Tag Archives: Expat

Spain

Vikings in Alicante

We went to the amazing Museo Arqueologico de Alicante to explore the Viking exhibition. The museum is excellent and has won the European Museum of the Year award in 2004.

Museo Arqueologico De Alicante

We began our visit by entering into a small theater where we watched a video on the history of the Vikings.

Theater area in the museum

The video, which was in Spanish, explained the long history of the Vikings.

We were amazed at how large an impact the Vikings had on the world. The Vikings at their peak in the 8th and 9th centuries either controlled or were located in half the world. They traveled as far as Newfoundland Canada and had a strong influence on various regions of the world.

The Viking exhibit was separated into three different areas, the first was the Viking ships, warriors, and merchants. We were amazed at the various designs of ships built by the Vikings. They were excellent ship builders and created unique ships based on the usage. The long narrow ships associated with the Vikings were warships and could travel fast and required limited water. This allowed them to travel up rivers to conduct raids on villages near the shores.

They also had a unique control with a side rudder which was located on the right side and provided excellent maneuverability.

Side rudder used to control the ship
Actual side rudder of Viking Ship dated 8th century

The right side rudder was called “Steor” meaning rudder or steering paddle, and the word “bord” referred to the ship’s side. The term “starboard” originated from the combination of these words meaning the right side of the ship.

The museum demonstrated the size of the largest Viking ship discovered in the world. The museum had a line showing the length of the ship.

Description of the length of the longest Viking ship

To demonstrate the length of the ship, I took a photo of Shelley at the far end of the ship.

Shelley at the far end of the Ship length 37.2 meters long

We continued through the museum looking and reading about the history of the Vikings. There were some interesting facts that we discovered. The Vikings used silver as a means of currency and would cut coins needed to achieve a certain weight.

Viking silver pieces with cut coins.

They made everyday items out of bones and there were bonesmiths which were very common in Viking communities.

Bone tools made by Vikings, including combs, door handles etc.

The Viking King “Harald Bluetooth” who reigned between 958 and 970 was famous for uniting Viking tribes in parts of Denmark and Norway into one nation and converting the Danes to Christianity. That is where the name “Bluetooth” is derived from in technology.

King Bluetooth converted the Vikings towards Christianity and embedded Christianity into their symbols and culture.

The Aby Crucifix with image of king on cross with eyes open

The Aby crucifix is the oldest crucifix in  Denmark and comes from Aby Church. The crucifix is dated from 1050 -1100 and made of gilded copper on a base of wood.

(Copy) JELLING Stone with Christian symbols intertwined

The Jelling Stone was created in 965 by King Bluetooth. A copy of the stone was produced for the museum exhibit. The jelling stone has three sides, one side has images of Danes, the other side has a mystical beast and the third side has an image of crucified Christ.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Viking exhibit, it was very interesting and informative.

Spain

A day in Muro de Alcoy

Muro is a quaint little town of 9000 people in the foothills of Sierra Mariola mountain.  We took a small tour group to Muro to explore the unique little town.  Our first stop in Muro was at a local family company called “Pericana de Muro”. The family business which is dedicated to the enhancement and elaboration of “home canning” has been established for generations. We were greeted by the owner and his brother and provided multiple samples to try.

Group at the Pericana with Owner Miguel

The owner “Miguel” is pictured in the original image of the business when he was a small child.

Family business logo and the photo of the original family Miguel is the small child in the photo.

Miguel treated us to a very warm and enjoyable experience at the Pericana. We sampled many different canned products with only locally grown organic produce. The different samples were extremely tasty. Miguel also made sure everyone was treated to a sampling of local wine. There is a tradition of sharing wine using a neat wine decanter with a large spout. Miguel demonstrated how the decanter worked.

Miguel demonstrating the use of the wine decanter.

Some of the people enjoyed the wine using the decanter while others drank the wine in a glass.

One of the people in our tour group enjoying the wine using the decanter method.

We sampled about six different types of canned items.

Some of the samples at the Pericana business

We tried all the samples, using bread and enjoyed them immensely. There were different products such as tomato jam, cod, and peppers even aromatic herbs with virgin oil and tomatoes. All of the products were locally grown and without any preservatives.  Miguel was very proud of the products and was a very gracious host to the group.

Miguel and Ray at the Pericana.

After tasting the different products Miguel insisted that he take us for a tour of his hometown of Muro.  We headed out for a walk of the downtown area of Muro.

Muro was celebrating their annual medieval festival and the entire downtown area was converted to a medieval theme.

Main Plaza area of Muro, Spain

We walked through the narrow streets looking at the various merchandise on display.

Vendors at Medieval Festival in Muro

We walked along the streets and we came across a group of people playing music.

Musicians warming up in preparation for the parade

They were part of the parade which was going to start shortly. We were greeted by a counselor who was part of the group leading the parade. We were invited to participate and walk with her in the lead of the parade. We walked with her to the main square as part of the head of the parade. It was considered an honor to be in the lead of the parade.

