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Travelogue:Spain
Posted by scribe | Posted in Travelogue | Posted on 15-05-2009
I returned from Spain about two weeks ago and I had hoped to put up a posting with some pics when I returned, but since being back I’ve been swamped with work, even having to travel to both the Philly and Denver areas back-to-back. In the swing of things for two weeks and I feel like I need another vacation. At least I’m spending this spring rambling around after thawing out from a long and oppressive winter.
But back to my trip to Spain…I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Europe many, many times, and enjoyed each of the places I’ve seen, but this last trip to the cities of Madrid and Seville, during the end of last month, was truly one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.
Seeing Spain had been at the top of my list for a few years now. I have always been fascinated with their culture and was hyped to be there.
From beginning to end the jaunt was perfect. The people were some of the friendliest and laid-back locals I have ever met or seen in any European country. All my expectations were more than fulfilled.
Like most of Europe, the sights were unbelievable, but what struck me the most on this trip were the people of Spain. Usually, it’s pretty tough to be an American tourist in Europe. In countries like Italy and France, the locals do not have much tolerance for Americans and they make it quite known, but the people in Spain have a great, easy-going spirit and are very patient when Americans approach them and butcher their language. More importantly, the passion these people have for living the good life is unparalleled and it started to rub off on me while I was there.
Being there and soaking up the culture made realize the importance of actually taking the time to enjoy the moment… Something I had forgotten about in the past year.
The people of Spain take the day as it comes and maybe we in the states could take note. They have their share of problems too (the unemployment rate is up to 17%), but they take it in stride.
Their way of life is similar to what the Italians call, “La Dolce Vita.” They have a passion for the arts. They love gathering with friends eating good food . They enjoy the simple everyday acts like relaxing in a café with little tapas and some cervezas…or strolling though the narrow streets and alleys in the picture perfect cities they call home. Every time I return from Europe, I always have the mindset that Americans could learn so much from their way of life, but with this most recent trip it rings more true to me.
I took way too many pics, nearly 500 to be exact, I won’t eat up bandwidth by posting them all, but, go to my Flickr page and decide for yourself. Leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I’ll put up the choices on a later date.
