Each month at Mommy Maleta we explore the world one suitcase at a time alphabetically. So our very first month we learned about Australia because it begins with the letter A. Next we learned about Brazil because it begins with the letter B. See what I mean? Great.
We spend 4 weeks exploring each feature country. The routine looks like this…
Week 1 – map, flag, country facts
Week 2 – interview
Week 3 – craft
Week 4 – recipe
I am so excited because this week we are visiting one of my favorite countries. I actually lived in this country for 3 years. Home to flamenco dancers, bullfights, tapas, and Gaudi architecture, we are going to EXPLORE SPAIN.
Spain’s National Flag
Country Facts
1. Size: 195,123 Square Miles or 505,370 Square Kilometers
2. Population: 47,370,542
3. Capital City: Madrid
4. Largest Religion: Christianity 77.13% (Operation World)
5. Currency: euro (EUR)
6. Language: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, and Basque 2%
7. Highest Point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 meters
8. The Alhambra Palace, a top tourist spot in the southern city Granada, was converted into a royal palace in the 1300’s. By the way, Granada is the city my husband and I lived in during our 3 years in Spain. We visited the palace often. We went there every time a guest visited us. We have so many great memories touring the Alhambra!
The Alhambra Palace
La Alhambra by bernjan via Flickr
9. Antoni Gaudi was a famous Spanish architect. Many of his beautifully designed buildings, including La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family), Park Güell, and La Pedrera, are located in Barcelona.
The Entrance of Park Güell
Houses in Park Güell by Bernard Gagnon via wikimedia
10. Bullfighting is a popular attraction in Spain. In a bullfight 3 matadors each fight 2 bulls. The bulls must be at least 4 years old and may weigh up to 1,300 pounds. The bullfighting season runs from March to October.
A Great Memory From A Bullfight In Madrid
When I was in high school I went to Spain for 2 weeks as an exchange student. I went to a bullfight in Madrid. I still remember that day because I had knee surgery prior to my trip. Consequently, I was wearing a big brace and I couldn’t climb the stairs in the stadium very fast. In order to speed me along, two of the Spanish guys who were part of our group carried me right up the steep stairs so we could get to our seats before the bullfight started. And there were A LOT of stairs!
A Matador In A Bullfight
Bull Attacks Matador by Chris O via wikimedia
Wow! I am so happy I could explore Spain with you today. This country, so near and dear to my heart, is home to so many wonderful traditions, festivals, art museums, displays of architecture, and other treasures.
In our next post we will feature an interview from a special guest who lives in Spain so that we can learn more about this amazing country. Be sure to subscribe to Mommy Maleta to get all of these wonderful explorations delivered directly to your inbox!
Do you think you would enjoy watching a bullfight in Spain?
Wow, what an experience! Spain would be such a cool country to visit. I love all the history and old buildings. Beautiful!
And though I haven’t been to every city in Spain, each I’ve visited has it’s unique character. It’s so fun to explore!! I’d love to take my kids to Spain when they are a little older. But honestly, I’d want to spend the entire summer there and it still probably wouldn’t be enough time for me.
I watched a bull fight while studying abroad in Spain too! I went in thinking it would be a fun way to experience the local culture…. I left feeling sick to my stomach (my friends & I started booing the Matador & rooting for the bulls). That’s just me.
As always, I love your pictures & thanks for sharing your wondering posts at the Mom Blog Party!
I actually felt sick to my stomach the first time I went to the bullfight in Madrid. But then years later when I lived in Granada and went to a bullfight there, I began understanding the rules and how it all worked it became really interesting to me and it didn’t gross me out anymore. But normally, I shudder even when I pass by road kill, so I’m not sure how I grew to appreciate los toros!
Wow, your bull fighting memory is one you’ll never forget!Glad to do #OMHGWW with you this week!
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com
It is an unforgettable memory! And there’s more where that came from! So I’ll stop by and share again soon. Thanks for hosting.