Top 10 places to visit in Spain

Baeza (Jaén) – We visited this stunning town for the first time earlier this year. The old quarter with its beautiful honey-coloured medieval buildings takes you on a journey back in time.

Barcelona – The first place I ever visited in Spain, back in 1971, as a student. We stayed in a cheap fonda on Las Ramblas and I fell in love twice over – with the city and with a fellow student. The latter love soon fizzled out, but my affection for Barcelona remains.

Córdoba – This is the best of the big three Andalucían cities, as far as I’m concerned. La Mezquita outstrips even the Alhambra in Granada and Sevilla’s cathedral.  I’ve been twice, with my first wife in 2001 and a second time with a girlfriend circa 2006. I enjoyed the company and the city both times.

Cuenca (Cuenca) – The only possible rival to Ronda for sheer location – sheer being the appropriate word! The town is split by two gorges, compared to Ronda’s one, and is nothing short of spectacular. Las Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) seem to defy gravity. I spent several happy days there with my first wife and son in 2003.

Guadalupe (Extremadura) – We stayed at the Parador, formerly a medieval hospital, in 2002. High in the mountains, the town has a religious or contemplative air, with the cathedral housing the black Virgen de Guadalupe as the focal point. Breathtaking scenery all around.

Jaca (Huesca) – I spent a romantic fortnight here in 1998 whilst doing a two-week Spanish refresher course at the university. In the foothills of the Pyrenees and near the Ardesa national park, the area offers fabulous scenery and a host of outdoor activities.

Madrid – I’ve been to the Spanish capital twice. Didn’t much like it the first time back in the early 80s, but when I attended a conference there in December 2003 I fell for the place. Small, beautiful, atmospheric, lots to do.  There is a saying in Spanish “De Madrid al cielo”, which means much the same as the English “See Naples and die!” I wouldn’t go quite that far, but it is a lovely capital city, comparing favourably with London, Paris, Prague and Vienna.

Ronda (Málaga) – This would be my number one, if this list wasn’t alphabetical. I first visited Ronda in 2000 with my first wife to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary and we were enamoured of the place we bought an apartment here the following year . Two years later we bought a house to renovate. By 2005 we were divorced, and I had retired, so I could spend more time in the town. During this period I renovated another house in Ronda for a lady friend, organised a wedding in the Palacio de Mondragón for her daughter and got to know lots of Ronda folk, Spanish as well as foreign. I sold my renovated house in May 2008, fell in love with someone new in Ronda in September of that year and moved out full time on New Year’s Eve 2008. I’m now remarried and Frau W and I live happily in the campo just outside the town.

San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa) – This Basque city would be my number two. After arriving in Barcelona back in 1971, we moved on to San Sebastián to study at the University for three months. I loved this elegant seaside resort so much, I stayed a further three months and went back every summer for a good few years afterwards, working as a tourist guide. When I visited again in 1998, 2004 and 2009 I wasn’t in the least bit disappointed.

Toledo – This former capital of Spain is a beautiful walled city which has been largely preserved intact. I’ve visited a couple of times, though never stayed overnight, regrettably.  El Greco lived here, so his art is all over the place. The monuments are well worth seeing and the atmosphere in the city is vibrant yet relaxed.

Also considered Cala San Vicente (Mallorca), Girona (Catalunya), Hondarribia (Guipúzcoa),  La Gomera (Canaries) and Oviedo (Asturias)

Lentil Salad

Preparation Time:  7 min    
Recipe Type :    Soups/Salads
Cooking Time :  25 min    
Standing Time :   5-8 mins
Yield : 4 (4 servings)

Description :  Lentil Salad Recipe made easy, learn how to make Lentil Salad Recipes at home.

Recipe of Lentil Salad
Ingredient Name	Unit	Quantity
dried lentils	pounds	1
freshly ground black pepper	tsp	1/8
ground cumin seeds	tsp	1
lemon juice	tsp	4
minced parsley, well-packed	cup	1
olive oil	cup	1/2
salt	to taste
scallions	number	4

 Directions | How to make Lentil Salad

In a 3- to 4-quart pot, combine the lentils with 5-1/2 cups of water. Add the cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes. Remove cover and let the lentils cool a bit. Slice the scallions in very fine rounds halfway up their green sections. When lukewarm, add the remaining salt, the lemon juice, the black pepper, oil, parsley, and scallions.
Stir and cool. Serve at room temperature or cold.

