Yeah, I had a spelling mistake   .  I don

My first experience of Spain was in 1970, and my wife and I have returned there many times since then.  I have watched Spain change over the years as it has climbed out of Franco's shadow.  So I can appreciate what you are saying.

My impression of the Basque region in Spain is that I didn't like it much.  Too industrialized.  (The French Basque country is much nicer, although the Basque towns in the Pyrenees are worth the visit.)  But I haven't been there in many years.  The last time that I was in Barcelona was 1974, and I remember the Franco regime well.  The guardia was an armed camp, and they weren't very pleasant to anyone, tourists included.  I do have good memories of Gaudi's cathedral and park.  Quite an amazing architect.  Regarding much of the rest of Spain, I only have good memories.

On my first visit to Seville, I had a terrible experience. Our car was burglarized, and we had a terrible time getting it repaired.  But that was just after Franco's death.  Since then, I can only say that things have improved vastly.  I can now say that Seville is one of my favorite cities.  We always stay in a hotel with a view of the Alhambra.  And our generous hosts always treat us to a night of the finest tapas, before a gut-busting delicious dinner.

I am hoping to get a business trip to Seville at the end of March.  That is when the orange blossoms will be in bloom.  Andalucia may be poorer than other areas of Spain, but it is a fascinating country.  (We have toured the pueblos blancos.)  My only hope is that we don't get stuck there during semana santa again.  Interesting--all those Ku Klux Klan outfits--but very difficult for tourists to find a hotel.     Just the same, we won't pass up another visit if we get the chance.

Oh, did you mean Granada?  (That

Gotta love the Spanish street cleaners (always working in the wee hours of the morning, it seems).  I haven