Spaniards love good food! Tapas, paella, tortilla you name it.... What cannot be missing in Spanish cuisine is olive oil. This typically Spanish element is used in almost all dishes. In Spain you can therefore also find the most delicious olive oil.

Olive oil goes way back in history, to 4000 BC. At that time, olive trees only grew near the Mediterranean Sea. But today they can grow anywhere. Spain was then the first to produce and export the oil. Besides being a healthy food element, it was also used to generate light and heat.

Spain, the largest olive oil producer in the world

Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world. Much of Spain's olive oil is of the best quality. The type of olive oil that is considered the best with the most pronounced flavor is the Extra viegre olive oil. This is because this oil comes from one pressing. Other types of oil come from multiple pressings, which reduces the flavor. Spanish olive oil brands include Oleoestepa, Ybarra Gran Seleccion Afrutado, Carbonell and Hacendado. What is remarkable about Spanish olive oil is that it has a golden yellow hue, unlike olive oil from other countries, which are green. This makes Spanish olive oil special. What also makes Spanish olive oil different is the powerful aroma and peppery flavor it often has. Spanish olive oil is delectable.

Mediterranean cuisine

In Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is used for everything. The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest. This is mainly because everything is used fresh and of high quality. The locals themselves are the biggest fans of their cuisine and value the use of fresh ingredients. Apart from the fact that so much is used fresh, it is also mostly healthy fats and nutrients that you get inside.Among other things, it prevents cardiovascular diseases.

It is recommended to incorporate 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in your food daily. Did you also know that olive oil ensures healthy gums and white teeth, works against wrinkles and gives you beautiful nails.  It helps combat aging and there are many cosmetic home remedies that incorporate olive oil....

We in the Netherlands can do that too! Put it summery in a salad or use it for frying. Or imitate Spanish cuisine and make tasty tapas! You can use olive oil for almost anything.

Leaving the Atocha Station is the title of American writer Ben Lerner’s first novel, a book set in Madrid that has quickly become an American literary sensation. The novel has earned the 33 year old Lerner excited critical praise from The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker (among many other journals) and from writers including Paul Auster and Jonathan Franzen. Lerner’s decision to set his story in Madrid and the book’s success among American readers reflects a growing American interest in the city and in Spain in general.

Leaving the Atocha Station tells the semi-autobiographical tale of Adam Gordon, a young American writer spending a year in Spain’s capital on an unnamed scholarship to work on a poem about the Spanish Civil War (in 2003, Ben Lerner spent time in Madrid on a Fullbright Scholarship). The narrative is introspective, possibly to the point of self-absorption, an endearing and funny characteristic to many critics, annoying to others. Gordon does however have an ambiguous awareness of his surroundings which he uses to paint abstract portraits of the people of Madrid and of the city itself.

A semi-autobiographical tale

Throughout the book, language and cultural barriers veil Gordon’s surroundings with a confusion that creates surprisingly colorful interpretations - although seemingly detached from reality, these indicate that Gordon is wholly engaged with his surroundings, albeit from the distance of his own creative world. We follow the young American poet as he parties and feels his life is filled with a sense of hopeful failure; a type of failure out of which emerges ambiguity and abstraction that promises creative possibility. Failing to fully understand the Spanish Ianguage during what seems like a meaningful conversation, he writes: “I formed several stories out of her speech, formed them at once, so it was less like I failed to understand them than that I understood in chords." He also experiences failed attempts at romance in Madrid, he often fails to tell the truth, and most importantly he fails to understand if the promising ambiguity of his anxieties, contempt and failures can inspire passion in poetry or if they indicate that he should quit writing and go do something else.

Lerner’s skill as a poet and his decidedly flexible style shine in this first novel. Gordon’s voice comes in a variety of writing formats. He drifts around Madrid and we drift through his thoughts in the form of lyrical poetry, essay, insightful prose and even an instant text messenger conversation, perhaps the most memorable moment of this memorable book.

