Category Archives: Spain

The Main Reason to Go to Valencia – Paella

23 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in Europe, Food & Drinks, Spain

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When Mr. Selfish and I left Barcelona and started our road trip around the south of Spain, our first stop was Valencia. The city has some interesting sights, which we’ll go over tomorrow, but those weren’t what drew us to Valencia. The primary reason that we decided to go to Valencia was for the paella since it was invented there.

As soon as we arrived in Valencia, we called Casa Roberto for a reservation. They gave us a reservation for 9pm, which was apparently when they opened. Yes, they eat quite late in Spain.

We learned from our cooking class in Barcelona that traditional Valencian paella consists of rabbit, snails, and chicken. Prior to this trip, I had always thought that seafood paella was traditional. Of course, we ordered the traditional Valencian paella from Casa Roberto. It took about 45 minutes for our order to come out. (If you order paella and it comes out quickly, chances are it is frozen.)

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Barcelona’s Park Montjuïc

22 Saturday Dec 2012

Posted by in Barcelona, Europe, Spain

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On our last full day in Barcelona, Mr. Selfish and I visited Park Montjuïc and the Castle of Montjuïc. Both are in the southwestern end of Barcelona and provide great views of Barcelona’s harbor.

We climbed the hill up to Park Montjuïc. There were great views along the way, and we tried to find a view with sangria but there was none to be had.

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Cooking Class with Barcelona Cooking

20 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by in Barcelona, Europe, Food & Drinks, Spain

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Mr. Selfish and I enjoy taking cooking classes during our travels. That way, we can make the recipes at home and reminisce about our trip. Since we were in Barcelona for an entire week, we decided to take a cooking class there.

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We divided into four groups with each being designated a course. The five of us (me, Mr. Selfish, his mom and dad, and his sister) handled three of the courses.

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La Rambla, Barri Gotic, and Boqueria Market in Barcelona

19 Wednesday Dec 2012

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Aside from Gaudi, Barcelona has some interesting areas to explore. First, there is La Rambla, which is a pedestrian shopping street. It was nice walking down the street with all of the Christmas decorations up. We didn’t buy anything on La Rambla, but we did people watch.

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Last Gaudi Sight in Barcelona – Güell Park

18 Tuesday Dec 2012

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To complete our tour of Gaudi sights in Barcelona, Mr. Selfish and I visited Güell Park. The park was built in the years 1900-14. It was one of Gaudi’s earlier works and is not as out there as the other sights we visited. Nevertheless, it is a very enjoyable park.

The entrance contains the iconic mosaic salamander, and the main terrace is designed like a sea serpent.

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Gaudi’s Masterpiece: La Sagrada Família

17 Monday Dec 2012

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Mr. Selfish and I went to La Sagrada Família with little to no expectations, but we were blown away by its magnificence.

La Sagrada Família is a basilica, on which Gaudi began working in 1883. When Gaudi died in 1926, less than a quarter of the basilica had been completed. In 2010, construction passed its midway point, and the Sagrada was consecrated as a minor basilica by the Pope. It is anticipated that the Sagrada will be completed in 2026 – the centennial of Gaudí’s death.

The day that we visited the Sagrada was beautiful and sunny. We saw the front and the sculptures adorning that area in full sunlight. It was spectacular.

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Gaudi’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in Barcelona, Europe, Spain

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Mr. Selfish and I really enjoyed Casa Milà, so we decided to go to Casa Batlló as well. It is another apartment building that was remodeled by Gaudi from 1904-06. Although Casa Batlló was a bit flashier, we enjoyed the views from Casa Milà more.

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Gaudi’s Casa Milà in Barcelona

15 Saturday Dec 2012

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Mr. Selfish and I spent the week of Thanksgiving in Barcelona. We stayed in a lovely apartment with his parents and his sister. It was nice to have some family time during our selfish year.

Barcelona is known for its Gaudi architecture. I found it interesting that Antoni Gaudi died from his injuries from a tram accident. He was dressed like a bum and no one recognized him at the hospital until it was too late. Gaudi was certainly a character, and his architecture showed his crazy way of thinking.

My favorite work of Gaudi is Casa Milà (better known as La Pedrera). It is an apartment building that was built from 1905-1910 and was designed for a married couple – the Milàs. It was innovative since the façade is self-supporting and an underground car garage was built. I particularly liked the wrought iron decoration of the balconies and windows.

Gaudi Houses 01Facade

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Hello Portugal (since I don’t speak Portuguese)!

13 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by in Europe, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, United Kingdom

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Mr. Selfish and I have arrived in Lisbon. This is our 26th and last city on our European/North African tour. We are here for four days in Lisbon and then we leave for the States. We are quite excited to be going home. Can’t wait to see everyone for the holidays!

For those of you interested, here’s the map of our last four months:

Europe Map

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Selfish in Spain

25 Sunday Nov 2012

Posted by in Europe, Spain

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Mr. Selfish and I are currently in Valencia, Spain. We rented a car from Barcelona and are traveling through southern Spain. We will end in Madrid and spend a week there. Here’s the map of our itinerary:

I know we’re still working through our posts in France, but if you have any recommendations for Spain, let me know.

After Madrid, we fly to Marrakesh and spend three nights there. Lastly, we’re in Lisbon, Portugal for three nights. That means that in less than a month, Mr. Selfish and I will be back in the States for Christmas. Can’t wait!