Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Costa Del Sol

Cuando yo viajo España, nosotros visitamos La Costa del Sol. Mis amigos y yo estamos en la Costa del Sol para tres noches. La Costa del Sol es un lugare de turismo pero muchas personas de españa visitan tambien. Los españoles le gustan La Costa del Sol mucho y toman el sol.
The Costa del Sol is located in Andalucia, Spain. It it a hot tourist location for people throughout all of Europe, but is also a huge attraction for the Spanish. As discussed in an earlier post, a large part of the culture in Spain is to spend as much time as possible outdoors. So many activities are centered around being outside. The Costa del Sol's weather is mild year round, with the majority of days seeing nothing but sunshine.


The Costa del Sol is very developed and is home to some of the most unique hotels and resorts in Europe. Because the coastline is in large part lined with breathtaking cliffs, the hotels have been built right along the side of the cliff. For instance, instead of walking in to the hotel on the first floor like we typically do, you would walk in to the main lobby on the top floor. The rooms are below the lobby, along the cliffs edge. In each room there is a balcony in which you can literally see nothing but the Mediterrean Sea. In other parts of the Costa del Sol you can find tourist pueblos. The costal tourism spot also contains even more outdoor restaurants, shopping, and bars then the other cities and provinces throughout spain.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Spanish Architecture

Me gusta mucho la actividad de "Virtual Tour" para la clase de lunes. Este clase es muy divertido y es el motivio para este blog. En el "virtual tour", yo miro a las pinturas muy bonitas y yo deseo hacer este blog en trabajo artistico. La casa de Herrero es en la ciudad de Santa Barbara, California y es muy magnifico. Este casa es la inspiracion de muchas casa que muchas personas construir y diseñar ahora.

As mentioned above, I really really enjoyed this week's "virtual tour". Browsing through all of the different paintings, sculptures, and different architectural styles, inspired me to do this culture blog on Spanish architecture. After googling "Spanish architecture", I stumbled across La Casa del Herrero. The home was designed by the architect, Herrero, a native of Panama. Herrero designed the house in Santa Barbara, California for the very wealthy Steedman family. The stucco walls, elaborate tiles, bright colors, large methodical patio, vibrant gardens, and spanish tiled roof, are just a few of the brilliant characteristics of this home.


The architecture of Herrero became known as the "Spanish Colonial" style in today's language among architects. His work has inspired the many beautiful homes that are splashed with glorious colors, bright stucco walls, lavish yards, and spacious patios, all of which can be found scattered throughout the United States and in a multitude of spanish-speaking countries, as well as non spanish-speaking countries.


What inspires me most about not only Herrero's work, but also many Spanish artists, is how happy it makes one feel. In Herrero's architecture, he has created a very inviting and warm atmosphere. It doesn't have the dark, drab rooms with the tightly drawn curtains. The house is designed for the Steedman's and the ones that have been modeled after it, are open and airy. From the pictures, it seems to be one large, happy space. It seems to be a place where a family can live and grow.