Americans in Spain

Although Gordon seems to fail at everything, lie to everyone and live in a world of lazy privilege, his brutal honesty with himself, and the reader, is what makes his voice so engaging. He feels annoyed with America, even more annoyed by other Americans in Spain attempting to escape American annoyance by fleeing to Europe and pretending they are not a part of, or have ever contributed to what he considers American annoyance. He’s mostly annoyed by Americans pretending not be American, because he himself is one of these pretenders. As he attempts to determine if he’s also a pretend poet, Americans reading Leaving the Atocha Station will likely feel forced to consider their own opinions of themselves and their country, as they view Madrid through this unique new book.  

Is being happy directly related to social welfare and a high standard of living strongly associated with developed countries? Considering the results obtained from an international survey conducted by Gallup Inc., this might not always be the case.  

The results suggest that Latin America is the happiest place in the world. 1000 people from 148 countries took the survey and answered questions such as “Do you laugh a lot?” and “Did you feel well-rested yesterday?”

The rankings of nations such as Guatemala have risen in terms of well-being. Regardless of political or economic challenges in certain countries, people report that they smile often and feel positive. Countries like Panama and Paraguay are the most positive in Latin America followed by El Salvador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The study confirms the generalized, positive reputation residents of many Latin American countries have in terms of friendliness, maintaining a positive outlook on life and placing a high value on family, friends and religion.

To enjoy life in Latin America and learn Spanish in a friendly environment, check out our Spanish language schools in the world’s happiest countries.   

Antigua, Guatemala: Literally called Ancient Guatemala, this city was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-protected remains of colonial churches and Spanish Baroque architecture. The city has a relatively small population (nearly 35.000) and you’ll get to learn Spanish just 4 blocks away from the Plaza Central. You’ll also discover Guatamala’s rich culture while exploring this historic city. Antigua is a popular destination for students from Europe and North America that come to learn Spanish through language immersion.  

Quito, Ecuador: Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, was one of the first World Heritage Sites to be acknowledged (1978). Beautiful natural landscapes and colonial architecture help make this an attractive Spanish language study destination. The city sits 9,350 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level, a location that offers amazing views of volcanic formations. Popular activities here include bird watching and visiting lively market places.

Latin America offers not only language immersion but also exciting cultural activities you can participate in while expanding your Spanish skills and enjoying the nice company of the people that ranked number one as the happiest people in the world.

Building peace in the minds of men and women. That is the goal of UNESCO. UNESCO creates a World Heritage List containing all of the world's special places. Many of these beautiful and historic places can be found in Latin America. Definitely worth a visit if you are in South America!

UNESCO was founded by the United Nations, the aim of which is world peace. The UN wants to improve the living conditions of all people in the world. They also strive to stimulate the development of universal values, in this way they hope to achieve freedom of want and freedom of fear.

UNESCO is helping in this endeavor by creating a World Heritage List. This list is divided into 3 parts. Namely; Natural Heritage, Cultural Heritage and Mixed Heritage, which is a combination of Natural and Cultural Heritage. There is also a separate list of endangered world heritage. In total there are 962 World Heritage Sites, spread over 157 countries.

Latin America is full of extraordinary places on this World Heritage List. 20 percent of all Natural World Heritage Sites on UNESCO's list are found in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Most world heritage sites in Latin America are found in Mexico and Peru. Thus, in Mexico you can see sights like one of the new 7 wonders of the world "Chichen Itza. In Mexico you will find no less than 31 (!) World Heritage sites. Take your pick!

One of the most important cities of the Maya was Chichen Itza. In the city you will find the Pyramid of Kukulcán (also called "el Castillo"). The pyramid is now more than 1,000 years old and great to see once! There are many more ruins to view, attracting millions of visitors. But that's not surprising, the city and its monuments are breathtaking and still exude all the historical charm of the past.

