Northern Spain, suggestions welcome...
Mar 14th, 2009, 04:37 AM
#21
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Judi; San Sebastian is fantastic. Revulgo's advice is excellent however you may also want to take a peek North at some of the French towns as well. San Sebastian is a transportation hub of sorts so getting around by train or Bus is easy. Maribels guides will take some of the stress out of your planning if you haven't explored her site yet. I also like puttering around Dairiovasco.com (online newspaper) for up to the moment photos and news. The Hotel Londres was a bit too posh for me so I stayed at the Niza, top floor with a balcony overlooking La Concha (less than a block away from Londres).
Mar 14th, 2009, 04:50 AM
#22
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I saw "Spain...on the Road Again" with Gwyneth Paltrow last night. She and Mario Batali eat and drink their way across
Spain. Great series. Anyway, they were in San Sebastian, and I was blown away by how beautiful it looks. It's now on my short list.
Spain. Great series. Anyway, they were in San Sebastian, and I was blown away by how beautiful it looks. It's now on my short list.
Mar 14th, 2009, 06:36 AM
#23
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ribeirasacra writes: "I read with interest you bit about Orujo and done some more research on the internet. I never knew it was produced in Asturias--- Sidra yes!
The DO for this fine liquid is held in Galicia.
http://www.orujodegalicia.org/esp/
We learn something new each day."
According to my (wife's) cousin who lives in Pontevedra, Orujo de Liebana is the best you can find. Of course it is also distilled in Galicia but I fear much of the good stuff winds up being part of a Queimada Gallega (with the accompanying Encantation). I have a 750 ml bottle of Orujo de Liebana in my Liquor cabinet with instructions for an Encantation at my Wake.
I was dining with family at El Mesón del Duque in Segovia: a Wedding party did the Queimada and Encantation to drive away any and all evil Spirits from the Novios. It was very impressive!
The DO for this fine liquid is held in Galicia.
http://www.orujodegalicia.org/esp/
We learn something new each day."
According to my (wife's) cousin who lives in Pontevedra, Orujo de Liebana is the best you can find. Of course it is also distilled in Galicia but I fear much of the good stuff winds up being part of a Queimada Gallega (with the accompanying Encantation). I have a 750 ml bottle of Orujo de Liebana in my Liquor cabinet with instructions for an Encantation at my Wake.
I was dining with family at El Mesón del Duque in Segovia: a Wedding party did the Queimada and Encantation to drive away any and all evil Spirits from the Novios. It was very impressive!
Mar 14th, 2009, 07:01 AM
#24
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About Orujo (de Liebana, Cantabria):
The best way to study Orujo (de Liebana) is to visit Potes in November during the Orujo Festival, Fiesta del Orujo.
Most of the makers are present. They have a competition, tastings... Copper stills are distilling Orujo in festival stands!
The types: the colorless Orujo (Orujo blanco), flavoured with herbs (Orujo con hierbas), honey (con miel) and cream (Crema de Orujo), and, some of the new varieties are flavoured with nuts, berries or flowers.
The best way to study Orujo (de Liebana) is to visit Potes in November during the Orujo Festival, Fiesta del Orujo.
Most of the makers are present. They have a competition, tastings... Copper stills are distilling Orujo in festival stands!
The types: the colorless Orujo (Orujo blanco), flavoured with herbs (Orujo con hierbas), honey (con miel) and cream (Crema de Orujo), and, some of the new varieties are flavoured with nuts, berries or flowers.
Mar 14th, 2009, 07:32 AM
#25
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On the Road is insanely inane. Most of the show is banal banter among the travelers and Mark Bittman comes across like a leering smarmy uncle. Watching Mario Batali in his AC/DC shorts and orange crocs could make anyone lose their appetite.
It is a bad home movie with a bigger budget and bigger egos.
It is a bad home movie with a bigger budget and bigger egos.
Mar 14th, 2009, 03:06 PM
#28
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Aduchamp writes: "On the Road is insanely inane. Most of the show is banal banter among the travelers and Mark Bittman comes across like a leering smarmy uncle. Watching Mario Batali in his AC/DC shorts and orange crocs could make anyone lose their appetite. ..."
My comment / reference was about Jack Hitt's Book; not about a movie that I haven't seen and didn't know existed. We all know how Movie-makers can mess up a plot even though it is simply a travel diary.
I enjoyed Jack Hitt's book and have loaned one of my copies to several people.
My comment / reference was about Jack Hitt's Book; not about a movie that I haven't seen and didn't know existed. We all know how Movie-makers can mess up a plot even though it is simply a travel diary.
I enjoyed Jack Hitt's book and have loaned one of my copies to several people.
Mar 14th, 2009, 03:13 PM
#29
hi judi,
here's yet another vote for the parador in Leon. it's one of the best places we've ever stayed, perhaps THE best in europe. all right, we were young and impressionable, but I can never have enough of linen sheets and cloisters. the cathedral's pretty too.
we liked Comillas, but it's not eprhaps the best place for october. and san sebastian was lovely, though we were caught in the biggest thunger storm I can ever remember. hopefully that won't happen to you.
have a great trip,
regards, ann
here's yet another vote for the parador in Leon. it's one of the best places we've ever stayed, perhaps THE best in europe. all right, we were young and impressionable, but I can never have enough of linen sheets and cloisters. the cathedral's pretty too.
we liked Comillas, but it's not eprhaps the best place for october. and san sebastian was lovely, though we were caught in the biggest thunger storm I can ever remember. hopefully that won't happen to you.
have a great trip,
regards, ann
Mar 15th, 2009, 06:31 AM
#30
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NEDSIRELAND, you should taste some of my neighbours spirits..plus the wife makes her own flavours based upon receipts given by our friends. Our guest like them too.
