This Year's Trip
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JOHN CHAPMAN
May 19, 2009, 2:36:00 PM5/19/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Hola de nuevo amigos.
Well, here we are in Toronto and looking for some improvement in the weather for the summer. With the poor economy comes a sudden surprise from Air Canada in an attempt to strengthen travel. Toronto to Madrid direct (no more nasty transfers in Frankfurt) for $825 with all fees and surcharges included. That's a whopping 35% off last year's price. Needless to say, we have booked 2 seats.
To start with we are going to spend a few days in Alicante; my wife likes to get her feet wet in the Med! Last time we stayed at the Hotel Mediterreneo across from the Ayuntamiento. It was a good location and close to the port, the beach, and restaurants. We want to stay in the same/similar area and wondered if anyone could make any other suggestions. We really like period hotels/guest houses and want to know if there are any recommended in a similar area.
Then we fly back to Madrid and pick up a car for Salamanca (mi esposa es una profesora de bioquímica) for a few days and then to Avila on the way back to Madrid. We have not been to either city before and would like to stay at a nice central period hotel. This may cost extra but would love the experience.
There is a weekly program on TV here called Made In Spain with a chef named Jose Andréas; anyone seen it? One of his shows he went to the village of La Alberca (southwest from Salamanca)-it looks like a spectacular step back into feudal times and we definitely will do a day trip there. Has anyone been there and can they talk about it a bit.
Now that we are into the travelling season, hopefully we will have a lot more to read about and share experiences than we had in the long cold winter.
Saludos
Well, here we are in Toronto and looking for some improvement in the weather for the summer. With the poor economy comes a sudden surprise from Air Canada in an attempt to strengthen travel. Toronto to Madrid direct (no more nasty transfers in Frankfurt) for $825 with all fees and surcharges included. That's a whopping 35% off last year's price. Needless to say, we have booked 2 seats.
To start with we are going to spend a few days in Alicante; my wife likes to get her feet wet in the Med! Last time we stayed at the Hotel Mediterreneo across from the Ayuntamiento. It was a good location and close to the port, the beach, and restaurants. We want to stay in the same/similar area and wondered if anyone could make any other suggestions. We really like period hotels/guest houses and want to know if there are any recommended in a similar area.
Then we fly back to Madrid and pick up a car for Salamanca (mi esposa es una profesora de bioquímica) for a few days and then to Avila on the way back to Madrid. We have not been to either city before and would like to stay at a nice central period hotel. This may cost extra but would love the experience.
There is a weekly program on TV here called Made In Spain with a chef named Jose Andréas; anyone seen it? One of his shows he went to the village of La Alberca (southwest from Salamanca)-it looks like a spectacular step back into feudal times and we definitely will do a day trip there. Has anyone been there and can they talk about it a bit.
Now that we are into the travelling season, hopefully we will have a lot more to read about and share experiences than we had in the long cold winter.
Saludos
John
Karen Sanchez
May 27, 2009, 9:34:14 PM5/27/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Hi John (and everyone):
Yep, time to get the conversations rolling. ;-)
Airfare seems to be lower this year, but we didn't know that it would stay this low, so we cashed in our FF miles in Feb. and got tickets. Oh well. If the airlines go under I may not have FF miles by next year, so probably good to use them.
We'll be in Salamanca for about a month, starting July 8. will take a few days to head to a beach (north or west, haven't decided) the week of the 20th. We wanted to try Aveiro/Illhavo in Portugal - anyone been there? But we're picky and can't fine a place that is smack dab on the beach. I don't like loading the car for a 20 min drive across town to get there. But will will also entertain Galicia or the old standby of Cantabria.
John, I've been to La Alberca many times, but not in the last few years (and i love watching José Andrés!). Cute town. Narrow cobblestone streets, good food. They make jamon serrano at a company there called Fermin that is exported to the US. The USDA actually went there to make an inspection. www.jamon.com/thequest.html or http://www.embutidosfermin.com/en/animflash.html
For "period hotels" in Salamanca i'm thinking you mean the older ones with the cool architecture. I can name a few, but remember, I don't stay in hotels, so you should check the reviews, I use Trip Advisor alot for this. Here we go: Las Torres - right in the Plaza Mayor; Hotel Rector; Hotel Torre del Clavero; Palacio de Castellanos, and Hotel San Polo - although they turned this last one into a Best Western, so I don't know.... Let me know if you need more ideas.
