Spanish meals and most typical food

Dear travelers, here you have some suggestions on Spanish food issues: Meals and dishes.

Notice you will find local specialties and test them!! Cuisine is a part of the culture, so be adventurous and enjoy it!

MEALS:

Breakfast: is small in Spain. Better said, just coffee - sometimes with a roll - is quite a usual breakfast.

Then we have “el pincho” or “el café” – like an early lunch. This is when we have something to eat. It usually takes people out of their offices from 11 to 12… so this it the time when you have the longest lines in the banks, etc...!

Comida: late big lunch: we usually have a great meal around 2 – 3 pm. We have 2 courses and dessert.

MENU: is what we call “Plate of the day”, it is usually a great option: freshest food, 2 courses and dessert/coffee and sometimes also the drink for 10-15 Euros.

Cena: our dinnertime: at home, it is usually small: one dish often with salad/dairy. But when eating outside it is as big as Comida (lunch). It is usually a bit more expensive than Comida too.

Tapas: We call so to different appetizers we use to combine and share in a meal. It helps you to try different foods. Tapa means literally “lid”, coming from the Medieval Times, when they used to serve slices of ham/cheese/bread etc on top of the wine carafe. Tapas are great as they are cheap and small. So is a good way to try different food.

LA CUENTA: Please ask for the bill as soon as you get served the last thing you ordered. It takes forever to get bills!! This system will allow you to leave as soon as you finish. If not, you will be waiting a long time!

FOOD YOU SHOULD TRY, FROM ALL OVER SPAIN:

Jamón Serrano: One of the most famous Spanish specialties. It is pork cured ham. It has to be from Iberian Black Pork – not from the pink pig. Then of course you have different qualities:

Blanco: Not the real one. This is done from pink pig fed with bad fodder.

Ibérico: it means it is from the Iberian Black Pork: less fat, healthier.

Bellota: The best: It is Ibérico but the pork is fed naturally only with acorn.

Olive oil: You will find it best in Mediterranean Coast and South Spain. The pure juice press in cold is called: Extra Virgen. Other qualities are lower, not really so good - and Orujo is really bad.

Olive oil varies from transparent gold to cloudy green. It is naturally bitter and the acidity decreases with transparency and yellow. We love thick cloudy green one – really thick, and really bitter.

Gazpacho: This cold tomato and garlic soup is only to be found in Mediterranean and South Spain area, and only in summer. Much of the gazpacho you will find will be done with the “tomato concentrated” can, so ask if they have the "real" one…

and of course, we have to present one of our most favorite sweet proposals:

Chocolate con churros: This is hot chocolate to dip churros inside. Churro is a fritter: a long dough fried and covered with sugar. Do not worry, you will loose the calories with the walking!

Travel tips: conversion chart

Dear travelers,

we hope this conversion chart helps you in your upcoming Performance Tour.

Please notice money conversion changes everyday. 

Europe	USA - California		USA - California	Spain
1 euros	1,33 dollars	x 1,43	1 USD	0,75 EUR	x 0,7
1 sq meter	10,76 sq yard	x 1,19	1 yr2	0,83 m2	x 0,83
1 Meter (m)	3,28 feet	x 3	1 feet	0,3 metros	x 0,3
1 Kilometer	0,62 miles	x 0,62	1 miles	1,61 Km	x 1,61
1 kilograms	2,20 pounds	x 2,2	1 pound(lb)	0,45 Kg	x 0,45
1 liter	0,26 gallons	x 0,26	1 gal	3,79 l	x 3,79
10º Celsius	50º fahrenheit		60º F	15,5º C
20 ºC	68º F		70º F	21,1º C
30º C	86º F		80º F	26,6º C
12:00 noon	3 am (behind)	- 9 hrs	12:00 noon	9 pm (ahead)	+ 9 hrs

Marina HS Choir will be featured for High Mass at Catedral del Salvador in Oviedo, Thursday April 12th, at 12 noon.

The Catedral del Salvador (Cathedral of the Savior) in Oviedo will host the Marina HS Choir to celebrate High Mass on Thursday, April 12th, at 12 noon.

The cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo remains today as a unique example of different architectural styles, from Pre-Romanesque to Baroque, including Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance parts. Originally, there was a big Pre-Romanesque basilica in the present location of the Sothic cathedral. This primitive basilica that had been built by Fruela in honour to this Saint and that had been destroyed by the Muslims, but nothing is known about that first building (which was built by order of King Alfonso II of Asturias The Chaste).