You certainly won't be bored in Peru either! Here you will find 11 different sights that are on the World Heritage List. There are many different cities, historical properties, parks and much more. Peru's most besproke n world heritage site is Cusco. This ancient village was originally the capital of the Incas.

In short: take a good look at the world heritage list and find a nice place to visit! Enjoy!

When we think of Spain, we often think sun, sea, delicious tapas and flamenco. Spain however also offers some of the best theme parks in Europe, where you can discover another side of this wonderful country. Take a look at some of the fun theme parks you can visit here:

Isla Mágica Sevilla (Magic Island):  You’ll go back in time to an age of pirates and travel to a magical universe in the city centre called La Cartuja. The park consists of 8 themed areas, where one minute you’ll be on a rafting adventure in El Dorado and the next minute you’ll find yourself aboard an old fashioned pirate ship.

Parque Warner (Warner Brothers Park): Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and all the other famous Warner Bros characters are waiting in this spectacular park in Madrid, which offers activities both for kids and adults. If you have a fear of heights, it might not be a good idea to go on the Superman La Atracción de Acero rollercoaster, which is unique in that it was the first floorless roller coaster in Europe.

Parque Europa: Travel around Europe without leaving Madrid. The newly transformed theme park Parque Europa de Torrejón de Ardoz not only offers full time fun for kids, adults also have great time here wandering around famous European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or London Bridge.

Parque de Attracciones de Madrid: The capital of Spain is the home of various parks and this one is truly worth seeing. 40 exciting rides and other activities offer visitors the chance to experience wild adrenaline-filled theme park fun. After a long day of adventures, you can chill out at the restaurant area or enjoy a little peace with your kids playing games together.

Terra Mítica: If you happen to go to the Costa Blanca, stop by Benidorm, Alicante for a mythical journey to the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean. The park is divided into 5 different zones: Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Mediterranean Islands and the Iberian Peninsula. Terra Mítica is a park full of excitement, with roller coasters, ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds and other activities.

Universal Port Aventura: This is one of the most entertaining theme parks in Europe and it is just an hour away from Barcelona by car. Situated in the heart of the Costa Dorada in Salou, the park has 6 themed areas: the Mediterranean, Mexico, China, the Wild West, Polynesia and Sesame Street. Each zone offers its own characteristic adventures through rides, attractions and live entertainment shows.

Dinópolis: There’s not much chance you’ll get to see a T-REX outside of the movies, yet in Spain you do get to learn about history and science by stepping into the ancient world of dinosaurs. Dinopolis is a cultural park and museum that was established after the discovery of a collection of fossils in the area. The park features 6 areas spread around the main section of the park: Legendark, Inhóspitak, Mar Nummus, Bosque Pétreo, Región Ambarina and Titania.

As we all know, Spain is a country with a rich culture.... And the fact that Spaniards are proud of it is also evident! Many world heritage sites can be found and Spanish history has many literary writers and artists. The Spanish culture is not only noticeable in Spain, due to colonization much of South America has also been heavily influenced by Spanish culture!

By Spanish culture we mean the language, religion and history of Spain. But of course this also includes customs such as the many holidays and fiestas, siesta keeping and high regard for the family. Spanish food certainly cannot be missing from this list either! The wide variety of sausages such as chorizo, jamón ibérico or jamón serrano are typical of Spanish culture, as are paella, gazpacho and tortilla de patatas. A characteristic of the Spanish is that they have a ´tranquila mentality´, take it easy!

Spanish history shows how the Spanish passed on their culture to other countries. When Spain established colonies in many countries in South America between 1492 and 1898, Spanish culture was also transferred. In total, the Spanish empire consisted of parts in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Spain also left its mark in the Netherlands, just think of the national anthem: ´´...den koning van Hispanje heb ik altijd geëerd...´´.