Vegetable Fajitas

 

Preparation Time:  7 min   
Recipe Type :    Veg-Main
Cooking Time :  25 min   
Standing Time :   5-8 mins
Yield : 4 (4 servings)     

Description :  Vegetable Fajitas Recipe made easy, learn how to make Vegetable Fajitas Recipes at home.
 

Recipe of Vegetable Fajitas
Ingredient Name	Unit	Quantity
Black Pepper Powder	tsp	1
Cilantro/corriander leaves	tbsp	1
Green Pepper	number	1
medium Onion (Chopped fine)	number	1
Mexican Tortillas or Chapatis	number	7-8
Oil	to fry
red Chillies	number	2
Red Pepper Chopped Julliene	number	1
Salt	to taste
Yellow Pepper	number	1

 Directions | How to make Vegetable Fajitas

 Saute the onion and red chillies in heated oil.
When onion becomes translucent, add the bell peppers. Stir well and cook until bell peppers become tender.
Add salt, pepper and Cilantro leaves (finely chopped).
Allow to cool.
Roll the above mixture in the Mexican Tortillas or Chapatis. About 1 tbsp in each.
Serve as a starter or an entire. Very Delicious and filling. 

The Seven Chakra Symbols Pictured and Explained

These chakra symbols are vital to our bodies and health. Negative feelings hamper the spin of these chakras, resulting in sickness and disease. A chakra is a vital energy center that resides in our bodies, that is not detectable by most modern medicine means.
The majority of north americans have never even heard the term chakras, let alone understand them.
Modern medicine does not support these chakra symbols or their existence.  But, the eastern nations, as well as aboriginal people all over the world not only are aware of these chakra symbols and what they are capable of doing. But have created visual pictures as the chakra symbols through inner knowing, dreams, etc.
Some people, even in north america have felt the spinning of these chakras when they are functioning properly.
No all cultures visualize the chakra symbols the same. What does seem universal is that they do exist, the colors appear to be for the most part the same, and the fact that the higher chakras move more quickly than the lower chakras.
The seven chakra symbols of the core body and what they represent.

1. Base or Root Chakra (last bone in spinal cord *coccyx*)
2. Sacral Chakra (ovaries/prostate)
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (navel area)
4. Heart Chakra (heart area)
5. Throat Chakra (throat and neck area)
6. Brow or Third Eye Chakra (pineal gland or third eye)
7. Crown Chakra (Top of head)

1. ROOT or BASE CHAKRA (Muladhara) – Zodiac signs Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus
The 4th Ray of "Harmony through Conflict" governs the base chakra or root. This chakra symbol represents the most earth centered chakra represents our inherited beliefs through our formative years. Self-preservation, personal survival and our identification with the physical world centers in this bottom most of the main seven chakras.
A healthy root chakra connects you with vitality to your family of origin, your immediate society and to the global community. If your 0-7 years were challenging and without love, then this damaged root chakra will function much differently. Issues of survival such as emotional dysfunction, stress, anxiousness, and restlessness will plague you.
You’ll have fears of letting go, scarcity, poor boundaries, and more. It’s during the 0-7 years that we learn about where we fall in our relationships with siblings, parents, our community, and how we relate to them.
Health issues: Joint pain, lower backache, elimination problems, obesity, constipation, anorexia, and poor immune system function.

1. What beliefs did you inherit or learn from your family?
2. Is there unfinished business between you and your parents?
3. What limiting beliefs did you learn about personal survival and money?
4. Do you have personal boundaries that you maintain?
5. Is it difficult for you to bond with others?
6. Are you often sick or suffering from illness?

Transcendence of unloving imprints in this chakra: "Others show you yourself and what you need to work on within, by their reflection of your own rejected or denied emotions."

