Spain in Pictures

We spent three weeks exploring Spain, driving from Madrid to Toledo and Granada before heading back up to Valencia and then Barcelona. We didn't have any expectations for Spain, but as it turns out we loved each city more than the one before. Here's what we saw.

A Killing Joke. Proceed with caution ...

Yes, just past this link you'll read one of the deadliest jokes in all of history. Please be careful.

A Not-So-Boring (hopefully) lesson on Barcelona's Jews 

We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to take an amazing tour through the old and new Jewish quarter of Barcelona with Janet Amateau of the website Sephardic Food. To capture even a portion of everything she shared would never do our talk justice, so instead, here are a few highlights to whet your appetite.

Secret Cookies in Madrid!

(And Toledo, Granada, and Barcelona)

When we visited Madrid, Spain, we heard the legend of the mysterious secret cookies baked by cloistered nuns. Of course we had to check it out. Here's what we found.

The Works of Antoni Gaudí

Everywhere you go in Barcelona, There's Gaudí

Barcelona, Spain is home to only one UNESCO World Heritage site, but it's a big one that encompasses many sites throughout the city—the Works of Antoni Gaudí. We visited just a few of the man's creations, but his influence (not to mention his name) can be seen and felt throughout the entire city.

08-04-2015 — 15-04-2015

Days 231 — 238

After our whirlwind driving tour of Spain, we were happy to settle down in Barcelona for a week, where my mom came to join up on our travels for a few days. We didn't do a lot each day, but over the course of the week we packed in quite a few activities.

06-04-2015 & 07-04-2015

Days 229 & 230

Our days in Granada were over and we were on our way to Valencia. But first we had to get our car and get out of Granada. Then, after a too-short stay in Valencia, we were off to Barcelona.

04-04-2014 & 05-04-2015

Days 227 & 228

Now that the big parades of Semana Santa were over, we had two more days to relax in Granada,

Friday, 3-04-2015. Day 226

Pomegranates, Tesselations, and Washington Irving

Our hotel managed to secure a pair of adult admission tickets to the Alhambra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed as Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada), a fortress that stands on a hill high above the city of Granada. It dates back to the 12th century when the area was ruled by Moorish emirs.

Thursday, 02-04-2015. Day 225

Traffic, Tapas, and Penitentes

We were going to arrive in Granada by 6:00 p.m. After our experience with Seville during Semana Santa parades, we were ready for anything ... or so we thought. But as it turns out, arriving in Granada was even crazier than our experience in Seville the night before.

Thursday, 02-04-2015. Day 225

Saints, Explorers, and Mantillas

Before we got on the road to Granada, we visited the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, more commonly known as the Seville Cathedral. It's the largest cathedral in the world (as well as the third largest church) and it is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Search of a Shave in Seville

The Best Barber in Seville (I Never Visited)

I needed a shave something fierce, and the Bald Monkey Barber Shop was right around the corner from our hotel. But fortune did not favor this bold traveler and I didn't get to visit a barber in Seville. Find out why ...

Wednesday, 01-04-2015. Day 224 (Supplemental)

Traffic, Parades, and Catholic Kings

Our Toledo host had told us about the time he went to Seville for Semana Santa and saw all the fantastic parades that were held in the city. As we approached the borders of Seville and the traffic became thicker, we started thinking that we might run into one of these legendary parades. Boy, did we ever.

Wednesday, 01-04-2015. Day 224

Gladiators, Theaters, and Traffic

On the way to Seville, we stop off at Mérida where we accidentally stumble onto the ruins of a Roman gladiatorial arena, amphitheater, and aqueduct.

On the way to Seville, we stop off at Mérida where we accidentally stumble onto the ruins of a Roman gladiatorial arena, amphitheater, and aqueduct.

Tuesday, 31-03-2015. Day 223

Mazapan, Damascene, Sharp Knives

After a brief drive from Madrid, we explored the narrow, twisting streets of Toledo, former capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monday, 30-03-2015. Day 222

All because of a man named Alfonso

After scouring the back streets of Madrid in search of the rare cookies baked by nuns, we ate at the world's oldest restaurant, took in some famous art at the Prado Museum, and went on an evening tapas tour.

Sunday, 29-03-2015. Day 221

Daylight Savings Time in the Schengen Zone

After landing in Madrid at Midnight, we got to our hostel and grabbed a little sleep before heading out to take our first Sandeman’s Free Walking Tour. It was a long day.