The cathedral was also called Sancta Ovetensis owing to quantity and quality of relics contained in the Cámara Santa (English: Holy Chamber). The Holy Chamber remains as the only sample of the ancient high-medieval complex. It was built as a relics' room to keep the different treasures associated to the Asturian Monarchy (Cross of Angels, Cross of Victory, Agatha Box).

The chief feature of the cathedral is the "Camara Santa", with its venerable relics. Bishop Pelayo relates that the Agatha Box, a coffer made by the disciples of the Apostles, and containing the most precious relics of the Holy City, was taken from Jerusalem to Africa, and after several translations was finally deposited at Oviedo by Alfonso II. In the 16th century, Bishop Cristóbal de Sandoval y Rojas wished to open it, but could not, being overcome with religious fear. Many other relics are to be seen.

The temple has a Latin cross plan with three naves, being the major one 10 meters width and the side ones 6 meters height. All the vaults are simple rib vaults except for the central one which is a star- shape vault. The central nave height allows the space to be better illuminated thanks to big windows of elliptic arches. The presbytery has suffered several changes.

During the Baroque, part of the choir was redesigned in order to build an ambulatory with radial chapels. The Major Chapel conserves its original plan keeping inside the altarpiece with scenes of Christ life by Giralte de Brusela, Alonso de Berrugueta and Juan de Balmaseda in Renaissance style, becoming one of the biggest altarpieces in Spain.

Around the apse there is a Renaissance ambulatory and five radial chapels has been opened to it. The Gothic tower is 80 meters height and is finished off by a fretwork spire from 1556. In the Chapel of the King Castro, we can find the Royal Pantheon in Baroque style, which is the burial place of the Prince and Princess of Asturias.

The Diocesan Museum has been set up in the cloister. This museum houses important archaeological samples.

References:

http://www.inspain.org/en/sites/cathedralofsansalvador.asp

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/catedral-de-san-salvador-de-oviedo 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_San_Salvador,_Oviedo

Pictures: http://www.troito.com/2011/01/fotografia-catedral-de-oviedo.html
http://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitxer:Pante%C3%B3n_real_de_la_Catedral_de_Oviedo--1.jpg

What to pack for Paris and Spain in April

Dear members of the Marina HS Choirs,

As your departure for your 2012 performance tour comes closer and closer, Incantato Tours provides you with different travel tips to make it easier for you to get ready for your trip.

For most people, packing for a trip is the most difficult part. The solution for many is to just pack as much as you possibly can into your suitcase and backpack, but as a colleague explains it: "You'll be thanking me later when you don't break your back from having to carry everything on your own. Don't do it!" Her advice: "Pack as lightly as you can. The best way to get it all to fit nicely into your suitcase is to fold it nicely and then roll it tightly. It can all fit into your bag like a puzzle."

The major fact is that you should bring only 1 suitcase, no heavier than 50 pounds.

Knowing the weather forecast can be helpful, keeping in mind that still is too early to have a good prediction… so just like a “suggestion”, here you have some examples of how weather goes in the cities you will visit, for the month of April. All temp. are stated in Fahrenheit scale. Remember global warming or “weather craziness” has arrived here, and you could enjoy a cold rain as much as a hot day without prediction!

-       Paris: Temp 46º to 57º, expecting some little rain…

-       Bilbao: Temp average in April is 60º, 71º max and 50ºmin temperatures . Some rain always expected. It is usually cloudy grey.

-       Burgos: Temp average is 52º, 60ºmax and 48ºmin temperatures. Usually sunny but cold, windy at the riverside and in long streets. It rains 1/3 days…

-       Oviedo: Temp average is 54º, from 42º minimal to 60ºc. It usually rains at least half of the month. But so that you can see how predictions are not matching anymore, this weekend we reached 68º with a “summer-style” sun and no rain at all!!

-       Madrid: Temperatures between 45º and 65º F, scarce rain, chilly wind from the maybe snowed mountains. Also these weeks it has been very hot at midday, over 70ºF.

Even if you are used to lower temperatures, please keep in mind that many cathedrals have a dress code and will not allow you to walk in if you are wearing tank tops or shorts. A scarf is a good solution to this code. And shorts should always go to your knees (both for Ladies and Gents).

So, it is time for you to start planning your luggage! We hope the weather forecasts can help you to decide what to bring. Here are a few things that we think are essential to have to be comfortable with what the weather brings and with the weight of your bag - remember, we allow only one checked bag per person, (maximum 50 pounds weight) and a small carry-on such as a bag pack or small duffel.

