Destinations

Gibraltar– Rising out of the Mediterranean sea in a dramatic upthrust of rock, Gibraltar today is an anomaly along the crowded coastline of Spain. Located at the narrowest points of entry to the Mediterranean sea, it hosts thousands of visitors who come on day trips from Spain to shop in duty free stores, enjoy a bit of “olde England” in the pubs or fish and chips shops or just to wend their ways along Main Street lined on either side with Clothing, jewelry, camera and other stores offering discounted shopping. High above this is the historic and home-filled slopes of this “bit of England” enclave. Europe’s only wild monkeys inhabit the highest points of the island and look down on the deeply dug defensive fortifications and caves the English carved out during both in WW I as well as WW II to protect this precious outpost.

Spain’s Up Coming Events:

All over Spain there are events that will satisfy any and all travelers tastes. At the center of all the commotion is Zaragoza. The city of Zaragoza is where the International Expo will be taking place starting June 14th through September 14th, the theme being Water and Sustainable Development. There will be more than 100 countries participating and an expected six million visitors will be attaining. Non-stop entertainment has been planned to keep the masses busy. More then 3,000 shows featuring some of the world’s finest artists, including an everyday parade put on by Cirque du Soleil that will take place on the Expo grounds.

Spain is also having a countrywide Museum and art expansion.

Exhibitions to catch while in Spain:

• Madrid’s Cultural Center, CaixaForum is a seven-story complex that will present art exhibitions, music and poetry festivals, film screenings, conference and workshops.

• Goya in Times of War exhibition at The Museo del Predo, April 15th to July 13th

• Portraits of the Renaissance also featured in The Museo del Predo, June 3rd to August 7th

• Modigliani and His Time exhibition at The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum through May 18th

• Collection of the Musee National Picasso in Paris exhibition at the Renia Sofia through May 5th

• “MAXImin: Maximum Minimization in Contemporary Art,” a collaboration of works with the Damier Art Collection through May 25

Performing Arts:

• Barcelona’s Palau de la Musica celebrates its 100th anniversary with year long events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural projects.

• Valencia’s Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia starts its season with Homage to Puccini with the Valencian Regional Orchestra performing, Placido Domingo conducting February 20th.

Sporting Events:

• August 24th, formula one cars will be racing trough the Valencia’s city streets in the European Grand Prix. In addition there the motorcycle Grand Prix.

• Barcelona is holding the Eurogames 12th annual European Gay & Lesbian Championships August 24 to 28.

• The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante on October 11. The race is 39,000 nautical miles and will stop in 10 ports all around the world.