Viva la vida in Spain
Poets have waxed eloquent in praise of this mythical, purple fruit and it is nowhere as bountiful as in the La Rioja region of Spain. It is Bacchus’ own country, where the finest wines in the world are made from the most succulent grapes imaginable. The Roman god of wine has blessed this area with fertility and abundance.
The province of La Rioja, in Spain has garnered worldwide attention for its wines. Wine has been produced in this lush land for hundreds of years. Due to its fertility and picturesque beauty, it is no wonder that Rioja has been fought over for centuries. The wine region in Rioja is divided into three parts – Rioja Alta (High), Rioja Baja (Low) and Rioja Alavesa. All three have bodegas (wineries), where families have produced wine for years, honing their craft to perfection. On a trip to the wineries, one is introduced to the process of winemaking, and treated to the different wines of the bodega. In October, during the harvest season, grapes are picked by hand, and sorted according to quality. Many wineries use modern machinery, but some still prefer the traditional method of foot stomping, where a big group stomps on the grapes to extract the juice and almost always, turns into a big party with lots of laughter and food.
The most famous winery in Rioja is bodega Ysios. Rioja’s answer to the Guggenheim of Bilbao, the winery was designed by the famous Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava. The sinusoidal roof shines in the sunlight, and the walls to the south, made of cedar, give off an appearance of barrels sitting beneath the mountains, mimicking the mountains. Ysios can be considered a temple to drink, due to the undulating roof and the raised balcony which seem like an altar. Merging with the countryside, even as it retains its individuality and singularity, bodega Ysios is a must visit for all wine enthusiasts. Pick up some great vintages from the local bodegas to remember this trip by.
The wine region lies in one of the most famous pilgrimage trails in the world – Saint James’ way. One of the twelve apostles of Christ, Saint James is said to be buried here. Since the ancient times, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela has been followed by the devout, and in more recent times, by travellers and cultural enthusiasts. Imagine the best of Spain – busy towns with large galleries, forgotten villages with hauntingly beautiful churches, the sharp Spanish sun and the fresh, delicious regional cuisine. Because these are precisely the sights that will greet you on the way to Santiago!
Though the route traditionally starts at one’s home and ends at Santiago de Compostela, it is still possible to follow in the footsteps of the early pilgrims by embarking on the famous routes. The pilgrim route, however, is more about the journey than the destination. It takes a few weeks, but every minute is worth it in the end. The sight of the beautiful Praza do Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral towers in Santiago, at the end of the journey makes for a wonderful experience.
The Cathedral at Santiago is exceedingly beautiful, with facades in baroque style. It derives from many influences and is a perfect amalgamation representing the spirit of Spain. There are guided tours available in the city, but perhaps, a better way would be to hop on the little train that will show you the sights, along with a commentary! There are excellent stores near the cathedral and in its by-lanes. Mimolett boutique stocks styles from Paris and local designers. Elsa va de boda is also an excellent option, since they have latest designs from brands like Sui, Farah Khan, American Retro etc. You can also look for leather shoes and goods as they have excellent workmanship but are less expensive than their Italian counterparts.
Spain’s penchant for combining the modern with the ancient is truly remarkable. Salamanca holds the distinction of being the most important University City in Spain. Home to the prestigious university of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain, it has a calm, laid back attitude. The golden sandstone buildings, ostentatious and magnificent are decorated in many different styles. Students bustle through its streets, making it lively and happening. There are guided tours available at the University, but they cover only specific portions. The stunning facade of the university building is covered with medallions and floral decorations. Legend has it that a frog is hidden between these decorations. Spot it unaided and you will have good luck and will be married before the year is out! That’s not all. The facade also conceals an astronaut and an ice cream eating gargoyle, which were added by sculptors doing restoration work. The upper storey has a magnificent library with antique tomes and globes.
Salamanca has a vibrant nightlife. With so many students, it is inconceivable to even entertain the absence of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. Live music and concerts are held throughout the year, much to the delight of the young population. Capitán Hadock, one of the prime themed restaurants, boasts of frequent jazz concerts. It has a pirate era decor that gives it a unique feel. Another famous place is Camelot. Once a chapel, it has now been transformed into the hottest and most happening place in town, with concerts and amazing music.
If you want to see more of Spain’s heritage and treasures, head over to Segovia, where stands an old roman aqueduct, meticulously preserved. Segovia has not changed much from ancient times. The aqueduct of Segovia is almost two thousand years old and was used to supply water to the city till the 19th century. It is composed of two layers of semi circular arches that soar over the honey coloured buildings of the city. The climb to the top will present a panoramic view of the city and the entire length of the aqueduct. It is a breathtaking experience to see the city spread below, and view the entire length of the aqueduct.
So what are you waiting for? Spain is calling. As said in the Bollywood movie, ‘Zindagi na milege dobara’, Life happens once. Make the most of it or as the Spaniards put it, viva la vida!. Live it up in Spain with The Wander Girls. We promise to make it a trip of a lifetime!
