TravelswithCharie

My orange tree finally bore a fruit. Just one little fruit. Even though it is still quite green and I didn't notice it amongst the green leaves, I know there could be no sweeter orange than the first surviving fruit from the tree I planted 3 years ago. I'm one very happy gardener. * * * Photo by Rosario Charie Albar

Gaudi's Casa Batlló I had three full days in Barcelona recently. Hardly enough to see Gaudí's many projects, Picasso's paintings and ceramics, and Joan Miro's colorful works of art. Dividing the city into sections, I started exploring in the medieval Barri Gotic where the Museu Picasso is located. The most memorable of the collection on display are the series of paintings called "Las Meninas" after the painting of the same name by one of Spain's greatest painters, Velasquez. Picasso's abstract interpretation of the 17th century painting is interesting and thought provoking, to say the least. The series challenges viewers to see an icon from a modernistic perspective and appreciate the nuances and differences in style. The second day was devoted to Gaudí. I could only squeeze 3 of his masterpieces into my schedule - Casa Batlló, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia. Inside Casa Batlló I was captivated by the sheer beauty of the undulating walls, the stained g...

Festival of the Patios, Cordoba The Alhambra in Granada, the Roman Aqueduct in Segovia, Gaudi's Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Valle de los Caidos, are just a few of the many treasures of Spain. In May, we stared with wondrous eyes and mouths agape at the beautiful, harmonious and mystical Mezquita in Cordoba. That was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. May is also the month of festivals in Andalucia. Cordoba celebrates its Festival of the Patios in early May as does Jerez to the south with a grand parade of horses in the Feria de los Caballos . The Alhambra The Aqueduct in Segovia Check out my video on Cordoba here:  https://youtu.be/AmIAczgJvYY?feature=shared Spain never ceases to amaze. * * * Images by TravelswithCharie  

It's been a fun and creative last few weeks for me while learning how to convert my travel photos into video stills. I have 20 travel videos currently uploaded to YouTube for the vicarious traveler in you. No need to pack your bags. Just turn on your laptop or computer and link to my site: www.youtube.com/travelswithcharie . You have a choice of destinations to visit: Spain, The Philippines, Bali, Yosemite National Park, Egypt, Lantau Island, Berlin, Italy, Prague, Amsterdam. There's also a video about food, " Eating Well in Spain ", and one on gardens, " Filoli House and Gardens ". Check out Oahu now. I hope you have as much fun watching these videos as I had creating them for you. Happy travels! * * *

Photos courtesy of Francis Abelgas

The home and studio of J. Torrents Lladό contains around 100 of his works as well as his personal belongings. There is a stunning courtyard garden. It is located at C/ de la Portella 9, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.  ***** Photo by TravelswithCharie

Madrid La Barraca - Calle Reina, off Gran Via Best place for authentic paella. Beautiful dining rooms and private rooms available for groups (There were 7 of us). Miau - Plaza San Angel Great tapas bar. Try their selection of canapés. We thought we overordered but ended up finishing everything but the torta de patatas which was too much for 5 people. Meson de la Guitarra - Calle San Miguel Good selection of tapas. Receives quite a crowd. Guitarist plays all evening but we also were entertained by guest diners who brought their own guitars. Cave setting. La Mallorquina - Puerta del Sol Selection of pastries from 1 euro. I particularly like the hojaldre and neapolitana (with choice of fillings). Segovia Meson del Candido - in front of the aqueduct The roasted suckling baby pig is the house specialty. It is moist and tender. Quite tasty. Sevilla El Alabardero - Calle Zaragoza Best dining in Spain. Loved the arroz in langoustine sauce, marinated skewered fish, and pastel of white asparagu...

This is the toilet at one of the hotels where I stayed in Spain. It had me pondering not only about how to get my left leg into the incredibly tight space (I couldn't) but also how this was conceived and by who. And most importantly, who approved this? Even Twiggy couldn't slide her leg in there. If you exclaim, "Oh *&%#!", you wouldn't be out of line. This gives me a new appreciation of airline seats in cattle class. * * * Photo by Rosario Charie Albar