topping an interesting thread

HI Scrunchy I was so happy to "see" you here again!!! Great thread I will re-read all of it.

Buenas tardes, Ana! It IS a good thread and one that renews my longing to return to Spain! Maybe next year (???)

????HMMM?????

To update this thread since I have been back to Spain,

1. I loved the littles dish towel in Spain. I fugure I need them anyway, so why not have them remind me of my trip? They were affordable and come in the lighter nonterry cloth cotton that I prefer.
I use them at home for lots of things now.

2. I also bought the rosepetal rosaries which people loved. But I hear they are available in the states....nevertheless for the price a good at 4-5 E each, smell wonderfully of roses and thoughtful gift for some people.

3. I bought a lot of shawls and so forth but I have friends that dance. Interestingly, the el cheapo poly blend shawals from China that the gyspies sell at Plaza Espana in Sevilla for 5-6 E were the most popular here in the states. I admit I had alot of fun buying them from those gypsies ( I know I know ) made friends and they even gave me a free one....but I am a gabber..and a salesperson...I am always watchful and have my big strong DH nearby...actually I am pretty big and strong myself compared to most of these women.

The beautiful silk shawls from the better stores are pricey and will set you back some $$, but I couple of smaller gorgeous ones for about 45E and a huge silk one for 100E which I am keeping for a special occasion.

Lastly, do not immediately dismiss some of the smaller cheaper looking souvenir stores. I bought some "picos" (smaller/thinner shawals with long fringe) in one of these shops as a closeout for 3E!!! They were still selling down the street for 20E each. They just were not hot items for that store.

Hi amsdon!
Where did you get the rose petal rosaries; are they available everywhere in Spain?

Well CE I am alos from LA! The rosaries are sold in many places. I bought mine at the gift shop in the Cartuja in Granada, but then saw them in souvenir shops there too. But I like mine and the fact that they came from there. They also had them made of jazmine but the originals were rose petals. By the way, the Cartuja was my favorite chapel/monestary. You can get up close to everuthing & it is just amazing. http://granadamap.com/cartuja/index.htm

Here is another thread about them here http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-in-spain.cfm

Bookmarking

Violet sweets and natural candied violets at La Violeta, Plaza de Canalejas, Madrid.
http://degusto.files.wordpress.com/2...ioleta-001.jpg

topping this to hear more recommendations, especially food items...

If there are any small children in your life-shop for clothing for them. Stunning clothes are available in specialty shops.

Pat

I would like to find some saffron to bring home. I imagine it's much cheaper in Spain than in the states. but...where to buy it? does anyone know? I didn't read the entire thread so please forgive the repetition if there is any!

also, is there a site that tells you what you cannot bring back to the U.S.? does anyone know?

I didnt read the whole thread so someone may have already mentioned that you can get saffron at the Corte Ingles department store-in the grocery store downstairs.

...in Madrid.

aha! El Corte Ingles, of course!! thank you

Here is the long-lost Iberian Ham thread:


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...amn-ibrico.cfm

and this:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...on-iberico.cfm

Hello

In my opinion the best treats from Spain would be
Spanish Olive oil
Spanish curred ham - Ibreico or serrano
Spanish goat cheese!

I think those are the best gourmet treats one could bring from Spain not to forget all of above mentioned are deliciousssss!!!! people travel all the way to come and taste the Ham dipped in the worlds best olive oil with a nice glass of red wine!

Lifestyle Barcelona!

Is that the custom in Barcelona--to dip Jamon Iberico in olive oil before eating? Never heard of that one before..

I am very interested in the Paella mix mentioned by LaClair in 2006. Full out paella makings - La Fallera rice, saffron, colorante, paellero seasoning, and dried ñora.

We will be in Marbella/Malaga in December, I would like to make paella for our New Year Eve dinner (we will have a full kitchen in Marriott).

Can anyone give me more of a discription? Name brand, product name, where to buy, etc. I don't speak Spanish, so I would like to show the store what I want. Thanks.

Pat

As someone who loves to cook I wanted to especially wanted to bring back some spices. In Barcelona I purchased some excellent pimenton de la vera, both agridulce and picante, from Casa Gispert. This wonderful store is in the Barri Gotic.