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This is yours truly with another episode of some news from Spain !!! Lots of things going on so let me tell you my latest news chosen by yours truly, By the way CLXII is old Roman numeral for 162, Hope you enjoy this post as I.

The Queen Letizia inaugurates the 83th Edition of the Feria del Libro de Madrid or Book Fair in the Retiro Park with its 1,200 linear meters of the Paseo de Coches , the book fair will host 358 booths that will sell their books with discounts of 10%. It will remain open until June 15 2024 (I will be there ! ). The booths of the Fair are organized in several categories: 213 editorial booths, 117 bookstore booths, 15 booths of official organizations and other institutions, and 14 distributors’ booths. The fair schedule will be from Monday to Thursday, from 10h30 to 14h and from 17h to 21h. From Friday to Sunday, the schedule extends from 10h30 to 15h and from 17h to 21h. The octagon is a pavilion in the geographical center of the fair that will share eight small publishers for which the price of a booth is too high. In another pavilion called Indómitas there will be temporary occupants, even smaller than those of the octagon. Doña Letizia was given the La Quinta de Vistalegre en Carabanchel. In the same space was the Transit Editorial, and the Queen confessed to her editor that she had just read « Dime una adivinanza « a riddle. On the advice of the editor she took only Sólo quería bailar from Greta García and « Ya casi no me acuerdo » from Clara Morales. In the same space, the editorial Las afueras gave her « Como bestias » and « La parte fácil »t. Doña Letizia was given as well « Las reinas del mar », « La escuela del alma »  and « Valentino » . Alvarellos, the publishing house that for the first time brings books in Gallego to the Book Fair of Madrid. They gave the queen a facsimile of the 1935 of the six Galician poems of Lorca, « Poesía Mínima » from Helena Villar, «  Antidotes » and « Gargolas de Compostela » from Emma Pedreira. Webpage : https://ferialibromadrid.com/

If you want to see art away from the center of Madrid than go south of the M-30 beltway road. This is the Carabanchel Cruza Festival, which will gather more than 140 cultural and leisure activities in more than 48 spaces of a district that has positioned itself as an oasis of culture outside the center of the City, May 30 to June 15 2024, Webpage :https://carabancheldc.com/cruza/2024/

The Museo de America or Museum of America enlightened Doce Virgenes or twelve virgins of Miguel Cabrera, the “Mexican Velázquez” of New Spain considered by many the largest exponent of the Mexican painting of the Baroque, is exposed for the first time, almost completely and restored, the series’ La vida de la Virgen ‘ or the life of the Virgin, a project funded by the Getty Foundation’ The exhibition :Miguel Cabrera: Las reglas del arte de un pintor novohispano’ or the art rules of a Novohispano painter ‘ Webpage : https://www.cultura.gob.es/museodeamerica/exposiciones/2024-cabrera1.html

Direction to Aranjuez: 40 years of the Tren de la Fresa or strawberry train, the first tourist route on Raílways of Spain sitting just 45 km south of Madrid, The capital City of the Catholic Monarchs (Isabel I and Fernando III) to Isabel II, which took the train from Madrid in 1851 to the same door of the Palacio Real (now there is a helipad). In 1984, the 19C crossing aboard the original centenary cars thanks to the strawberry train. The Madrid-Aranjuez railway route was also a pioneer in the city and the second most old at the national level, the strawberry name refers to one of the main products of the town with the asparagus and artichokes. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary, it has opted for the motto continues to dream, which not only includes a commemorative sign, the theatrical path from the Museo del Ferrocarril in Delicias,Madrid and a tasting of strawberries on the return trip, but a good handful of experiences in Aranjuez. Then there would be visits to the Prince’s garden (the largest closed in Europe, with 150 hectares), that of the island or the parterre, And tomorrow begins, the 35th edition of the spring concerts in different locations, such as the Royal Theater Carlos III, the island’s garden, that of Pavia or the courtyard of the Isabel de Farnesio Cultural Center. We already said that Aranjuez gave a lot … The strawberry train leaves the Museo del Ferrocarril in Madrid on Saturdays and Sundays in Spring and at autumn at 10h and returns from Aranjuez at 18h36. There are 10 itineraries available that include boat walks through the Tagus, Cecc Cyclist tours, guided visits by the town, tastings and concerts of Tantigua music. The official Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry train) of Madrid-Aranjuez : https://trendelafresa.es/