After the parade, we headed to a very old Bodega in town, called “Celler La Muntanya”. We toured part of the Bodega and went into the original cellar of the Bodega.

Stairway down to the original Bodega La Muntanya Cellar in Muro
Cellar of the Bodega La Muntanya
Cellar hallway to different area in cellar

It was very interesting walking through the Cellar of a Bodega which was established for centuries. We then headed back to the courtyard of the Bodega for a rest before heading out to see the remainder of the town.

Liz, Shelley, and Barbara taking a break in the courtyard of the Bodega.

We then continued our walk into the center of town. There were numerous displays and shops along the way. One which we stopped at was very unique. The shop contained some great antiques and the owners were celebrating the festival and providing free drinks and snacks.

Antique store in Moro, Spain

Some of the interesting antiques included a Roman scale, old phone,  tools and other old household items.

Scale from the Roman times
Antique phone
Old guy with an old mirror
Filipe and the owner of the antique store

The owner was very friendly and welcomed us into the back of the store to show us his favorite antique. In the back of the store, he had an antique street music box which played music when you crank the handle.

Antique Street Music box

He gave us a demonstration of the music box which played a traditional Spanish tune.

We had a great time with lots of laughs at the store. He treated us like a family guest which was very humbling. We then headed to the main square and checked out the Medieval festival.

Ray looking at the pastries in the Market
Fresh dates being sold at the market

The entire town of Muro seemed to be very pleased to have us visiting their town. In fact, the local television station came and did an interview. I was trying to stay out of the media spotlight but they asked me and after only one year in Spain, I was on television again.

Ray being interviewed by the local Spanish television crew.

Muro is a very beautiful town and we enjoyed our visit immensely.  It felt like we had a nice visit with close friends.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

The Christian/Moors Museo in Alcoy

The town of Alcoy or (Alcoi) is known for their annual Christian and Moor Fiesta. It is one of the oldest festivals of this kind in Spain. The fiesta original began (it is believed) the year after the battle in 1277.  It has been internationally known and declared of International tourist Interest, since 1980.  The three-day event consists of parades, music, and reenactments of the battles between the Christians and the Moors. They wear elaborate costumes, ride horses and use replicated weapons and fireworks as part of the reenactment. The Alcoy festival commemorates the battle between the Christians and Moors which was fought in 1276.

We went to the Christian/Moors museum in Alcoy, it is situated in a modern three-story building. We went to the third floor and began our visit eventually going down to the first level. Our first stop was in a small theater to view a movie of the event. Below are a few images from the video depicting the activities of the Fiesta.

Images from the reenactment of the Christians and Moors Battle

We watched the video which had parts of the amazing reenactment of the battle and some history of the event. There were also mannequins in costumes situated in the theater.

Ray in front of the costumed mannequins in theater

We then walked through the museum admiring the exhibits and the ornate costumes. On the second floor, we came to a large room with costumes that were used in the fiesta over the years. There were costumes for the children of the fiesta.

Costumes used in the Alcoy Christian and Moors Festival

The displays were very impressive and each mannequin had an information plaque depicting the year it was used in the fiesta.

Some of the older costumes used in the fiesta
1921 costume used in fiesta

There were also adult costumes on display from different years of the fiesta. There were rows and rows of very impressive and ornate costumes. We took our time and walked the rows of displays. Below are a few images of the costumes. There are even a few cameo appearances in some of the photos.

Adult costumes on display of the fiesta in Alcoy.
Costumes on display  from the Alcoy fiesta

The costumes were extremely ornate and very impressive.

We then went to the next level of the museum where we saw some of the exhibits on the making of the costumes. There is a very detailed and complex process for the creation of the costumes. Every year the “Boatos” which loosely translates to mean “the pageantry designers” create new designs for the important roles in the fiesta. They conceptualize the sketch, choose the materials and colors and coordinate all the artisans that take part in its creation. Then the new costumes is created for the fiesta.

Design images for the costumes of the fiesta
Some of the materials and jewelry used in the making of the costumes

There was also a meeting room which is used for the organization. The room is also decorated with costumes and images from the festival.

Meeting room for the organization of the fiesta.

The museum also had on display artifacts and old books of the history of the Christian and Moor fiesta. The first recorded photograph of the fiesta is dated back to 1876.

Historical photographs of the Alcoy fiesta

There were historical books, art and other documentation depicting the long history of the fiesta.

Painting in the Christian/Moor museum in Alcoy
Poster of a previous Fiesta

The visit to the Alcoy museum was very interesting. We enjoyed walking through the museum admiring the costumes and reading about the history of the fiesta. It is amazing to see how they maintain the history of a battle between the Christians and the Moors that occurred in 1276.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

The food experiences in Spain

When we arrived in Spain we were exposed to new foods, dishes and Spanish customs related to eating. Over the months that followed we have tried different dishes and foods. Some were very tasty while others were not to our liking.

