Sharon's profile

Don't get me wrong, I love spanish food, but as any expat living in Spain will tell you: spices are not their strong point! As a fellow expat once said to me "anything other than garlic, salt and parsley is clearly poison"! So where do you go if you're hankering for a good curry, or want to chow down on some good middle eastern fare? Or you want a good, Italian pizza? They're out there, you've just got to search a little harder, and if all else fails, cook it yourself. I've included some places I go to buy "exotic" ingredients in this guide as well. I'll keep adding as I discover new places.

Spain, Europe

I've had a fascination with Gaudí ever since the first time I clapped eyes on a photo of the Sagrada Familia in high school art class. That was nothing compared to seeing works like Casa Batiló in the flesh. The forms, the colours and the details were like nothing that architecture had ever seen before, and there's been nothing like it since. I've visited many, but not all, of the works listed in this guide, so join me on the quest to see them all. Enjoy!

Spain, Europe

Bilbao, the former industrial powerhouse of the North of Spain is now reinventing itself as a hip, dynamic and cultural city. The towering factories and docks along the river frontage are making way for architectural masterpieces like the Guggenheim and riverside walks and parks. Come for a weekend and see what this incredible city has to offer.

Basque Country, Spain, Europe

Set foot into any restaurant in the Basque Country and you can be assured that you'll eat well. The only problem is hunting out the special "gems". Outside the big towns many restaurants don't advertise, and often they don't even have a sign out the front. You could walk straight past without ever knowing what's going on inside. So, here are some of my favourites!

Basque Country, Spain, Europe

Some of the "must sees" and a few of my own recommendations for those you have the time and inclination to step outside the designated tourist zones!

Madrid, Spain, Europe

The regions of Austurias & Cantabria in Northern Spain feature some of the most beautiful and unspoilt places on the peninsular. From the spectacular peaks of the Picos de Europa to the untouched beaches, from medieval towns to prehistoric art and the first footprints of our european ancestors, there's something for all tastes. Come and take a look, you won't be disappointed.

Spain, Europe

Segovia is usually "done" by most visitors to Spain as a day trip from Madrid. I suggest making it a weekend, and take the time to wander around it's old streets and soak up the magic of this beautiful city.

Segovia, Castille and Leon, Spain, Europe

The Fiesta de Santo Tomas (21 December) has been a Christmas tradition in the Basque town of Mondragón for 650 years. In the past it was the day for the farmers to come down from the mountains, sell their produce, pay their rents and celebrate the end of the year. In modern times, many elements of this tradition remain, we celebrate with produce and traditional craft markets, eating and drinking and generally having a good time. Let me show you around!

Mondragón, Basque Country, Spain, Europe

Comillas is a beautiful town on the Cantabrian coast of Northern Spain, famous for being the home of Gaudí's "El Capricho". But Comillas is "más que un capricho", there's lots more to see! Let's take a wander around and have a look, shall we?!

Comillas, Cantabria, Spain, Europe

Ask any Spaniard where they come from and they'll tell you the name of their town first, then their province and finally Spain! The reality is that Spain is not so much a country as a collection of regions, all with their own distinct flavour, culture, customs (and sometimes language) all grouped together under one banner. Discover the different flavours of the many different Spains!

Spain, Europe