Author: Rebecka

Football around the world is characterised by bitter rivalries, dubbed derbies. One of the biggest derbies is the El Clasico, a derby that pits two of Spain’s most successful sides, Barcelona vs Real Madrid. According to statistics, in 2007, 32% of the Spanish population supported Real Madrid while 25% supported Barcelona.

The History of El Classico

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid extends beyond football. By the 1930s, Barcelona was considered a symbol of Catalan identity while Real Madrid had Spain’s centralising tendencies.

The rivalry was at its height during the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo semi-finals where Barcelona was humiliated in an 11-1 thrashing in the second leg, after suffering a 3-0 loss in the hands of the Catalans.

Besides the tension during and after the Copa del Generalísimo semi-finals, there have been several other highs, especially in the transfer market.

Among the memorable moments is during the Di Stéfano transfer saga where both clubs claimed to have signed the player. Another twist was the Luis Figo transfer. The player’s agent brokered a $2.4 million deal in which Figo was to sign for Real Madrid if Fiorentino Perez won the election to be president at Bernabeu. Failure to do so, he would pay Perez $30 million. While Figo denied the claims and committed to the club, Barcelona could not take the $30 million hit. Figo had to sign for Real Madrid!

When it comes to the pitch, the rivalry is intense. Barcelona enjoys the most wins against their foe, 115 wins against 101 wins in 278 matches, as of January 2020. In recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have amplified the feud. The two have had successful careers and have an ongoing feud on who is the greatest of all time.

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe, the only European country that borders Africa. In this article, find interesting facts about Spain.

Boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain is among the best destinations in the world, and interestingly, it boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Only two other countries, Italy and China, have more UNESCO World Heritage sites than Spain. The list includes the Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco, Doñana National Park, Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias, Tower of Hercules, and Teide National Park – to mention just a few.

Spaniards Live Longer

Of all the OECD countries, Spain boasts the second-highest life expectancy at 83 years; only Japan beats this life expectancy rate. Interestingly, females outlive their male counterparts; on average living to 85 years compared to 79 years for males. But then, Spain has an ageing population. The United Nations projections show that by 2050, 30% of the population will be above 60. Perhaps surprisingly, Spaniards are not very religious; with only 13.6% of the entire population going to church every Sunday according to statistics.

Oldest Operational Lighthouse

Spain is home to the Tower of Hercules, also known as “Farum Brigantium”, a lighthouse that was established in the late 1st Century AD. Located at the La Coruña harbour’s entrance, it’s the oldest lighthouse that is still in operation. The Tower of Hercules also serves as Spain’s landmark.

Oldest Operational Restaurant

Spain is also home to the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records. Known as Restaurante Botín, it has never closed since opening its doors back in 1725. The restaurant is known for the delicious Cochinillos Asado (roast suckling pig), among other traditional Spanish foods.

There you have it folks, some interesting facts about Spain. Did you know that nudity is also legal in Spain? Yes, there are no laws regarding nudity in Spain. Another cool fact is that the Spanish national anthem, “Marcha Real”, doesn’t have lyrics; it’s just a tune!

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disorder globally; Spain is no exception. In this article, find information regarding OA, the causes, treatment and more.

Prevalence of OA in Spain

According to Statista, a renowned market and consumer data company, over 1 million women between 75 and 84 years were diagnosed with OA in 2017. Because the degenerative disorder affects both genders, as well as young people, the number of Spaniards with OA is definitely higher.

Another study by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology puts the prevalence of osteoarthritis in Spain at 29.35% in one or more of the locations sampled. From the same study, hip osteoarthritis had a prevalence of 5.13%, while knee osteoarthritis prevalence was 13.83%. Hand osteoarthritis, on the other hand, had a 7.73% prevalence.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes pain and inflammation in joint areas. The pain and inflammation arise when the joint cartilage wears out. There are different types of osteoarthritis, including cervical, lumbar, hip, knee, and hand osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis manifests itself in different ways depending on the type, and most importantly, the extent of the damage. The classic symptoms are joint pain and inflammation, tenderness, weakness and muscle wasting, loss of flexibility, grating or cracking sound in the joints, etc.

