WHERE TO SEE MULTI-RELIGIOUS SITES in Spain, England and worldwide: Madrid, Seville, The Alhambra, The Alcazar

At many airports there are prayer rooms but one airport has a multi-faith prayer room.

When I lived in Rickville, Maryland, in the USA, two Christian and Jewish commnities saved money by having the same building. As the rabbi left at the end of the service on Saturday, having locked away the Jewish signs and symbols in the cupboard, he swivelled the sign at the from from saying synagogue to saying church reading for the wormshippers on Sunday.

The same was done in North West London, when a new Jewish community needed a building and were offerred the opporuntiyt to hire a church building for one day a week.

Over tin the eST

Spain
In Spain there's a fabulous whole ring of cities around the capital, central Madrid and more further south near Malaga: Segovia, Avila, Toledo and further south Granada and Seville. Plus Jerez de la Frontera, for sherry. Tours will take you to the major landmarks, the cathedrals and palaces. A surprising number have monuments and motifs sacred to more than one religion.

Granada. Alhambra.Court of the Lions

Court of the lions, Alhambra, Spain.

Granada - Alhambra
In Granada you see the Alhambra, which means red fort. (Al is the in Arabic.) A muslim stronghold with fabulous fountains in the gardens, and elaborate architecture, arches and intricate stone lacework and mosaics.


Alcazar, Seville, Spain. Roof showing eight point star.

Seville - Alcazar
In Seville you can visit the Alcazar. Cazar means castle (from Latin Castum) or palace. This is where my family recently saw a six point star. The guilde told them it was Christian, Moslem and Jewish symbol. The Alcazar of Seville was used as a setting in the film (movie) Lawrence of Arabia.

Something of multiple religions. Even a building which is a mosque and cathedral in one. (Cordoba?) And a synagogue converted into a different religious building. (Segovia)

Maimonides
In Catholic Cordoba, Spain, see the statue of Maimonides, medieval sage, revered by both Muslims and Jews. He wrote in Arabic. He travelled from Spain to the Middle East where he was the physician to the Kuridsh Moslem 'king', as well as treating Jews, and the poor, from morning to midnight, or at least sundown.

Across the Mediterranean, in Morocco, at Fez, you can see the house where he lived.

In Tiberias, Israel, you can see his monument and tomb.




TOLEDO
The synyagogue converted into the church.
Santa Maria La Blanca. (Website in Wikipedia listed below.)


The Six point Star - Easy to Draw
As a child I was delighted to discover that if you can draw a triangle, you can add a second one upside down over the first to create a six point star.

Israel and Jewish

Later I discovered that a star with six points is a symbol which you see on synagogues and the Israeli flag and souvenirs from Israel, ranging from ashtrays and ornaments to ear-rings and necklaces..

Having digested this information, I was surprised to see the symbol again in India, on buildings which were not Jewish. I learned that Muslims call the six point star the Seal of Solomon.

Recently, members of my family were in Spain, and saw a six point star which they say was a Christian symbol as well as being Muslim and Jewish.

1. Star in Seville, Spain.

My family Let's look at the history of the star. Then I shall show where you might see it on your travels. In order to keep track of countries, I shall list them alphabetically.
See next post for more information on stars on buildings.

Other well-preserved, pre-expulsion synagogues in Híjar, Córdoba, Barcelona and Tomar.

Useful Websites
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogue_of_Santa_Mar%C3%ADa_la_Blanca
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/07/what-to-see-in-gibraltar.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gibraltar
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://wikitravel.org/en/Gibraltar
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/SmartDeals-g187510-Gibraltar-Hotel-Deals.html
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gibraltar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogues_of_Gibraltar

OK, so you can go. Which airlines will take you?
https://www.skyscanner.com.sg/flights-to/es/airlines-that-fly-to-spain.html

About the Author, Angela Lansbury

I and my family have lived in the UK, Spain, the USA and Singapore. I am a travel writer and photographer and teacher of English A level and English as a foreign language.

Please come to a Toastmasters International Club where the English clubs have a language evaluator or grammarian.  We also have French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and other language clubs based in Singapore and many more online around the world which because of Covid-19 are now meeting online.

I am President of Braddell Heights Advanced, meeting the first Wednesday of the month, Usually on Zoom. But the other Wednesdays have workshops on app learncool.sg

Incoming president Faith from Wed July 15th 2020 change dates and platforms so please contact the club.

Latest is only two meetings each month.

For meetings learncool it is quicker to type and easier to remember: 

 tinyurl.com/BHACOOL

Useful Websites On Speaking and Languages

https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
translate.google.com
duolingo.com

https://www.duolingo.com/enroll/vi/en/Learn-Vietnamese

https://www.facebook.com/groups/polygotcommunity/

Other Useful Posts By Angela Lansbury Author

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogs
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-to-say-thank-you-in-several.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/05/introducing-yourself-in-english-spanish.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/01/second-set-of-portuguese-words.html 

Please share links to your favourite posts

What to see in Gibraltar

Gibraltar,  the rock is easily identified in profile, sheer on one side, more gently sloping on the other side.


