The Monkey Jar

The monkey jar has been used for several centuries in Jamaica and the Caribbean though no one knows the origin of the name. (There’s probably an interesting, perhaps even a funny story that could be inserted here.)

Monkey jar
Replica of a monkey jar

The technique used to make earthenware pieces, like the monkey jar was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans. Once here, they adopted European, indigenous Indian and other local techniques that influenced form, function and manufacture.

Made of porous clay, with an oval-shaped body, flat base, a handle and an abbreviated spout, the monkey jar was used to carry and store water. Clay pots were used to keep water cool in the days when there were no refrigerators. Clay is still used today to keep water in communities that have no refrigeration.

Cooling jar
A large cooling jar (seen at Outameni)

Pottery-making is still practiced in Jamaica with local artists using clay that is found primarily in the northeast section of the country. The clay is mined by hand then transported out of the area. Traditional items like the yabba, a large earthenware bowl that first produced in Jamaica around 1692, are still being made. The yabba was usually handmade by women and are either by glazed or left unfinished.

 

A yabba was one of my first purchases after I returned to Jamaica. I’ve used it as a tureen and as a mixing bowl. (Will post a photo later.) The monkey jar above is a replica that I bought at the Hanover Museum last year. I’d love to find an old one for my collection.

 

 

This is my submission to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.

 

Red Pea Soup

Soup, especially red pea soup, is comfort food to me. I make it when it rains or snows, when it’s cold or when I need a pick-me-up. Sometimes, I make it just because.

I love soup. I love the convenience of it. Even cleanup is simple as there’s only one pot. The only thing to master about making soup, however, is timing. Too little and you end up with a broth; too much and you get something close to porridge. I like mine after the peas and potatoes have broken apart, giving the soup ‘body.’

Soup was a typical Saturday meal in our house. When the butcher brought fresh beef, we’d have beef soup. Otherwise, it’d be chicken, pig’s tail, corned beef, or a combination. And there was always some type of pea or bean – pigeon (or gungo), red, split, etc., vegetables, yam, potato and dumplings or spinners.

Red Pea Soup
Bubbling soup

Soups made from a variety of meats or vegetables are typically found on menus in restaurants, cook shops and street vendors. Expect to see corn, cow skin or foot, chicken foot, crayfish (or janga), fish (popularly called fish tea, not fish soup), pepperpot, etc. The star of any gathering, from weddings to wakes, is mannish water, which is also called goat soup or goat belly soup. It’s made from, you guessed it – goat, including the innards.

Red Pea Soup


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Ingredients
  1. 1 or 2 cups peas (I love a lot of peas in my soups so I usually use 2 cups)
  2. 1 lb. beef or beef bones (or other meat - or leave out the meat for a meat-free soup)
  3. 1 or 2 medium carrots (chopped)
  4. 1 sprig of thyme
  5. 1 stalk of scallion
  6. 1 Scotch Bonnet pepper
  7. 1 tbsp. Pimento Berries
  8. 2 cloves garlic
  9. 1 large Irish potato (cut up in large chunks)
  10. 2 tbsp. coconut milk (optional)
  11. 2 sprigs Parsley (optional)
  12. 2 Bay leaves (optional)
  13. Water – enough to cover peas and meat
  14. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  15. Noodle soup (optional)
  16. Spinners (recipe follows)
Instructions
  1. Pick out defective or broken peas and wash. Soak overnight. The next day, drain off the water, pour peas into a stockpot, cover with cold water, add garlic and salt to taste and put to boil. (If you’re unable to soak peas overnight, wash, add enough cold water to cover and put to boil.)
  2. Wash meat and add to pot when water begins to boil.
  3. Cook for about an hour or until peas are soft.
  4. Add seasonings – pimento, scallion, Scotch Bonnet, black pepper, and coconut milk.
  5. Peel potato and carrots, chop and add to soup.
  6. Make spinners (recipe below) and add.
  7. Add thyme, parsley and Bay leaves (tie together with kitchen twine or put in cheesecloth). Cover and let cook for about an hour or until done.
  8. Remove Bay leaves, parsley, thyme and pimento beans before serving.
InsideJourneys https://insidejourneys.com/

