Hospederia del Vino, Ábalos, Spain

During a recent visit to the La Rioja region of Spain, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hospederia del Vino. Located at the very edge of the hamlet of Ábalos, this is an active winery with a comfortable guest house, complete with pool and hot tub.

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The main building seen above features several guest room and the various places for dining and meeting. Here’s a look at the pool, which is indoors.

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Plenty of room in the water for you and all your friends. The Hospederia is operated by the Puelles family, and Jesús is passionate about his wine and country, so definitely opt for the wine tour and tasting. Here’s a look at the room:

DSC_2454.JPGEverything here for a comfortable stay, including a well appointed bathroom that can be seen in the next photo:

DSC_2455There is plenty of parking, a great breakfast, and all the tranquility you need for a great sleep. More about Spain soon!

Published in: on September 19, 2017 at 12:08 pm  Comments (2)  
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GoCar Tours, Barcelona

While ambling about Barcelona, Spain, I spotted these interesting three-wheeled vehicles:

GoCar vehicle in Barcelona, Spain.

GoCar vehicle in Barcelona, Spain.

Basically, you can rent these cars and they’ll take you on a GPS guided “talking tour” providing you with interesting tidbits along the way.

Detail of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Detail of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

In the photo above, you see the GPS screen as well as the gauges on the console.

Another view of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Another view of the GoCar in Barcelona, Spain.

Might be a fun way to do your own tour of a major city. This company does have cars in other cities, which may be an option for your travel plans.

Published in: on August 9, 2014 at 3:08 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Most of the cathedrals I’ve seen are hundreds and hundreds of years old. It’s the rare opportunity to see one under construction. However, in Barcelona, Spain, you can see La Sagrada Familia in the works.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.

While I’m not a fan of Gaudi, I must admit, this cathedral is spectacular. The detail is as dramatic as the sweeping spires.

Entrance to La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.

Entrance to La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain.

Be sure to get your tickets in advance. If not, you’ll wait literally hours to get inside. And it’s worth it! So get those tickets and see this place. Magnificent.

 

Published in: on August 6, 2014 at 12:29 pm  Comments (1)  
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La Mallorquina, Madrid (2014)

La Mallorquina located on the Puerta del Sol in the heart of Madrid is a pastry shop you don’t want to miss.

La Mallorquina, Madrid, Spain.

La Mallorquina, Madrid, Spain.

They’ve been around for more than 100 years and for good reason. All the great things inside will delight your taste buds. I’ve been here many, many times. I’ve taken pastry to parties, back to my hotel, and given them as gifts to friends. Worth every euro. They’re old school here, boxing your selections in these handsome containers:

Pastry box from La Mallorquina, Madrid.

Pastry box from La Mallorquina, Madrid.

To find out what’s inside, you’ll have to visit yourself! Sorry, but it’s worth the trip. Enjoy every meal, and dessert, too!

Published in: on August 3, 2014 at 11:33 am  Comments (1)  
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