TOXIC FALLOUT FROM THE WORLD CUP »
At the World Cup final, Argentina wrestled the magnificent $20 million, 18-carat solid gold World Cup trophy from France, the defending champion. Enthusiastic sports commentators raved about “the best supermatch of all time.” But when the dust of the desert has settled, there’s nothing left in Doha but the bitter taste of defeat – a defeat brought on by the failure of sportswashing to gloss over the Qatari image and present the Gulf state to the world as a liberal modern state. Among the debris from the Qatar fallout is the tarnished image of the European Parliament, some of whose MEPs, staff and lobbyists are accused of accepting succulent sportswashing bribes from Qatar. Upbraiding the suspects, EP President Roberta Metsola said, “Shame on you for violating the trust of the people of Europe.”
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MICHELIN STARS, PART 2: FROM TIRES TO TIRELESS FINE-DINING »
Why would a tire company want people to go dine out? So they’d get out their cars and drive the distance—the longer the better—wearing out their tires in the process and buy new ones. And where should they dine? Check out the Gold Standard of fine dining, the Michelin Guide!
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “The Semana Grande of Saint Jean-de-Luz,” 26 September 1969 »
A Semana Grande in Saint Jean-de-Luz? In France? Mais oui! The Semana Grande of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a festival with a cultural purpose that outstrips the festivals in most Spanish cities on which it has been modeled. Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the Pay Basque is a French commune. And yet its ties to Spain is infinitely closer than its ties to France. The first Semana Grande of Saint-Jean-de-Luz was a commemoration of the 300th anniversary of the marriage of Louis XIV of France to the Spanish Infanta Maria Teresa. The tenth Semana Grande was a powerfully Spanish festival that wowed all those who came to attend.
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: The Spanish Scene, Spain’s Massiel Wins Eurovision Song Contest, 12 April 1968 »
The Spanish song entry "La, La, La" took top honors in the 13th edition of the continent-wide Eurovision Song Contest held in London last week. Twenty-year-old pop singer Massiel belted it out with enough energy to squeak through with a one-point victory over the English song "Congratulations" sung by Cliff Richards. It was Spain's first Eurovision triumph. When the results were announced, Massiel lit up like a Christmas tree in her sparkling mini-skirt outfit and launched into a real knock-out version of the tune.
SPECTACULAR SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA, “SPANISH CAPITAL OF GASTRONOMY” FOR 2022! »
Sanlúcar was chosen by INFUR the new Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2022, turning the charming city of Cadiz into the leading gastronomical platform in Spain for next year. The beauty of the city and its rich delicacies were not the only reasons for its selection, as the year 2022 will mark the celebration of the Fifth Centenary of the First Circumnavigation of the Globe by Magellan and Elcano. Who can ask for more?
HIT THE ROAD TO THE PYRENEES — IV: NOW ANDORRA! »
"Time was running short and Andorra was still on our schedule. Travelers in Spain often dash to the seacoast without stopping inside the peninsula to explore and even less to go to the Pyrenees during the summer. Perhaps the Pyrenees are not the ideal place to collect postcards of exotic villages or to be able to show off photos to like-minded friends. But for us it was an ideal vacation, and we remember the people, landscape and food with gusto."
HIT THE ROAD TO THE PYRENEES — I: Go from Olite to Jaca »
"There exists in certain travel circles the general belief that Spain is a country of only sun, beaches and bullfights. Nevertheless, there are mountain ranges, and among these are the Pyrenees in northern Spain which truly are a kingdom of mountains and valleys, rocks, water and woods with breathtaking scenery.
THE LAVENDER IS SPANISH TOO! »
If you go by fame alone, you’re bound to think there were only two varieties of lavender worth naming in Europe: the English lavender and the French. But giving them a run for their money is the Spanish variety. And the small town of Brihuega is the place to go -- and enjoy the spectacular display of Nature's very profitable work of art.
MADRID LAUNCHES A NEW INTERNATIONAL TOURISM CAMPAIGN »
In its latest endeavour to inspire future visitors to the city, the Madrid City Council’s Tourism Department has launched a new international tourism campaign to promote the image of the capital. The target is the city’s main strategic markets and the aim is to secure Madrid’s position as a world-leading urban destination.
SEVEN BEST COUNTRIES TO SETTLE IN AFTER THE PANDEMIC »
The pandemic confinement gave people time to ponder their way of life and, accordingly, their place of residence. Spain, next to the UK, is a top choice of those thinking of moving to a new country when the coast is clear. France comes third.