2. SACRAL/NAVAL CHAKRA (Svadhisthana) – Zodiac signs Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio
The 7th Ray of "Ceremonial Magic" rules this chakra symbol. The second from the bottom of the seven chakras is about our relationships, creativity, sexuality, control and money.
It’s our time of developing individuality and realizing we are a separate entity from our parents and family. Here we learn about the polarity of opposites, male and female, positive and negative. Relationships with the opposite sex are explored here. Blocks in this second of the seven chakras brings lessons on jealousy, betrayal, control and power plays.
Health Issues: Uterine or bladder problems, sexual difficulties, impotence, lack of flexibility, sciatica, lower back pain, and problems with large intestines.

1. Do you express your creativity?
2. Are you comfortable with your sexuality and able to receive nurturing from others?
3. Do you need to control, or give your power away to get something in return?
4. Are you addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, people or something else?
5. Do you suffer from guilt, shame, anger, and are judgmental towards the past?
6. Do you find it difficult to make money?
7. Do you stand up for yourself...say what you mean and mean what you say?
8. Do you make everything a crisis?

Transcendence of the unloving imprints within this chakra: "emotional addictions are felt, accepted, loved and forgiven."



3. SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (Manipura) – Zodiac signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius
The 6th Ray of "Devotion" governs this chakra. This chakra symbol connects us with the energy to "act" and is the seat of self-esteem and expressing our personal power. Our relationship to the world around us, and our beliefs about our place within it come from this the third of the seven chakras.
Self-honoring starts here. A healthy third chakra honors emotions, warmth, intellectual understanding, and self-confidence. A keen awareness of your personal power comes from this chakra. It is at this chakra that balance becomes possible through harmony between the upper three and lower three chakras.
Blocks in this chakra symbol cause fear of rejection, over sensitivity to criticism, the need to exert power over others, hot temper, demanding and blaming, judgmental attitudes, feelings of lack of recognition, aloofness, fear of something new, low energy, confusion over which direction to go, and low self-esteem. It is here we learn of self-empowerment, integrity and self-respect.
Health Issues: diabetes, hypoglycemia, gallstones, nervousness, low energy, muscle cramps, stomach problems, lumbar spine, liver disorders.

1. Is passive-aggressive manipulation of others something you do to get your way?
2. Do you feel like a victim?
3. Do you compensate from low self-esteem and shame based feelings by being overly responsible?
4. Can you follow your heart to break through blocks and fears?
5. Are you afraid of change?
6. What causes you to lose your power and why?
7. Do you maintain your integrity by following through on what you say?
8. Do you respect yourself and others too?

Transcendence of the unloving imprints of this chakra:

"Balance between intuition and intellect."

4. HEART CHAKRA (Anahata) – Zodiac signs Aquarius, Gemini and Libra
The 2nd Ray of "Love-Wisdom" rules this chakra symbol. It's at this chakra that we start to see the possibilities of the internal and external world...the world of spirit and of form. The heart chakra is the integration point for the seven chakras of the body, because it holds the sacred spark of the divine and the intuition of the Mother.
When the heart chakra symbol is open, we are able to forgive, our lungs are clear and our immune systems are healthy. The higher chakras cannot be assessed till we pass through the heart. A heavy heart is one that carries resentment and anger from denied feeling and emotions, as well as guilt.
To have a healthy heart, you must allow these suppressed emotions to surface, heal, and fall in love with yourselves. Or, suffer from bitterness and lack of forgiveness. An unhealthy heart chakra causes alone feelings and despair. How you love yourselves, you love others. The heart lessons are self-love and forgiveness of yourself.
Health issues: high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, circulation problems, shortness of breath, chest pains, disorders of the heart, tension between the shoulders.

1. Do you allow yourself time alone for you?
2. Do you practice true forgiveness by seeing your own faults?
3. Do you carry a lot of sadness and emotional wounds in your heart that you don't want to accept and look at?
4. Are you able to let go of controlling everything and letting a balance between intellect and your feeling emotions have control?

Transcendence of the unloving imprints of this chakra:

"Healing of spirit, emotions, body and heart take precedence over everything."
 