There are several osteoarthritis causes classified as either primary or secondary. Primary causes of OA include old age, and that’s why it’s called a degenerative disorder. On the other hand, secondary OA causes include injury, obesity, inactivity, genetics, and inflammation. For the record, both secondary and primary OA causes involve the breakdown and wearing of cartilage tissues.

Osteoarthritis Treatment Options in Spain

There is no treatment for osteoarthritis in Spain, but there are several ways of managing the condition depending on the type, and the extent of tissue damage. After a diagnosis by a rheumatologist, the best way to manage the condition can be determined.

The available OA management options include the use of prescribed painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical and occupational therapy, and surgery.

But then, the OA management costs are quite high and increase with comorbidity, poor health status and the severity.

Wrap Up

Indeed, this degenerative disorder is prevalent in Spain. There is no known treatment for the condition, and to make it worse, appropriate medical attention and a management model is still not accessible for many patients. But the good thing is that there is enough information in the public domain regarding how to manage OA, and lifestyle changes that can keep the condition at bay.

Celebrated American author Ernest Hemingway did his best writing while sitting in European cafés, especially those to be found in France and Spain.

If, like Hemingway, you enjoy writing in a café environment (albeit, unlike Hemingway, on a laptop computer), you may find the following brief list helpful the next time you find yourself in Spain’s glorious capital.

Café Gijón

Founded in the last decades of the 1800s, the Café Gijón was a secret meeting place for artists, writers, and dissident intellectuals during Spain’s turbulent Franco Period from the mid-1930s to 1975.

Situated across the street from Spain’s impressive National Library, this café is the perfect place to set up your trusty second hand macbook and write the next international bestseller.

The Lhardy Café

This quaint little café in the heart of Madrid first opened its doors all the way back in 1839. Believed to be Spain’s oldest restaurant-café, Lhardy was at one time a favoured eatery among the country’s landed aristocracy.

An ideal setting for aspiring writers and laptop jockeys, Lhardy is also famous for its great wine and mouth-watering French-inspired cuisine.

Café de Oriente

Known for its sophistication and time-worn elegance, the Café de Oriente can be found next to the Spanish Royal Palace in central Madrid.

Popular with both locals and tourists alike, this café overlooks the spectacular Plaza de Oriente, which never fails to inspire ambitious young writers and artists.

Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, is deeply imbued with history and culture. Deriving its name from the Arabic ‘Al-Andalus,’ it was a thriving center of Islamic civilization from the eighth to the 15th centuries.

Located in a fertile area between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the region has hosted numerous peoples throughout history. In addition to Greeks and Romans, these have included Visigoths, Berbers, Moors, and Jews.

Today, Spain’s autonomous Andalusia region attracts visitors from all over the world. Seville, it’s capital and largest city, is a cosmopolitan shopping hub, where visitors can indulge their taste for life’s finer things, from beautifully designed Iittala kitchenware to many of the world’s most sought-after wine labels.

Golden Age

In 711 AD, Andalusia was occupied by Arab Muslims from North Africa under the legendary general Tariq ibn Ziyad. Following his arrival on the coast of Gibraltar, Tariq is said to have burned his own ships to prevent his army from retreating.

Muslims were destined to rule the region for the next eight centuries, during which it became a center of civilization and culture. It reached its zenith with the Caliphate of Cordoba, which lasted from 929 to 1031.

The period is remembered as one of tolerance, during which Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived side by side. At this time, Cordoba served as the region’s capital and was said to rival Constantinople in both grandeur and beauty.

Muslim rule in Andalusia finally ended in 1492 when Granada fell to the forces of Aragon and Castile.

Culture

Andalusia has produced several cultural trends that have since become famous all over the world. These include the art of bullfighting, the dance style known as flamenco, and Hispano-Moorish architecture.

Modern-day Andalusia is also known for its wines and mouthwatering cuisine. One of the most famous dishes to come out of the region is gazpacho, which everyone should try at least once in their lives.

Spain is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for music lovers, especially with its culturally rich heritage. The country often hosts different music concerts and festivals, attracting fans and artists from all over the world. When planning to go to a music concert in Spain, there are things that you need to know. We have highlighted some essential tips if going to a show in Spain.

Know the Music Genre

Music concerts and festivals differ in terms of the music genres to be played. People will like a song depending on what they want to hear, which comes down to the music genre. If intending on going to a music festival, royalty-free music offers an opportunity where you can find some of the most played songs and leading artists.

