myvacation4

Spain

Spain was definitely a big surprise, not what I had envisioned at all. Even the big cities had a small town or village atmosphere with promanade type streets and lots of cafes, street vendors and small shops. The Moorish castles are a definite stop on your itinerary. They are some of the most elaborate and grandiose I've ever seen with intricate carvings and gold inlay everywhere. The Catholic Cathedrals are just as beautiful and kept in pristeen historical condition. One had the money chest that Chris Columbus used to finance his trip. The artwork and religious antiquities make you want to spend the whole day there. Another interesting excursion is a trip to the crocus fields where spic saffron comes from. Don't expect to come home with a bundle of it, saffron is not cheap in spain either.

The food was great no matter where we went to eat. Paella, andouille sausage, peppers, anchovies everything was terrific. I had expected more spicy foods although there was a good deal of spices used it added flavor not heat. Very interesting combinations of food that will surprise you. If you get a chance to see flamenco dancers, and you will, take your camcorder. I'm not particularly fond of the dance but it's amazing to see the strength and stamina it takes to perform this. Sort of like "Riverdance" with class. Shopping was so-so but I'm not real big on that anyway. For years I brought back exotic expensive gifts for everybody and then I realized they had all the good stuff and I had squat. I put an end to that. Now I have all the goodies.

Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza aka the Balearic Islands.....great place for a family holiday but come nightfall it's time to put the kids to bed and hit the town. I could go on and on about the night life but I want to keep this site out of the "adult" section. People who holiday here tend to leave their inhibitions at home. Hugh Hefner would be embarrassed at the antics that are pretty commonplace. I'll leave it at that. Wonderful memories anyway! This is a favorite holiday destination for northern europeans and I'd like to personally thank their women for making it so. By-the-way, Americans "vacation ", while Europeans "holiday".

Italy

Italy is another favorite, especially when it comes to food. I've been to Italy probably eight times and never tire of it. Obviously you have to hit the big ones, Rome, Florence, Leaning Tower of Pisa (not pizza), Pompei, Vesuvius and the usual tourist spots but the most fun we had was getting on a train and just picking a town or village to stop in. Everything you've heard about the train system in europe is true. Why we don't copy it beyond me.. Hostels are your best bet even if you're not on a budget. You get to meet the locals and other travelers. This gives you the advantage of getting the best information from the people doing what you're about to do. Plus it gives the real flavor of the italian countryside and life without the frenzied tourists in large groups. I met someone and on a whim we took a train from Livorno to Florence for a long weekend. This is a good alternative to guided tours because you decide where, when and how long you stay. I much prefer this way of seeing a country but there are down sides such as entrance fees and lines at the big sites. If you do stay in hostels or small mom and pop hotels be prepared to share bathroom facilities with the other guests. It's also a good idea to pick up as much of the language as possible. Italian is not that difficult especially if your familiar with spanish.

Now my favorite part....food. Real italian cooking cannot be beat. A lot of restaurants serve family style and pasta dishes here are not even close to what we get back home in Luigi's. Pasta is the meal and the sauce, which may not be tomato based, is the flavoring. Try some at home before you go but use a real italian recipe that hasn't been americanized. Believe it or not they eat things other than spaghetti and meatballs from a can. The food is very regional, what you get in a southern region will not be the same up north.

You can have a pretty good time shopping here especially if you're looking for antiques and you don't mind shipping them home. Be careful though there's a lot of knock-offs of designer articles. Just remember the watch is a ROLEX not ROLECKS and Armani suits and Gucci handbags don't sell for $20. Try to take things slow and stop to enjoy the country instead of running around trying to do everything. Decide on "have to do's" and "nice to do's" and go from there.

Israel

I don't care who you are or what you believe in, if you get a chance to tour the Holy Land, do it. We took an extended tour and went to all the historical sites and it was truly unforgettable. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Wailing Wall, Calvary, Bethlehem, Jordan, Nativity, Hall of the Last Supper and many others are all a "must see". Quite a memorable tour that doesn't need further embellishment.

It's very interesting to talk to the people on the streets there. There's a whole different aura and attitude that surrounds the people. One thing you will immediately notice is the presence of guns, everyone has one. I'm not sure but I think the prize in a happy meal is a box of ammo. Enough said!

Try to visit a Kibbutz, it's a very interesting co-op and the food they serve if you're lucky enough to be asked to share a meal was simple but quite good. Ask for a tour of the grounds.