5. THROAT CHAKRA (Vissudha) – No Zodiac signs
The 3rd Ray of "Active intelligence," is associated with the fifth of the seven chakras. This chakra symbol is all about choice, willpower and the right to speak and be heard. Speaking our peace is our God given right of choice. Having said this, not all we say gives us peace. Some of what we say dis-empowers us...some empowers. What we say is caused by unloving or loving imprints from our past again.
It is through this chakra that we manifest what we want in life. A healthy throat chakra makes your voice clear and it resonates with truth. The words are a creative expression of the honestly and trust we feel within.
Blocks in this chakra make it difficult to communicate because we feel suppressed by swallowed emotions and feelings. The voice is weak and your feelings unclear or garbled. Integrity plays a huge part in the proper functioning of the throat chakra. Since it’s between the head and the heart it works to maintain integrity between what we think and what we feel. Self-empowerment is the main lesson of this chakra symbol.
Health issues: fever, ear infections, weariness, thyroid problems, disorders in the throat, ears, voice, neck, cervical spine, hypothalamus and esophagus problems.

1. Do you express your thoughts and feelings so others understand?
2. Is your voice clear and resonant when you speak?
3. Do you believe you have the right to make choices for yourself that empower you?
4. Are you a good listener?
5. Do you lie in order to get your way?
6. Do you have a good sense of timing and rhythm?
7. Is your head and your heart going in opposite directions?

Transcendence of the unloving imprints of this chakra:

"New found awareness and direction."

6. THIRD EYE (Ajna) – No Zodiac signs
This chakra is governed by the 5th ray of "Concrete Knowledge." Our intuition and our ability to see with vision comes from here. It's the center of divine wisdom, the spiritual eye that seeks to see and know the truth in all things. From the sixth of the seven chakra symbols we close our physical eyes and look at the world from all aspects of self. Our intuition becomes our guide.
A healthy third eye gives us the power to perceive every reflection from the outer world, as a direct call for us to accept it as ours, heal and love it.
Blocks in this chakra cause us to become delusional, unimaginative, indifferent and to have poor memories. Worry is a big problem, spaced-out, and poor concentration also plague a person with a sick third eye chakra.

1. Do you trust your intuition?
2. Can you let your imagination soar and visualize?
3. Do you constantly justify and give reasons for acting without love?
4. Do you have "insight" as to what’s happening in any situation?
5. Do you have difficulty concentrating?

Health issues: headaches, eye problems, pituitary and pineal glands, neurological problems.

Transcendence of the unloving imprints of this chakra: "Balance the physical and the mental.

7. CROWN CHAKRA (Sahasrara) – No Zodiac sign
The 1st Ray of "Will and Power" is associated with this chakra symbol. This chakra is located at the top of the head and spins very quickly as a 1000 petal lotus...our direct connect to God. Guidance comes directly to us from the divine and is received through this chakra.
The life force from the creator penetrates into our energy system through the crown, and moves down through the other energy centers to the root chakra. From here we are inspired by God, and filled with Grace, because we have a strong connection to a power greater than ourselves. We live in present time and our spirits live in the now in harmony with our form and Will.
Blocks in this chakra cause confusion, depression, senility, fear of success and lack of inspiration. The flow of spiritual energy is blocked in both directions. When this happens spiritual addiction and over intellectualizing occurs, as well as dissociation with the body.
Healthy Issues: Migraines, brain tumors, coma, amnesia, nervous system and muscular system disorders, mental issues, and skin disorders.

1. Can you feel a higher power governing your life?
2. Do you feel inspired, and open to new ideas?
3. Do you often feel confused or depressed?
4. Do you meditate?
5. Do you pray to God, thanking Him for all that you are, and show gratefulness for what you have?
6. Are you always complaining to God about your unhappiness?

Transcendence of unloving imprints of this chakra: "I and my Father are one in complete harmony with my Will."

Forgiveness releases the charge of old imprints from the mind and the bodies chakras. It starts at the source of the problem in the first place...the way you think. 
You, are in control of your body and your life, because only you, control your thinking.
If forgiveness is true and unconditional, amazing healing occurs in all areas of the body. Then and only then can the Shakti or kundalini energy rise uninhibited through the seven chakras symbols shown to increase awareness and ultimately bring enlightenment. 