If you want something small yet very nice and extremely well located near the plaza, I know the ppl that own Hostal Plaza Mayor. Great value for the money.
That's all for now!
Karen
From: JOHN CHAPMAN <chap...@rogers.com>
To: trave...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 2:36:00 PM
Subject: [travelspain] This Year's Trip
Roger Warwick
May 28, 2009, 3:21:02 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
We wanted to try Aveiro/Illhavo in Portugal - anyone been there?
Hi Karen,
I've been once to Aveiro, to spend the day there - it's truly beautiful. The houses along the seafront are a little like the houses lining the canals in Amsterdam, and the historic centre is just as picturesque.
We didn't actually go to the beach, but the sands looked incredibly inviting. I'm sure you'll love it.
Roger.
Karen Sanchez
May 28, 2009, 5:56:17 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Thanks. Yes, I've been trying to figure out how to rent of those cool striped houses for a few days, but can't find them on the internet!
From: Roger Warwick <roger....@gmail.com>
To: trave...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 3:21:02 AM
Subject: [travelspain] Re: This Year's Trip
Ken Bielen
May 28, 2009, 10:47:24 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Spent a pleasant afternoon in Aveiro one November many years back. I only remember that it was colorful and the weather was great.
You've probably read this NY Times article about Aveiro:
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Ryan LeCompte
May 28, 2009, 10:50:59 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Out of curiosity, do most of you live in the US but travel to Spain
every year? Do any of you actually live in Spain for a certain number
of months each year?
Thanks,
Ryan
every year? Do any of you actually live in Spain for a certain number
of months each year?
Thanks,
Ryan
webm...@conference-coordinator.com
May 28, 2009, 11:19:19 AM5/28/09
to Travel Spain
We actually live out here, I have personally lived here about ten
years now, leaving the miserable UK weather behind and with no
intentions of ever going back. I must admit that the weather has
disappointed me here overall in that time, it seems the winters get
longer and the summers only really last 6 months now as oppose to the
ten that I was promised :-(
That apart tho, I still love the size of the country as much as
anything else, I am fortunate that I love driving and often have to
travel from here near Almeria up to Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid and
down to Marbella, Granada and Seville to name just a few for our work.
Truelly spectacular scenery everywhere, a lot of uniqueness, wierd n
wonderful wildlife if you like that sort of thing too and some
fantastic venues/hotels/restaurants etc and I am fortunate to have
sampled hundreds of them. There is still so much left to explore also,
particularly in the North of Spain where we need to acquaint ourselves
with places like Bilbao and then there are the islands too of course.
If you like healthy food then you are also in your element. The flip
side is if you are like me and prefer your pie and chips and Sunday
dinners then your choice of destinations will remain with the touristy
areas, tho from these there is still so much you can travel to and
see.
Its finally getting warm now, I am awakening from my slumber, Viva
Espana!
years now, leaving the miserable UK weather behind and with no
intentions of ever going back. I must admit that the weather has
disappointed me here overall in that time, it seems the winters get
longer and the summers only really last 6 months now as oppose to the
ten that I was promised :-(
That apart tho, I still love the size of the country as much as
anything else, I am fortunate that I love driving and often have to
travel from here near Almeria up to Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid and
down to Marbella, Granada and Seville to name just a few for our work.
Truelly spectacular scenery everywhere, a lot of uniqueness, wierd n
wonderful wildlife if you like that sort of thing too and some
fantastic venues/hotels/restaurants etc and I am fortunate to have
sampled hundreds of them. There is still so much left to explore also,
particularly in the North of Spain where we need to acquaint ourselves
with places like Bilbao and then there are the islands too of course.
If you like healthy food then you are also in your element. The flip
side is if you are like me and prefer your pie and chips and Sunday
dinners then your choice of destinations will remain with the touristy
areas, tho from these there is still so much you can travel to and
see.
Its finally getting warm now, I am awakening from my slumber, Viva
Espana!
Karen Sanchez
May 28, 2009, 11:12:12 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
I think we have a mix of ppl that
a - live in the US/other country that travel to spain each year
b - live in spain year round
c - live/travel in spain for extended periods
From: Ryan LeCompte <leco...@gmail.com>
To: trave...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:50:59 AM
brian glynn
May 28, 2009, 11:30:47 AM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Sorry about the weather over there and the shorter than hoped for Summers.
What kind of work have you been doing these ten years?
