Spain

The photos within are mostly of Southern Spain and were taken in October, 2003. The images of Barcelona were taken in late May 2011. We hope you like them and learn something about this truly beautiful country.

Spain is a nation born out of religious struggle between Catholicism and, in turn, Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism. After the Reconquest, when Christian Spaniards fought to drive Muslims from Europe, the Inquisition sought to complete a religious purification of the Iberian Peninsula by driving out Jews, Protestants, and other nonbelievers. The Inquisition was abolished in the 1830s, but religious freedom was denied in practice until the new Constitution of 1978, which confirmed the right of religious freedom.

Spain was neutral in World Wars I and II, but fought a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain played catch-up to the Western international community. It became a democracy in 1975 and joined the EU in 1986. Continuing concerns are Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment. Go here to read more about Spain's history.

The most frequent question I get asked about Spain is: what do they eat? In Southern Spain, the Arab presence made an impact. There are a lot of barbecued meats, sauces flavored in cumin and saffron, and sweets made with marzipan. It is also a real paradise for the lovers of any kind of fish, and then there is paella. Paella is a rice dish seasoned with saffron and cooked in a wide and short pan. Various toppings are added on top of the paella. The tapa (small snacks) is an old tradition. Another treat is churros (batter sticks).