Mar 16th, 2011 at 10:00AM:
Castles originated in Europe over a thousand years ago. These fortresses were one of the original defense systems, and erecting the structures on hills or just beyond moats was a functional choice. Castles were built to house rulers, impose power, and above all, spurn would be attackers. Conforming to these basic principles of utilitarian design, the strongholds now appear solitary, majestic, ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
granada posts
The ten best castles in Europe
Mar 16th, 2011 at 10:00AM:
Castles originated in Europe over a thousand years ago. These fortresses were one of the original defense systems, and erecting the structures on hills or just beyond moats was a functional choice. Castles were built to house rulers, impose power, and above all, spurn would be attackers. Conforming to these basic principles of utilitarian design, the strongholds now appear solitary, majestic, ...Travel diary: How I found acceptance in a Spanish hospital
Mar 4th, 2011 at 2:30PM: Avid travelers wear the title of "wanderer" like a badge of honor.
I know I do – I never completely related to my peers in my small Nebraska hometown. My brain was always dreaming, always scheming for ways to create the life I wanted – and that didn't include Nebraska.
I fell in love with Spain as a teen – the architecture and culture drew me in with its passionate allure ...Paradores: the historic luxury hotels of Spain
Jan 13th, 2011 at 1:30PM:
Spain is known for its rich history, fine art, and excellent cuisine. By staying at a government-owned Parador, you can get all three right in your hotel.
Just look at this shot by Michael Stallbaum . This castle in Zafra, Extremadura, dates to 1437 and was once home to a duke. It's the sort of place where you'd expect to pay a few euros, get your ticket stamped, and line up for the guided ...Photo of the Day (3.14.09)
Mar 14th, 2009 at 4:30PM: Seeing as I'm in Nicaragua right now, I find it only appropriate to offer an image from this wonderfully hospitable country. I mentioned in my first dispatch that Nicaragua is clearly a developing country and poverty runs rampant right next to 5 star hotels. It's an unfortunate thing, and it's something that not just one person with a thinning wallet can do about it. Walking along the dirt road ...Photo of the Day 7-30-08
Jul 30th, 2008 at 12:30PM:
The green first drew me to this photo and then the concept. This is a photograph turned into an artist's statement of sorts. Adam Baker, AlphaTangoBravo calls this shot he took in Granada, Nicaragua this past June "Dos Partes."
Even if Baker hadn't divided this into two color schemes, there would have been two images. The men on the scooter (?) and the woman walking--blurred and in focus. The ...Book inscriptions inspire travel, and make great souvenirs
Oct 18th, 2007 at 8:00AM: I walked into the wrong bookstore in Granada, Spain last February, but I'm so glad I did. I was looking for an English-language bookstore on Calle Gracia called Metro, but instead I wound up at a different shop just a few doors down. Libreria Praga shelves mostly Spanish titles, but has a small section of used English-language books. A spine with Simon Winchester's name caught my eye, and I was ...Caves--Not Just for Rent Anymore
Nov 28th, 2006 at 11:55AM: We've seen, and blogged about, cave hotels. But if you're so smitten by staying in a cave, why not buy one of your own? The Financial Times listed a few for purchase.
According to the article, a two-bedroom cave in Galera, Granada, Spain, is going for under 90,000 euros ($117,000 USD). If you don't have that much to spend, you can try for the nice "restored" 13-room cave house with three ...
