Spain in May

6/4

I had the pleasure of spending 9 fabulous days traveling in Andalusia and Madrid for my birthday and am happy to report that I am back and inspired! There is so much charm and beauty everywhere, from the narrow cobblestone streets (some of them more like alleys) to the Moorish architecture to the colorful aged walls. And the food...!

Here, a few things I became obsessed with:

Wrought Iron Window Frames and Balconies
From Madrid to Marbella, it's classic Spanish style. Everywhere I went I was constantly looking up at the beautiful black iron window frames and balconies.

Seville

  

Cadiz

Madrid

Seville

 

Bougainvillea
SO beautiful! It grows everywhere and its brilliant color looks so amazing against the white walls and old architecture.

Marbella

Seville


Benalmadena

Moorish Tiles in Seville
If you ever visit Seville, you have to go to The Real Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort and is still used today by the royal family as the official Seville residence. Touristy? Yes. Worth it? HELL YES! It is one of the best and most beautiful examples of Mudéjar architecture (traditional Moorish style with Romanesque and Gothic elements). I fell in love with the colorful tiles, with their geometric and floral patterns, that blanketed the walls and ceilings and am already dreaming up ideas for my own home with my new found inspiration! (If only it could be as grand...)

I love this photo because it's exactly what you do when you're touring the palace—look up (and down and all around). From floor to ceiling, there is detail and ornateness everywhere!

Just one example of a tiled ceiling.

Doors
From the Moors to doors...There is something about them that intrigued me. They're mysterious—entrances to the unknown—and each one has it's own distinct personality.  

Madrid

  
Benalmadena

Seville

Of course I became obsessed with the food. Who couldn't? But that's a whole other post...Hasta la próxima (until next time)!