Flag of Spain

When we had a flat in Spain a popular side trip was to Gibraltar. Gibraltar has long been of strategic importance, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean.




UK flag

 Gibraltar is popular with British visitors. But also has sites of interest to all.
Flag of Gibraltar.

The flag is white in the upper half which does not show up against a white background. You can copy it into a photo edit programme and put a border around it. Or look for a flag flying against a blue sky or other coloured background.

Gibraltar

What to see
The 'monkeys'. Actually Barbary macaques.

Signs in Singapore forbid you to feed monkeys because the wild animals later grab bags from other tourists and families visiting the area and the monkeys get irate when they find bags contain no food.

You can also do a dolphin safari.


General tour including the citadel.

Religious Buildings
You have a church, a synagogue and a mosque. Take your pick. Visit one or all.
See the outside, the inside if you know when it is open and who is permitted to enter.
Gibraltar has four synagogues, all orthodox, and you can see the interiors in Wikipedia.


Gibraltar Hindu temple, interior


.
Gibraltar mosque. Exterior.



The Great Synagogue, one of four synagogues.

Hotels
Must see the Rock Hotel.



The Rock Hotel, Gibraltar



The Rock Hotel, Gibraltar

I remember ordering coffee in the lounge. I asked for brown sugar. They brought the brown sugar. The next day, without being asked, the waiter brought me the brown sugar.

We visited for coffee and a meal on one occasion.

Later we stayed there one New Year's Eve. You could watch the fireworks out in the sea.

My family in the UK this month included a couple went to their relative's flat in southern Spain. A cheap holiday. They also have family members from Morocco. You can take trips from Gibraltar over to Morocco.

Spain is very popular with the Brits. Not just the multi millionaires with yachts. All kinds of people with all kinds of budgets. My window cleaner bought a property in Spain.

Side trips around Spain could include Seville. The city of Seville is capital of Andalucia in Southern Spain. Attractions include the landmark Giralda tower.

Entertainment includes flamenco dancing. Yes, you can dance at a distance for an audience.

Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gibraltar
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://wikitravel.org/en/Gibraltar
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Gibraltar
https://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/SmartDeals-g187510-Gibraltar-Hotel-Deals.html
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gibraltar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synagogues_of_Gibraltar

OK, so you can go. Which airlines will take you?
https://www.skyscanner.com.sg/flights-to/es/airlines-that-fly-to-spain.html

About the author, Angela Lansbury

I and my family have lived in the UK, Spain, the USA and Singapore. I am a travel writer and photographer and teacher of English A level and English as a foreign language.

Please come to a Toastmasters International Club where the English clubs have a language evaluator or grammarian.  We also have French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and other language clubs based in Singapore and many more online around the world which because of Covid-19 are now meeting online.

I am President of Braddell Heights Advanced, meeting the first Wednesday of the month, Usually on Zoom. But the other Wednesdays have workshops on app learncool.sg

Incoming president Faith from Wed July 15th 2020 change dates and platforms so please contact the club.

Latest is only two meetings each month.

For meetings learncool it is quicker to type and easier to remember: 

 tinyurl.com/BHACOOL

Useful Websites On Speaking and Languages

https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
translate.google.com
duolingo.com

https://www.duolingo.com/enroll/vi/en/Learn-Vietnamese

https://www.facebook.com/groups/polygotcommunity/

Other Useful Posts By Angela Lansbury Author

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogs

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/07/where-you-see-six-point-star-of-david.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-to-say-thank-you-in-several.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/05/introducing-yourself-in-english-spanish.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/01/second-set-of-portuguese-words.html 

Please share links to your favourite posts

Can Brits visit Spain? And Gibraltar?

Flag of Spain


UK flag


Yes, they can, Members of my family have done so. They flew to Gibraltar. Off the couthern tip of Spain. Guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean.




Flag of Gibraltar.

British Airways was offering flights. "The plane was was full but flights were cancelled so the airport was fairly empty."
"No premiumsection. Just as well. They weren't serving meals nor selling food and drink. We were literally handed a small packet of crisps and a bottle of water in a plastic bag."

From the airport on touchdown you can immediately identify the rock of Gibraltar.

'In the hire car there was clingfilm over the contact points such as the door handles. No masks, since it is a private space.

"Restaurants are open as usual. It is hot here, so most places have outside seating. Everything is spaced out as much as possible.

"Most places are at most at 50% capacity, both due to regulations (75% capacity) and a limited number of customers since most people aren't travelling yet.

"Shops are open. Masks are required in shops."

What of tourism?

Gibraltar is known for its 'monkeys', which are not monkeys but macaques.

In Singapore 'monkeys' are notorious for grabbing your plastic bags which they think contain food, and your cap and anything else.



Signs in Singapore forbid you to feed monkeys because the wild animals later grab bags from other tourists and families visiting the area and the monkeys get irate when they find bags contain no food.

They then went to their relative's flat in southern Spain. A cheap holiday.

Spain is very popular with the Brits. Not just the multi millionaires with yachts. All kinds of people with all kinds of budgets. My window cleaner bought a property in Spain.