All the best, Brian Glynn 908 507 7694 --- On Thu, 5/28/09, webm...@conference-coordinator.com <webm...@conference-coordinator.com> wrote: |
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webm...@conference-coordinator.com
May 28, 2009, 12:53:44 PM5/28/09
to Travel Spain
Well, I am a partner in 'Conference Coordinator Spain' who organise
events and conferences etc throughout these different areas.
Hence the lots of travel related services etc I come across.
:-)
On May 28, 5:30 pm, brian glynn <brianpgl...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Sorry about the weather over there and the shorter than hoped for Summers.
> What kind of work have you been doing these ten years?
>
> All the best,
>
> Brian Glynn
> 908 507 7694
>
> --- On Thu, 5/28/09, webmas...@conference-coordinator.com <webmas...@conference-coordinator.com> wrote:
events and conferences etc throughout these different areas.
Hence the lots of travel related services etc I come across.
:-)
On May 28, 5:30 pm, brian glynn <brianpgl...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Sorry about the weather over there and the shorter than hoped for Summers.
> What kind of work have you been doing these ten years?
>
> All the best,
>
> Brian Glynn
> 908 507 7694
>
Alfonso Gonzalez
May 28, 2009, 1:41:39 PM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
A very pleasant surprise to awaken and find a number of messages
from the group after a long absence.
I have been to La Alberca (SW of Salamanca) a number of times.....my
companion participated in the English program for Spaniards there (we
also went several times to its branch near Soria). La Alberca was a
nice pleasant village and a lively town square in the evening with a
roaming pig (for the Iberica ham--they say it's superior to the
Serrano, but I don't think so, but it's very good).
My experience with beaches is fairly extensive, but not in the water
recently. The most famous beach (I presume) in Galicia is O Grove
(north of Pontevedra)....it has fairly heavy traffic. But our favorite
has been Camariñas (just about the NW tip of the country and N of
Finisterre)...another truly nice town, this one famous for embroidery
and also Baiona (just downcoast from Vigo) . Karen, I presume you'll
let us know what you decide. What do you do about medical insurance in
Spain....must cost a small fortune for the family?
This year I'm varying my traditional visit in July/August and it
looks like I'll be going to Spain at the end of August/beginning of
Sept. We have our reservations for an Alaska cruise and probably a
visit to family in Montreal and a drive in the Maritimes before I go to
Spain. But first to Florida and see the kids. But Spain is the
ultimate trip and at the end. At that time the major part of the family
will all be in Galicia and I won't have to make trips to Santiago de la
Ribera (on the Murcia coast--another nice beach community). Sounds like
a nice summer and I'm looking forward to it.
Alfonso
from the group after a long absence.
I have been to La Alberca (SW of Salamanca) a number of times.....my
companion participated in the English program for Spaniards there (we
also went several times to its branch near Soria). La Alberca was a
nice pleasant village and a lively town square in the evening with a
roaming pig (for the Iberica ham--they say it's superior to the
Serrano, but I don't think so, but it's very good).
My experience with beaches is fairly extensive, but not in the water
recently. The most famous beach (I presume) in Galicia is O Grove
(north of Pontevedra)....it has fairly heavy traffic. But our favorite
has been Camariñas (just about the NW tip of the country and N of
Finisterre)...another truly nice town, this one famous for embroidery
and also Baiona (just downcoast from Vigo) . Karen, I presume you'll
let us know what you decide. What do you do about medical insurance in
Spain....must cost a small fortune for the family?
This year I'm varying my traditional visit in July/August and it
looks like I'll be going to Spain at the end of August/beginning of
Sept. We have our reservations for an Alaska cruise and probably a
visit to family in Montreal and a drive in the Maritimes before I go to
Spain. But first to Florida and see the kids. But Spain is the
ultimate trip and at the end. At that time the major part of the family
will all be in Galicia and I won't have to make trips to Santiago de la
Ribera (on the Murcia coast--another nice beach community). Sounds like
a nice summer and I'm looking forward to it.
Alfonso
Ken Bielen
May 28, 2009, 1:49:55 PM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
And some of us visited Iberia a number of times many years ago and now live vicariously through these posts!
Ken B |
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To: trave...@googlegroups.com |
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John Zumsteg
May 28, 2009, 2:10:14 PM5/28/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
Some of us visit Spain as often as we can and think about visiting it
all the time!
