casa de las conchas (House of Shells), previously a light-house, now turned into an enchating library is another one of my favorites. And last but not the least, the towers that allow you a view of entire city is a must visit when in Salamanca. The entire place gives a very 'Harry Potter' vibe. 

 

6. Toledo
Toledo was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. It is a small city located on the hills. Walking through it's twisty-twirly streets going up and down is a delightful experience. The Alcazar (castle) of Toledo is one of the most beautiful ones in Spain. It is also a treat for all the people out there with a sweet tooth, since it is the birthplace of marzipan.

These are just a few of the beautiful places out of a million beautiful places that I witnessed. If you are planning a foreign tour anytime, I would definitely propose Spain 😋

Thank you for reading! 😁