Eclipsemania has taken Teruel. More than two years until the indicated day: August 12, 2026, but the emotion against the total solar eclipse that we will have the opportunity to see from Spain on that date is already stirring the fans of Astrotourism. The Parador de Alcañiz, in Bajo Aragon, is already fully reserved by a group of Americans who, although they have just lived through one in their country (or precisely because of it) they have decided to set up to this corner of our geography. Teruel will be right in the center of the strip of totality of great Spanish eclipse, which means that observers, always dressed in protective glasses, can see how the sun is totally hidden by the moon for more than a minute and around at 20h30 this will be the first totality that has occurred in the Iberian Peninsula for almost 120 years. The solar eclipse will be visible in its entirety in large part of Spain, such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Basque Country, La Rioja, Navarra, Castilla-La Mancha, Community of Madrid, Aragon, Community Valenciana, Catalonia and Balearic Islands . And, partially, in the rest , In Spain , we have more than a century without witnessing a total sun eclipse, in the next decade we can compensate. In addition to the one that will occur in 2026, we will have another in 2027 equally exceptional and a third in 2028, although this one of the annular type. This is booked but see it Official Parador de Alcañiz : https://paradores.es/en/parador-de-alcaniz

This year’s edition of ‘101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants‘, of the British firm Upper Cut Media House, places Bodega El Capricho, in León, and Laia Erretegia, in Guipúzcoa, in positions 2 and 7, respectively. Bodega El Capricho, the Temple of the Meat located in the small town of Jiménez de Jamuz, in the province of León, has just been recognized as the second best meat restaurant in the world, according to a new edition of the list 101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants that the British firm Upper Cut Media House elaborates every year, after the evaluation of more than 850 establishments worldwide. The Basque Laia Erretegia, from Hondarribia (Guipúzcoa) is the second Spanish restaurant that is among the top ten temples of the flesh worldwide, occupying the number 7 position. The grill, located on a mountain on the outskirts of the city, has a repsol sun rating, Other Spanish restaurants located in the top 20 are: Casa Julián, in Tolosa (Guipúzcoa), in 13th place, the Madrid’s 33, in the 15th; Bilbao Amaren (16) and Madrid’s Lana (18) Webpage : https://www.worldbeststeaks.com/the-list-1-101

It’s time I tell you about some of the wonderful destinations in my Spain as usual my choices ,there are many more.

The most beautiful villages in Spain with cobbled streets that seem out of a storytale, Well difficult to choose but out of many these are my favorites in no particular order : Albarracín, province of Teruel emerges as a perfectly preserved medieval treasure.Its cobbled streets serpent between reddish stone houses, creating a maze that invites you to get lost among its corners. The imposing wall surrounding the old town adds an air of mystery and greatness to this town, while its panoramic views from above are simply impressive. Urueña, province of Valladolid its fascinating dedication to literature, which has earned it the title of ‘Villa del Libro or Book town, Its streets house numerous specialized bookstores, up to 12, in all kinds of genres and themes, from poetry to history, passing through the Children’s literature and art. It has one of the best preserved urban centers in the province of Valladolid, offering its visitor the appearance of a small medieval city. The origins of the town date back to the pre -Roman era. Urueña retains 80% of the walled enclosure that originally covered the population in its entirety and encloses, in itself, an area of ​​almost seven hectares, irregularly, articulating the population around the street that unites the only two doors existing in it: that of the azogue and that of the Villa. Alquézar, province of Huesca , a medieval town that seems to have been carved in the rock itself. Its narrow streets serpent between houses of golden stone, creating a maze that invites you to explore every corner. But the most impressive are its views of the canyons and ravines that surround it, making it a paradise for hiking and nature lovers. From the e11C there are some stretches of wall, the Albarrana tower, the ruins of a quadrangular tower and some fragment of the Romanesque church integrated in the magnificent claustro of the 14C. In addition, the Somontano wine festival constitutes one of the most relevant wine tourism events in Spain. Ansó, province of Huesca in the heart of the Western Pyrenees, It emerges as a true hidden jewel among majestic mountains and dream landscapes. This lovely town, with its cobbled streets and their stone houses, seduces everyone who is fortunate to discover it, offering a unique experience that combines Aragonese history, nature and tradition the traditional cobblestone, its popular squares, centenary chimneys, medieval tower or balconies full of personality ,In the town, in addition to Spanish, the Ansotano is spoken, a variant of the Aragonese language used in the Western Pyrenees. Valverde de los Arroyos, province of Guadalajara, In the heart of the Sierra de Ayllón, between leafy oak forests and Hayas, there is a town whose old town is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, where every corner keeps a story to discover ; it is known for its black architecture, a unique style that uses the board as the main construction material, giving its homes and buildings a dark and mysterious appearance that contrasts with the green landscape that surrounds it.They highlight their black stone houses, with their two waters and wooden balconies, as well as its parish church, dedicated to San Ildefonso, It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain since 2013. Webpage ; the most beautiful villages of Spain : https://www.lospueblosmasbonitosdeespana.org/pueblos/

