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Alicante. A Spanish City of Contrasts.

12/11/2017

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When still in the U.S., planning my escape to Europe, I pinpointed three Spanish cities to consider as places to live. They were Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante. All three were nestled along the Mediterranean coast with its abundant sunshine and mild winters. All three offered cultural experiences, were graced with historic architecture, and possessed modern airports.

My flight to Europe landed in Barcelona, so that was the city I explored first. It was a fascinating metropolis with much to offer, but it didn't feel like “home.”
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Barcelona's gorgeous cityscape.
Then I took the train to Valencia. When I disembarked at the magnificent Estació del Nord (North train station) I immediately fell in love with the city. I never made it to Alicante.   
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Valencia's Estació del Nord train station.
I felt I owed it to myself to at least visit Alicante to see if I had missed out on something special. A friend had entered her Aussies in a dog show in that city, and that was the nudge I needed to make the trip.
I arrived by train several days before the dog show so I'd have time to explore and take photos of the city. Alicante's train station is thoroughly modern, in contrast to Valencia's Estació del Nord.
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Alicante's railway station.
I walked from the train station to my AirBnB apartment, following Google Maps on my phone. Because I'm directionally impaired even with a map, I took a wrong turn and found myself on San Francisco Street, which is also known as “Mushroom Street.”
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I was quite surprised by San Francisco Street's Alice-in-Wonderland atmosphere in this very Spanish town. Actually, I enjoyed it so much I wandered back through it two more times during my stay.
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In contrast to the modern, whimsical theme of San Francisco Street, a few blocks away was the richly carved entrance to the Edificio Caturla.
There's much about Alicante that reflects its history, which dates back thousands of years. What impressed me most were the contrasts between old and new, rich and poor, traditional Spain and modern Spain.
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Santa Barbara Castle watches over Alicante from the top of Benacantil Mountain, 166 meters (545 feet) above sea level. ​
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Construction of the city's ancient castle began in the 9th century. Its base is surrounded by glittering new offices, apartment buildings, and restaurants.
In summer, Alicante transforms from a quiet Spanish town into a sunny playground for thousands of Spanish, British, Germans, and Russians on holiday. The Explanada de España (esplanade or prominade of Spain) parallels the port and is a favorite place for strolling. 
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I loved the gorgeous Explanada de España. It's lined on both sides with rows of palm trees and the walkway is decorated with 6½ million marble tiles that create a wave effect. Brilliant design! ​
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Shopping fun on the Explanade at open-air stalls.
The Explanade is lined with restaurants and shops on one side and the marina on the opposite side. ​
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If you're in the market for a new sailboat or yacht, you might find one here. Sailing buffs can also take a trip through history at the Volvo Ocean Race Museum.
Facing the marina are buildings old and new that stand shoulder-to-shoulder.
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The modern four-star Gran Sol Hotel and Restaurant overlooks Alicante's marina.
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Right next door to the Gran Sol Hotel is the elegant, historic Edeficio Carbonella.
After strolling up and down the Explanade, I headed through an archway that took me back in time to the Old Town.  
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Archway connecting modern Alicante with its Old Town.
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As soon as I reached the Old Town side of the archway, I was greeted by the splendid Casa Consistorial (city council building) on Plaza Santísima Faz. The Consistorial is a baroque palace that was constructed between 1696 – 1780. I found the doors particularly beautiful.
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Gorgeous doorway to the Casa Consistorial. When I was in Art School I was not a fan of Baroque architecture. I am now!
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Massive main entrance to the Casa Consistorial.
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Door handle and lock plate details. The face of the door was some type of metal that had a “quilted” texture. ​
I continued walking into the Old Town, up cobblestone streets, passing by outdoor cafes and small shops in narrow alleys.
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I peeked into this charming historic hotel on a side street of Alicante.
I turned off my Google Maps app and wandered. I found my self in the really old Old Town.
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Ancient stone steps led up to tiny homes clinging to a hillside. Loved the Spanish flag proudly displayed!
There were several small groups of people trudging up a hill on a dusty road. I followed them, thinking they might lead me to something interesting. Oh yes! They did!
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The entire trip to Alicante was worth it just to see the exquisite Basílica de Santa Maria.
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I become giddy with excitement when I see incredible beauty like this. Breathtaking! Note: Finding a scene as beautiful as this is called a “Photographic Emergency.” I must, I repeat MUST, stop and take photos.
Dusk was settling in as I trundled back down the hill to my AirBnB apartment, which was right in the middle of Old Town.
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My AirBnB apartment in Alicante was an eclectic blend of rustic and modern. It was perfectly situated in the Old Town, close to everything. Loved it!
Saturday morning arrived and I was up and out the door to the dog show. I cheered as my friend showed her Aussies, took photos of unusual breeds, and sampled local cuisine at food stands—but that's another blog post.
After the show Sunday, I caught the train back home to Valencia. I enjoyed visiting Alicante, and now I know I made the perfect choice of cities in which to live.
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Gratuitous selfie taken while waiting for the train home. Hey! I didn't know all the writing would be backwards!
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La Sagrada Familia. Exquisite beyond belief.