A sample packing list (just a suggestion!)
* Rain jacket, maybe with fleece insert
* Umbrella
* Gloves, scarf, hut… if you tend to feel chilly!
* An adapter plug/converter (if bringing electronic devices, please check if they are compatible, most new devices are – most……)
* Camera and batteries or charger with adapter
* At least two pair of jeans/pants, ladies may want to bring a couple skirts or dresses too
* a sweater or two, (or three, if you tend to feel chilly).
* Plenty of shirts, including a polo or two and at least two dress shirts (Europeans dress much more formal than Americans)
* Plenty of undergarments and socks for daily changes
* A watch, make-up and jewelry if applicable (carry on any valuables, all times)
* Choir music and attire
* Don't forget shoes, we recommend a maximum of three pairs (tennis shoes, good everyday shoes, dress shoes). Bring nice concert shoes, but make sure that you will be able to walk long distances in them. Europeans do not wear flip flops other than to the pool or at the beach.
* Put all liquids that are in your carry-on into a zip-lock bag. And remember the 311 rules. http://www.tsa.gov/311/
* All scissors, fingernail clippers, etc. are better packed in your check-in luggage along with liquids over 3 ounces. Bring enough contact lense solution and prescription medication that you may need for the whole duration of the trip.

If you forget anything there are plenty of shops where you can by shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Please do not hesitate to address us any question you might have about this or any other matter. We would love to help you!!

References for weather:

http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/weather/maps/city?PLZ=_____&PLZN=_____&LANG=en&CEL=F&SI=mph&MAPS=over&CONT=euro&LAND=FR&REGION=0003&WMO=07149&UP=0&R=0&LEVEL=51&NOREGION=1&GLOC=

http://www.tutiempo.net/clima/Bilbao_Sondica/04-2011/80250.htm

http://www.woespana.es/weather/maps/city?LANG=es&PLZ=_____&PLZN=_____&WMO=08075&CONT=eses&R=150&LEVEL=162&REGION=0006&LAND=ECL&MOD=tab&ART=PRD&FMM=01&FYY=2000&LMM=12&LYY=2008&NOREGION=1

http://www.tiemposol.com/planificador.php?iddestino=6&idzonasdestino=518&mes=Abril&nombredestino=oviedo&x=18&y=16

http://www.whatmadrid.com/weather.html

http://www.tour-madrid.com/areas/servicios/eltiempo.asp

Yummy foods awaiting you in Spain

Travel Tip: Money matters

Dear travelers,

Money is a delicate subject. The best way to use your money during your upcoming trip is to have a debit card; this allows you to withdraw money from any ATM machine with only being charged a small withdrawal fee. The fee differs between banks. Be sure to call your bank before your departure to tell them where you are going and for how long so they won't freeze your account. The debit cards given by the bank has the compatibility of Visa, MasterCard, however, Visa is the most widely accepted worldwide. If you bring cash, you can exchange it but you will lose more money as they charge for their services. Most places in Europe won't accept traveler's checks anymore. Also, be prepared to pay for water and a little fee for restroom use. Last not least, there are no free refills on soft drinks in Europe which is why most Europeans ask for little to no ice in their drinks.
We suggest you have some spending money available and our recommendation is around 20 Dollar per day for the meals not included, snacks, drinks, postcards, some souvenirs. It is not imperative that you have this amount of money. There are many ways to lower your expenses such as:
· Most restaurants have menus outside so you can check their price range.
· Venture off the main roads to find a restaurant. These usually have more character, better food, and better prices.
· Bring your own water bottle. Most places have safe tap water to fill up with.
· Buy food from the "convenient" stores. You don't have to sit down in the restaurant for every meal.
· Shop around for souvenirs; many stores have the same things on sale for very different prices.

Last not least, remember that your Incantato Tour Manager is with you pretty much 24/7. The guide is there to help you make the right choices.

Highlight concert in Oviedo: Marina HS Choir at Auditorio "Príncipe Felipe", Thursday April 12th at 8 pm: Joint Concert with the Conservatory Chamber Choir

As a finale to the Exchange Program with the Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo with Maestro Juan Martínez-Cué, which will take part on April 11th and 12th in the afternoon, Marina HS Choir, under de Direction of Maestro Eric Graham, will perform at the imposing Auditorio "Príncipe Felipe" in Oviedo, Thursday April 12th, at 8pm.

