During our recent classroom hiatus, also known colloquially as spring break (woohoo), I was lucky enough to embark on a journey that led me some 5,800 odd miles to the sunny (or in my case slightly overcast) cities and coasts of Spain. As our plane descended into the bustling metropolis that is Barcelona, and a few days later in Madrid, I came to the realization that I was, at least for the next week, a tourist.
Living in southern California, and orange county especially it is easy to have a general disdain for the average tourist. We are besieged with them crowding our roads, and taking our nice beach spots. But this trip was a chance to look at tourism in a different light, this was a chance to think about it as a student of CCI.
The World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency within the UN, defines tourism in simplest terms as “a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.” But as the understanding of tourism as part of the creative and cultural industries continues to grow and expand, we must recognize that tourism is not just one thing. I was able to participate in tourist activities that included cultural activities, heritage experiences, and food journeys. All of these things gave me the opportunity to observe and understand a bit more the social, cultural and economic impacts of tourism on local economies.
Food Tourism
On the home page of Spain’s official tourism website, the leader banner is a picture of a mouthwatering dish with the words “Food and Wine Tourism '' scrawled across the image. There is no doubt that for Spain Food or Culinary Tourism is big business. From Barcelona to Madrid, each city of Spain offers amazing food with an incredible amount of diversity between them. Companies, such as A Taste of Spain, run high end culinary tours throughout the county, and specialize in regional cooking classes, tastings and workshops as well as tours. Like many regions of the world, in Spain food is unique to the traditions, customs, beliefs, and the ideals of cultural groups. Stemming from a mix of European, African, and Islamic influence, popular dishes such as paella; croquetas; patatas bravas; bocadillo; various rice dishes and tapas have become a favorite for all those visiting Spain, including myself.
Paella
I learned that in Barcelona the style of cuisine is authentic Catalan and Spanish and because it is situated by the water, seafood paella is especially popular. Paella is a dish that consists of rice mixed with a combination of vegetables, shellfish, and chicken, and/or shellfish, fish, beans, peas, and any other kind of protein/seafood. This infamous Spanish dish boasts a blend of Arab and Roman influence, and can be found all over Spain. The place where I experienced my first authentic bite of paella was called Can Solé, a generational family restaurant situated in the old fisherman's neighborhood of Barcelona. It’s important to note that Can Solé, like many of the authentic paella restaurants in Barcelona, lies deep within the Barcelona neighborhoods and away from locations where tourists reside. Due to its booming popularity, variations of the dish now exist all over the world; however, its flavorful and authentic taste can seldom be replicated outside of traditional Spanish neighborhoods.
Tapas
If you think about the food in Spain, you’re probably thinking about one thing in particular: Tapas. Tapas are an integral part of Spanish culture; not to be mistaken for appetizers; they are small portions of food eaten between or before meals with a drink that are meant to be shared. Some of the most popular tapas dishes to look out for are patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), Croquetas de Jamón (Ham Croquettes), Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet), and my personal favorite Pan con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread). Loved for its small portions and delectable variety, this namesake Spanish food was most definitely a staple in my diet all week, especially when I needed a quick bite to eat before dinner at 10 p.m. (a common time locals eat dinner in Spain).
Experiential Tourism
Experiential travel is a form of tourism that encourages travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture, people, and history through immersive and engaging activities.
Park Güell- Barcelona
Easily reachable by subway and bus, Park Güell is a public park built by Catalan and Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The park features a spectacular ensemble of multicolored mosaic stones and rocky structures combined with lush vegetation that resemble an urban jungle. Originally planned as housing developments for Barcelonian aristocrats, the park was purchased by the city and is now visited by more than 9 million people a year. During my visit, I was able to get onto the terrace for a stunning view of the sun-setting skyline of Barcelona and a seat on the serpentine bench. There are many footpaths and hillside vantage points of the park’s architecture where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Barcelona skyline. Full of greenery, terraced balconies, and fairytale buildings; the colorful, whimsical Park Güell is a reflection of the vibrant people and lively spirit of the city, and is an assured stop for anyone visiting Barcelona.
Pictured L-R: Round ceiling mosaic tiles, Pamela Coelho '23 and Elizabeth Hall '23 posing for a picture on the Serpentine Bench, A close-up of the mosaic tiles on the Serpentine bench. Photos courtesy of Pamela Coelho.
El Retiro Park- Madrid
Down in Madrid, El Retiro Park is home to many fountains, grassy fields, intricate pathways, and contains beautiful views of gardens, statues, and historic monuments. Considered the green oasis of the city, Retiro park is the perfect place to run, relax, and escape from the busy urban environment. At the heart of the park you will find a magnificent man-made lake called Estanque Grande Del Retiro where you can rent a rowboat for a few euros and paddle around the lake. This is where I enjoyed feeding the giant fishes living in the pond, watching the ducks paddle around the tranquil water, and observing the musicians, street performers, and puppeters interact with tourists and locals as they walked by. Stretching a little over two miles, the massive park makes it one of Madrid's most enjoyed and beloved outdoor spaces.
Cultural Tourism
Lastly, cultural tourism is a branch of tourism that focuses on cultural attractions and experiences that help visitors gain a better understanding of the culture and heritage of a destination.
Segovia & the Aqueduct
A handful of beautiful and historical towns lie within close distance of Madrid, many of which can be reached in less than an hour by high speed train. Segovia, a historical town northwest of Madrid is no exception. Home to the majestic Roman Aqueduct, the Aqueduct is one of the best preserved ancient monuments left behind by the Ancient Roman Empire, designed to bring water from the hilltop mountains of the city to the lower settlement of Segovia. As I walked around admiring the breathtaking structure, I was approached by a local who recounted the history of the monument, from when it was built in the 1st century to when it was reconstructed in the 1800’s. He explained that an estimated 25,000 granite blocks, held together without mortar, make up its colossal arches which has allowed it to withstand many threats–from earthquakes to wars. This important symbol of Segovia, as evidenced by its presence around the city and knowledge of locals, made it one of my favorite cities to visit outside of Madrid.
The Alcázar of Segovia
Within a 20-minute walk of Aqueduct lies The Alcázar of Segovia, located on the rocky hill top of the city. Encapsulated by its tall towers, stained glass windows, delicate tapestries, and enchanting views of the Ciguinuela and Eresma Rivers, this 12th century medieval castle feels as if you are entering a fairy tale. The interior includes rooms filled with beautifully ornately painted ceilings, majestic halls, armory, art, as well as countless coats of armors that reveal the long history of Spanish nobles and knights. Rich in history and stunning in architecture, the castle continues to remain one of the finest examples of medieval rule, and one of the most beautiful buildings that I have ever stepped foot in.
Pictured L-R: A display of Segovian armor in the Alcázar artillery room, a view of the city from the balcony of the Alcázar, one of the four pointed towers of the Alcázar.
Photos courtesy of Pamela Coelho.
Spain has a unique culture, architecture, and food unlike anywhere else in the world. Aside from the remarkable Gaudí architecture, iconic nature parks and beautiful historic cities, Spain offers a marvelous array of museums, performing arts spaces, and fashion that play an important role in establishing the identity and generating the economic growth of the country. By engaging in such activities, travelers, like myself can appreciate the importance of creativity and cultures outside the realms of our everyday lives. And perhaps have a little more appreciation for the journey of the tourist in our own backyard.