Side trips around Spain could include Seville. The city of Seville is capital of Andalucia in Southern Spain. Attractions include the landmark Giralda tower.

Entertainment includes flamenco dancing. Yes, you can dance at a distance for an audience.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/gibraltar

OK, so you can go. Which airlines will take you?
https://www.skyscanner.com.sg/flights-to/es/airlines-that-fly-to-spain.html

About the author, Angela Lansbury

I and my family have lived in the UK, Spain, the USA and Singapore. I am a travel writer and photographer and teacher of English A level and English as a foreign language.

Please come to a Toastmasters International Club where the English clubs have a language evaluator or grammarian.  We also have French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and other language clubs based in Singapore and many more online around the world which because of Covid-19 are now meeting online.

I am President of Braddell Heights Advanced, meeting the first Wednesday of the month, Usually on Zoom. But the other Wednesdays have workshops on app learncool.sg

Incoming president Faith from Wed July 15th 2020 change dates and platforms so please contact the club.

Latest is only two meetings each month.

For meetings learncool it is quicker to type and easier to remember: 

 tinyurl.com/BHACOOL

Useful Websites On Speaking and Languages

https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club
translate.google.com
duolingo.com

https://www.duolingo.com/enroll/vi/en/Learn-Vietnamese

https://www.facebook.com/groups/polygotcommunity/

Other Useful Posts By Angela Lansbury Author

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogs

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/07/where-you-see-six-point-star-of-david.html

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/07/what-to-see-in-gibraltar.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/04/how-to-say-thank-you-in-several.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2019/05/introducing-yourself-in-english-spanish.html
https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/01/second-set-of-portuguese-words.html 

Please share links to your favourite posts

Christopher Columbus Statues, Stories, Monuments and Relics

Problem
Where was Christopher Columbus born, where did he live and die, was he Christian or Jewish, where is he buried and where is his statue?

Answers
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, say the Italians. You fly into Liguria, a ribbon of land on the Italian coast on the Ligurian Sea, to Christopher Columbus airport.

Photo by Alain Rouille from Wikipedia.

A grand statue of Christopher Columbus is in Piazza Aquaverde, Genoa, Italy.

Columbus in Europe
He offered his services to the King of Portugal, and eventually was sponsored by the King and Queen of Spain. His brother was a map maker.

Columbus Statues, Cities, Memorials
SPAIN
A statue of Columbus is in Barcelona, Spain.

PORTUGAL
A statue of Columbus is in Funchal on the Island of Madeira which is Portuguese.

USA
You can see statues of him in America in: New York city, New York; Denver, Colorado; Pennsylvania. Many cities and areas are called Columbus or Columbia.

PUERTO RICO
A statue is in Puerto Rico.

BOYHOOD HOME IN ITALY
His boyhood home is in Genoa, Liguria, Italy. You can read about it in Wikipedia and TripAdvisor.

Christopher Columbus boyhood home museum, Genoa, Liguria, Italy. Photo by Jose Antonio from Wikipedia.

Burial
His body was moved around.

SPAIN
Columbus's body is currently in the cathedral of Seville, Spain. DNA testing has shown the remains are related to those of his brother.

It is not the only country to claim to have his remains.

Whilst it is fairly common to have part of a saint's body in a Greek church, they seem to send off body bits in all directions to bestow sanctity on sub-churches. I've heard of many places which have the heart of somebody, or even a finger. But to have two skulls from the head of the same man would stretch credulity.

I read extensively around the theory that Columbus was of Jewish descent, and a converse, or converted Jew.

If I remember rightly, some people claim that his grandparents were Jewish and from an off shore island, and they and/or his parents moved to Genoa.

In order to gain sponsorship from the devoutly Catholic King and Queen in Spain he had to be Catholic.

He was due to sail on the day the Inquisition started, but was prevented by bad weather and went a day later.

Two converted Jews were connected with his voyage. One was the man who gave the money for the voyage, after Columbus got approval to sail officially under the Spanish flag on behalf of the Spanish rulers.

Another member of the crew, known to be a convert to Christianity, stopped off at an island and did not go back to Spain. If Columbus were seeking a refuge for fellow Jews, why did he not stop there himself? Did he go back to tell others?

Or did he turn to Spain to protect his family who were in effect held hostage. Surely he could have sent the ship back, with the story that he had died and been buried at sea?

Christopher Columbus left instructions to his son to always write their surname in a particular way, a very elaborate series of squiggles, thought to conceal yet reveal to the knowlegeable a Hebrew letter which was a code to tell others he was a convert who wished to keep in touch with others who, despite having converted, were always at risk.

Others say this proves nothing. Besides, he was buried as a Christian in a Christian cathedral and that settles the matter. However, the mystery and controversy keeps interest in a story from centuries ago, the statues. and monuments on the tourist circuit. He took not one but four voyages. For those of us who find preparing for any long trip a challenge, he deserves his statue and it is worth a stop and a photo.

In Genoa you can see the house of Columbus.

For more, see Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liguria
http://wikitravel.org/en/Genoa
http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/liguria.html
https://www.umbriatourism.it
Also see the tourist boards for Spain, Portugal, Puerto Rico and the USA
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share posts.