There is nothing like home brew!
A Queimada is something magical...all those blue flames.
There is nothing like home brew!
A Queimada is something magical...all those blue flames.
Mar 18th, 2009, 05:01 PM
#33
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Jaudi, Barcelona is of course a world of its own, but if you want a special dining experience I suggest you go to Cal Pep in the Born district. Many think of this as one of the best seafood tapas-bars in the world. Pep himself is evoking associations of both Jack Nicholson, Don Corleone and Charlie Chaplin and his place is so popular that on any time of the year you must cue up in line at leat 15 min before opening time to get a seat. The monkfish (rape) is divine: http://www.calpep.com/en/principalen.htm
Mar 20th, 2009, 08:11 AM
#34
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I'm back....
What I love about Fodors is the willingness of people to share ideas. Thank you, all.
Here is our tentative schedule:
Barceona- 5 nights. We have been there before so think that is enough time.
Fly to....
San Sebastian- 6 nights. We may spend two of those nights in Hondarribia if we fly into there. The cost is much more than flying into Bilbao, but I will keep checking to see if a good deal comes up. Otherwise, will fly to Bilbao and take the bus to S.S.
Bilbao- 3 nights
Santander- 3 nights
Leon- 3 nights (Parador!)
Oviedo/Gijon 4 nights. I haven't decided where to stay; Oviedo seems to be more to our liking.
Fly to BCN.....
overnight at BCN.
Home
We can take four additional days and add them to one or more of our destinations. I don't think I want to add an additional destination as we are moving around more than usual as it is.
Thanks again.
What I love about Fodors is the willingness of people to share ideas. Thank you, all.
Here is our tentative schedule:
Barceona- 5 nights. We have been there before so think that is enough time.
Fly to....
San Sebastian- 6 nights. We may spend two of those nights in Hondarribia if we fly into there. The cost is much more than flying into Bilbao, but I will keep checking to see if a good deal comes up. Otherwise, will fly to Bilbao and take the bus to S.S.
Bilbao- 3 nights
Santander- 3 nights
Leon- 3 nights (Parador!)
Oviedo/Gijon 4 nights. I haven't decided where to stay; Oviedo seems to be more to our liking.
Fly to BCN.....
overnight at BCN.
Home
We can take four additional days and add them to one or more of our destinations. I don't think I want to add an additional destination as we are moving around more than usual as it is.
Thanks again.
Mar 20th, 2009, 10:40 AM
#37
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I just got back from Barcelona and although we enjoyed Cal Pep (again) we really liked Cerveceria Catalana.
http://www.bcnrestaurantes.com/Eng/b...CERIA-CATALANA
http://www.bcnrestaurantes.com/Eng/b...CERIA-CATALANA
Mar 22nd, 2009, 01:12 PM
#38
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Thanks again for your input. Kimhe, I think we will end up flying into Bilbao from Barcelona so that is great information.
Ribeirasacra, I peeked at your profile. Do you own a hotel? What is its name? I know you can't advertise outright but I am asking a question and you can surely answer with no problems from Fodors.
Does anyone have an opinion on which stop or stops deserve an extra day or two? When we are in Europe we like to spend four weeks. My schedule as it is takes up 25 days.
We are going to Nerja, in the south of Spain in May and will be there for four weeks. That is our favorite destination (so far) in all of Europe.
Ribeirasacra, I peeked at your profile. Do you own a hotel? What is its name? I know you can't advertise outright but I am asking a question and you can surely answer with no problems from Fodors.
Does anyone have an opinion on which stop or stops deserve an extra day or two? When we are in Europe we like to spend four weeks. My schedule as it is takes up 25 days.
We are going to Nerja, in the south of Spain in May and will be there for four weeks. That is our favorite destination (so far) in all of Europe.
Mar 22nd, 2009, 01:42 PM
#39
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Judi,
Yes I run a Casa Rural it is located in Galicia Northern Spain... It is not really on your route for this trip. The actual area I live in Is called Ribeira Sacrá. You should be able to find me now!
Yes I run a Casa Rural it is located in Galicia Northern Spain... It is not really on your route for this trip. The actual area I live in Is called Ribeira Sacrá. You should be able to find me now!
Mar 23rd, 2009, 01:46 AM
#40
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Judi,
Just a couple of suggestions if you expand your stay in San Sebastián: Take the bus to some of the small inland towns, e.g. Hernani or Tolosa, where you would perhaps feel the Basque culture more strongly than in the coastal resorts. There is a strong tradition for choir singing in the region and one of the worlds most important choral competions is annualy held in Tolosa in oct/nov. There are choir concerts in Tolosa's main church the 4th and 25th of October and the competiotion is held between 29th of October and 2nd of November: http://www.cittolosa.com/index.php?o...per&Itemid=134
Or go to see a local pelota/jai alai match, one of the oldest and fastest ball games in the world. It's easy to understand and the atmosphere and excitement is great. Often accompanied by barbeques and music.
Just a couple of suggestions if you expand your stay in San Sebastián: Take the bus to some of the small inland towns, e.g. Hernani or Tolosa, where you would perhaps feel the Basque culture more strongly than in the coastal resorts. There is a strong tradition for choir singing in the region and one of the worlds most important choral competions is annualy held in Tolosa in oct/nov. There are choir concerts in Tolosa's main church the 4th and 25th of October and the competiotion is held between 29th of October and 2nd of November: http://www.cittolosa.com/index.php?o...per&Itemid=134
Or go to see a local pelota/jai alai match, one of the oldest and fastest ball games in the world. It's easy to understand and the atmosphere and excitement is great. Often accompanied by barbeques and music.