Main facade (Pic: Auditorio "Príncipe Felipe")

The Auditorium, inaugurated in 1999, was designed by architect Rafael Grant with a budget of 18 million euros, using the old facilities of the water tank of Oviedo. The inclusive architecture, where old limestone is integrated in the glass and marble modern style, has been named for its simplicity and originality.  
The Main hall and the Polivalente hall can work together or separately, adding together a capacity of 2,388 people. Under the second hall lies the Chamber hall, which has 400 seats. In the upper floor there are several conference rooms with nearly 500 seats. An exhibition room, a cafeteria, a restaurant, and the Oviedo Townhall Congresses Office, complete the usage of the 14.500 sq meters of the building. One of the strongest features of the auditorium is the great acoustics, which were designed by the Catalan  physicist Higini Arau

Main Hall and Polivalente Hall united (Pic:from Fundación Príncipe de Asturias)

Since its opening the Auditorium has hosted conferences, exhibitions, concerts... accounting for over 7 thousand events already! The Auditorium hosts the Piano Festival Luis G. Iberni, internationally reknown.
Among the performing artists we find Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre Orchestra with
Zubin Mehta, the Luigi Cherubini Orchestra with Riccardo Muti, the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Jurowski, Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra with Yuri Termikanov,  Göteborgs Symfoniker with Gustavo Dudamel, Orchestre Philarmonique Radio France with Myung-whun Chung, West Eastern Divan with Daniel Barenboim, Ainhoa Arteta, Midori, Katia y Marielle Labéque, Krystian Zimerman, Brad Mehldau, Hilary Hahn... and the list goes clearly on, with many other VIPS...


References:
http://www.palaciocongresos-oviedo.com/es/auditorio.php
http://www.oviedo.es/index.php/es/servicios-municipales/cultura/auditorio
www.fpa.es

Marina HS Choir will meet Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo, April 11th and 12th, for Exchange and Joint Concert.

Dear friends, travelers and members of Marina HS Choirs,

As main event during Marina HS Choirs Performance Tour to Paris and Spain, Marina HS Choir will enjoy a two-days program in the beautiful city of Oviedo. Among other activities, our singers and Director Maestro Graham will have an Exchange with the Chamber Choir of the Professional Conservatory of Music from Oviedo and its Director Maestro Juan Martínez-Cué.

This Conservatory is very reknown and has won some special prices, among them: "Gines de los Rios" price, for the proyect "Espacio Escénico" (Scenic Space). This price is given by the Ministery of Culture and private institution BBVA aknowleding its pedagogic innovation.
"Espacio Escénico" consists in the whole setting of a Barroque Opera: starting with the costumes (look at the pictures!), scenary settings, organization, management, rehearsals... and finally to represent the Opera in real stages but in the Baroque way, with the students of the Conservatory.

So far, the Conservatory has produced the following operas and Barroque works: the English semiopera "The Fairy-Queen", the lyric tragedy "Armide," by Lully, and the show "Claudio Monteverdi" with a selection of madrigals of the author of "L'Orfeo". All them have been performed in Oviedo, and the the last two editions participated in the International Festival of the University of Belfort (France). 

The Choir Director, Maestro Juan Martínez-Cué, is also very well known as composer, as he has won many national and international prices in the last years. His contemporary music work often combines traditional music in a very innovative way.
For this year, the Conservatory students are getting involved in another production under this "Espacio Escénico" Proyect, and hopefully they will present some pieces during the Joint Concert.
The Joint Concert of Marina HS Choirs and the Coro de Cámara del Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Oviedo will be the finale for the Exchange, and is taking place at the Auditorio "Príncipe Felipe" of Oviedo, on April 12th, at 8pm.




References and aknowledgmentes:
La Nueva España, for the pictures.
http://www.lne.es/sociedad-cultura/2011/10/25/conservatorio-oviedo-premio-giner-rios-mejora-calidad-educativa/1147309.html
http://www.lne.es/sociedad-cultura/1915/martinez-cue-primera-firma-asturiana-centro-musica-contemporanea/608229.html
https://docs.google.com/a/incantatotours.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:Kh7P9C2PY8QJ:www.abamia.net/Juan%2520Cue.pdf+juan+mart%C3%ADnez-cu%C3%A9&hl=es&gl=es&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj21tQDdSQ9sG6aI2gLNOTwrBcMZ8IpDfKpAz_IrKassd_uMTBngk750XKUZoqPSXa83ftViI981aKBZ9pW5xnHdYdleqMpm-DX6tMwxN1Pbdsd4AGDQsI2tpfW8xHcLaaJ2pVu&sig=AHIEtbRK_oxtrRN1HCrxYpQiaFHNR3aNhQ