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04/18/2007: "The Mediterranean"
This Monday I head back to Germany for my 5th treatment. After last month’s “party” trip, I have decided to seek a little R&R this time. With a week’s time between my blood draw and my injection, I usually look for something to do. I usually take a chance to see more of Europe and soak up the art, culture and cuisine.
This time, after a couple days in Cologne, I will fly down to Alicante, Spain. Alicante is a Mediterranean seaport/fishing village/vacation spot on Spain’s South Eastern coast or the Costa Blanca. This is one of the homes of paella and of course, rice a la alicantina. Lots of rice dishes with fish and shellfish. It has beautiful mild climate and beaches, mountains backing it and a medieval fortress to top it off.
For great, affordable European travel, there is no place like Spain. It is often overlooked when people plan their trips. I think Italy gets most of the attention for this type of travel. Spanish cities are incredible. The capital Madrid houses the Prado, which is probably the third best museum in the world. The East Coast has Barcelona, Vallencia and other beautiful cities. Inland, you have my favorite city Granada with its Moorish fortress The Alhambra and then there is Seville with its one thousand spires. On the South coast you have Gibraltar and the beautiful villages on the coast of the Algarve. All that, and you pay about ˝ the price for hotels and meals compared to the rest of Europe.
So I go alone this time to wander the streets of the old city, hang out on the beach, sample the Mediterranean’s bounty and bask in the warm sunshine.