Carry Water and Non-Perishable Food

Carrying fresh food might be impossible, especially when attending festivals running for two to three days. Ensure that you pack non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, and granola bars, among others. Also, carry a reusable water bottle that can easily be refilled at the festival ground or water fountain, helping you save on the money you would have used buying at the stands.

Create a Plan

It’s essential to have a plan to decide which artists and shows you don’t want to miss during the festival. Check the concert schedule in advance and prioritize beforehand on the events of interest to you and your friends. In case you are not sure of the schedule or event plan, contact the organizers for the finer details related to the concert.

Carry Cash

When going to a concert, it’s advised that you carry cash instead of relying on plastic money. Most festivals are organized in an open area where traders are expected to set up makeshift stands, some of which only accept cash payments.

Prepare to Stand

Concerts and festivals are associated with long lines, especially at the entrance, as well as long-standing hours. Ensure that you wear comfortable shoes that allow your toes to stretch and your feet to breathe. Also, bringing a lightweight umbrella with you is a smart idea, irrespective of the weather forecast predictions.

If you are looking for a relaxing and fun holiday break, no matter what the time of the year is, then you should really consider coming to the Costa del Sol.

Located in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia, the “Sunny Coast” includes several towns, beautifully situated on the seafront: Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and the world-famous Marbella.

Here, the four seasons have one thing in common; no matter if it’s August or January, the sky is deep blue, and the sun shines for the most part of the year.

It’s a comfortable place to visit if you want to travel light. Hand luggage will be more than enough because you don’t need to bring with you bulky, winter clothing, not even in January! Just make sure you have some reliable sportswear, for example, an Aimn jacket, for beach walks and inland excursions, in case the weather gets a bit windy.

This land is not only stunning for its natural landscapes but offers the best in hospitality and entertainment. The Costa del Sol is the place to be, both for family holidays and for a romantic getaway. In recent years, it has also become a popular destination for trade fairs and business events, thanks to the many top of the range hotels and resorts of the area.

Among European countries, Spain enjoys the privilege of touching the oceans and seas from three different angles, while benefiting from the diverse impacts of oceanic and Mediterranean climates. Possessing extensive coastal areas facing the Bay of Biscay, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain hosts various ecological sites, which are highly important concerning biodiversity. However, it requires a lot of struggle to conserve the country’s natural resources and biological richness. Spain has been launching more, and better structured, environmental policies since 1986, after joining the European Union (EU). The general target of these policies is to conserve the mesmerising natural beauty of Spain while stimulating the tourism and agriculture industries sustainably. The controversial topics of air pollution, urban heat islands, traffic, and municipal recycling, are on the most recent agenda to be resolved by the Spanish government.

Spain, Culture and Environment

Many people recognise Spain as a country of four seasons, the home of the traditional dance of flamenco, delicious wine, and olive oil, along with the beautiful climate and seacoasts. The diversity of natural colour has been reflected in Spanish fashion, decoration and even on ikea couch covers that are sold in Spain. The country’s economy is benefiting so much from the ecological tourism and marine transportation while encouraging healthy and sustainable methods for agricultural production as well. Here is a short list of most recent environmental issues to be resolved in Spain, to preserve the natural beauty of the country.

Conserve Spain Along With Its Nature: But How?

With the help of the European Union, Spain has gained an ecological perspective and a holistic approach in dealing with environmental issues. The EU’s energy transition policies have become influential in environmental policy-making for Spain. In the past ten years, the country has launched several regulations at a local level in cooperation with the public. Here is a list of critical issues on this topic:

• Launching Renewable Technologies: Due to the EU 2020 Strategy, all European countries are asked to prepare themselves for an energy transition era, which requires them to transform the structure of their energy and manufacturing industries. Spain is trying to lower the use of fossil fuels, and integrate renewable energy sources in its main sectors. The developments in offshore wind energy are increasing in Spanish waters
• Deforestation: Due to unplanned and uncontrolled farming practices, forest fires and illegal cuttings, the Spanish forest area in hectares is decreasing. The Spanish government is working hard to implement reforestation strategies all around the country
• Quality of Water: The industrial and agricultural waste in water, lowerS the quality and quantity of available water resources in Spain
• Desertification: The Canary Islands and the South East region of Spain are under the desertification threat. The impact of climate change, high levels of erosion and natural processes, contribute significantly to the loss of soil fertility. New strategies are applied to solve this problem.

