Espanol Expedition~

It's been a while since I went on an overseas vacation (business trips aren't conuted!) so I was really looking forward to the trip to Spain and Portugal planned a couple of months ago. And, boy, they didn't disappoint!

First, here's a quick introduction to the country: Spain, located at the Southwestern part of Europe, used to be one of the strongest nations in the world, making colonies out of several countries, such as the Philippines and Cuba. This puts them alongside powerhouses like the United Kingdom and France. However, today, Spain is one of the poorest countries in the European Union, incurring serious debts that threw its economuy into a crater and leaving many jobless.

To a tourist like me, it didn't matter that Spain is financially poor because it is incredibly rich in history, culture, history, architectually, gastronomically and what-nots to make the holiday a memorable one!

I shan't be going on about what most guide books will probably be sharing with you but here's some humble tips from me a first-time visitor:

1. If you are up for eating raw meat, try the fresh raw ham that is found at every corner of the streets.

2. If you don't speak Spanish, keep a translator ready as English is not frequently used. Otherwise, depend on gestures =P

3. Get your moolah ready for awesome and affordable shopping. In Barcelona, you can find near the La Ramblas a great shopping street with high street brands like Zara, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Mango (all Spanish brands), Shana, H&M and more. Buffer more time for payment as unattended cashier counters is a common occurence; it takes a while for staff to return to the counter.

4. If you're in Madrid and a factory outlet fan, be sure to visit Las Rozas Village for chic outlet shopping at more than 100 boutiques. It carries international brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and even Spain's very own renowned Loewe.

5.Take the Eurostar train or domestic flights if you're travelling from city to city because journeys by car can be as long as 3 to 4 hours.

6. You needn't worry about toilets as they are readily available for free. What's better is that, more often than not, they are clean and comes with toilet paper.

7. Spanish food, especially fish, can be very salty. Include salad in your meals to balance out the sodium.

8. Fast food is, in my opinion, a tad steep in price so I suggest dining in their lil' chic cafes and try their local delights instead of the fried friends.

9. If you're in the vicinity of Seville, consider making a stopover at Portugal for a couple of nights.

Portugal is another beautiful country on its own, exuding with old-world charm and simplicity that will make you feel transported back in time, especially if you're from a modern, swanky city like Singapore, Tokyo or New York. You can't miss out Lisbon, of course. If you have the time, take a trip to Fatima and Coimbra too.

Below are some of the pictures I've snapped in Spain. Do enjoy! For more pictures (of both Spain and Portugal), please visit my facebook page, Life Toaster!