Spinners (Dumplings)


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Ingredients
  1. ½ cup flour
  2. 1 tsp salt
  3. 5 tbsp water
  4. 2 tsp butter (optional)
Instructions
  1. Combine butter with flour, blend thoroughly.
  2. Add salt.
  3. Add water slowly and mix until you have a doughy consistency.
  4. Break off small piece and roll between both hands to make the spinners.
  5. Each should be about 2 inches long. Place slowly into soup.
  6. Cover and let cook.
InsideJourneys https://insidejourneys.com/

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Best Beaches in Turkey

With its fantastic climate, diverse culture and stunning golden sandy beaches; it’s no wonder Turkey is one of the most popular European holiday destinations. If you’re looking to escape the daily grind and soak up a little sun, this is definitely the country to head to.

With plenty of bargain flights on offer, the only problem you’re likely to have is deciding which part to visit – which is why we’ve put together our guide to some of the best beaches in Turkey:

Best Beaches in Turkey
Olimpos

Olimpos, Antalya

Just southwest of Antalya lies the stunning beach of Olimpos. If you’re looking for a beach with a difference then this is definitely the one for you. It may be one of the smaller, less touristy beaches but it features some of the most beautiful scenery on offer.

With a unique forest backdrop which is home to interesting Roman ruins, you’ll definitely want to bring your camera along with you.

Accommodation nearby mainly consists of tree houses with varying levels of comfort.

Sarigerme Beach, Dalaman

When you’re looking up Turkey holidays you’re likely to be offered plenty of flights to Dalaman. It’s the most popular part of the country and thousands of tourists flock here each year.

While many parts of the city are busy and packed full of tourists, there are some parts that remain somewhat undiscovered – Sarigerme Beach is just one of them.

Run by Sarced, a local organisation, this beach is constantly controlled and kept to a very high standard. There are rules you’ll have to follow while using the beach in order to preserve it but once you see this beautiful area you’ll understand why the rules are so strict.  This beach is really close to the airport too so it’s great for a last minute burst of sun.

Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan

Another beach definitely worth a mention is Iztuzu, located to the northwest of Dalaman airport. One of the highlights of this beach is the fact it’s home to beautiful Loggerhead Turtles. These graceful animals are mesmerising to watch and tend to draw quite a crowd of interested tourists.

While plenty of tourists head here, the beach is big enough to ensure it never feels crowded. Travelling here is easy and there are regular excursion boats and minibuses from Dalyan.

Best Beaches in Turkey
Iztuzu Beach

Gumbet Beach, Bodrum

If you’re looking for a lively beach holiday then Gumbet Beach is the best place to head. There are several hotels located in the area and the nightlife is one of the best in the country.

The waters of the beach are quite shallow, though it’s still a popular surfing destination.

Also, as its located just 3km away from Bodrum, you’ll never be short of things to do!

 

photos by:


iriskh
&

steve.wilde

The Pink Poui Tree

I’ve written about the poui tree in a few earlier posts. I noticed it in my neighbor’s backyard one week, it’s brilliant yellow blooms covering the entire tree, the next, there was a carpet of yellow petals on the ground. I didn’t know what to make of a tree in the tropics that loses its leaves. I was intrigued.

When I did a little research, I discovered that in addition to the yellow, there was a pink poui. Where the yellow is striking, more easily identifiable and more common, the pink is less so. It’s beauty is subtle.

Pink Poui
Poui Tree

So off I went, looking for the pink poui. Each time I noticed a profusion of pink petals, I’d pull out my camera but as I got closer, I’d realize that it was some other tree. Or, I’d see the real thing but there’d be no place to stop safely.

