Spanish
Cuisine
If you are
anything like me, you can choose a vacation destination solely based on
the food there. Okay, well maybe not solely, but that's huge in my book.
I have already mentioned how diverse Spain's culture is. This diversity
directly correlates to the variety of cuisine around the nation.
Jamon
Iberico
There
is one word that I feel encapsulates Spanish food: Fresh. Different regions
of Spain have different indigenous produce and styles of preparation. That
is what makes the food so diverse from a nationwide point of view. In my
experience the more rural areas, that are supplied by open-air markets
and prepare meals by hand, are unrivaled in freshness. However, even in
big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona you will see very quickly there
are no slouches in the kitchen. Even timeshare resorts have very skilled catering services so don't fret if you are restricted
to your resort hotel (depending on location, certain times of the day and
night make it difficult to find an available eatery) for a meal.
There are a
couple differences in dining in America and dining in Spain. First of all,
eating healthy is undeniably delicious. In fact, it is hard to find a dish
that isn't good for you. Even the traditional deserts are often fruit based.
Spanish chocolate is perhaps the sweetest secret in the realm of Spanish
dining. Secondly, there is no hurry when you are eating. Relaxation is
a side dish with every meal.
A few free
suggestions regarding food: if you find yourself in Andalucia partake in
any dish with shellfish, of which there is a plethora. Also, in Andalucia
is the Jamon Iberico, a pork dish that is completely different than anything
else in the world. In the North, Navarre is famous for its stuffed piquillo
red peppers and many of Navarre's meals are more based around vegetable
dishes. Amazing.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
and the Lay of the Land The Pyrenees Mountain range basically forms the
border between Spain and France. The Pyrenees are actually older than the
Alps and are a common destination for those who are interested in finding
a spot for good skiing, camping, rafting and climbing.
Spain's Mediterranean
coast is a place of breathtaking vistas and refreshing atmosphere. Surfing
and windsurfing hotspots can be found at various locations. Scuba diving,
swimming and sailing are perfect pastimes for the eastern coast. An interesting
alternative to traveling and the subsequent lodging complications are timeshares
on houseboats.
Unbeknownst
to many, Spain has a fine collection of island territories. The Canary
Islands are located off the coast of Morocco and provide yet another unique
place to explore. Tenerife is perhaps the most famous of the seven islands
that make up the archipelago. Tenerife features immaculate beaches and
exciting nightlife.
Ibiza is one
of the Balearic Islands and is also a very popular island destination.
Much like Tenerife it has spectacular beaches and plenty of bars, restaurants
and nightclubs, certainly a "must see" destination for your Spain getaway.
No matter where you choose to go, remain confident that you are never far
from timeshares that can
serve as low cost home-away-from-homes. Traveling on a budget is not always
an easy task, but Spain is definitely a place you should see. I hope this
little guide has been helpful, and don't forget through all your experiences
and adventures make sure to have fun! |