The rain in Spain...

After almost 2 weeks seeing a lot of Spain this past month, I can definitely say that when in western Spain in the spring, Rioja gets some rain (not sure if it's just in the plain...)!

My wife and parents really enjoyed our holiday there, learning a great deal about the country, the language, and the culture from the history and beauty of the city of Barcelona to the picturesque island of Mallorca, and finally to the wine region of Rioja. Wow.

Here are some takeaways:

Food - people in Spain eat way differently than us. From tapas to ox tail to Iberico ham, we really enjoyed their Mediterranean cuisine!

History - from the origins dating back to ancient Rome, the country is awash in ancient ruins dating back thousands of years. Often, newer buildings are simply grafted onto old ruins - wow.

Language - Spain has regions that involve or showcase different dialects of Spanish, Catalan, and even some French and Latin influences. Bon dia in Barcelona and buenos dias in Rioja!

Culture - the influences of French winemakers (Rioja) and Roman architecture and language (most of Spain), as well as the Basque and Flamenco flavors, really show a richness and diversity. We also realized their way of daily life includes a serious rhythm of big meals between 2-4pm, and everything slows down until 8 or 9pm, where people re-emerge to drinks and tapas (small appetizers) in local restaurants.

Religion - there were ancient Catholic monasteries in many of the areas we were at - one located at the top of a rocky mountainous area known as Mont Serrat that was started in 1025. Crazy! They often observe Sundays with closed businesses and church bells ring over the countryside; however, modern Spanish folks would say football (aak soccer) was their national religion...

One of the best (and at times scariest) parts of the trip was renting a car in Barcelona and driving through the countryside to Rioja in the west. One really gets a better lay of the land, the people, and the ancient small villages that way. I drove through some towns where the narrow streets and buildings and cobblestone streets could barely fit or handle a modern car, and well, 2 lanes? Forget about it!

Alas, dear Spain, we hope to return!

(photo taken in Barcelona in front of a building in Gaudí's architecture)