It's time for our 3rd Spain photohunt. This is a special one - we hope to convince members who have not been interested in Spain, that they must visit!

Here are the guidelines: You select one of your own photos to post that in some way utilizes the topic. Use the topic as a concrete prompt, or find a novel approach. Photos should be resized to be no wider than 600 pixels. Too-large photos slow down the loading of the thread, and will be deleted. Read about how to post a photo in a thread, here. If you have an idea for a photo hunt topic, contact me to offer the suggestion instead of beginning another thread.

Posting photos in the thread gives your permission for SlowTrav to eventually move the photos over to Photohunt albums in the SlowPhotos Galleries.

This week's prompt is "Why Spain?" Post up to three photos this time - your best three that illustrate why Spain is so wonderful.

Briefly describe your photo--where you shot it, details of what you were doing or what was going on, and so on.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the photos! And, I hope to convince Kathryn's husband.

Why Spain ?

Well...it has large cities like Barcelona...a most harmonious amalgam of the very old and the more contemporary. It also drips with a hip, coastal vibe...this band on the beach really cooked. I think this place has it all going on. March 2009

Smaller places more your style ?....consider Girona. Compact, beautiful, historic.

Hehe Michael, your photo reminds me of something that just happened on our last trip. Mom and I were watching TV somewhere and there was a commercial that showed a band playing in a plaza somewhere, and there was an upright piano being played. I said to my mom, yeah right what buskers would wheel a piano into the middle of a plaza?

A couple of days later we were in Barcelona passing very near the Cathedral, and there was a band playing for the passersby - and they had an upright piano!

Tapas ! A brilliant contribution to the eating world.

Because the Costa da Morte of northwest Spain is the only place on earth that you can watch the barnacle harvest in the morning....

And enjoy them for lunch that same day....

Great idea for a photo hunt Shannon! Why go to Spain (narrowing it down to three reasons was a toughie for me). . .

# 1 - Art! In Madrid you can find fantastic Museums like the Prado and enjoy seeing the works from such greats as Velasquez (as seen in the foreground in front) . . .

# 2 - Interesting History, amazing architecture and beautiful gardens which you will see like when visiting the "Alhambra". Here is the Court of la Acequia. There are these beautiful wood carvings and arches throughout with sweeping views of the city below.

# 3 - The music, people, and the rhythm of life ...Here is a wonderful group and Flamenco dancer performing in Seville.

I also had a hard time choosing just three.

Great plazas and public spaces... here is Plaza Ayuntamiento in Valencia.

Small towns, like Besalu, with its medieval centro and romanesque bridge:

Markets... here is the egg stand in La Boqueria in Barcelona. It's so pretty!

The photos from all of you are a real treat.

Shannon, your picture at the Boqueria shows that buying eggs there is changed from a mundane chore to an artistic experience.
kathyk

Spain is full of amazing architecture, history & arts, but what makes it so special for me are the streetscapes and public spaces . . .
1. Park Guell, Barcelona

2. Madrid Railway Station

3. Street entertainers in Seville

These pictures are great. I am definitely going to have my husband look at them this weekend..... I think he is beginning to get interested. He has been especially interested in the feedback I have received to my earlier post - and the idea of seeing real travelers' pictures - not just the ones from the travel shows and brochures. Thanks so much for this photo hunt.

I loved our little street in Barcelona in the Barri Gotic area. The action at night was especially magical just off of La Ramblas.

Sandy

Why Spain? If you lived here then why not?

Why Spain? Andalucian horses and flamenco. And sunshine in the cheeks.

Granada, Spain is reason alone to visit. It is a colorful Moroccan-styled city with hookah bars, artisan shops and free tapas. It is surrounded by the Siera Nevada mountains and the old city is built along the side of the mountain with spectacular views like this one with all the lights and the Alhambra palace

Strange you should even feel the need to ask this question - in terms of tourist visits, Spain ranks second in Europe (to France) and far ahead of Italy or the UK. It's the third most popular destination in the world (after France and the US).

But if someone really needs convincing, after much thought, I'd have to sum it up in two words: Chocolate and Churros !

-Kevin

Well, I'm usually all about the food but Kevin already posted a churro picture and Michael posted a tapas picture so ... wait found one, Spanish Tortilla - Mmmm...

Okay - one more b/c I can't contain myself. Natural beauty.

Why Spain? Paella!