Jaén is the territory with the greatest concentration of castles and fortresses in Europe and where some of the most decisive battles that changed the history of Spain and Europe were held, There is a tour from the tourist office that takes you in this route between trenches, shelters, battlefields and theatrical historical recreations, if do not come by car,,. These battles were those of Las Navas de Tolosa, Baécula, Bailén or Lopera’s. A brief account of them : Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212 Christian troops, led by Alfonso VIII, rose with the victory in front of the Almohad hosts in the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (Santa Elena, province of Jaén). Eight centuries after the contest, very close to the place where it was developed, the museum dedicated to this battle, the most important of the Christian conquest of Al-Andalus, which meant the beginning of the decline of the power of the Almohade empire, stands. The battle of Baécula was an armed confrontation that took place in 208 BC, during the Second Punic War, between the Carthaginian army committed by Asdrúbal Barca and the Roman army under the orders of Publio Cornelio Escipión the African, The battle, was with the intention of stopping Asdrúbal’s march towards Italy, it resulted in a Roman victory, although the Carthaginian army could finally escape north. Another consequences was that the Roman army could take a vital position to continue the conquest of the Guadalquivir Valley. The battle of Bailén was the beginning of the end of the French presence on Spanish soil and the first defeat of Napoleon’s army to the open field. In the urban center, the Bailén Battle Museum is located in a striking building that recreates the leading weapon of the confrontation: the canyon. Two even vaults that are in the annexed gardens simulate the ammunition used by this artillery weapon. Inside the museum, which is close to the battlefield, six interconnected rooms with each other show the beginnings, causes and consequences of the War of Independence (1808-1814) as known in Spain. From December 27 to 29, 1936, the Battle of Lopera faced two sides, the Nationalists and the XIV International Brigade. Since 2000 there is a monument in honor of international brigades Ralph Winston Fox, political commissioner of the 121 Battalion of the XIV Brigade, and the poet Rupert John Cornford, Darwin’s great grandson, both killed in the fight. Numerous trenches and a civil war bunker are also preserved in the Cerro de las Aresillas. Webpage Jaén heritage page on the battles : https://www.jaenparaisointerior.es/en/site-castles-and-battles

A visit to Coca, where it is believed that Theodosius I the Big was born, the last Roman emperor who ruled the united empire, and where one of the most beautiful castles in Spain is about 50 km from Segovia and 60 km from Valladolid, Coca until that Rome bent its resistance in 151 B.C. In that environment, Theodosius El Grande was born (in 347), according to the Royal Academy of History and as defended in these lands, although another theory says that he came to the world in Seville, such as Trajano and Adriano. Archbishop Alonso de Fonseca ordered built the castle in 1453, and was famous for the lavish banquets that were given inside. Fonseca supported the rights to the throne of Isabel I la Católica against Beltraneja, alleged bastard daughter of Don Beltrán. As Isabel triumphed and that is why Coca is the best preserved of all Segovian castles , Except when in 1808, the town was swept everything in their path from Napoleon the invader. If you dare climb you should know it includes eighty steps to the Torre del Homenaje or tribute, with the reward of seeing the fortress from above, the wall and the backdrop of the nearby pine forest. The viewpoint is at a height of 40 meters from the bed of the pit, and 25 meters from the courtyard. From the powerful rampart walls are only left about 200 meters of 3 towers, a snorted parapet and the Arco de la Villa or arch of the town, one of the three entrance doors that existed at another time. The coca church by 1520, settled on the foundations of a Romanesque church of the 12C fulfilled not much five hundred years ago . The Mudejar Tower, built in the 12C (the first document that speaks of this place is 1247) to imitation of an Islamic undermine is standing from the Church of San Nicolás. In 1903, Cándido López Sanz was born , the famous Cándido,of Meson Candido of Segovia, the great name for many years of Segovian gastronomy in which he reached the degree of Mesonero Mayor of Castile. Since 1958 the castle is the headquarters of the Forest Training School. Official town of Coca on its heritage : https://www.coca.es/patrimonio

There you go folks, another dandy tour of my dear Spain.  It is time to enjoy my some news from Spain once again, Remember, Spain is everything under the Sun ! Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember ,happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!