Famous artists from Spanish history include Gaudí, Diego Velázquez, Pablo Picasso, El Greco and Francisco de Goya. The works of these artists can be viewed in Barcelona and Madrid, among others (highly recommended in this city is the Prado museum). But there is also much to see in Seville, where Diego Velázquez was born. As is the Picasso museum in Málaga. But, not only in Spain can Spanish art be admired. Spanish art is world famous and therefore can be found everywhere.

Of course, it is not only painters who have made Spanish culture so strong. Famous writers of Spanish literature include Luis de Gongora, Antonio Machado, Fernanado de Rojas, Pablo Neruda and Miguel de Cervantes, creator of the famous story of Don Quijote. Each of them played an important role in Spanish literature.

World Heritage sites in Spain can be found in many places. Typical are the old centers, universities and cathedrals. For example, you can visit the old town of Salamanca, the historic center of Cordoba or in Madrid the monastery and site of the Escorial. Also worth visiting are the Alhambra, Genralife and Albaicín in Granada.

What many people tend to forget is that Spain offers more than a 2-week summer vacation. Spanish cities are excellent for a weekend getaway! Opt for a city break in one of the busy cities, go hiking in the Sierra Nevada or choose to laze away a few days at the beach! Here are a few recommendations:

Madrid

The capital of Spain is famous for its museums. These include the Prado museum, the Museo Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Spain's largest park, the Retiro Park, is also a very nice attraction. Furthermore, you will visit a lot of architecture during your city break in Madrid. What you should definitely not skip is Mercado de San Miguel, where you can choose from thousands of delicious snacks. And do you like to party? Then Madrid is the place to be!

Barcelona

In Barcelona you can go in all directions during your city break! Visit the Sagrada Família, Gaudí´s Parc Güell or one of the many museums with famous beautiful works. Barcelona is also a true paradise for the shopaholics among us! And if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, just head to the beach!

Seville

Seville, the city of hot summers and mild winters. You'll find everything here for an unforgettable city break! Spain's fourth largest city is teeming with sights. Royal palaces, ancient cathedrals, flamenco bars but also many modern buildings. Seville is the capital of southern Spain and is known for its artistic, cultural characteristics and the warm hospitality of the ´Sevillanos´.

Valencia

In this city bordering the sea there is a lot of modern architecture! There is also a southern European atmosphere. All year round you can enjoy beautiful weather, various meusea, different historical and modern buildings and of course the very best paella! Also in this city every year in March "Las Fallas" take place. This is a big celebration honoring the feast day of St. Joseph.

Of course, there are many other great Spanish cities for a city break in Spain. For example, visit Las Palmas, the capital of the Canary Islands. It is also fun to visit Pamplona. This is just a little bit different because of its French and Basque influences. Other impressive and fun Spanish cities are Salamanca, Tenerife, Cadiz or Alicante.
Book a weekend trip to Spanish cities now!

Gardens are places that are full of sentiment, spaces that offer visitors the chance to collect their thoughts and to dream. Many of the amazing gardens in Spain also offer scenic aesthetic expression, where beauty is not only created by planting plants and trees, but also by harmonizing and maintaining a balance of all the elements found in nature such as water and air. Let’s take a tour of some of Spain’s most historical and most impressive gardens. 

The Gardens of Generalife, The Alhambra, Granada:

The magical gardens of the Alhambra, full of legends and mysteries, may take the visitor’s mind to the sublime atmosphere described in the tales of The One Thousand and One Nights. Built on a rocky hill and far-off peak of the Alhambra, the combination of light and green here creates a wealth of decoration that includes the landscape that lies beyond the palace walls, visible from strategic viewpoints. Paco de Lucia has a song called “Generalife bajo la luna” that celebrates the garden’s beauty.     

El Buen Retiro, Madrid

Buen Retiro Park was designed in 1640 and opened to the public during the time of Charles III. Today, El Retiro has become a symbol of Spain's capital city. The land is occupied by 15,000 different types of plants and trees including the French Parterre, Versailles-style, and the Rose Garden; it is also home to numerous varieties of flowers. The monument to King Alfonso XII situated alongside the pond is one of Retiro Park’s must-see attractions.

