The last entry on Andalusia is about Islamic designs and calligraphy.
My fascination with the Middle East began when I was kid, thanks to the Japanese cartoon: 'The adventures of Sinbad'. Over the years, I have traveled to several Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa; although the experiences varied each [...]

Seville's riverbanks are the most popular canvases for graffiti artists
 
Seville is a beautiful city full of historical architecture and sites, yet beyond the tourists attractions, the city is also full of cool, creative and colourful street art and graffiti. I was not aware of the street art scene [...]

Street artists performing in Granada
 
Flamenco is originated from the Romani people ( also known as Gitanos) living in Andalusia centuries ago, with influences from the Moors, the Jews, and the Mozarabic. Many foreigners do not realise that the essence of flamenco is not the dance itself, but rather the cante (song), one [...]

 
Top: Plaza de España; 2nd row left: Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo; 2nd row middle, right & 3rd row: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija; Bottom left: Hospital de los Venerables; Bottom right: Alhambra.

 
I have always love azulejos/ ceramic tiles, and I was especially escatic when I was in Portugal because there is [...]

The reason why I don't write much about shopping in London is partly because I don't enjoy it these days and do most of my shopping online. I avoid Oxford street and Tottenham Court Road like the plague, and I find shopping in central London extremely uninspiring. Specialists and independent shops are [...]

Dining out in Andalusia is a social activity with friends or with your local bartenders and neighbours
 
For some reason, Spanish cuisine is not as popular and as 'recognised' internationally as Italian cuisine. Perhaps it has something to do with its cooking varying a great deal from region to region, and that authentic [...]

Main: a view of the magnificent Alhambra; bottom left: Carrera del Darro; bottom right: Paseo de los Tristes ( passage of the sad ones)
 
From Cordoba, I took a 2.5-hour bus ride to my last destination in Andalusia, Granada. Unlike Seville and Cordoba, my first impression of the city was rather mixed. First of [...]

 
I took a 45-min high-speed train ride from Seville to the historical Cordoba, and was pleasantly surprised by the conditions of the trains (and train stations). The train was clean, roomy, modern and comfortable, a huge contrast from the old and dirty trains in the U.K. ( sorry but
Although Cordoba is much [...]