Archive for the 'Culture' Category

In the Middle Ages some of the greatest minds concerned themselves with the lifelong pursuit of turning base metals into gold. While the answer to that one has not yet been found, leading oenologists are the alchemists of our times – creating the ‘Nectar of the Gods’ out of the soil of south-western France.

The southwest of France is an area with one of the most prestigious traditions of any winegrowing region in the world. Wine has been produced here since classical times, and its vintages have long since counted among the very best in the world. Names such as Chateau Rochebelle, Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafitte Rothschild are internationally revered and add a distinctly aristocratic air to this region. Representative of the very finest quality and refinement, they personify the concept of wine both as a tradition and as an art.

Continue reading…Liquid alchemy…

How do you create interest in a subject that, at first appearance, might seem a little dry and dusty? Well, one sure-fire way to do it is to position it at the heart of a Hollywood blockbuster that is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Harrison Ford!

Ever since the Indiana Jones franchise hit the cinemas, the previously sedate academic subject of archaeology has undergone a renaissance, with students signing up in the hope of covering themselves with a little bit of that Indy stardust.

Now an interactive exhibition at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum in Valencia’s famous City of Arts and Sciences has gathered together an impressive collection of material from the Indiana Jones movies in order to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of this highly successful franchise.

Continue reading…Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology…

The riurau is a unique structure irrevocably linked to the Spanish east coast and the Jávea region of the Costa Blanca in particular. Even the name has an unmistakable local ring to it, and can only really be done justice with the rounded ‘Rs’ of authentic Valenciano pronunciation.

This unusual outbuilding, with its characteristic long arched galleries covered by Spanish roof tiles, is the product of the vibrant raisin trade that long made the Jávea area an important source of fine grade raisins and sultanas. Grown in the large, level valley as well as in the surrounding countryside, the raisins exported from Jávea’s Las Duanas port area to destinations around the world were gathered and dried in riurau that once dotted the entire area and gave it a very distinct architectural look.

Continue reading…Riurau, a typical structure…

Walk through the streets of the atmospheric old town of Jávea, an hour or so north of Alicante on the Spanish east coast, and you will notice a certain honey-gold glow to the buildings. This is especially true in late afternoon, when the setting sun bathes this part of the world in the kind of rich golden light that the great painters and photographers so love, but even on those rare days when the skies are grey it is the local Tosca stone that lends a softening touch of warmth to the Baroque beauty of Jávea.

Continue reading…Tosca – honey stone that built Jávea…

Saturday 17th of December marks the date on which the festive season gets off to a flying start in Jávea as participants gather for the annual Christmas fun run around the old town.

Anyone who wishes to be part of this event should gather at the Placeta del Convento at 10am to register. There will be plenty to entertain the youngest entrants, including music, a face-painting workshop and other surprises.

Continue reading…Jávea gets ready for Christmas…

It is hardly possible to think of Barcelona without images of Antoni Gaudi’s spectacular architecture springing to mind. This proud Catalan has managed to provide a visual focus for a city that could, in the first place, never have been accused of lacking beauty or character.

Continue reading…Barcelona’s favourite son set for beatification?…

Perhaps better known as a stylishly relaxed Mediterranean resort destination on Spain’s eastern seaboard, the little town of Jávea is at heart a classic Spanish country town overlooking a landscape of cliffs enveloping a bright blue bay and mountains surrounding a deep green valley.

Continue reading…Discovering Jávea…