Tag Archives: Spain

Barcelona

Some artists take generations to have their works completed. Antonin Gaudi, whose art and architecture grace Barcelona, was one of them. I hadn’t been to Barcelona for twenty-four years. But after spending a week in Spain (Madrid, Alhama), it beckoned. I had heard that there were recent protests against tourists, because it was overrun withContinue reading “Barcelona”

Alhama de Aragón

A small spa town or balneario, Alhama is located in the province of Zaragoza, Aragon, tucked between green hills. The river Jalón, a tributary of the Ebro, runs through it. Having spent many years as an English teacher abroad, I have often attended a week in Europe at an English language immersion retreat in aContinue reading “Alhama de Aragón”

Medieval Ávila 

On the way back from a week-long English language immersion retreat in rural Spain in 2014, I asked the bus driver to drop me off at the Ávila mirador, or lookout. As I stepped down the stairs to collect my suitcase, I could hear others on the bus—students and tutors I had just spent a weekContinue reading “Medieval Ávila “

Rural Gredos

Still exercising my English teaching skills, I have often spent a summer week in Europe at an English language immersion retreat in a remote area. The groups that sponsor these sessions are not looking for teachers per se, but native English speakers that enjoy conversation. The attendees are adults from the host country that haveContinue reading “Rural Gredos”

Pamplona: Bulls and elegant dinners

I have just learned that one of my favorite restaurants ever, anywhere in the world, is closing after thirty-two years: Restaurante San Ignacio. A wonderful indulgence on a memorable trip, and I never paid a cent for dinner because the owner, a dear friend, wouldn’t let me.  Most summers, I have spent a week inContinue reading “Pamplona: Bulls and elegant dinners”