Espana

I have spent the last three weeks exploring, lounging in and embracing Spain. From the Catalunyan region to Madrid and south to Andalucia it has become my home.
I arrived in Barcelona for a short visit before I left for Madrid. I instantly fell in love with the city so I knew I would return. With Gaudi's designs seemingly springing out of some whimsical dream onto street lamps, buildings and even the sidewalks it felt as if the city was breathing art. I went for a walk along the beach, sat at a cafe watching jets practice for an air show over the water and realized how significant this moment, this place is. I would come back to Barcelona before leaving Spain to really soak in the city and explore the avenues, alleys and squares. There is a great square called the George Orwell Plaza- actually shaped in a triangle- where my friend Melissa and I ate at a couple cafes, had a beer in a bar where the tables and walls were decorated with street art and sat around people watching. The city is magnificent for its mix of people, poor and rich, art students, old bums hanging around chatting in Catalon and everything in between.
I've already mentioned Madrid, but it was from there I took the day trip to Toledo to explore the walled city. In addition to visiting the mosque, museums and other sites I was on a quest for marsapan. Not ordinary marsapan- this was something special I stumbled on through my limited research. In some of the convents in Toledo the nuns make special dessert treats out of marsapan and sell them directly from the convent as they are not allowed to leave. I had a list of some of the convents and made it my mission to find them. This is a very old tradition that is at risk of dying out unless it is supported so naturally I wanted to do my part. It involved a delicate process of locating the convent, ringing the intercom out front and when answered asking to enter for "dulces" and then finding the secret window inside where they would sell them. Well I did find a convent and it was every bit as exciting and quaint as I imagined. Once inside there was a cabinet with all the sweets available and next to that a window which the nun opened to accept our request. All I can tell you is that was the best marsapan I have ever tasted and I will never look at almonds the same.
Heading south I visited Seville and Granada. There is an entirely different air about Andalucia. The architectural influence of the Moors, the beautiful ceramic tiles, relaxed atmosphere all inspire a traveler to slow down.
For me Spain is art, music, history and so much more- but above all Spain is passion. There is a passion for their culture whether it is Catalunyans fighting for independence from Spain, a flamenco show in Seville, laying on the cafe con leche colored sand at Sitges watching sailboats dance on the water or a siesta so we can eat dinner at 10pm and go dancing until 5am- it's passion.
I'm inspired by Spain- motivated to study life and art, slow down to savor my glass of wine and good conversation, challenge myself to continue growing.
See you soon Spain, you'll always be mi amor.