El Capricho Gaudí

Anton Gaudí designed exotic structures no doubt about it. I had the good fortune to visit the Capricho in Comillas, Spain recently. It was built as a country house for an industry magnate. Here’s a look at the main entrance.

IMG_0133As you can see, this is not exactly a mansion, but a building with many interesting attributes, such as a solar orientation to warm the house and support an integrated greenhouse seen in the next photo.

DSC_2628Note those amazing hardwood floors in the photo above. Below, another photo shows the side of the house.

DSC_2619Gaudí integrated the wrought iron benches into the railings on the porches as seen in the next photo:

DSC_2626The sunflower detail was carried through the entire building, including with exterior tiles:

DSC_2638Gaudí was a master, and his structures prove it. If you have the opportunity, visit them. One more look at the tower.

DSC_2637More Spain posts to follow. Stay tuned.

 

Published in: on October 5, 2017 at 2:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Tapas and Pinxtos in San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian, Spain is one of the best places to enjoy the tapas or pinxtos adventures of the consummate foodie. Here’s a look at just a few of the delicious items to be had.

IMG_0137In the heart of the “old town” you’ll find several streets loaded with restaurants and bars serving everything from high-end creations to regular favorites like these below.

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The best part about the scene is that you can sample all these delights for relatively affordable prices as well as have a nice stroll and chat as you do. Something I enjoy most about Spain.DSC_2555 Take your time. Don’t forget the wine! Experience it all.

Published in: on October 2, 2017 at 10:59 pm  Comments (1)  
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Hotel Villa Soro, San Sebastian, Spain

A cultural hot spot in Spain, San Sebastian has some fantastic lodgings. I had  the pleasure of staying at the Hotel Villa Soro recently, which is a handsome building along a popular boulevard.

DSC_2605.JPGInside this manor, you’ll find a number of comfortable spaces, such as this lounge, complete with fresh flowers.

DSC_2608The flowers are a wonderful touch, making a beautiful space that much more appealing. Here’s a look at the annex, where there are more guest rooms:

DSC_2614.JPGAnd a look at a typical guest room there:

DSC_2596.JPGAnd the bathroom:

DSC_2598Which of course is stocked with quality toiletries:

DSC_2599In my next post, I show photos of the common areas, lounges and such at this excellent hotel. Then a final post for the breakfast. Stay tuned! There will be two more posts about the Hotel Villa Soro.

Ábalos Sleeps

During this visit to Spain, I wasn’t able to do as much creative photography as I would have liked. With all the great people, food, wine, and sights to see, I was more distracted than usual. I still managed to capture a few images that were more artistic. Here’s one taken at night in the little town of Ábalos, La Rioja, where I’ve had the pleasure to stay on many evenings.

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Was nearly a full moon that evening and this town had gone to sleep. Not even a stray cat in sight. More about Spain on the way.

Published in: on September 25, 2017 at 2:18 pm  Leave a Comment  
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