Tag: Spain

Travel

A Lifelong Dream of Andalusia – Fulfilled in Cádiz | By Festakar Marius Fernandes

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

More than 25 years ago, while working at British Telecommunications in Leicester, UK, I would often see the word “Andalusia” flash on my screen when handling calls from southern Spain. To me, it was more than just a place—it was poetry, romance, and mystery. For decades, Andalusia remained a dream.

That dream finally came true this spring when I sailed aboard the MSC Virtuoso to Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities.

Stepping ashore, I felt the pulse of Andalusia in its plazas, where locals lingered over coffee and tourists admired its colors. The magnificent Cádiz Cathedral, with its golden dome rising against the Atlantic sky, captured both the city’s grandeur and its seafaring history.

From the Torre Tavira watchtower, I looked out over centuries of maritime legacy, while down by the sea, the Parque Genovés offered quiet charm with its shaded pathways and exotic plants.

What struck me most was how Cádiz embraced its past while living vibrantly in the present. I touched the orange trees, listened to the hum of its plazas, and felt the warmth of its sun.

For 25 years, Andalusia had been only a word — exotic, distant, elusive. In Cádiz, it became real, alive, and unforgettable. This was not just a journey; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

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Travel

From Festacar to the Atlantic: A Goan’s Journey of Pause and Discovery

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

For 25 years, Festacar was my way of giving back to Goa — a festival that brought communities together, celebrating our culture and grassroots traditions. But after a quarter of a century, I felt the need to pause, to celebrate in a different way. That pause led me aboard the MSC Virtuosa, a floating city of lights, music, and discovery.

The ship itself was a marvel. Its glowing LED-domed promenade, buzzing cafés, and vast decks became my sanctuary. For the first time in years, I wasn’t planning, coordinating, or giving. I was simply letting the sea carry me.

Our first stop was La Coruña, Spain. The city greeted me with a rare blend of history and vibrancy. Standing before the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse, I felt the weight of centuries. Like Goa’s own traditions, this lighthouse has endured — steady, timeless, and unyielding.

In the Old Town, I wandered through cobblestone streets lined with glass-fronted Galician houses. I stopped for pulpo a la gallega — octopus dressed with olive oil and paprika. Simple, rustic, yet profound. Much like Goa’s food, it carried the soul of its land and people.

The journey then took me inland to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for countless pilgrims walking the Camino. Watching them arrive at the cathedral — weary yet radiant with joy — was deeply moving. Their faces held exhaustion, meaning, and triumph. Inside, the cathedral’s golden altars shimmered with centuries of devotion, filling me with an unexpected peace.

Later, I walked along Riazor Beach. The Atlantic breeze washed over me, and I realized: after years of giving through Festacar, this was my time to receive. The ocean, the culture, the people, and the stories were now filling me with renewal.

As the Virtuosa sailed away that evening, I carried with me more than memories of Galicia. I carried the reminder that travel is not only about discovering new places, but also about rediscovering ourselves.

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Sagrada Familia: A Timeless Masterpiece Nears Completion

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Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is set to be completed in 2026 after 144 years of construction. This breathtaking basilica has overcome numerous historical challenges and is poised to become one of the world’s most impressive architectural wonders.

Gaudí’s vision for the Sagrada Familia was ambitious, blending Gothic, Catalan Modernism, and Art Nouveau styles. The basilica’s intricate design and towering spires showcase Gaudí’s attention to detail and innovative approach to architecture.

Modern construction techniques have accelerated progress on the final six towers. The use of 3D modeling, prefabricated stone, and digital modeling has enabled the creation of intricate architectural elements, bringing Gaudí’s masterpiece to life.

Completion Timeline

  • 2026: Completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the tallest spire
  • Future Plans: Final touches on the Glory Facade stairway and other remaining elements

The Sagrada Familia’s completion will mark a significant milestone in architectural history, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí’s passing. The event is expected to draw global attention, with major celebrations planned throughout the year.

The Sagrada Familia continues to inspire and captivate millions of visitors each year. Its enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of art, architecture, and spirituality, making it a timeless masterpiece that will continue to awe and inspire future generations.

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The Biggest Roman Catholic Church – Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

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Hello My Beautiful Allys,

Today is a very pious day, the ‘Good Friday’ A day when Jesus died on the cross, this indeed holds a great meaning for the Catholic community.  I often get this question from several people, “If Jesus died on this particular day then why is it that, this day is called the Good Friday?” I’m sure several of you too have this question. The answer is simple, It is called Good Friday because Jesus gave up his life for our greater good and to save us from our sins.

Maintaining the posterity of this occasion, I thought of bringing to you the most beautiful church in the making, it is already the largest Roman Catholic Church in the world. The construction of this beautiful architecture started in the year of 1882 and is so far predicted to be ready by 2026 which means that the church will take almost 144 years to be ready.

Situated in the majestic Barcelona City of Europe, this structure is the most visited site of Barcelona city.  And why not, this church is a masterpiece which is still in the making, yet open to visitors and tourist with guided tours into the church. Antoni Gaudi was the man behind creation of this massive masterpiece in the making. It was his idea about building the church by the money received in the form of donations. Yes! You got it right, this massive structure is constructed only with the funds received in the form of donations. That’s the reason the completion of this structure is delayed.

Gaudi’s idea was that as the initial construction started of this architecture the same would inspire the people to donate more in order to built the church and thus, the construction of the same started in phrase manner. And still continues to be built by the amount it received only through donations.

As mentioned earlier this is the most visited place in Barcelona, one can see thousands of people standing in long queues in order to visit the church from the inside, the best way to visit this church is book entry tickets for the same in advance. Like usually, it is always advisable to book the tickets atleast 5-6 days in advance to avoid waiting in long queues for the ticket on the day of your visit.

If one takes a closer look at the work of Gaudi, one can easily say that this man was inspired by the nature. The interior of the towers are built in the shape of trees. While the doors have leaves engraved with the chameleon resting on the handle of the door.

The massive structure has several beautiful statues, designs carved on the wall, in order to watch and observe the same with no rush spare atleast an hour an half and in case you plan to visit the towers upstairs ( that would cause you additional amount) spare another 30 minutes for the same.

Currently the Sagrada Familia has 8 towers built, but by the completion it is believed that the Sagrada Familia will have 18 Towers. The tallest of them all representing Jesus, then the next Virgin Mary, following the four evangelist and lastly the remaining 12 towers will represent the 12 apostles.

Did You Know?

  • The construction of the Sagrada Familia will take five times as long as it took to build the Egyptian Pyramids or Taj Mahal.
  • Sagrada Familia is a foot shorter than the highest natural point in Barcelona, because of Gaudi as he believed that a human’s work should never exceed work of God.

TIPS OF THE DAY

  • Make sure you plan your trip during the sunset time, as the golden sun rays passes through the tinted glass of the church making it a splendid view to watch. Something total magical.

Indeed, if you have travelled to Sagrada Familia then hey! Share me your photos using #TravelwithAllycaral on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I would love to see them all. Also, have I forgot to mention anything about this beautiful structure, if yes! Go ahead and comment below and share your thoughts. Looking forward to hear from you all. Have a blessed Good Friday!