Young Britons Learning Spanish Culture
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by: John Palma
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Word Count: 582
Recently two thousand British children were asked about their family's holiday habits, 57 percent more said they holidayed in Spain than any other part of the world. It would seem that parents aren't letting the slacking economic conditions of either country invade on their summer vacation plans. In fact, a recent poll conducted by ICM and the BBC revealed that the majority of families do not cancel their vacation plans despite economic woes.
Why are more families taking their vacation in Spain? The answer could be as simple as hands-on education. Spain is a country very rich in history and culture. Every city and town has its own story to tell and children often learn much more effectively when they can see things first-hand. History books can tell the history of the area and how it helped shape today's cultural events but nothing paints the picture quite as well as a hands-on vacation in Spain.
Spanish Cuisine
Due to Spain's location and the waters that surround it, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by seafood. Spain has many ports and has had many cultural influences that have helped create the unique cuisine of today. Rice, wheat, olive oil and potatoes are often considered staples of the Spanish diet.
Meats are usually eaten in moderation while vegetables and grains make up most of the local diet. The Spanish diet is similar in some nutritional areas to the famous Mediterranean diet. The local diet is rich in fruits and vegetables and very low in saturated fats. Some of today's Spanish diet can be attributed to Roman, Jewish, Arab and Moorish influences. Holidays in Minorca are most influential for the Mediterranean diet.
Spanish Culture and Music
The Spanish culture holds lasting influences from various other cultures. Though Spain is a modern country with the conveniences of the modern world, the occasional fishing village is still home to many people. The 'siesta' is a Spanish custom that is still practiced, even in today's fast paced world. In most Spanish cities and towns, a mid-afternoon break of two to three hours splits the work day. A 'paseo' is an early evening stroll that is commonly practiced in smaller cities, and occasionally in larger areas as well. Traditional Spanish music is just as diverse as the cuisine and other aspects of the nation's culture and customs. Several varieties and influences of Spanish folk music exist today but flamenco is probably the best known.
Spanish History and Architecture
Spain's turbulent past has left a variety of simply amazing architecture. In addition to some of the most beautiful cathedrals and monuments in the world, even recent Spanish architecture draws from past influences. During the 19th century, Spain saw several changes in language, architectural improvements and the use of iron and glass as primary building materials. In terms of heritage and artistic relevance, Spain is second only to Italy in the number of 'World Heritage Sites' as designated by UNESCO.
Spanish Holidays
Whether it's the cuisine, culture, history or beaches, Spanish vacations are becoming mainstream for many families around the world. European families often find it more convenient due to the number of low-cost flights to most Spanish destinations. Locations like Madrid, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands are highly sought-after holiday areas for British families year round. Low-cost airfare allows the family to focus on the important aspects of their holiday, including family time so often missed at home.
About the Author
Information about the Balearic Islands including family orientated Menorca can be found at travel guide yourmenorca.net
Included at the Minorca travel guide is a Minorca map - the island has been popular with tourists for years, helped recently by more flights to Menorca and the increase of budget airfares.
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