11 March 2004: Our condolences to the people
of Spain and the families of the 182 people killed today by
terrorist bombs in Madrid. This is just one more attack in
the war against democracy.
Whether perpetrated by the ETA or al-Qaida linked terrorists,
the animals that performed this act of murder must be brought
to justice. Perhaps now the EU will stand with Spain, and
the other countries currently fighting terrorism, in an alliance
against terrorism and take action against those who would
destroy our way of life. |
The photos within are mostly of Southern Spain and were taken
in October, 2003. Hope you like them and learn something about
this truly beautiful country.
Spain is a nation born out of religious struggle between Catholicism
and, in turn, Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism. After the Reconquest,
when Christian Spaniards fought to drive Muslims from Europe,
the Inquisition sought to complete a religious purification of
the Iberian Peninsula by driving out Jews, Protestants, and other
nonbelievers. The Inquisition was abolished in the 1830s, but
religious freedom was denied in practice until the new Constitution
of 1978, which confirmed the right of religious freedom.
Spain was neutral in World Wars I and II, but fought a devastating
civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain
played catch-up to the Western international community. It became
a democracy in 1975 and joined the EU in 1986. Continuing concerns
are Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further
reductions in unemployment. To read more about Spain's history,
click here.
The most frequent question I get asked about Spain is: what do
they eat? In Southern Spain, the Arab presence made an impact.
There are a lot of barbecued meats, sauces flavored in cumin and
saffron, and sweets made with marzipan. It is also a real paradise
for the lovers of any kind of fish, and then there is paella.
Paella is a rice dish seasoned with saffron and cooked in a wide
and short pan. Various toppings are added on top of the paella.
The tapa (small snacks) is an old tradition. Another treat is
churros (batter sticks).