Weeks turned into frustrating months, one season changed into the next. I’d just about given up ever getting a shot of the pink poui in bloom. One morning as I waited for the bus that would take us on a planned tour, I noticed a pink tree on the opposite side of the parking lot. I didn’t want to get my hopes up until I was sure.

Pink poui
Poui, close up

I walked slowly towards the tree, camera in hand. As I got closer, I noticed that some petals had already started to rain on the ground, a few were on the cars parked nearby. Yes, this was a poui.

I snapped away, hoping the bus wouldn’t arrive before I could finish. It’d have to wait, I thought to myself.

Pink Poui
Poui

I can’t tell you how happy I was to finally capture a pink poui tree. Nothing could spoil my day after that!

 

 

For more photos, please check out Travel Photo Thursday, which Nancie at Budget Travel Adventure organizes. Hope to see you there!

Knutsford Express: Travelling Jamaica in Comfort and Style

An issue that’s cited often as an obstacle to Jamaica’s development is the lack of a comprehensive, reliable, affordable and safe transportation system – and good roads throughout the island.

This lack of an adequate system of transportation also prevents visitors, and residents, from getting around efficiently, and exploring off-the-beaten path locations unless they have a car, or can rent or hire one – usually at a cost that makes it prohibitive for the average person.

Enter the Knutsford Express. While the Knutsford doesn’t solve the island’s transportation problem, it is a welcome step.

Knutsford Express
Jamaica Gleaner photo

Launched in July 2006, the Knutsford Express skirts the coasts with daily departures from Kingston to Montego Bay and Negril with north coast stops in Ocho Rios and Falmouth. There are connecting buses for passengers who wish to continue to Negril.

Knutsford also provides once daily service between Kingston and Montego Bay with stops in the south coast towns of Santa Cruz, Mandeville, Savanna la Mar and Negril.

While there are mini buses that ply the Kingston-Negril route daily, they are typically overcrowded, uncomfortable and have no air conditioning. The Knutsford Express is, by far, the better option. It costs far more than the mini buses but at US$25 per person from Kingston to Negril, it’s good value. The company offers a discount for online and early purchase, senior, student, children and other fare options. The fare includes a complimentary bottle of water.

The company also offers cargo and courier services as well as private charters, and special excursions to music festivals and other events such as Reggae Sumfest, the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, and Rebel Salute. Unfortunately, the Knutsford does not operate in either of parish of Portland or St. Thomas.

Knutsford Express runs an efficient operation and have been on time on all of my trips.

Fall in New York City

I’ve always enjoyed the fall and this year, I get to spend part of it in New York City, one of my favorite places.

After being in Jamaica, where the temperature rarely dips below 70 degrees in most places, I have a new appreciation for the cool, crisp air that fall brings. You can almost feel the switch that comes as the last days of August usher in September and the frenetic pace of summer gives way to the gentleness of fall.

Here are a few of the fall activities that I look forward to doing.

1.     West Indian American Carnival – This annual cultural extravaganza takes place in Brooklyn on Labor Day and signals the end of summer. Millions come out to prance and ‘wine’ and enjoy the vibrant celebration of West Indian culture.

Fall in New York - a Carnival Queen
Taking photos with the queen

2.     Brooklyn Book Festival – Started in 2006 by Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, to give voice to the writers who call Brooklyn home, the BBF has since expanded to include writers from outside the borough. The festival, which is free, will be held on September 22nd at Borough Hall and other venues.

3.     Wine Tastings – Each fall, we drive out to Long Island’s North Fork to meet friends for our usual wine country tour. We try to visit two or three vineyards and have lunch then drive back to the city. I’ve always wanted to check out some of the wine festivals in New Jersey, and might do that this year as well.

4.     Broadway comes alive – Fall also means the new theater season begins on and off-Broadway. Here’s what I’m looking forward to seeing: After Midnight, The Glass Menagerie, Macbeth, Richard III, and Waiting for Godot.

West Side Story

5.     Fall Fashion Week – Not just for fashionistas and big name designers, Fall Fashion Week is a chance to get a peek at they styles that will be in the stores in spring and check out the work of designers who’re not yet household names. Fall Fashion Week is on until September 12th.