Numerology meaning and your birth date

Now that you understand what the different numbers represent...we’re ready to figure out what this all means to you.
First of all, the numerological meaning of your birth date is based on the entire group of numbers. This important number is often referred to as your destiny number, because it’s constant...never changing. To calculate this numerology meanings number just add all the numbers together. (eg. July 17, 1959, would be 7 + 1 + 7 +1 + 9 + 5 +9 = 39. So this birth date, Susan's, would look like this 3 + 9 = 12, 1 + 2 = 3)
Since 39 and 12 are not single digit number, you add the first and second digits together to make a single digit number. Keep adding the sums of the numbers till you get one of the one digit numerology numbers. In Pythagorean numerology meanings, the 9s in your birth date would be dropped. I feel this came about, because every person would have a nine in their birthday if they were born in the twentieth century. In this example we’ll include them. So Susan's final number is "three".
Next, go back to "3" to see its numerology meaning and personality traits. You now have what is considered in this case, Susan's tendencies.
Now let’s look at just her birthday number. In the above example it’s 17 , which would be 1 + 7 = 8. Eight would also play a significant part in Susan's personality. Specifically, how she thinks and behaves in numerology meanings would be revealed by this number. This number also indicates her lucky days, lucky months, and compatible people. (No included in this article)
It’s interesting what comes out when this person, Susan Jenkins starts to develop a pattern of numbers and numerology meanings, which refines and pinpoints her destiny and personality traits. So Susan has a full birthday number of 3 and a personality number vibration of 8. Each number would affect or complement the other, so both have to be taken into consideration. A person is rarely just one number.

What do the numbers in numerology meanings really indicate?

