Cream Crema

Cream Crema
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What not to Miss When Visiting Catalonia

The autonomous region of Catalonia boasts more than a thousand years of history, its own language and unique traditions and culture. 

Its 600km of stunning Mediterranean coastline stretches from Portbou at the French border to the Delta of the River Ebro. It encompasses the Costa Brava in the north, followed by the Costa del Maresme and then the Costa Dorada, where you’ll find the well-known resort of Salou, home to the largest theme park in Spain.

Catalonia is blessed with a remarkable variety of landscapes. To the north, the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees offer skiers, walkers and bikers a year-round haven.

The snowy peaks, reaching heights of 3,000km, tumble down through valleys of thriving pine and fir trees, clearing to reveal shimmering lakes. There are oddly formed mountain ranges like the extinct volcanic parklands around Olot, and the unique mountain range at Montserrat - so unique it has been declared a UNESCO conservation area.

Inland Catalonia is as diverse as its coastline: there are undulating hillsides, draped with rich vineyards in some parts, and in others, dry, flat land. The intense dedication of the land workers and the irrigation from the River Ebro favours the region with exceptional olive oil, wine and fruit.

The interior of Catalonia is also graced with amazing historic buildings, fortified villages, superb cities and stunning architecture.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. It really is one of the most amazing and lively cities in Spain and offers enough sights to fill guidebook upon guidebook with pages and pages of information.

Fact File

Language: Catalán
Location: Northeast Spain
Population: 6 million
Area: 32,000km2
Provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona
Region capital: Barcelona
Costas: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, Costa Dorada
Currency: Euro (€)
National Day: 11 September
Patron saint: Sant Jordi / San Jorge (Saint George)
Patron saints day: 23 April
Government: The Generalitat
Major Football Clubs: FC Barcelona, Espanyol
Catalan Tourist office: 00 34 934 849 900

Sport plays an important role in Catalonia’s tourism infrastructure. Here is a summary of what is on offer:

• 40 marinas for sailing
• 29 golf courses
• 3 flying clubs
• 15 ski resorts
• A wide range of adventure and water sports

Don’t go home without visiting:

Tossa de Mar www.tossacostabrava.com

A charming coastal resort steeped in history, and overlooked by the turrets of a 12th century walled town, the Vila Vella (old town), which blends seamlessly into the Vila Nova (new town) - a maze of narrow winding streets dotted with boutique style shops, cosy bars and quality restaurants. Tossa’s strict ‘no high-rise’ policy means your scenic walk provides uninterrupted views from mountain to coast. The Mediterranean Lighthouse Interpretation Centre, opened in September 2005, is something not to be missed. Located at the summit of the Vila Vella, the observation platforms offer spectacular views along this amazingly wild stretch of coastline and the centre itself offers an excellent guided tour and virtual demonstration on the history of the lighthouse.

Girona

Historical city Girona, lying inland, is split into two by The River Onyar. Its Cathedral, a fusion of many different historical periods and styles, highlights the old quarter. Take a stroll down the winding streets, shaded by tall, stone walls, offering an abundance of shops and quaint little riverside cafes – there’s one in C/Ballesteries that’s worth a look, its interior tiled with a hotchpotch of Spanish, Moroccan and Turkish influences and seating strewn with luxurious cushions. The Twelfth Century Arab Baths, the old City Walls, and the museums of archaeology and history are of notable interest whilst the churches of Sant Nicolau, Sant Feliu and Sant Pere de Galligants highlight the religious background of the region.

Don’t miss the Saturday market, a parade ground for the local farmers: savour the aroma of their fruit and vegetables, olive oils, herbs, hams, and cheeses. And don’t forget to stop off for some scrumptious freshly made Churros!

