21
Jun
Antioch, California is at first glance, maybe, a simple, out of the way spot one wouldn’t consider settling on. But with the overcrowding, the unreasonable real land prices, and the urbanization of once beautiful scenery, some might think again.
The population of Antioch, California was 90,532 in 2000. It only grew by a little over eleven percent—in five years, with 51% females and 49% males totaling 100,631.
The average age of the Antioch resident is about 32, making for young, moderately progressive area where their median income of $60k+ affords some of the most affordable homes in the Northern California area (at $196,000 on the average in 2000, for example).
More than two thirds of the folks have at least a high school education, and at the same time, unemployment is extremely low (at a little over five percent).
The crime rate is also very low, with rapes and attack increasing only minimally from, respectively, fourteen and 120 in the year 1999 and twenty-three and 187 by 2002—with only fifteen murders in a four year span, from 1999 to 2002. (One can infer, even, that the highest crime, assault, could be credited to anything from the occasional bar brawl to minor fight between friends.
The Antioch, California community is quite close, supporting one another in sports (rooting for the Antioch Pirates), and working together in local business activities in the educational, health, social services, retail/trade, professional, scientific, and management/administrative fields. Nearly one third of the population works in town, while another quarter has move due to the commute…making Antioch, California a modest city despite its size on the map.
Also contributing to the simple, hard working pride of the people of Antioch, California is their claim to being the birthplace of such fair greats as San Francisco 49ers Jeremy Newberry; Texas Rangers Matt Riley; and college ball player Jason Gaines (of the San Francisco Dons).
The skies are still blue in Antioch, and the grasses, in season and on golfing courses, are still a lush green. The bays lure water lovers, boaters, and fishermen; the country fairs appeal to the weekend soldier; and the whole area calls to the quiet, the serious, the hard-working, and the family minded.
21
Jun
This time of year Spain becomes a Mecca for British tourists trying to flee the country and get a tan, and whilst some football fans are currently postponing their holiday until after the world cup finishes, now is an ideal time to get away.
Bilbao in the Northern region of the country is the political capital of the nationalistic Basque people who inhabit Spain’s three northern Euskadi provinces. While not being a traditionally beautiful city, its main strength is that it offers an easy gateway to the rest of the country, with access to many attractions within the surrounding countryside and along the coast of the Bay of Biscay.
Bilbao itself is currently undergoing a programme of revitalization beginning with the opening of the controversial Guggenheim Museum in 1997, and visitors can easily experience some good beaches, cubs, bars and a few scenic spots. The regeneration of the city has also lead to the acquiring a new metro system and airport terminal which along with the port facilities help to make it a hub of activity. In addition to the Guggenheim, art lovers can also experience the Museo de Bellas Artes in the Plaza Museo, which houses some fantastic 12th through to 20th century works by Francis Bacon, Picasso, Gauguin, El Greco, Goya and Velazquez
behind its unassuming façade. For a cultural experience of the city, the Museu Vasco, housed in a 17th century Jesuit cloister in the heart of the old quarter is definitely worth a visit.
To get to the city, most visitors will elect to fly to Bilbao (http://www.britishairways.com/findaflight/europe/es/flights/to/bilbao.html ) with British Airways or use the regular cheap flight operators and start their holiday in Spain with as little fuss and as fast as possible. Catch a plane from the nearest airport and you can be touching down in Spain just three hours later.
Others may choose to take a more leisurely trip with a mini cruise direct from the ferry operators or though a specialist short cruise (http://www.superbreak.com/promo/pando.htm ) company like UK based Superbreak. For those who want to take their time, this option comes highly recommended as P&O in conjunction with the charity organization, Biscay Dolphin Research Programme, has set up a fantastic themed cruise from Portsmouth to Bilbao aboard the “Pride of Bilbao”, through one of the best localities in the world for dolphin and whale watching. Although swimming with the dolphins is not on the agenda, whale and dolphin lectures are provided for free, and identification information is available on the top viewing deck as well as in the front “Posh” bar. Here you can sit and see the sun set while watching dolphins leap out of the water towards the ship to bow ride and you enjoy a soulful piano bar atmosphere.
However you decide to travel and whether you want culture or nightlife, you are sure to have a holiday experience you will want to remember for years.
20
Jun
Spain has become one of the most popular vacation destinations, both for Europeans and people from other parts of the world. The reasons are clear: there are so many attractions in Spain, both in large cities and in small villages, that it is a perfect sightseeing destination.
The large cities of Spain draw a large tourist following. Typically Spanish attractions abound in these cities. In Barcelona, close to the French border, you can see the influence of the Romans, the French, the Carthaginians and the Moors in the architecture of the buildings of this city.
Madrid, the capital, is a lively city set right in the center of the country. Tourists flock to Madrid to see the famous museums and art collections. The Old Town is noted for great restaurants, good shopping and night life. In fact, if you crave exciting night life, Madrid has to be one of your destinations.
The center of the city of Madrid is called the Golden Triangle. Three world famous museums are all located in this area: the Prado, Thyssen Bornemisza and Reina Sofia. The Royal Palace is also a major tourist attraction, since even though it is still used for ceremonial purposes, the throne room and garden are open to tourists. If you are a bullfight fan, be sure to visit Plaza de Toros de las Ventas, one of the most famous bullfight rings in the world.