6/30/2017

 
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Big girls don't cry in public. I find it dreadfully embarrassing. Then I found myself inside La Sagrada Familia with tears streaming down my face. I was in such awe of the beauty of the basilica that I couldn't hold back my emotions.

I've visited magnificent cathedrals with soaring Gothic arches, priceless marble statues, and intricate stained glass windows. They filled me with wonder and admiration. But they didn't bring me to tears.

La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) is in a class of its own when it comes to stirring emotions.

Antoni Gaudí was the architect of Barcelona's controversial basilica. Its radical design received both intense criticism and immense praise. Some people considered Gaudí to be crazy; others thought he was brilliant. I think his work was pure genius.  
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Approaching La Sagrada Familia from the park is like entering an enchanted forest.
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The first stone for the building was laid in 1882. Because the scale of the project was so massive, Gaudí knew it would never be finished in his lifetime. He created detailed models of his ideas so architects were able to continue work after his death. ​
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Cranes reveal the ongoing construction. The basilica is expected to be completed in 2026, 150 years after work began. Generations of architects and builders have been dedicated to finishing this monumental project. Funding for the work comes solely from donations and ticket sales.
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Exterior sculptural detail of Jesus' birth announced by angels with trumpets. “A church is the only thing worthy of representing the feelings of a people, for religion is the highest thing in people.” - Antoni Gaudí ​
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The Holy Water font in the entrance of La Sagrada Familia reflects Gaudí's inspiration by the structure of shells. I loved how the smooth, glossy interior and rough exterior of the vessel beautifully reinterpreted a shell, and how such an ordinary object was re-imagined as a vessel with purpose and dignity.
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When I moved from the entrance into this part of the basilica I was flooded with emotion. The beauty was overwhelming. Gaudí's inspiration came from trees, leaves, cones, bones, and shells. He copied the structure of these natural forms to create a strong building that was filled with light. ​
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Gaudí’s architecture was unique and constantly surprising; he carefully considered every tiny detail of his work. I was awestruck by the incredible design, soaring heights, intricate ceiling decoration, and brilliant stained glass windows.
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Ceiling structures were patterned after leaves and the supporting columns were designed like trees. I felt like I was in a forest rather than inside a church. ​
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Gaudí's lifelong passions were architecture, nature, and religion. His work became an expression of his deep religious beliefs. Above the altar, you turn your gaze upwards to view the sculpture of the Crucifixion of Christ.
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Gaudí understood that nature uses curved forms, not straight lines. This area of the basilica is an example of his genius in choosing organic shapes, patterns, and textures to create feelings of strength and serenity.
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When you visit Barcelona, you must see La Sagrada Familia. It's magnificent! Bring your selfie-stick so you can share the experience with all your Facebook friends. You can even purchase memorabilia on the way to your next destination.

