I love Barcelona too, especially the old city.

Best,
Candyce

This time of year Seville is especially beautiful as the orange trees lining the streets are in blossom. Wonderful aroma too.

What are some things you like about specific cities in spain?
Thanks,
Candyce

Seville's Flamenco Dance Museum is one of my favorite atrtractions int he city. Taking a flamenco dance lesson makes for a great girlfriend's outing.
Find out more about my museum in my latest Adventure Living column.

Thanks,
Candyce

We're going to Spain this year. We're starting our trip in Madrid and will be heading north. I am wondering about the late and long lunches and dinners. What are some of the specialty dishes to be on the look out for? How do you find a good place to eat? What other tips do you have to share? What about tipping?

I lived in Southern Spain for 2 years but that was nearly 20 years ago. You should try paella, which is a rice dish made with chicken and seafood and a specialty of Spain. It's delicious.

Spain is also famous for sherry.

I haven't been up north in Spain but you might find some good recommendations from this site Traveling in Spain

I'm in the process of reviewing a book called "Walking the Via de la Plata" (hiking an historic 1000-km pilgrimmage route in Spain). At the start of the book the authors, Ben Cole & Bethan Davies, list the "best" of the Via de la Plata, which includes the bread festival in early July in the town of Cea in Galicia -- too much fun!

Cheers,
Megan

That sounds like a great book.
Is it well-written and clear about details?
What was the reason for the pilgrimmage?

Thanks so much.
Best,
Candyce

Usually the earlier you book flights the cheaper it will be. Don't forget to organise a student visa early as well.

We went to Spain in September of this year, and visited several cities, including Madrid and Salamanca. My favorite, though, ended up being the Basque city of Bilbao. The exquisite Guggenheim museum, the beautiful old city, and the to-die-for tapas and pintxos... it was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait to go back. It's a simple, quiet city, not hugely hustly-bustly like Madrid or Barcelona, but it was really incredibly lovely.

Our paths nearly crossed. We were there in late August & September. We stayed in Bilbao but did not get to the museum. We visited a friend in Mundaka. Spain was wonderful!