kalikiana

Hi everyone! I'm hoping to go to Spain for the Bienal de Flamenco next month (and am hoping I can find OK airfare this late!). It's my first trip to Spain. I just graduated from college and have wanted to go for soooo long. Finally, I'm just gonna do it.

I was a dancer in college and studied Flamenco as well as spanish for quite a while. I don't really have a limit on how long I can be there, I'd say a week? 10 days? Don't know if I'd be going by myself or if I can pull someone into going with me I'm thinking of flying into Madrid, and then taking the AVE to Sevilla and Granada. I'd love to go to Barcelona, but I just don't think there's time. I would rather spend my time where there's 'life', not necessarily nightlife, but civilization--somewhere I can find little shops or tapas bars or outdoor cafes.

I know there's lots of these questions on here, and so I hope this doesn't get too redundant. What suggestions do you have as far as how long (and where) to stay in these places? I'm kinda on a budget...

If I fall in love with the area, I'd love to move there. I'm at a point in my life where I'm just trying to figure out what to do, and so it seems like it'd be a good time to take this trip. Who knows!

Thank you in advance for all your help! I'm not quite sure where to start or even what questions to ask. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can! Thank you!!

Christen

NEDSIRELAND

There's no AVE to Granada!
If you are a budget traveler, AVE will take a bite out of it. You might consider SociBus or SecorBus Madrid-Sevilla (6 hours but it costs less than half the 65 Euro Tourist Class that AVE costs).

I'm not sure how big the Bienal de Flamenco is (compared, for example to Semana Santa or the Feria de abril) but there are lots of Hostals in the Barrio Santa Cruz (for economy lodging)

miguelgcuadra

In my opinion Spain is one of the most lively countries in Europe. No doubt that you will fall in LOVE. Madrid is a big beautiful city, lots to do , lots to see, lots of energy. Look for hostels in the Plaza Mayor area.
Sevilla, that is a differnet story.. i felt in love at first sight... what a city, so charming, so warm , so exotic.
Your fluency in ESPAÑOL is going to help mucho. This will be your time to take some time off from school and spend a year or so in Spain... mayeb work part time as a profesor de Ingles..
Buen viaje

kalikiana

Ooh! Thank you for your suggestion on socibus! Going with the theme of this whole trip being on a whim...I'm thinking I might just book a hotel in Madrid for the first or first two nights I'm there, and then ask around once I get there? I think I'd feel better if I am sure I have somewhere to stay when I first get there. Any suggestions on a hotel in Madrid? No more than like 70 Euro.

When in Rome, right? Well, when in Spain, act as the Gitanos do

artlover

Good for you--go for it! I too travelled for several years after college and am so glad I did.

Spain is fantastic and your love and knowledge of Spanish and flamenco (I'm a huge fan too, but not a dancer) will add to your experience.

You might want to check out other websites that are more geared for student travelling...lonelyplanet.com and slowtravel.com and sta.com come to mind. Also guidebooks such as Rick Steves and Lonely Planet's. Check your university's international travel department as well--they may have some good suggestions.

Have a wonderful time--I'm sure you will--and let us know about it!

olga

Hi, kalikiana

Try this website of a flamenco/language school in Jerez. It has great programs that combine flamenco dancing, playing or singing classes, flamenco history classes, etc.
It also has lots of flamenco concert schedules and info in Jerez and Seville, as well as many interesting links.
www.duendelenguas.com