Episode 5 – Valencia

Valencia

Mucia is the orchard for Spain. It has perfect weather for all kinds of vegetation, especially for citrus fruits. The most famous fruit is the orange. Valencia oranges are famous all over the world. There is a variety called Valencia blood orange which is used more for jams and preserves. Lately there is a big interest in growing rice.

When you visit Europe, there are a few things that are so much in common. You have to be prepared to visit Cathedrals. These old buildings all have their own unique styles. Close by the cathedrals are always some piazza (town square). A town square is a place for people to meet, exchange gossips and information, and to gather. All activities are branched out from town squares. Education institutes, parks and recreation areas, markets and business areas can never by too far away. Always remember the word of Santa Cruz which is “Holy Cross”. This name is so commonly used; you will find it almost in every town. Continue reading →

Episode 4 – Barcelona – A City You Can Fall in Love With (III)

Old Town

When you are in Barcelona, do not forget about La Rambla – the street where action is. Do spend some time to go through the narrow streets around that area and you will run into some pleasant surprise.

Off the side streets of La Rambla is an older part of town – namely ‘Old Town’. There are numerous hostels and inexpensive hotels within that area. You will constantly see youngsters entering and exiting these buildings with their luggage on wheels. Some of them travel with just their back-packs. This reminds me of the 70s when university students wanted to explore the world. They would take a year off school and travelled in Europe for the experience. A lot of them travelled light and they chose the most inexpensive way of travelling – thumbing – hitchhiking. It is exciting so long as you watch out for danger. Those days are long gone now, but the basic explorer spirit still lives on in the younger generation. Continue reading →

Episode 3 – Barcelona – A City You Can Fall in Love With (II)

Hot Pink is the Colour!

If you are a shopping person, you will love Barcelona. The prices of goods in Barcelona are by far the least expensive in Spain. Madrid is very advance in style, Toledo is intrigue in its workmanship, but Barcelona has the best combination of everything.

Take L3 – the blue line in Metro and get off at Passiag de Garcia. It is a boulevard spotted by brand name stores. It is also a short distance away from one of the Gaudi houses. There are also a lot of mid-range price stores along the way. Their merchandises are stylish enough to stand the test of time. The colours are fresh and vibrant and yet the prices are often 20% less when compared with other cities. You walk and you get tired. There are lots and lots of roadside cafés that can quench your desires. You can have wine, sangria, beer, ice-cream, at the cafés, sit and watch the lovely Spanish girls walk by with their cheerful laughter. You can also watch the intensity of tourists with maps searching for their destinations with the little time they can afford. Continue reading →

Episode 2 – Barcelona – A City You Can Fall in Love With

The advantage of being senior is incredible. All of a sudden I pay admission fees to a lot of museums, galleries and tourist sightseeing points at a hefty discount. This arrangement motivates me to see more and explore more. We do not need to shy away from anything. The authorities take the discounting very seriously and check for ID. So guard your passports well after you use them.

Entrance at the Iconic La Rambla

Transportation in Barcelona is not as difficult as it looks. Just follow the colours. The roads and streets in Europe are mostly in a spider web form. The piazzas are the centers and main avenues would branch out like the spokes of a wheel. If you are lost, do not panic, follow the road straight and eventually you will reach another connecting piazza.  Then you can find your location easier on the map.

Another tip to help is to carry a name card of the place you are staying. The last solution is to jump into a cab and show the name card with the address of your hotel and you can reach home safe. Continue reading →

David Wong returns and shares his travelogue and unique perspectives when touring in Spain earlier this year. Here you go,

Episode 1 – A Romantic Life

The world has its fair share of trouble with the European Union. A few countries are facing the inevitability of bankruptcy which makes everyone nervous. Yet the EU residents went on its happy go lucky way of enjoying life.

The Spaniards are still flocking all the eateries. They do not want to cook if they are on holidays. That gives them more reason to visit their culinary depots. A little drink, a little food but a whole load of conversation will keep them going for a long time.

In Spain, beware of retail business hours. They usually close the stores in the afternoon between the hours of 3 to 6. The sun will be too hot and few people ventures outside except for the poor tourists. It is time for siesta. Then the stores catch the second wind and re-open after 6. People will get prepared to go out and have dinner starting at 8 or 8:30. Continue reading →