The Spanish government, along with public support, is trying to do their best in resolving these issues, and protecting the mesmerising nature of Spain.

Spain’s culture is one of the world’s most abundant and diverse cultures. Therefore, if you’re planning to go to Spain, learning some essential points of etiquette can allow you to feel more comfortable and have more pleasant interactions with the neighborhood. Although Spain is a lot small in comparison to the United States, it has the same amount of scenic variety. It is a brilliant country to live in and has beautiful people. It is on the verge of becoming a third world country due to its policies. Also, Spain (mainly Madrid) is an amazingly gay-friendly place.

If you plan to visit Spain, make sure you find out the traditions of the area you’re visiting first so that you don’t lose out on the unique celebrations. The holiday season in most of Spain is exceptional. For instance, the Tio tradition of beating a log until it defecates might sound somewhat scatological, but nonetheless, it actually celebrates the land fertility; and thus wealth and great luck, generally speaking. Nevertheless, Spanish customs throughout the Holiday season revolve around many of the same customs as in other regions of the world. In fact, it is also a New Year’s tradition to eat 12 grapes at 12 a.m. Moreover, such traditions have spread to most of the Latin American countries as a method of bringing prosperity, fortune, and love in the new calendar year. In a town named Ibi in the region of Alicante, on 28 December, it’s the tradition for individuals to throw flour at each other!

If you plan to travel to the country in the near future, it is important that you explore the Basque region. There are numerous nude beaches in the region where you are able to sunbath completely naked. Also, there are literally hundreds of stores and businesses that close their doors every weekday afternoon so that individuals can eat a sizeable leisurely lunch with family members and friends; Basque region is also a perfect place to spend quality time with your kids! Part of the reason this is true is because it has one of the best transport systems in the world.

In summary, Spain is a beautiful with a unique culture and lifestyle. It is one of the largest countries in Europe, occupying most of the Iberian Peninsula. Also, if you have the chance to go to Spain during the soccer season, be prepared to witness many of the World’s best teams, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid clash. And remember, Spaniards really understand the way to have a party. So, are you thinking about visiting Spain? Well, if you are, don’t let the fear of getting ill stop you from having a great time. Thanks to kry.care, you can connect with a doctor no matter where you are in the world.

If you’re ever in Spain and you consider yourself just a little bit interested in sports, you have to watch a game from the top tier football league in Spain, La Liga. The two most popular football clubs in the world are from spain, we have Barcelona (Barcelona) and Real Madrid (Madrid). Year after year these two teams dominate both the domestic league and the Champions League, which is a football tournament for the best football clubs in Europe. You can find a cheap and good flight at Avionero.com, if you ever have any trouble they are always happy to help.

The current squads of each teams are probably the best football line ups there’s ever been. The most valued player on each team is considered the greatest player of all time day after the other. In Barcelona it’s about Lionel Messi (#10) and in Real Madrid it’s Cristiano Ronaldo (#7). These two players have inspired millions of people to start watching and playing football and there’s at the moment not a single player who’s even remotely close to reach their skill level.

To watch a game of these two players against each other is one of the biggest matches in the world of football, El Classico (Barcelona vs Real Madrid). This match has hundreds of millions of people watching by TV, but this match is only beat by one other football match.

The most popular football match to see is the one between Manchester United and their rivals Liverpool.

If you’re in Spain and want to watch football and might not have the money to spend on watching one of the most expensive matches in the world of football it’s ok. The overall quality of La Liga is insanely high and it’s probably the best football league in the world. To watch a game at the stadium of a mid table team doesn’t really cost that much, it’s about 50 euro/person.

In the El Classico there’s a huge rivalry and each and every time they face each other it’s a great match to see. They’re often filled with lots of drama and insane skills and beautiful dribbles and goals. The crowd at either the Bernabeu stadium (Real Madrid home turf) and Nou Camp (Barcelona home turf) can take in over 70’000 fans who’s going to sing amazing supporter songs throughout the entire game. It’s a party you won’t wanna miss.