A lifetime of encounters with Spain.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Aug 15th, 2011
My wife Ruth and I have visited virtually every nook and cranny of Spain over the last 45 years, and many times our friends ask me what our favorite part of Spain is. Sunny Andalucía, noble Toledo or Galicia with its hearty fishermen braving the turbulent Atlantic Ocean – which is my favorite? It would [...]
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Aug 15th, 2011
Mi esposa Ruth y yo hemos explorado prácticamente hasta los más recónditos lugares de la geografía española en los últimos cuarenta y cinco años, y muchas veces mis amigos me preguntan cuál de ellos es mi rincón favorito. La soleada Andalucía, el noble Toledo o la Galicia de valerosos pescadores que desafían el turbulento Océano [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Reflections on Spain on Jul 12th, 2010
There is a magical city nestled close to the coastline of Galicia, which is often overlooked by visitors to Spain. It is Santiago de Compostela, far away from the usual Toledo – Sevilla – Córdoba – Granada – Barcelona tourist circuit, both in distance and temperament. It has both a holy and a cosmopolitan air. [...]
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Jul 12th, 2010
Existe un lugar mágico situado en las cercanías de la costa de Galicia que a menudo se les pasa por alto a los viajeros. Se trata de Santiago de Compostela – alejada del circuito turístico de las populares Toledo, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada y Barcelona tanto en distancia como en carácter. Goza de un aire a [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain on Mar 1st, 2010
Over the years we have formed bonds with pilgrims from all over the USA. Especially since the College of William & Mary and others in Williamsburg were some of the early movers to establish a gathering and format for fellow pilgrims whose hearts were draw to Santiago and the Camino for reasons best know to themselves.
This kind of bonding has grown with regular gatherings. The next one is 16-23 March at Winter Park Florida. You might find it a remarkably renewing experience. Check out www.americanpilgrims.com.
Posted in Corners of Spain, Fairs, Feasts and Fiestas, Migas on Jan 11th, 2010
Three dates you might keep in mind if you are planning a trip to Spain in 2010
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Apr 15th, 2008
The bond of the people of Galicia to their ocean is complete. The coast is punctuated by rias or fjords – fingers of the ocean reaching deep into the land, delivering the riches of the sea virtually to their doorsteps of Galician homes.
Many people first think of the exotic parts of Spain: gypsies, flamenco, forts, fountains and colorful tiled patios. This legacy of 700 years of a Moorish presence is fascinating and significant. But the tapestry of Spain contains many more threads. Ruth and I find it absorbing to explore the variety of cultures still represented in this ancient land. For example, some of you may not even know of Celtic Spain – complete with bagpipes and the misty hills of the Northwest
The next time you are planning a trip to Spain, I urge you to consider spending some time in green and gorgeous Galicia – especially in the early spring before the tourists come. The scenery is dramatic, the people are the salt of the earth, their crusty bread is astonishingly good, and the seafood is incomparable.
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Jan 15th, 2008
El otro día le ofrecí a una señora de cierta edad mi bombón preferido, higo recubierto de chocolate negro y brandy. Ella levantó el dedo y dijo afablemente, “No gracias, yo ya no como higos”. Nos explicó que “cuando era pequeña en Zaragoza, los higos eran lo único que teníamos para comer. La Guerra Civil [...]
Posted in Corners of Spain, Reflections on Spain on Oct 15th, 2006
Today I would like you to meet my friend Esteban, whose family roots go back almost 1,000 years. He is a warm and gentle man, whom our family has met on several occasions.
He and his brother Javier work together with his father, Esteban Salvadores who founded a small business, El Maragato, in the ancient stone village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, which was first an encampment of the Roman legion. Later, in medieval times, the villagers welcomed pilgrims traveling along the Camino de Santiago.
Posted in Reflexiones en Español on Oct 15th, 2006
Mi familia ha recorrido los caminos de España durante más de cuarenta años: primero mi esposa y yo, luego fuimos incluyendo a nuestros hijos, y recientemente nuestros hijos ya adultos con sus familias. Disfrutamos de vivir a la manera de familias de muchas partes de España que vamos conociendo. Con este conocimiento acumulado podemos identificar [...]
