October is the month when one of the world’s most famous and expensive spices is harvested in Spain. In the pistil of the flower whose Latin name is Crocus Sativus Linnaeus are 3 stigmas of a deep red color. These are what we know as saffron, an undisputed protagonist among the spices used in Mediterranean cooking. Although its origins are confused, it is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia some...Read More
It’s that time of year again and Autumn is in full swing here in the Central Spanish Pyrenees. The hillsides and valleys are awash with colour, temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, mushrooms are erupting from the earth, chestnuts are ripening… It is a wonderful time to be in the mountains and as long as you’re able to be outside, it doesn’t matter what your cup of tea is,...Read More
The objective of most pilgrims following the Camino de Santiago is reach the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain. Some believe that the name of Compostela comes from Latin “campus stellae” meaning field of stars, others believe it comes from “compositum” – burial place. Disagreement about the origins of the city’s name aside, it is a proven fact that there was...Read More
The Spanish Pyrenees are a paradise for wildflower lovers. If you’ve ever visited the area in the summer, you’ll surely agree. One doesn’t have to go far from civilization to find them, but the greatest bounty is definitely available to those who venture out into the mountains to walk, hike or climb–(mountain biking isn’t an appropriate mode of travel to observe flowers since you’re usually going too fast)! As a...Read More
This is a traditional university group whose members—known as Tunos—wear a combination of robes and garments from olden times and play folkloric music with characteristic instruments such as the mandolin, lute and guitar. Hidden beneath their cloaks are centuries of history and the gradual development of this lively and carefree tradition. Although of uncertain origin, it appears to have arisen as a way of making a living for the students...Read More