Fall is not only about the turning of the leaves or the coolness in the air, it’s also the time I celebrate my birthday. The party lasts all month and usually involves a themed event, and a trip north to Toronto to celebrate with my friends from university.

This post is part of the fall blog carnival hosted by Patti at One Road at a Time. Be sure to check out what other bloggers have to say about fall.

Friday Focus: Dana Carmel

This Friday Focus features world traveler and blogger, Dana Carmel. Dana and I ‘found’ each other through a post on my blog and discovered that we shared a connection to Westmoreland, Jamaica’s westernmost parish. You see, Dana met her husband and travel partner, Jave, in Westmoreland. They later married near Montego Bay. She’s been back to Jamaica several times and, in this interview, shares memories of her first and subsequent trips to Jamaica. Read on to learn more about her.

Friday Focus Dana Carmel
Dana & husband, Jave

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles although I lived in Panama for close to four years as a child when my dad was in the military. I’m a married law school grad working full time in contracts management for a multimedia company here in L.A., but I’m slowly but surely transitioning to becoming self-employed and traveling on a more consistent basis through my travel planning and tour operating business, Time Travel Plans. Travel, voluntourism, and writing are my life’s passions, and I’m looking forward to the day when I can pursue those passions full time.

How often do you travel?

I try to travel as much as possible with 1-2 trips abroad each year and some local California or domestic U.S. trips in between. Exploring my home state and taking trips within the U.S. holds me over until I can satisfy my foreign wanderlusts.

How do you decide which places to visit?

Well, it depends on who I’m traveling with. Time Travel Plans is the exclusive travel planner for all Passporters Expeditions (PE) which are annual volunteer trips abroad sponsored by Passporters – Live Don’t Merely Exist. So when there’s a PE trip, we kind of take a vote on where we should travel based on cost and the humanitarian needs in a particular country.

 

When traveling with my husband Jave, it really just boils down to affordability and how much time we can afford to take off from our jobs.

What brought you to Jamaica?

I was planning a destination birthday celebration for my 26th birthday, and I initially invited some girlfriends to Puerto Rico. Several months before our trip and before we’d booked any reservations, my brother and cousin who’d just returned from Jamaica couldn’t stop talking about their trip. They had such a good time on their “guys’ getaway” that I decided to switch my birthday “girlfriend getaway” from Puerto Rico to Jamaica, and I’m so glad I did!

Friday Focus Dana Carmel
Dana in Negril

What has surprised you most about Jamaica?

I didn’t know much about Jamaica before my first visit, so learning about Jamaicans’ rich history and culture was very surprising to me. Most of us black Americans don’t know our country, culture, or language of origin. So to go to Jamaica, a predominately black country, and to see the locals take such pride in their culture is so refreshing. I haven’t been to West Africa yet, but Jamaica reminds me of what certain West African countries might be like. My only hope is that Jamaicans will preserve their West Indian culture and values and not try to assimilate to Western standards.

What misconceptions or myths have you laid to rest?

You know, I don’t think I ever bought into any misconceptions or myths about Jamaica or Jamaicans. Some people think that all Jamaicans smoke weed and wear locks, but that’s just not true! I will admit that I’ve always thought that no one can dance quite like Jamaicans, and I have to say that it’s the truth! No one gets down on the dance floor like Jamaicans! I grew up dancing and I’m sure that even young Jamaican kids could outdance me.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done here?

I married Jave who’s a Negril local! I call him my “Jamaican souvenir” – ha!

Tell us a favorite Jamaica story

Every trip changes my life in one way or another, but my birthday trip to Jamaica literally changed my whole world!

 

After landing in Montego Bay, as we drove from Sangsters International to Rose Hall Resort, I remember seeing a pickup truck full of Rastas with their dreadlocks blowing in the breeze. This was prior to all of the recent construction in St. James, so there was still a lot of greenery along the road to the resort, and our ocean views were blocked by all of the greenery. I remember thinking to myself, Maybe we should’ve gone to Puerto Rico.

