If you could travel somewhere you have never been, where would you go?
Would you head to the canals of Amsterdam, the souks of the Middle East, or perhaps take a train through Australia’s bush country?
If I could go anywhere this year, I would go to Spain.
(Creative Commons photo courtesy of Pixdaus)
In all my trips to Europe I have never been to this fascinating country. I was a nanny in Portugal and explored France with my family, but I never made it across either of their borders into Spain. Up until recently this omission didn’t trouble me greatly.
But then three things happened:
(Creative Commons photo of Lanzarote Island courtesy of Green Fudge)
One: I found a few riveting novels set in Spain at the library that drew me in to the world of fierce mountain clans and stunning cities.
Two: I watched Anthony Bourdain’s enticing foodie trek through the wilds of Spain and ever since have been hungry for the delectable dishes he featured.
Three: I met my two English friends Katy and Kate. Kate and Katy both speak Spanish and have lived and traveled in Spain numerous times. Their stories, photos, and hilarious adventures stirred up an unquenchable desire to experience this country they both love so much.
I don’t know if I’ll get the chance this year, but it sure is fun to dream.
(Creative Commons photo of Cuenca Casa Colgadas courtesy of Famous Wonders)
How about you? Where would you go?
For more travel inspiration and global dreaming, click here to join the discussion at the Travel Belles delightful and informative Across the Cafe Table.
Obviously I love your choice, Krista! Really glad that Katy and I inspired you, and hope to be able to travel Spain with you in the future. I’m off there on Saturday, you should come! 🙂
Oh! Have a wonderful time, Kate! 🙂 I hope to travel there with you too. Maybe this summer?? 🙂
Let me know if you´re coming and I´ll share my lovely part of the world with you.
Thank you SO much, Rachel! 🙂 There’s a chance I may be there this summer and I’d love to meet up with you and go adventuring. 🙂
I am going to Italy this year, but to areas I have never been. Next on my list would be Turkey or Croatia.
HOORAY! I’m so happy you’re going Val. 🙂 I’d LOVE to go to Turkey too!
Spain is a wonderful place! Definitely a “must see”. Although Australia is high on my bucket list!
I’m glad to hear you like Spain too, Cailin. 🙂 PLEASE come to Australia!!! I’d love to see you guys again. 🙂
I want to go to Spain too! 🙂
Spain is my destination too! 🙂
That’s great, Jessica!! Hopefully we can meet up there this summer, eh? 🙂
Oh yes… Spain is amazing… a perfect combination of excellent climate/great food/lovely places to visit!
I’m so glad to hear that, Juci. 🙂 I really hope I’ll be able to explore it soon. 🙂
and don’t forget, once you are in Barcelona tapas 24 (http://www.tapas24.net/) is a must!
Thank you SO much for the recommendation! 🙂
I would have answered Norway – but after visiting the gorgeous country – all I want to do is go back again :o) I think I need to find a new desirous place to visit. Spain is wonderful and enjoy your travels there!
Oh, Meeta, your photos of Norway are so stunning! I’ve always wanted to visit that country, but your pictures made me wild to go! 🙂
Me too me too me too. July, anyone?
Oh I sure hope so, Margo! 🙂
me too, never been to spain. tough to choose but a. bourdain sure does make it compelling! happy new year Krista! hope it’s a good one so far. xoxo.
He sure does, Paradis. 🙂 And I think Spain seemed even more special than some of his other destinations because his wife and family are from there. 🙂
How can you wish for this when you are in Australia – still there aren’t you?
The photo is gorgeous, but I almost think you have been more places than you haven’t…. I have been to 23 countries last count…. but some very briefly… and SO MUCH more to do. Spain is NOT on my done list – but at the TOP of my to do list, too!
🙂
V
I sure am still here, Valerie! 🙂 And I love it enormously. 🙂 But I really do want to visit Spain one day. 🙂
Oh Spain! What a great choice! Barcelona was so fantastic I hope to go back there one day, and to Madrid and Seville! I’ve been to Marbella once, but would avoid that one in future, too many Brits!!
I’m so glad to hear I’ve made a good choice, Ruth. 🙂 Sounds like you LOVED it. 🙂
Oh wow! I think you would love it there – such an interesting country and fantastic food =) Madrid is my favourite Spanish city
I’m so glad to hear that, Andrea! I will make sure to visit it then. 🙂
YES, do it! It’s an amazing country, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you, Christine! I’m so glad you recommend it. 🙂
BRAVO …………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, JH 🙂
What a coincidence — I just posted about Sagrada Familia in Barcelona! I loved Spain, but now Portugal is on top of my list. I don’t know if I’ll get there in 2012, but I can always hope!
Oh, that’s great, Beth! 🙂 I loved Portugal VERY much when I lived there. I hope you get to visit and explore there soon. 🙂
Spain is on my bucket list too! Definitely want to spend time there-
Velva
I’m glad I’m not the only one, Velva. 🙂
I’m with you on Spain! I’ve been there before and was supposed to be back last year but it didn’t happen. Next time for both of us 🙂
Next time sounds perfect, Corinne! 🙂
your photo choices are amazing!
I love their buildings as if they are growing from the rocks around them!
For me , if I was in Spain, I would find the little village just off the French border in the south of Spain, on the Mediterranean where the rocks melt into the clear blue waters and at least 37 years ago it was a little poece of heaven here on Earth!
I love that too, Susan! 🙂 Ohhh, your description of the village is absolutely marvelous. I hope I can stumble across it one day. 🙂
Hmmmm, tough call. Norway or India! I adore Spain though – the food, the people, the weather – EVERYTHING! :))
Oh, Norway or India sound incredible too, Jeanne. You’re right, it’s a VERY tough call. 🙂