John
Karen Sanchez wrote:
> I think we have a mix of ppl that
> a - live in the US/other country that travel to spain each year
> b - live in spain year round
> c - live/travel in spain for extended periods
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Ryan LeCompte <leco...@gmail.com>
> *To:* trave...@googlegroups.com
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:50:59 AM
> *Subject:* [travelspain] Re: This Year's Trip
> > www.jamon.com/thequest.html <http://www.jamon.com/thequest.html%A0> or
> > To: trave...@googlegroups.com <mailto:trave...@googlegroups.com>
all the time!
John
Karen Sanchez wrote:
> I think we have a mix of ppl that
> a - live in the US/other country that travel to spain each year
> b - live in spain year round
> c - live/travel in spain for extended periods
>
> *From:* Ryan LeCompte <leco...@gmail.com>
> *To:* trave...@googlegroups.com
> *Sent:* Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:50:59 AM
> *Subject:* [travelspain] Re: This Year's Trip
>
>
> Out of curiosity, do most of you live in the US but travel to Spain
> every year? Do any of you actually live in Spain for a certain number
> of months each year?
>
> Thanks,
> Ryan
>
>
> On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 10:47 AM, Ken Bielen <kbi...@yahoo.com
> <mailto:kbi...@yahoo.com>> wrote:
> > Spent a pleasant afternoon in Aveiro one November many years back.
> I only
> > remember that it was colorful and the weather was great.
> >
> > You've probably read this NY Times article about Aveiro:
> >
> > http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/24/travel/24next.html
> >
> > Ken B
> >
> > --- On Wed, 5/27/09, Karen Sanchez <sala...@yahoo.com
> <mailto:sala...@yahoo.com>> wrote:
>
> Out of curiosity, do most of you live in the US but travel to Spain
> every year? Do any of you actually live in Spain for a certain number
> of months each year?
>
> Thanks,
> Ryan
>
>
> On Thu, May 28, 2009 at 10:47 AM, Ken Bielen <kbi...@yahoo.com
> <mailto:kbi...@yahoo.com>> wrote:
> > Spent a pleasant afternoon in Aveiro one November many years back.
> I only
> > remember that it was colorful and the weather was great.
> >
> > You've probably read this NY Times article about Aveiro:
> >
> > http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/24/travel/24next.html
> >
> > Ken B
> >
> > --- On Wed, 5/27/09, Karen Sanchez <sala...@yahoo.com
> > http://www.embutidosfermin.com/en/animflash.html
> >
> > For "period hotels" in Salamanca i'm thinking you mean the older
> ones with
> > the cool architecture. I can name a few, but remember, I don't stay in
> > hotels, so you should check the reviews, I use Trip Advisor alot for
> this.
> > Here we go: Las Torres - right in the Plaza Mayor; Hotel Rector; Hotel
> > Torre del Clavero; Palacio de Castellanos, and Hotel San Polo - although
> > they turned this last one into a Best Western, so I don't know....
> Let me
> > know if you need more ideas.
> >
> > If you want something small yet very nice and extremely well located
> near
> > the plaza, I know the ppl that own Hostal Plaza Mayor. Great value
> for the
> > money.
> >
> > That's all for now!
> >
> > Karen
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: JOHN CHAPMAN <chap...@rogers.com <mailto:chap...@rogers.com>>
> >
> > For "period hotels" in Salamanca i'm thinking you mean the older
> ones with
> > the cool architecture. I can name a few, but remember, I don't stay in
> > hotels, so you should check the reviews, I use Trip Advisor alot for
> this.
> > Here we go: Las Torres - right in the Plaza Mayor; Hotel Rector; Hotel
> > Torre del Clavero; Palacio de Castellanos, and Hotel San Polo - although
> > they turned this last one into a Best Western, so I don't know....
> Let me
> > know if you need more ideas.
> >
> > If you want something small yet very nice and extremely well located
> near
> > the plaza, I know the ppl that own Hostal Plaza Mayor. Great value
> for the
> > money.
> >
> > That's all for now!
> >
> > Karen
> >
> > ________________________________
> > To: trave...@googlegroups.com <mailto:trave...@googlegroups.com>
Karen Sanchez
May 30, 2009, 11:23:01 AM5/30/09
to trave...@googlegroups.com
I think I missed that one somehow. Nice read. thanks!
From: Ken Bielen <kbi...@yahoo.com>
To: trave...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:47:24 AM
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