What was important, was to keep an open mind and be willing to at least try the food or dish. We have had an amazing adventure by trying the different foods. Some of the taste and textures are difficult to explain but a photo can help. Here are a few of the adventurous dishes we have tried.

Olives are very popular here and you see them in almost every meal in one form or another. Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil in the world, so it is not a surprise to see olives regularly incorporated into food.

Different olives, some pickled, some stuffed with fish, meat, cheese or other fruits. There are numerous ways to eat olives.

We have explored the world of olives and tried numerous varieties and styles of olives. Stuffed with sardines, stuffed with cheese and garlic to name a few.

We are on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and there are many types of sea creatures in the Spanish diet. We have come across numerous fish or crustacean meals that we would not normally eat, however, we are committed to trying them at least once.

Deep fried complete fish with head and tail attached
Ray eating a complete deep-fried fish

There are many dishes which use fish as a main ingredient.

Potato chips with an olive sprinkle and a small spiced fish

We enjoyed the potato chips with small spiced fish. It was very tasty and was similar to potatoes and salsa. This is a very popular dish at local bars and pubs.

Salads with fish is a popular dish, sardines are normally one of the preferred fish on salad.

Sardines on fresh salad

We have tried numerous types of different shellfish over the past year. There was the normal type of shrimp which are normally served with the heads still on them.

Shrimp with heads are popular in Spain

We also had different types of shellfish, some which looked more like crayfish.

Type of shellfish which looked similar to crayfish

There are numerous types of squid and octopus in Alicante. They are used in many different dishes.  We have tried different ones and have found them to be good depending on how they are cooked.

Seafood Paella popular dish in Spain

Paella is a popular dish here in Spain. There are many tourist restaurants that sell paella, although they may not be a traditional paella. The true Valencia Paella is made with rabbit and chicken.

Spanish Paella with chicken and rabbit

There is black ink squid paella which we tried but it was not to our liking.

Black squid ink seafood paella.

There were numerous other different types of dishes we tried and enjoyed over the year.

Roasted Piglet head
Artichoke roasted in olive oil

There is a weed called “Cyperus Esculentus” or “Chufa” and it can be found in the wild. In Spain, it is also cultivated for its edible root bulb. The root bulb is used to create a non-alcoholic beverage called “Horchata de Chufa”, which is very refreshing in the summer.

horchata de chufa is a sweet, milk-like beverage in Spain.

Chocolate and Churros is a very popular treat in Spain. The pastry is dipped in hot chocolate which is very tasty.

Chocolate with Churros, a popular Spanish treat.

We have learned a tremendous amount about the Spanish cuisine and culture. The Spaniards celebrate eating and make it part of their social activities. They will take hours to enjoy a meal which will include staying at the table long after the meal is finished socializing for hours.

Tapas are an important part of the culture and part of the social fabric of Spain. When a beer is served at a pub or restaurant normally a tapa is also served. The tapas can range from simple peanuts to very complex tapas.

Tapa of mixed nuts

The food and culture in Spain are certainly different from North America. They tend to eat healthier, enjoy the social aspect of “breaking bread with friends” and celebrate the activity of eating.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

A day in Alcoy, Spain

We went with friends for a drive to Alcoy Spain. It is a town in the Serra de Mariola and Font Roja mountains approximately 60 Kilometers away from Alicante. The town of Alcoy is very interesting because of its very rich and ancient history. The first traces of human presence in the area dates back to 60,000 years ago when Neandertal hunters settled in Alcoy.

View of the town of Alcoy

Alcoy is also known for its rock paintings, dating back approximately 10,000 years ago. The paintings were found in caves in la Sarga, and feature depictions of deer etc.

We arrived early in Alcoy and decided to explore the old quarter of the town. We walked across an impressive bridge into the old quarter section of the town.

Alcoy bridge that leads into the old quarter of town

We explored the old quarter and came across the plaza de España. This plaza is in the centre of the old quarter and contains the city hall of Alcoy as well as numerous bars and restaurants.

Plaza Espania in Alcoy

We noticed the beautiful design on the plaza floor. It was made with marble and configured in an interesting design.

The marble floor in la plaza de España in Alcoy.

We then walked and came to the Church of Santa Maria which was also located prominently in the center area of the old quarter.

View of the street with the Church of Santa Maria in the background

The church was open and so we decided to go and check it out. The Baroque style church had a beautiful altar area, with a painted ceiling and stained glass windows.

View of the Alter in Santa Maria Church in Alcoy

There were other smaller side altars which also were ornate and interesting.

Altar in the Church of Santa Maria in Alcoy
Mural in Church of Santa Maria in Alcoy

We explored the church before continuing on our walk. There were lots of interesting building and views in Alcoy, including the central teatro, the Parque de bomberos and a great view of the town.

Teatro Principal in Alcoy Spain
Ornate design on the Parque de Bomberos
Ray in front of the Parque de Bomberos.
Statue in park in Alcoy Spain

It was a very enjoyable day and Alcoy is a town we plan on returning to in the future.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”