June 2018 – Laur On Tour

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

The Medina Azahara, or as it is sometimes stylised, the Madinat al-Zahra, is an unsung wonder of an archeological site but it really is so much more than that.

This site was once the powerful capital of al-Andalus with a marvellous vantage point for keeping a watch across Córdoba and continues to be shrouded in mystery and romance today, from its brief but colourful 80 year existence.

Continue reading “Medina Azahara Guide: Discovering al-Andalus’ Former Capital” →

Cádiz is not huge but it’s advisable to maximise your time in this city with Free Walking Tour Cádiz by Free Tour Expert where you will meet at the Cathedral and be guided through the beautiful streets and along the iconic promenade for two hours.

It’s easy to bypass some of the hidden gems tucked away in the narrow, sheltered streets unless you’re with somebody who knows the city inside out. It’s totally free but tips are gratefully encouraged!

Walking tours depart at 11am and 6pm and are held in English.

So, let’s move on to some of the city’s rich history.

Cádiz is a city on the coast of the wider province that goes by the same name.

Cádiz was once called Gadir by the Phoenicians and this name evolved into the Latin Gades when it was under Roman rule. This is why the people from Cádiz are known as gaditanos even now the place is known today as Cádiz.

The gaditanos hold a reputation for being the funniest people in Spain and although I didn’t find this particularly evident in the Cádiz Capital, I certainly did when I visited El Puerto de Santa María which is just across the bay and of course, is still a part of the Cádiz province.

Continue reading “Discover Cádiz: the Oldest City in Western Europe” →