Montjuic: Barcelona's local mountain

Visiting the city of Barcelona and its culture, art, sports and especially enjoying the sunshine are some of the most valuable reasons tourists have to come here. Those who live directly in the city, i.e. in a Barcelona hotel or a Barcelona apartment, are able to experience the history and culture of the city directly. One of these places is Montjuic - Barcelona's local mountain.

barcelona2.jpgThe Montjuic cannot be described as an own district. However, it can be distinguished easily from the rest of the city because of its natural character. The Montjuic became famous for the 1929 world fair and the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, tourists in particular enjoy the great view over the city and the sea.

Scientists are not sure where the name "Montjuic"comes from. There are two theories: One of them describes the Roman garrison. During that time, there was a temple on the top of the hill, which was called "Monts Jovis" - Jupiter's mountain. In mediaeval times, the Monjuic has been called "Montjueu" - Mountain of the Jews. This is why there has been a Jewish graveyard at its south side.

580995311_7d703a824a.jpgDuring Francos dictatorship, the castle at the top of the mountain has been used as a prison. Nowadays, tourists are free to enjoy the beautiful view. Beside the castle ("Castell de Montjuic"), there are some restaurants, the botanic garden of Barcelona, the National Museum of Art from Catalonia, the Poble Espanyol (Spanish architecture and craftsmanship), the Caixa Forum (exhibition of contemporary art), the most beautiful spectacle made of water, music and light at the Plaça Espanya..

Catalan Cuisine: Medierranean Delicacies

wein2(1).jpgWhen we think of holidays in Catalonia, we think of music and culture from Barcelona, Costa Brava apartments and Costa Brava hotels next to the beach and sunny weather. Most tourists also prefer a good "cuisine".

The first difference between our cuisine and the Catalan cuisine is the time management. Usually Catalan people eat very long and also very late in the evening. Whereas the breakfast is very important for us, Catalan people prefer to drink a coffee and have some croissants. Most of them have lunch at 2 pm or later. Dinner will be served around 9pm.

Catalonia is located next to the French border. And you will recognize that there are some similarities. Wine for instance grows usually at Penedes, an area which is specialized in cultivating wine. The most famous product from this region is the "Freixenet" and the "Cava".

aperitif_muscat3a.jpgConcerning food there is so much variety of the Catalan cuisine that I could write a whole book of it. However, there is one product, which is typical for the Catalan culture. This is the "Crème Catalana" - a similar product to the world famous Crème Brulée. You will find this typical food only in the old restaurants of Barcelona, especially in the Barri Gotic and the Raval area.

Whether you like it hearty or light, Catalan cuisine can offer you a variety of food.   

Winter holidays in Gran Canaria and Lanzarote

The Canary Islands are known for its volcanic origin. During summer time, a lot of tourists come here to enjoy the sun. Usually they live on one of the confortable Gran Canaria hotels or Lanzarote hotels to enjoy their holidays. What little of them know: Especially during winter time, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote have a lot to offer:

CanaryBonifacio2007.jpgGran canaria is one of these islands that can offer warm days even in winter time. However the temperatures are not that high as in summer, visitors can enjoy up to 20 degrees. Same goes for the neighbor island, Lanzarote. This island however, is in general one or two degrees warmer. Not only the air bit also the earth is hot during some days. Due to their volcanic activity, you will recognize that the island is still in active.

The last eruption was several years ago, in 1824. Tourists very much like the climate and the nature but also the beautiful beaches. Let's say, they are different from the other beaches tourists usually know. In the West of Lanzarote, we can find jet-black beaches, whereas in the East of the island we can find golden beaches. The black sand emerged due to the volcanic activity, which is still present. The sand from the West coast came by the wind from the nearby Sahara. Those winds are called "Calima".

anfi-tauro-golf_005066_full.jpgThose of you who would like to experience new things, are welcome to take part in several sports activities. Both island offer great opportunities to pass time. Golfing, for instance, became very big on Gran Canaria during the last years. In addition, water temperatures tend to be very high. Even in winter the temperatures are around 18 degrees.

Not only because of this Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are two very interesting islands. The Canary island offer a lot leisure activities as well as sunny days - even in during winter.

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