Montserrat
The Monastery of Montserrat is perched on top of a 1,200-metre mountain amidst breathtaking scenery. Here you’ll find a blend of nature, culture and holiness. This pilgrimage site is as popular as Santiago de Compostela, and travellers are greeted at their journey’s summit by the 12th century Madonna – the Romanesque statue of a black Virgin Mary, known as La Moreneta (the dark virgin). If you are daring enough to take the cable car to the tiny chapel at Santa Cova (the site of the discovery of La Moreneta), you will be amazed by the spectacular views - on a clear day it is possible to see Mallorca!

Montserrat is easily reached from Barcelona with trains leaving every hour.

Sant Feliu de Guixols
This town is at the heart of the Costa Brava, surrounded by pine and oak-filled woods. Of particular notability here is the hermitage of Sant Grau and the Gothic church with its celebrated iron gate, the Porta Ferrada. Water sports lovers are well catered for here, particularly in the nearby cove of Cala Salions and fish and seafood lovers will be well catered for with an abundance of beachside restaurants.

Mar i Murtra Jardí Botanic, Blanes http://www.jbotanicmarimurtra.org/

The Mar i Murtra Botanical Gardens in Blanes showcases over 4,000 species of plants from five continents, some of them threatened with extinction. The gardens also have a valuable research and study centre. Once you are in Blanes, take the special Jardí Botanic Bus from the port, up the hair-raising bends to the gardens, which are perched way above the sea, offering amazing views.

Les Illes Medes (The Medes Islands), Toroella de Montgri

The largest marine nature reserve in Catalonia and one of the most important in the whole of the Mediterranean area. The Medes Islands are a small archipelago made up of seven islets and several reefs just a mile off the Catalan coast from Emporda and the Montgri Massif. The area is one of exceptional biological and ecological worth. The varying depths of the sea water around the islands, and the contrast of the rocky and sandy areas of the seabed, combined with the rock-type which lends itself to the formation of tunnels and caves, all work together to attract a wide variety of species – as many as 1,345 have been recorded.

Figueres
In the heart of Catalonia you’ll find Figueres, best-known as the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali and home to the famous Dali Museum. Figueres is also the where the Sardana, the traditional dance of Catalonia, originated,. More must-visits are the castle fortress of Sant Ferran, the parish church of Sant Pere, the Museum of l’Emporda and the Toy Museum.

L'Escala
A small holiday resort at the southern end of the Gulf of Roses. It is a delightful fishing village well known for its delicious sardines. The resort offers much for the water sport enthusiast, two yacht clubs and a number of marinas. This is also the point of entry to the Roman colony of Empúries, the most visited archaeological site in Catalonia.

Barcelona

Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is also known as the cosmopolitan capital of Spain and is known throughout the world for its amazing architecture as much as for it’s people and way of life.

There is much to see, here are some of the highlights:

La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family)

Antoni Gaudi’s world-renowned, still to be finished, masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Parc Guell (Guell Park)

Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works, this park is characterised by sculptures and mosaics by the designer, as well as pretty winding paths and tranquil greens.

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
Dedicated to the work of art legend Pablo Picasso, this park is a showcase for over three 3,600 paintings, sculptures and drawings.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona)
A striking white building designed by architect Richard Meier is home to a collection of Spanish, Catalonian and European modern and contemporary art.

Las Ramblas
Pedestrianised historical street lined with flower stalls, restaurants and bars.

La Boqueria
A popular and well known food market selling some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.

Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
Historic walking area with buildings dating back to Roman and medieval times. This is where you’ll find the Cathedral de la Seu, a fantastic Gothic cathedral right in the heart of the area.

Ciutat Vella (Old City)
A fascinating area, steeped in history, with narrow streets and squares, Gothic mansions, museums, historic churches, bars and restaurants.

L'Eixample
This district dates from the 19th-century and shows off works by famous architects such as Gaudí and Ildefons Cerdà.

Port Vell
Barcelona’s vivacious harbour, full of yachts and cruise ships, with a popular entertainment complex, featuring a mall, several restaurants, a cinema and an aquarium.