Tickets are only available online. Be sure to buy them well in advance of your visit because they sell out. If you aren't claustrophobic or afraid of heights, you can ascend one of the towers in an elevator, then walk down 400 steps to the ground.
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More info and to order tickets click ­here: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets/

Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona

6/23/2017

 
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Barcelona is a destination you don't want to miss. Play on some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy luscious parks and recreational areas, get worked into a lather at international sport tournaments, and discover secrets of world-reknowned historical buildings and museums.
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Me? I went to Barcelona for the awesome architecture!

What amazed me were the gorgeous buildings that dot the city. Not just the most popular tourist attractions, but exquisite structures that get less attention. On their way to work, people walk past these places without taking notice. They're just part of the everyday landscape where they live.

I marveled at the buildings, grabbed my camera and captured their beauty. All of these buildings were photographed within a short walk from La Sagrada Familia, which is a Barcelona landmark and World Heritage site. 
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This opulent facade is an expression of the power and prestige of its owner. ​ 
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Cathedral influenced by the Gothic architectural style. 
Gothic architecture, which evolved from Romanesque architecture, arrived in Spain in the 12th century as a result of influence from other European countries, especially France. Its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress.
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Architectural styles were combined with traditional cultural design elements to create unique buildings.
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Detail of an exquisite upscale residence on Carrer de Valencia. 
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Decorative iron railings and ornate plasterwork adorn the building above. Many buildings in Barcelona have offices and shops on the ground level and apartments above. 
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Notice the organic Modernisme elements that were incorporated into this edifice.
In the late 19th century, Barcelona experienced a burst of architectural creativity known as the Catalan Modernisme movement. This style, which used organic forms for inspiration, was a significant departure from previous architectural styles. 
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La Sagrada Familia was designed by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi in the Catalan Modernisme style.
La Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona's gems, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique, innovative, and artistic architecture. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. When construction is finished it will be the tallest religious building in Europe. When you visit Barcelona, make this Number 1 on your "Must See" list.
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Beautiful ironwork detail and marble pilasters decorate this massive entrance on an otherwise ordinary Barcelona street.
The architecture was astounding, breathtaking, phenomenal! Wandering around the city, getting the flavor of life here, was equally fascinating. Europe is so European. That's why I love it so much! It's not the United States. The customs and pace of life are completely different. The people are wonderful, and contrary to what you might think, many of them don't speak English. So ramp up your Spanish language skills and come on over!
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You'll find tiny fruit and vegetable stores on almost every city block. There's also at least one baked-goods shop on each block, with delicioso croissants!
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Motorcycles and mopeds are everywhere. You have to keep a sharp eye out when crossing the street so you don't get run over.
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Flowers burst out of the store and onto the sidewalk.
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Many bars, shops, and restaurants (not in food-prep areas) are dog-friendly. Fido can even travel on the metro and local trains.
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Every street corner has cozy outdoor seating for evening drinks and food. Perfect for romance! Spanish people are intensely social and take every opportunity to sit with their friends and family to dine al fresco.
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Pouring at Teoric Taverna Gastronomica.
I'll let you in on a secret: Teoric Taverna Gastronomica is a wonderful little tapas bar just off Carrer de Valencia. When I visited, it had been open just six months and hadn't yet been discovered by the masses. The owners, Teo and Ori, offer highly original tapas using locally sourced ingredients. And the menu is amazing!
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Olives with vermouth and orange. Duck, turnip and plum tacos. Life is an adventure--run with it!
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Seasonal vegetables and cheese toast. Not like any cheese toast I ate as a kid!
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Go to Barcelona. Go to Teoric. You'll need a reservation. Check out their website. It will make you hungry. http://teoric.cat/

Click here to read La Sagrada Familia
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    Paula McDermid

    I love Australian Shepherd dogs and travel! Join me as I explore Europe, meet Aussies and their owners, and discover exciting places you'd love to visit.

    I moved to Europe from the U.S. in May 2017 and haven't looked back! My dream is to share with you the exquisite beauty of castles, cathedrals, and communities in the Old World. 

    I hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams. Come and explore with me!


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