One (1): The numerology meaning of this number is unity, beginnings, God, masculine, creative, symbol of physical and mental activity. It’s a number that expresses leadership, spotlight type individuality. There’s a tendency to being organized, and ambitious. Ones go to the top in everything that peaks their interest, reflecting a natural leader. They are forerunners and original thinkers. Leadership or a position of power is where they’re happiest. Often, they are loners, and can be aggressive. The ambition to succeed can overshadow good judgment. The biggest lesson for ones is to dim that spotlight...sit back sometimes to recognize and appreciate the light in others.
Two (2): Dualist beliefs, Gnostic. This is a feminine numerology meanings number with traits like yielding, receptive, accepting, forgiving, passive, uncomplicated and stable. But, twos make things or groups function more efficiently. Devotion to truth and simplicity is of major importance. Twos are the opposite personality to "1s". They are followers, good subordinates and team members. Often too subservient, which others perceive as weak or shy because of their natural gentleness. Because of their natural tendencies towards peace and diplomacy, they can appreciate both sides of an argument, and are good mediators. Their path in life is to nurture, and make the ideas of others shine...make their systems work. Twos need for peaceful assertion makes their lives work extremely smooth, while others may have more bumps in the road.
Three (3): Masculine. The Holy Trinity, (father, son, and holy ghost). Threes are active, harmonious, pleasure–loving, and they bring joy to others as indicated by their numerology meaning. Many politicians are threes with excellent conversational skills, but they can often be superficial. They give hope to others who see the dark side of things. These shining lights work hard to stop negativity from entering into their lives. The good in something usurps the bad every time. They are born mediators between 1 and 2 to draw them together. Extreme versatility and highly sociable attitudes make them well liked. In partnerships, they are sexually interested and interesting both. Threes meet and live life head on.
Four (4): Feminine. The number of matter in numerology meanings. Represents 4 seasons, 4 elements, 4 directions, 4 sides to a cube. Fours mirror magical geometry and buildings. They are stable, rigid, sure-footed, determined to reach their goals in a straight line. When things come without effort, fours are uneasy, wondering if something is good if it comes without hard work. Often they are so focused on their goal they miss the small pleasures of life. These stable, security loving people are often unmoving and dull. They are hard working, good employees especially in planning, organization and administration. Fours biggest challenge is to find the “middle of the road”, so they have balance in their lives.
Five (5): Masculine. Number of the senses, four limbs and one head make five main projections from the torso. Stars. Also sexual, male (3), female (2). Fives are likely to be restless, lively, adventuresome, quick-thinking, and quick-tempered. They love change and challenge, but take too many risks. It's common for them to act first and think later, which causes stumbling along the path. Fives numerology meaning shows them to be progressive, free thinking, exciting, fun loving and sexual. Simple everyday life is unattractive to these types. Fives handle unexpected changes and challenges well. Five's goal is to be forever youthful and have a good sense of humor. These traits make them happy and pleasurable company. Freedom is important to them, so stability conscious types would do better to look somewhere else.
Six (6): Feminine. The combination of the upward male triangle and downward female triangle for the 6 pointed star. Sixes numerology meaning shows they possess the nurturing side of womanhood: safe, stable, warm, domestic, and motherly. Sixes are natural homemakers, giving love, warmth and security to their families even if they are a man. They are supportive, harmonious, companionable, responsible, good problem solvers who know life requires adjustments along the way. Sometimes smugness and a self-satisfying attitude can reveal an interfering know-it-all. Sixes major lesson in life is to adapt and adjust to lives changes in themselves and others.
Seven (7): Masculine. This is the holiest and most magical of all the numerology numbers, possessing strength and psychic ability. Creation and rest in 7 days, 7 pillars of wisdom, 7 chakras, 7 stars in the Big Dipper. Sevens are reflective and have a tendency towards mysticism or the occult. This is the number of an introspective individualists who is often a loner. They're highly intellectual, and not materialistic, but somehow money finds them. Not considered social butterflies, sevens are often perceived as cold and distant. It's immaterial, because they are unaffected by the opinions of others. Sevens are disciplined and work well without supervision, which they prefer to team efforts. Often they will escape into daydreaming, needing little rest, relaxation and sleep. Their challenge in life is to seek and understand the Truth. Sevens need to be gentle with themselves though, and learn that being alone is not the same as loneliness.
Eight (8): Feminine. This is the number of material matters and practicality. But, eights must learn how money can be used for the greater good. Through numerology meanings this is their challenge. They are a symbol of infinity, which leads to the next life...the eight-fold path away from materialism in Buddhism. Eights like to accumulate wealth. This number is worldly and hardworking, but often lacks patience and pliability. Eights are tough, being persistent till they accomplish a task. They make excellent business people, because they like order and making money. Often they lose what they make though. But, they can be ruthless in pursuit of their goals. On the other hand, they are very family oriented, protecting their loved ones. Learning that love, passion and marital commitment are just as much a part of success as material gain is another of their numerology meaning challenges.
Nine (9): Masculine. A product of 3 x 3 makes nine a powerful number. Nine represents achievement and completion. There are 9 months in pregnancy, 9 initiations during our advancing from a lower stage to a higher stage. In numerology meaning, nines are achievers, possessing bright ideas, high ideals, and innate abilities. They take the big picture into consideration with their broad visions, global thinking, and universal problem solving capabilities. Their goal is to culminate, complete and finish all endeavors. Nines are always looking for ways to improve on any situation or project. Traveling to distance places and possibly even having a foreign spouse is all part of a nines makeup. These high energy people are creative often artistic, but they can be self-centered when it comes to their achievements. Recognition is important, but they will never flaunt their achievements. Nines biggest challenge according to numerology meaning...is to let go! When something has reached completion...it has outlived its usefulness. Or, as in the case of a relationship, it may simply be time to end it, which means you have to let it go.
Eleven (11): Masculine/Feminine. This is the numerology meanings number of revelation and spiritual insight. Elevens are intuitive, practical, unconventional but sensible. Eleven reduces to 1 + 1. This number has many 2-type attributes, as well as 1s because of the 1 and 1. These personality qualities make them more balanced between the masculine and feminine. We should start to see more "11s" in people's numerology meaning numbers as the feminine finds itself within us all.
Twenty-two (22): Feminine. This numerology meanings number has particular importance in the Kabbalah. The Tree of Life is joined by 22 paths. There are 22 letters in Hebrew alphabet, and 22 cards in the Major Arcana of Tarot their lives and environment is important to a twenty-two. This number reduces to 2 + 2. They have the more positive aspects of the number four. Notice how the numerology meaning of this number stays very feminine. This will be another number to watch for as we leave the Age of Pisces behind completely.