Seville is a lovely old city which is the capital of both the region of Andulusia and the province of Seville. The ancient fountains and plazas invite picture taking. In Seville, there is a royal palace and gardens that are also open for inspection, the Alcazar. The Torre del Oro tower, currently a maritime museum with many interesting exhibits to view, has an interesting history as a fortification built by the Moors to protect Seville from invasion.
Take a trip outside the cities and you will find there is still more to see and do. The Mediterranean is a very popular destination for sun seekers. Beautiful scenery, wonderful beaches and great weather coupled with lovely old towns to explore make the cost an ideal vacation spot. Visit Malaga on the Costa del Sol for a perfect example. This region has become very popular with golfers since the weather is ideal for golfing year round. There are so many golf resorts and golf courses that some call this region the Costa del Golf.
Another region along the sea is the Costa Blanca, which is noted for its beautiful beaches and temperate weather. Quiet towns such as Benidorm and Torreviejo attract a crowd looking to unwind in the sun. The town of Torreviejo is known for its salt production, and some swear by the salt baths as a cure for some skin conditions as well as arthritis.
20
Jun
The Spanish village of Frigiliana is situated in the foothills of the Almijara mountain range, just 5km inland from the popular holiday destination of Nerja. It is also within an hours drive from the International airport at Malaga in southern Spain. Because airline companies now offer competitive flights to Malaga from many destinations around Europe, the opportunity to visit some of Spain’s most idyllic and charming villages has become easier than ever.
Frigiliana is one such village: a delight to explore, full of history and offers unbeatable Spanish charm. It has been voted one of the prettiest towns in the province of Malaga and it is easy to see why. It enjoys spectacular views of both the Almijara Mountains that form a beautiful backdrop to the village, and also the enclosed valley all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea.
The village has all the delights expected of a traditional Andalucia town with cobbled streets winding through white washed houses, decorated with vibrant colours from seasonal plants and flowers in bloom. With only around 2,000 permanent residents, Frigiliana is surprisingly blessed with many bars, restaurants and shops. The town centre is filled with small traditional townhouses, interspersed with idyllic shops selling textiles, rugs, leather goods, tiles, and local wines. There are also several excellent shops selling local pottery and ceramics, including decorative plates with distinctive Arab design.
There are also choice bars and restaurants to be found, some offering fantastic views of the mountains or the Costa del Sol, and some to relax and take in Spanish life. All offer traditional Andalucia cuisine and a fine selection of tapas. For anyone who has not tried Spanish local cuisine, a selection of tapas offers the opportunity to try several small dishes at an affordable price.
The surrounding countryside is also ideal to explore by foot, with the close river valley boasting fantastic views of the hillside scenery towering above, and a spectacular waterfall cascading down the rocks during the winter season. Slightly further along the valley can be found a seating area surrounded with trees, a flowing river and perhaps views of local wildlife.
The road from Nerja on the Costa leads straight into the heart of the town, and on approaching there are ample parking spaces all the way up to the village. There is a car park itself but the twenty of so spaces on offer never appear to be available. There is a large children’s play park and a street map displaying some of the more interesting attractions around the village.
Steeped in history with archaeological finds dating back to 3000BC, Frigiliana has been inhabited by many different civilisations including the Romans, Phoenicians and the Arabs. The Arab occupation has left the greatest impact on the village with much of the original Moorish architecture still apparent.
During the 16th Century there were many battles between the Moors and Christians in Andalucia, which culminated with the final expulsion of the Arabs with the battle of the Rock of Frigiliana in 1569. This historical rebellion between the local Moriscos in the village and surrounding area, and a Christian army led from Nerja was a particularly violent battle that is still remembered today. This fascinating story is depicted with twelve ceramic plaques posted on the corners of streets to be found within the village.
The Moorish influence is apparent throughout the town, and best enjoyed walking through the narrow cobbled passageways leading to the Mudejar district, one of the best-preserved areas of Moorish architectures in Andalucia.
The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in the 17th Century by Don Bernado de Godoy, and was restored in 1976. Built in the Renaissance style, many of the original frescos can still be seen throughout, and the church houses three 17th century paintings of excellent quality. The plaque outside the entrance tells the full story of the construction.
Other sites of interest include the former Granary that was built in 1767 and a 16th century Renaissance Palace that has now been turned into a molasses factory. Another example of the Moors occupation can be found at the very top of the town with the remains of a Moorish castle.
There are many festivals celebrated in Spain, and if you are lucky enough to be in the village during the festivities, you will see this sleepy Spanish town burst into life with celebrations involving the whole town and everyone lucky enough to be visiting. One of the best fiestas to experience is the Frigiliana bull-run. A smaller version than the one held in Pamplona, both in size of attractions and in size of bulls, but nonetheless no less exciting for those participating.
Frigiliana, like many of the towns in the Axarquía region, benefits from a microclimate that offers average temperatures of 18C, so even during the months of winter, temperatures are expected mild with many crisp, blue skies. With excellent views over the Axarquía region, and the slopes of the Almijara Nature Park, Frigiliana is an excellent place to visit, explore and finally to relax in one of the bars or restaurants to appreciate the scenery and culture of this beautiful region.
But there’s no need to take my word for it. Apart from receiving many regional awards, it earned its most cherished prize in 1982, with 1st place for beautification in the whole of Spain from the ministry of tourism.