Tibidabo Mountain
A get-away from the main city, this mountain has a small amusement park and is a favourite walking route for hikers and those looking for a peaceful stroll.

Parc Zoologic de Barcelona (Barcelona Zoo)
Zoo famous throughout the world for being home to Snowflake, the only captive albino gorilla in the world.

Barcelona Aquarium
The largest aquarium in Europe, this is one of Barcelona’s main attractions.

Nou Camp Stadium
This gigantic football stadium, home to FC Barcelona, is the largest in Europe, with a seating capacity of 100,000.

Don’t go home without:

Sampling Crema cremada / Crema Catalana (caramelized custard cream)

No visit to Catalonia is complete without trying this dessert. Catalan cream can be described as crème brullee - creamy custard with a crisp caramel topping. Catalan creams are flavoured with lemon zest and are traditionally served in an earthenware dish.

Watching and Joining in The Sardana

The Sardana is a very old Catalan dance. It is an open dance that can be joined and left again at any time. It is danced in a circle, holding hands up in the air and coordinating the steps in accordance with a complex set of rules. The Sardana is performed to the tune of a typical band of ten musicians playing traditional wind instruments. The band is called la Cobla and their sound is very distinctive, and quite addictive.

Throughout the year there are many occasions when you will have the chance to see - or join in - this dance, from local to national fiestas.

Taking a trip by boat along the amazing Costa Brava coastline

Whether you take a ferry, a glass-bottom boat, a Catamaran cruise complete with barbeque and champagne, a submarine type boat or a thrilling power boat ride, you’ll be amazed by the bays and coves studding the craggy, pine-carpeted coastline. Some of the bays are only accessible by boat or on foot, making them wonderfully secluded, with tranquil turquoise waters, clear as glass but for the stirring of the breeze! Those daring enough to swim through the labyrinthine tunnels that sprout off some of the caves could even find themselves on a hidden beach, and you may even find some age old forgotten treasure left by pirates many centuries ago!

Watching People make human towers – Castellers

One of the most spectacular sights observed during a Catalan festival sees teams of enthusiasts form human towers – castells - which can be up to ten people high.

This complex task of organisation and perfect timing starts with a square of strong men linking arms to form a base, so that lighter men and women can climb onto their shoulders. Concentration is etched in their faces, as more lighter and smaller people climb up, increasing the storeys. Finally, the ‘anxeneta’, a young boy or girl, clambers bravely to the top, some 10 metres above the ground, and lifts one arm to show that the castell is complete.

Immediately after this, the castell begins to unravel - and sometimes the tower will collapse – to gasps from the surrounding crowd who all immediately strengthen their arms in readiness to break the Castellers’ falls.

Experiencing Sant Jordi – a day for lovers in Barcelona

The equivalent of Valentines Day falls on the day of St George, patron saint of Catalonia, 23 April. This is the most romantic day of the year in Barcelona and for those in love, the ideal place to be. There is an air of happiness and affection everywhere. Tradition says that on this day, men should give the woman in their life a rose, and in return, the woman gives her man a book as a sign of love and friendship. So you’ll see Las Ramblas lined with stall upon stall of roses and books, and lovers everywhere exchanging gifts – and kisses.

Catalonia offers a diverse range of experiences for the visitor. Whether you opt for one of its more animated resorts or prefer to spend your time in one of its charming coastal or inland gems; you will find plenty to do and see. Factor in a trip to the bustling city of Barcelona or the more tranquil yet equally inspiring Girona, and your holiday will be complete.

