don Quijote reisverhalen

Volunteering Holidays in Spain

If the phrase �volunteering abroad� conjures up images of long-distance journeys, gruelling projects that seem far too much like hard work, or swathes of teens and twenty-somethings bounding around the world on their gap years, then think again.

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Toledo

When looking at areas around central Spain to visit, most importantly, at least in my opinion, is Toledo. Today, this is the capital city of the Castile-La-Mancha region, and is famed for its unique and historic culture as well as for the fact that is bordered on three sides by the river Tagus, making this ancient municipality almost an island. Furthermore, its proximity to Madrid, as well as good travels, links make it unmissable for a day trip.

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Spanish Cinema

Cinema from the Hispanic world, particularly originating in Spain, has always had a place in modern culture, clearly demonstrating an important international role. It is most often categorised for its ground breaking ideas and themes, as well as production, and thus one could easily assert the idea that it must hold second place to English spoken productions in worldwide significance. Furthermore, one can note the changing role, fluctuating between entertainment as well as a means of propaganda during the Franco regime.

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Segovia

Segovia is a beautiful Spanish city located in the autonomous region of Castilla y Le�n. Relatively small in size, with a population of around 55.000, the city�s growth has slowed in recent years and it has retained much of its traditional charm, with an abundance of historical buildings and monuments for the visitor to while away the hours in addition to a lively evening atmosphere at the many popular bars and restaurants. Some Segovia�s landmarks include the Aqueduct, the Alc�zar and Segovia�s Cathedral.

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Ibiza Biodiversity and Culture

Ibiza, the third largest of the Balearic Islands, is located in the Mediterranean Sea only 79 km (49 mi) off the coast of the Northeastern Spanish city of Valencia. With 40 km (24 mi) of sandy beaches, crystal clear water and an amiable temperature all year round, Ibiza is a popular tourist destination in Spain. The unique environment and varied cultures in Ibiza make the island known all over the world for its vitality and diversified night life. However, the island also lays claim to a long and significant history as well as a crucial environmental role in the Mediterranean ecosystem.

In 1999, UNESCO proclaimed Ibiza as: �Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture,� a World Heritage City or Patrimony of Humanity, recognizing Ibiza as having special cultural or natural significance to the common heritage of humanity. The World Heritage Sites of Ibiza that are officially recognized by UNESCO include: the fields of Posidonia of Ses Salines Natural Park, the Phoenician settlement of sa Caleta, the fortifications of Ibiza City and the cemetery of Puig des Molins.

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Spanish Literature

Literature is an important part of any culture and none more so than Spain. Well known around the world for ancient classics such as �Lazarillo de Tormes� and �Don Quixote de la Mancha� as well as more modern day works from writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his monumental �Cien a�os de soledad�, it is clear to see that Hispanic writers and their work rivals the English speaking world in importance.

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Spanish Architecture

Architecture is an element of Spanish culture which often goes unnoticed, especially in contrast to the high profile fiestas and delicious tapas. Go to any Spanish city and you will be wowed by the grandeur of their Plaza Mayor, impressive both architecturally and also as regards its centrality for the locals within their day to day lives, both as a meeting place and recognisable landmark. Or instead the huge number of churches and cathedrals that decorate each city, each unique and special, encouraging worship to all those around. Whilst furthermore other Spanish religious buildings play an important role, for example, the large convents that can often be found in city centres, indicating their centrality to everyday life, and the significance of faith to the Spanish people.

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Festivals in Spain

Las fiestas are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Spain. Famous worldwide, it is clear to see that for the Spanish, a social life is tantamount, whether it be drinks in a bar after work, tapas at lunch or an outright party like La Tomatina. But what are all these celebrations for?

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Flamenco

Flamenco is associated with Spanish culture and is particularly close to the hearts of those in Andalusia, where the art is thought to have originated. It is important to remember that the flamenco tradition is not only centred on dance (baile), but also involves strong instrumental (toque) and vocal (cante) elements.

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The Equestrian Art in Andalusia

There can be little doubt that horse riding is a popular tradition all over xml:namespace prefix bullring, where thousands of spectators flock to watch the skills of the matadors as well as the picadores (men on horseback with lances).

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Sergio Garcia - A good example of a successful Spanish golf player

Sergio Garcia is an exciting young and successful professional Spanish golfer from the country�s eastern coast. He turned pro at only 19 years old and is referred to as �El Ni�o� not only for his age but for his lighthearted approach to the game. Sergio grins, jumps for joy, and has even been noted to run or gallop after a ball to see where it has landed. Sergio is an emotional Spanish golf player, and some critics say his anger is his Achilles heel, but with age and maturity there are those that are eager to witness the change to �El Se�or.�

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Julio Iglesias - The Spanish singer

Julio Iglesias is a world famous Latin singer-song writer whose name is synonymous with love ballads and dreamy poems dressed in music. But what many may not know is that the man and the music were discovered almost by accident. As a result of being bed-ridden from an almost fatal car crash, Julio passed the time strumming a guitar given to him by a nurse. The rest, as they say, is history.

Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain, September 23^rd 1943. Julio is the eldest of two sons by Dr. Julio Iglesias Puga and Maria Del Rosario de la Cueva y Perignat. Growing up in Spain, Julio played football and was a great athlete. He was a goalkeeper for the Real Madrid youth club football team and aspired to be a professional athlete. Iglesias completed his education and studied Law at Madrid�s Complutense University.

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Fernando Torres -El Ni�o- The Kid

Fernando Torres, 26yr old football (soccer) player for F.C. Liverpool and striker for Spain�s national team was born on March 20^th, 1984 in Fuenlabrada, Spain, a suburb of Spain�s capital city, Madrid. Torres is married to Olalla Dom�nguez Liste; the couple has one daughter, born May, 27^th, 2009.

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Ski in Spain

Immediately when we think of skiing in Europe our minds turn toward the Swiss Alps and their famous hot chocolate. However, I�m going to let you in on a secret, the skiing in Spain and caf� con leche make for a fine combination on the Iberian Peninsula. With shorter lift queues and generally lower prices, Spain�s Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountains are begging to be added to your repertoire.

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Barcelona Football Club

Barcelona Football Club was founded by Hans Gamper on November 29th 1899, when the game was still relatively unknown in that part of the world. It is the second most successful Spanish football club after its long-time rival, Real Madrid FC. It is said that about 26% of the Spanish population support the club; it was recently claimed to be the most popular club in Europe with about 44.2 million fans. It has a long history of success in Spain, being one of only three clubs never to have been relegated from La Liga (Spanish football league). Its most recent success came in the 2008-2009 season, when the club won the treble (La Liga, La Copa del Rey and the UEFA champions league), making it the club�s most successful season to date. FC Barcelona have dominated national football competitions over the years, winning the Copa del Rey 25 times, which is more than any other club has managed, and also winning 19 Spanish league titles.

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