 

We arrived at our resort early in the morning, so our room was nowhere near ready. The check-in clerk invited us to eat breakfast, and afterward, we all sat out on some beach chairs near the pool overlooking the ocean. Soon enough, we were all knocked out. It was the best sleep I’ve ever had in my life – mouth wide open as the wind gently cooled us. After checking in, we went down to the beach, and I floated on my back for a good hour or so and I literally felt all of my life’s problems and worries seep away. I’d never felt such a sense of peace except for when I was in Bermuda which also holds a special place in my heart. But I felt like I was at home in Jamaica, and one of my friends and I romanced the idea of quitting our jobs and moving there.

Friday Focus Dana Carmel
Tryall Club

 

My birthday in Jamaica was the most memorable. We climbed Dunn’s River Falls and spent the day in Ochi followed by a special dinner back at our resort. The next day we went to Negril to Rick’s Café and to Seven Mile Beach. As we were walking the beach, the beach hustlers kept harassing us to take a glass bottom boat tour. Once we negotiated the price down, we were game. There were two guides on the tour. One of the guides introduced himself as Jave. I told him that he had beautiful eyes, and he thanked me and smiled. Jave and his co-worker Steve took us snorkeling at the reef – scaring us with all sorts of weird-looking sea creatures from the reef.

 

After the tour and back at the beach, Jave asked me if he could have my phone number, but he didn’t have his phone on him. Not thinking that I’d ever actually call him or keep in touch, I programmed his number in my phone. As we walked away, I turned around and saw Jave leaning against the boat and watching us as we walked. At that moment, I had an uncanny feeling that this Jave guy would somehow be a huge part of my life, but I didn’t know how.

 

A few weeks after our trip, I came across Jave’s number in my phone and decided to give him a call. And the rest is history…

Name 5 of your favorite places to go or things to do when you’re on the island.

Sweet Spice (Negril) – As soon as we arrive in Negril from L.A. and once we’ve had a chance to freshen up, Jave knows that I have to stop at Sweet Spice for either their curry chicken or their lemon pepper chicken. My trips to Negril are incomplete without eating at Sweet Spice.

 

Seven Mile Beach (Negril) – This is my favorite beach in the world. Not because it’s necessarily the most beautiful (although it is a beautiful beach), but because it feels like home. Jave and I met on this beach and have spent countless hours there. Our favorite thing to do in Jamaica is to walk this beach. We used to dream about our lives on our Seven Mile Beach walks in the early stages of our relationship. We even got married at Rondel Village on this beach.

 

Blue Lagoon (Port Antonio) – The Blue Lagoon is beautiful yet a little creepy at the same time. With a mix of salt and fresh water, it’s unknown how deep the water is in the lagoon and the water is quite dark in some parts which means that it’s probably quite deep. When Jave and I visited, I asked him if he wanted to go for a swim, but he refused since he doesn’t swim in water he can’t see through.

 

Frenchman’s Cove (Port Antonio) – There’s a garden leading to Frenchman’s Cove, and as we made our way out of the garden to the mouth of the cove, I felt like I was in the Garden of Eden. Frenchman’s Cove truly looks and feels like paradise. There are even vines that you can swing from into the water!

 

Ketto (Westmoreland) – This is the community where Jave grew up and I definitely think of Ketto as my second home. I always tell Jave that it reminds me of an island-style “Little House on the Prairie”. Like so many communities in Jamaica, Ketto is a small neighborhood where a few families share the same yard and everyone knows everyone else’s business. In Ketto, you’ll be awakened by cocks crowing in the morning or by someone shouting your name from across the yard. Cold showers or outdoor showers, communal dining, and convenience stores run out of the front of people’s homes are common in Ketto as in most other rural Jamaican communities.

How do you balance work, travel, and your personal life?