About the Author

Sarah McInerney - Words by Sarah Mac - is a creative copy writer with 15 years experience of writing compelling, quality words for business websites, brochures, advertising, press, sales literature, news letters and online material. She has travelled extensively through Spain and specialises in writing articles on popular tourist destinations. If you are looking to make an impact using the power of power of good wording, then visit www.wordsbysarahmac.co.uk

Cool Spanish Phrases To Help You Enjoy A Hot Day On The Beach

¡Llegó el verano! My favorite season of the year is now under way and many tourists and ex-pats will flock to the beautiful beaches of Spain and the Hispanic world to bask in the glorious sunshine and top-up their tans. Here's some really cool Spanish phrases that will add an authentic, vibrant flourish to your spoken Spanish so you can enjoy a great day down at the beach wherever you are in the Hispanic world.

Let's start with a nice easy one. If you're going to the beach, all you need to say is "Voy a la playa" or just use vamos instead of voy if you're going as a couple or a group. Vale, many people like to find a quiet, secluded beach so they can enjoy the peace and quiet and there are a couple of nice phrases for such a beach:

Una playa virgen - An unspoiled beach.

Una playa con encanto - A charming beach

Una caleta - A small beach.

If you're lucky enough to find a nice quiet beach then you can say:

- Hemos encontrado una caleta, no hay ni un alma. ¿Quieres venir con nosotros? - We've found a small beach that's totally deserted. Do you want to come with us?

No hay ni un alma - Totally deserted, there isn't a soul.

The beach here in Barcelona is just the opposite and throughout summer it is absolutely packed with los veraneantes - summer vacationers! Here's how you describe such beaches in Spanish:

Las playas están a rebosar - The beaches are packed.

I really enjoy sunbathing - tomar el sol - and in English I'd be called "a sun-worshipper". But in Spanish, sun-worshippers are called "los largatos" - Lizards - which I really like! Estar a la sombra is to be in the shade but did you also know this phrase is also used to describe being in jail? So, estoy a la sombra can also mean "I'm in jail", so now you know!

To tan yourself is Broncearse, so: me gusta ir a la playa para broncearme - I like to go to the beach to tan myself. But don't lie in the sun too long and don't forget to apply plenty of sun-block or lotion - bloques de sol, crema solar o protector solar. The sight here in Barcelona of guiris with burned red skin doing their lobster impressions after over-doing it is very common and it looks really painful for some of them! If you do become burned, here's a Spanish phrase you may find very useful at the pharmacy:

Me quemé en la playa. ¿Tiene usted crema o loción para piel quemada? - I got sunburned on the beach. Do you have cream or lotion for burned skin?

¿Te gusta nadar en el mar? Me too and here the sea is crystal clear - cristalino. Just as we say in English: "I'm going to take a dip", it is virtually the same in Spanish: "Me doy un chapuzón which is really easy. Also, the sea here is very calm during summer and although you could say: "El mar está muy tranquilo" a much more cool Spanish phrase would be: El mar está como un plato - the sea is very calm, literally like a plate - and it is only used in this context. Great phrase to add to your growing Spanish vocabulary!

And after you've spent a hard day sunbathing on the beach, you may have worked up a real thirst! To quench your thirst, just look for los chiringuitos - open air cafés and snack bars that line the shore. It's a great way to "wind down" as you enjoy una cerveza fría o un refresco and watch the burned guiris gingerly making their way back to home-base!

No hay nada más relajante que pasar un día en la playa pero ¡no olvides traer tu traje de baño! - There is nothing more relaxing than spending a day at the beach but don't forget your bathing suit!

Have fun in the sun,

Buen viaje,

Peter.

About the Author

Barcelona-based writer Peter Christian will show you how you can add an authentic, vibrant flair to your spoken Spanish and you can discover some more really cool Spanish verbs and phrases that'll win you the respect and admiration of native Spanish speakers along with free weekly tips over on the Streetwise Spanish website.

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Tags: .com, Acne Blemish Control, break, care, Cellulite Treatments, cream,, crema, fast paced society, food, lang, Laser Hair Removal, no doubt, online, recipe, recipes, skin, skin care services, skin care technology, skin wellness, source article, stretch mark, surgery, technology, time