Real Alcazar, Seville

The delightful Real Alcazar of Seville is one of Spain’s great palace complexes, and perhaps the oldest. It is the original representation of Spanish style and Islamic expression adapted to the Christian world. This once was the official residence of the Kings of Spain during their visits to Seville and the palace is still acknowledged as a royal residence. The palace features extraordinary gardens. The Garden of Mercury, which has a beautiful bronze fountain with a statue of Mercury, the Garden of the Ladies and the Garden of the Prince are the most admired.

Laberinto Horta, Barcelona

This is the oldest garden in Barcelona and a magnificent example of 18^th century neoclassical style. The garden is most known for its exciting maze of hedges, yet it also features other aspects such as intriguing statues, arbors, numerous fountains, and incredible greenness that make these gardens an unforgettable place to visit. An important scene from the movie “The Perfume” takes place here as well.

Not nicknamed the ´Costa del Golf´ for nothing, the Spanish Costa del Sol is a real paradise for the golfers among us! It is known for its high quality and sometimes very distinguished golf courses, and of course its eternal spring. Also, playing golf in Spain is a wonderful way to relax.

The ´Costa del Golf´ runs from Málaga to Gibraltar. There are many luxury golf resorts and high quality golf courses in this area. Although previously golf clubs were only open to members, nowadays it is possible to play at almost every club as a visitor. All you need is your CFP, and for some courses a low handicap.

The golf courses in Spain are the number one in Europe and when you are in the right place, you can enjoy a game of golf all year round in wonderful springtime temperatures. The golf courses are excellently cared for and are always equipped with every luxury. The courses are varied and different, sometimes watery or surrounded by palm trees and often overlooking the sea!

One of the places you must visit for a golfing vacation is Marbella. This famous golf resort is known for its always pleasant temperatures and beautiful golf courses. Marbella is visited by people from all over the world. There are many options for a sports vacation. Golf vacations are also offered in Marbella in combination with a Spanish course. A perfect combination!

But not only on the Costa del Sol can you enjoy a wonderful golf vacation, as Spain has more than 590 golf courses. Most of them have 18 holes, with the exception of a dozen courses that have 36 holes. But, the golf course at the Mar Menor in Murcia has no less than 54 holes! With this wide range of golf courses, the choice is easily made, a golf vacation is done in Spain. Often there are several courses close to each other which provides a pleasant variety during your golf vacation. And if you want something else than golf, this is of course no problem. Especially on the Costa del Sol you have everything within reach, the beach, nature or the city.

Enjoy a golf vacation in Spain now!

Where better to learn Spanish than in Spain? Barcelona is then a good choice. Although the official language is Catalan, everyone here speaks Spanish. In addition, you will find excellent language schools in Barcelona where you can learn Spanish at a fast pace.

Besides studying, there is plenty to do in this lively city. If you want to taste the atmosphere of this city, you would be wise to rent an apartment in Barcelona in the center. You are within walking distance of the famous Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Would you like to go to the beach as well as the city, then renting an apartment in Barceloneta is a good choice. This neighborhood is located on a beautiful sandy beach and is a 15-minute walk from the city center. You are also within walking distance from the Vila Olimpica where there are many trendy nightclubs and lounge bars.

At OK Apartment Barcelona you will find a large selection of apartments in Barcelona. You can rent an apartment for a few days, a few weeks or a month. If you want to stay as cheap as possible, you can choose an apartment just outside the center of Barcelona, such as in the districts of Poble Sec, Gracia, Sant Marti and Poble Nou.

If you choose an apartment as your accommodation, then unlike a hotel, you will stay among the locals. You will easily make contact with the other residents in the area. You will also have a fully equipped kitchen at your disposal.