I just try to keep things in proper perspective and prioritize God and family above everything else. Apart from that, travel is what balances me! I also samba to release stress. Samba is such a huge part of my life now!

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m so proud that I’m forever bonded to Jamaica through Jave. When we finally decide to have kids, Jave and I are both committed to instilling them with a sense of pride by teaching them as much as possible about both their African-American and Jamaican heritage.

Dana Carmel is a world traveler, cultural explorer, and a community servant. When she’s not at her day job, she spends her time volunteering locally and abroad. Also, she spends a lot of time plotting travel adventures for her travel business, Time Travel Plans. Read about her volunteer and non-volunteer adventures around the world at www.TimeTravelPlans.net.

Culture on Display at the West Indian American Carnival

The Labor Day weekend means one thing to New York’s West Indian American community: the West Indian American Carnival! Now in its 46th year, the Carnival bills itself as the greatest carnival in North America. It is perhaps New York’s largest cultural festival.

The celebration of carnival began in the 1920s as a private event among the West Indian communities in Harlem. It became an official event in 1947, when a Trinidadian woman received a permit from the city to organize a street festival on Labor Day. In 1964, the city revoked the permit because of a disturbance at one event.

The festival resumed in 1969, in a new location – Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway – perhaps following the migration of West Indians from Harlem. It also had an organizing committee, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, which, under the 32-year stewardship of Carlos Lezama grew into the signature event it is today.

The West Indian American Carnival, 2013

Each year, the carnival kicks off on Thursday with a music festival, featuring some of the region’s popular entertainers. On Friday, there’s a Youth Fest and a Brass Fest; and a Junior Carnival Parade and Panorama Steelband Competition on Saturday. Fat Sunday (Dimanche Gras) features the winner of the steelband competition as well as the king and queen costume winners.

West Indian American Carnival Queen
Taking photos with the queen

And on Labor Day Monday, the activities come to a grand finale with parade which attracts elected officials – the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, has been the grand master for the last several years – business leaders, members of the Caribbean diplomatic corps and between one and three million people. They line the Eastern Parkway parade route from Schenectady Avenue to Grand Army Plaza enjoying Caribbean food, the many floats, costumed bands, and the sounds of Soca, Reggae, Zouk, Kompa, Salsa and Calypso.

Junior Carnival, West Indian American Carnival
Watching the Junior or Kiddie Carnival

Like most West Indians, I look forward to carnival and have spent many a Labor Day on the Parkway. Had it not been for my not-totally-back-to-normal-ankle, I would have been there this year. The junior carnival was a good compromise as I’d never been and I was curious to see the youngsters do their thing. Yes, carnival is not only for the adults.

Junior Carnival, West Indian American Carnival
Junior Carnival

It was nearly 2 pm when I arrived at the Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum station. As I exited the subway, I was surprised to see several parents and their costumed youngsters waiting to board. Was the carnival finished? I was relieved when one mom said her daughter had already performed and they were going home to rest. Outside the station, more people were sitting on benches near the museum’s entrance or milling around.

I followed the sound of soca music to the area behind the museum where the carnival was taking place. There were food vendors, face painters and people, lots of people, flags waving, flags tied on their wrists, or dressed in the colors of their respective flags. There was pride and excitement in the air.

There were only a few bleacher seats and they were already taken so I joined a group of people standing partially under the shade of a large tree. But I was so far back, I could hardly see the stage when the different camps danced and paraded before the judges, without raising myself on to my toes – something I could have done easily pre-accident. I was lucky to get a few photos. I’ll just have to get there earlier next time.

Linking up this week with Travel Photo Thursday, which Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox organizes.

Foodie Tuesday: Grater Cake

Jamaica produces about 95 million coconuts each year – a large number of which is consumed locally. The mature fruit forms the basis for confectioneries such as grater cake, gizzada, and drops that are popular among Jamaicans. These coconut treats turn up in grocery shops, in the baskets of itinerant food sellers and on fancy tables.

