After 12 years of hoping one day I would visit Spain, I finally found myself in Europe's southern jewel. The land of the setting sun, where cobblestone streets coated with cigarette butts, is your yellow brick road to cultural diversity and breathtaking architecture.
Friendly locals and wide-eyed tourists move their way past crowded sidewalks to catch a glimpse of street performances and sights. And let's not forget, gitanos, "gypsies", who woo leaves of rosemary into the hand of every passerby - followed by an attempt to read their future. Let's just say, I was ready to experience all of Spain.
Ranked as one of the best places to travel solo, I flew from Miami to Spain's capital with confidence - ready to revel in this lively metropolis and the Andalucia region. My first stop in Madrid didn't hold back the wonder and awe of its historic sites, eateries and nightlife.
The royal Madrid
El Palacio Real (Royal Palace) offered all the fanfare a girl could ask for. Encased in stone and granite, the Baroque architectural-style edifice loosely resembles the Versailles Palace near Paris. Even though we were restricted from taking photos in the main quarters, I vividly remember the sumptuous rooms, including the large dining room, and the Throne Room draped with red velvet walls! Everywhere I turned, I saw porcelain ceilings, pristine statues, sparkling chandeliers and other precious objects I couldn't even begin to name. Paintings from the likes of Velázquez and Goya also added to the awe.
Sadly no sighting of Prince Phillip and Princess Leticia, since the royal family now resides outside of Madrid. However, the palace is still used for state ceremonies.
Flamenco in Sevilla
You can't go to Spain and not experience flamenco. So after a couple days in Madrid, I traveled five hours to Sevilla, where flamenco lives and breathes. Nestled near the Plaza de Toros, I saw my first show at El Patio Sevillano. The restaurant and flamenco joint boasts rustic hardwood floors and small wooden chairs in front of a modest stage. While drinks and tapas were served, the place came to life as guapos and guapas commanded the stage in a passionate love affair with song and dance. Flashes of delicate blues, hot reds, deep purples and lace white costumes whirled as dancing shoes stomped to the beat of Spanish guitarists. It was like watching a painting come to life - loudly.
Castle on a hill; gypsy in a cave
My next stop took me to the deep roots of the Andalucia region, to Granada, where you will find gypsies living in caves. The outer wall of the magnificent Arabic fortress, known as La Alhambra, is made of fine gravel and red clay and overlooks the city. As I rode the bus up the hill to the "red castle", I spotted caves where gypsies call home. No A/C, running water, technology - just peace and quiet and a front-row seat to the castle.
I was swept away by the palace arches, interior detailing of the pathways and chambers with dome and star-like ceilings. The Palacio de Carlos V, a circular courtyard with Renaissance-style marble columns, reminded me of the coliseums in Greece.
Holy Toledo!
One of my most surprising little pleasures was Toledo. The city is like a medieval wonderland. It sits on a hill and a river surrounds it like a moat! I wandered into a mosaic of churches, mosques and synagogues set in a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets and tight corners.
Those long walks and winding streets helped me stay fit as I indulged in hearty helpings of Spanish food. From Spanish omelets and churros with chocolate to tapas and Spanish empanadas, I stayed full and happy. And since wine isn't my drink of choice, I have to say the non-alcohol beverages were sensational!
Although I didn't get to visit more of Spain, between the sightseeing, tasting and learning, I was able to indulge in the heart of Spain's culture - past and present. Olé!
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