Bob Travel

This month the people of the city of Manchester, England got quite a treat, quite a show.  As part of a three day festival, that brought the Balearic Islands to Albert Square, the legendary Menorcan Horses of Spain gave the people a small glimpse into their beauty, the skill of the riders and the culture of this small island in the Mediterranean Sea.  For close to fifty years, the British have made up a large segment of the population of European tourists who have made the Islands their favorite destination for relaxation in the spas of the best Balearic hotels, dancing in the trendy clubs, and walking on the pristine beaches.  However, tourism in the Islands has dropped substantially during the economic crunch, and so the Islands were brought to tourists.

These horses have been important throughout Menorca’s history, having been pivotal and necessary during times when the island was defending itself, and during times of celebrations.  This is a very unique breed of horse, with only 1,500 animals registered with the Horse and Breeders Association.  This breed rivals that of the Arabian Horse, as in appearance they are exquisite creatures.  Their coats are black and they have billowing manes.  And much as with the Greyhound racing dogs, they are proportioned with incredible necklines, they are extremely muscular, and are well known for their sober demeanor and consistent character.  They are tireless when it comes to performing, either for the shows or for their owners.

The shows are extraordinary in part due to the skill of the riders, and in part due to the fact that this breed is not only beautiful, but extremely smart as well.  They have been gaining the reputation as the best breed for training, for riding and for their ability to interpret the intricate commands the riders makes using the harness.  They are well known and loved on the Island, and after the performance they gave in Manchester two weeks ago, they are well loved internationally now as well.

Ibiza is an extremely vibrant island, full of diverse scenic views, outdoor activities and water sports, as well as many cultural heritage icons. One of the essential aspects of the inhabitants’ daily lifestyle is also a tremendous bonus for vacationers. They have an excellent and diverse selection of dining and restaurant options. They cater to tastes for foods from around the world and also special in local favorites. Restaurant Sa Capella is one of the beautifully quaint Ibiza restaurants that serves as an historic landmark as well as a place to enjoy great food. It is located near the popular town of San Antonio, though it is far enough removed from the city that its natural scenic elements are preserved.

The restaurant was originally constructed as a church. It was built in the late 16th century, and retains much of its historical feel. It was built from stone, roughly hewn and is unique looking, particularly from a modern perspective. Its high ceilings, vaulted limestone archways and alcoves lend to its mysterious ambiance and give the patrons the sensation they have stepped back in time. There are also iron chandeliers and wooden beams that add to the rustic feel. The menu is made fresh daily, and includes selections of fresh fish, and the best meats in deliciously delicate sauces. Some of the more popular items include salt encrusted salmon and the baked cod in garlic sauce. There is also a savory desert menu that includes tempting pastries, a unique strawberry soup and coconut mousse. Summer is the busiest tourist season for the island, and many guests enjoy a fabulous appetizer while relaxing on the garden terrace. The specialty is the Belotta Ham, which is the meat of free roaming pigs that were fed on acorns; it is served with a tomato bruschetta. This is definitely one of the more romantic locations to enjoy a sensual Mediterranean twilight.

On April 28th, 2009 the new sculpture garden at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge will open to the public. The most accomplished and well respected artists alive and working today, will have their work displayed. Helaine Blumefield, a sculptor herself, and Timothy Potts, the director for the museum selected works that will be exhibited and will commemorate the first annual show of contemporary sculpture. The show will take place on the beautiful lawns of the museum, and is destined to become the heart of dynamic contemporary art in all of Cambridge, England. The anticipated show is expected to draw art lovers from all over the world, which is great for the museum itself, the artists, and the businesses, including the restaurants and Cambridge hotel in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is also expected to animate and enhance the historical architecture of the buildings with new life and create the energy that modern art is so known to do. It will draw people inside the museum as well, as the beautiful works on the lawn will serve to create curiosity and interest of the treasures contained inside. It will promote the philosophy of the museum that is, past works and modern works are equally appreciated and admired.

The exhibit is free to the public. Their are eight contemporary artists with works in the show, including Diane Maclean, Terry New, and Wu Wei-Shan, to name a couple. Administrators of the museum are thrilled at the prospect of exposing the public to the beauty and craft of the art of sculpture, and to creating a greater awareness of the medium of clay, stone and bronze. The project has been made possible by the collaboration of the museum with the Royal British Society of Sculptors. An organization with same philosophy and ethos as the museum. The previous exhibition was that of the works of Henry Moore, which had been on display for the last three years. This show will be the largest and the most significant to date. Of interest is the juxtaposition of the contrasting neo-classical architecture of the museum and the modern and contemporary works installed on the grounds. This will become one of the must-see destinations for the city of Cambridge and will generation attention from the art world, and the world in general.

Traditional dance of the gypsies in Madrid, and throughout all Spain, is the Flamenco. Originally from the southern part of the country, Andalusia to be specific, this art form has Moorish roots, as well as gypsy and Andalusian. What started as entertainment on the streets and cafes and five star Madrid hotels, this dance of music, ‘baile’ has become one of the most popular forms of expression and music. The song, or the canto, is the soul and the core, meant to express and to evoke passion. The music is often exuberant and lively, with a bit of seriousness thrown in for good measure and balance. Songs are either light, or grand, depending on the style of the musicians. Thought to have roots from East India, the more rhythmic and danceable tunes often employ the use of castanets, which are not from Spain, but most times associated with the music from this region.

Many people choose to experience the music and the dance of Flamenco at a “tablao”, which is a bit like a cabaret style of theater. Shows in venues such as tablaos are very intimate ways to take in the traditional shows. Seated at a table one can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, most restaurants offer a food menu, and the show is performed on a small stage. Some say this is more of a tourist attraction, but it is the traditional prototype for how shows have been put on for years. These tablao restaurant shows are also a bit on the expensive side. There are many neighborhood bars that feature Flamenco shows as well, often times much more casual and inexpensive. The shows put on in the various bars and cafe range from improvisational to authentic to performance art fusion. More likely as well, these are not the touristy type venues and are often at out of the way joints. There are also big theatrical productions put on in the grand theaters such as Teatro Albeniz or Teatro Real. The Corral is a theater located in the middle of the city, and is the most famous spot around the world for Flamenco, often called the Heart of Madrid. Performances here happen nightly with shows starting at 10 PM. This has been a draw for many years, attracting not only the locals and the tourists, but the rich and famous as well. This year marks the fiftieth anniversary and shows will be more spectacular than ever before.