Pink & White Grater Cake
Pink topping

A few weeks ago, I attended an event and was pleasantly surprised to see grater cakes among the sweets on the dessert table. Grater cakes are made primarily of sugar and grated or shredded coconut with a little almond essence. It’s relatively easy to make and perhaps because it’s mostly sugar, satisfies the sweet tooth.

Granny is
fried dumplin’ an’ run-dung,
coconut drops an’ grater cake,
fresh ground coffee smell in the mornin’
when we wake.
– From the poem, Granny is, by Valerie Bloom

In the old days, we made grater cake with wet sugar, which is raw or unrefined sugar, also called Muscovado sugar. Wet sugar isn’t as popular as it used to be so now we use granulated (white) sugar.

 

How to Make Grater Cake

Ingredients

3 cups dried or shredded coconut
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon almond essence
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red food colouring (optional)

Directions

Peel off the outer layer (brown portion) of the dried coconut, wash, grate and set aside.
Combine grated coconut, granulated sugar and water in a pot and put to boil. Reduce to medium flame, mix in the almond essence and the salt. Stir constantly until mixture thickens.
Remove a 1/3 of the mixture and add a small amount of red food colouring to give a delicate pink colour.
Scrape remaining coconut mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Spread the pink coloured coconut evenly over the white mixture.
Set aside for 25-30 minutes or until sufficiently cooled.
Cut into squares and serve.

Recipe from gracefoods.com

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Top 5 Spanish Coast Destinations

Spain remains the beach destination of choice for summer holidays. Offering an ideal blend of seaside charm and exotic flavour, it’s hard to go wrong yet, if you’re looking for a bit of guidance, here are five of the best Spanish coast destinations to consider: 

Spain - Benidorm by Night, photo John O'Nolan
Benidorm by Night, photo John O’Nolan, Flickr

Benidorm

Benidorm knows how to do tourism right. Though the destination specialises in catering to British tourists, with seaside resorts offering Brits their favourite amenities from back home, Benidorm isn’t void of local charm. Head to the old town if you’re in search of an authentic Spanish experience, the poniente beach area is usually much quieter and if you’re looking for real seclusion away from the crowds head to La Cala, a world away from the hustle and bustle of benidorms main strip. 2014 Benidorm holidays are the perfect retreat this summer.

Barcelona

Barcelona isn’t just one of Spain’s best destinations, but one of the most beloved cities in all of Europe. Whilst chic, cosmopolitan and rich in culture, the Catalan capital still retains the laid back charm of a seaside city. From relaxing on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean to dining on fresh seafood (cooked Catalan-style), Barcelona will exceed your expectations in every aspect of your visit.

Ibiza

One of the world’s most renowned party hotspots, Ibiza has perfected and defined the Mediterranean club scene. Its clubs, such as Pacha, Space, Amnesia and Privilege, are famous across the globe for their sheer size and always attract big-name celebrity DJs. Beyond San Antonio Bay, the rest of the island’s beautiful beaches and viewpoints offer some much-appreciated tranquility.

Spain - Costa del Sol, Kevin Poh
Costa del Sol, Kevin Poh

Malaga

This seaside metropolis may reside on the Costa Del Sol, yet it’s vastly different than the nearby resort towns that the famous coastline is best known for. In many ways, Malaga has far more depth, with plenty of historical and cultural attractions making it a class above its neighbours. Must-see attractions include the Gothic Malaga Cathedral, the Museum of Glass and Crystal, and the La Concepción botanical gardens.

Majorca

A stunning natural gem of the Mediterranean, the island of Majorca offers far more than generic tourist fare. After spending plenty of time on its golden sands, take a break from the beach and explore the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Hiking and cycling trails offer brilliant views of the winding coastline and lead you to one charming village after the next.

It’s easy to see why, for many throughout Europe, particularly British families Spain comes number one when planning your summer holiday, with a wealth of choice, beautiful weather, and friendly locals it’s the ideal destinations for families and groups alike.

 

 

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