Palmas (hand clapping) is key to establishing flamenco tempo and rhythm. The technique and etiquette of this part of the flamenco experience was shared with us on Wed., Nov. 29 by Cristo, a local flamenco dancer born and raised in… Continue reading

The Albayzin’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets, dead-ends, decorative doorways, and steep staircases may be the only place in the world where one is happy to get completely lost. It is mystical, mythical and musical all at once. Carmens are… Continue reading

A symbol of prosperity, fertility, and paradise, Granada or “pomegrante” is the perfect name for this city we bused to on Sunday, Nov. 26. Our first stop was checking into our home for the next nine days – a third-floor… Continue reading

It just so happened to be World Olive Tree Day (Nov. 26, 2023) during our time in Ubeda, Jaen, the largest growing olive region in the world. Ubeda’s Olive and Olive Oil Visitor Center provide a well-rounded education and a… Continue reading

Rolling into Ubeda by bus on Friday, Nov. 24, we initially thought we’d made a big mistake. But, oh no! Ubeda far exceeded our expectations and earned our respect – from our stay at a palace converted into the Parador… Continue reading

We rented a car the morning of Wed., Nov. 23, 2023 to explore the countryside just outside of Cordoba. At the start of the busy olive harvest, we made sure to email ahead to inquire about a tour of the… Continue reading

Cordoba’s historic center is a revealing place to be while, at the same moment, a Hamas-Israeli war wages in the Gaza Strip. With its distinct blend of Arab and Iberian cultures, architecture, and places of worship, Cordobans have co-existed here… Continue reading

Cordoba has all the harmonious melodies of a city with obvious pride – the sounds of hammers and welders restoring historic structures, nighttime revelers and street cleaners, and a joyful daytime esprit. Staying in the historic district on Calle de… Continue reading

The first 24+ hours on our journey to Spain was exhausting – beginning with a late British Airways flight out of Portland, missing our connection in London, waiting six hours at Heathrow for a new connection, then arriving in Madrid… Continue reading