The January 2009 snowfall in the city of Madrid, Spain’s capital is one of the heaviest and the 2nd time around in 80 long years that it diverted 57 flights when Barajas Airport was close down; and the Spanish capital traffic for the first was at a stand still.

Yet, the snow covered the city in a trancelike picture. The photographers feasted over great sights and ‘Christmas like’ scene all over the city; even the neophyte photographers were awed by such white blanket over the city. Madrid is one great winter vacation Europe for many to explore. The major attractions are really a must-see when it is covered with a white blanket.

Major Madrid Attractions To See During Winter

• Prado Museum is already more than 200 years old and a world- famous attraction that showcases 7,000 masterpieces from grand masters in painting.

• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is one of the golden triangle of Madrid art museum, formerly owned by the Thyssen family and bought by the city government of Madrid.

• Sorolla Museum is a gem that is kept in Madrid that showcases the works of Joaquin Sorolla.

• National Archaeological Museum in Spain showcases Spain’s rich culture and history founded in 1867 that collects archaeological, decorative art collection and ethnographical arts.

• Puerta del Sol is one of the popular plaza in the city that is dated as far as the 15th century.

• Parque del Buen Retiro in my opinion is the most photographed during the January 2009 snow fall and on of the magnificent.

• Royal Palace is the home of the blue blooded in 1931 which dates as far as 1734.

I wouldn’t mind spending time with these creations and historical architecture during winter. Madrid is one good place to stay when everything is covered with white snow. We usually associate winter vacation with US, but not after the January 2009 snow in this Spanish capital.

Winter is always correlated with Christmas. Now the Christmas season has gone by, but other countries may still be experiencing winter anyhow. Some winters can be cozy, while others can be chilly and for many people it replaces ease with discomfort. As much as you would love to enjoy a good time outdoors, there is hardly any sunlight to go with it. And when you really have no responsibility to get done with for the day, you feel bored that you think eating will somehow alleviate the feeling. So here are some of the delightful winter foods you can choose to get by.

• Hot Beverages. This normally includes coffee, hot chocolate and tea. They make the typical favorites to shove the blues away. Delight in the steaming and hot mug of coffee, and as the caffeine kicks in you are lively instantly.
• Gaajar ka Halwa. It’s a special dish usually made in the winter and other cold season. People of all ages enjoy gaajar ka halwa because the dish’ pleasingly warm attribute not only gives the needed heat, but also energy and punch brought about by the sweet taste.
• Hot Soup. Chicken soup or hot tomato is absolutely a winter favorite. People love a bowl of wholesome and healthy soup, and it makes one feel rather filled for a longer time thwarting one from eating in between meals.
• Hot Toast. French toasts and freshly toasted buttered toasts prove to be a snack that many love to indulge in. The crunchy sound of every bite and the succulent butter coming out makes it scrumptious. Just right for winter snacks!
• Noodles. Hot Maggi noodles suits nicely to get warmed up against the nippy day ahead. And they are not only easy to make, they are available in a variety of flavors you can choose from.
• Wafers and Potato Chips. Just like noodles they come in various flavors and are definitely energy-boosters. Chips are undeniably delightful to munch with, and delicious. Imagine curling in bed with a book and bag of chips to accompany with is certainly relaxing, if not warming for the winter season.
• Deep fried snacks. This includes hot samosas, pakoras and kachoris. However, these foods work best if you can also work off the fat it brought with the oil and other flavorings. Though they may be tempting, they can be fattening. So make sure you know how to discharge the excess fat through work out.
• Nuts. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts and cashews are very popular easy to eat bite-sized snacks. Chewing nuts produce a lot of heat in the body, no wonder why it is perfect for winters.

In any case, whatever you choose to have for your winter foods and snacks, you can delight in it in any way if you choose to. If you like what you’re eating then surely you’ll find the pleasure for your taste in the winter. But make sure to eat your preferred comfort foods MODERATELY regardless of what they are.

It is awesome to take winter vacations for many reasons. Winters have a captivating appeal. Winter foods are delightful to name first. For it is only in winter that you will find all those food specialties and unique cuisine that you’ve only read and seen about in cookbooks and recipes, and this practice applies to other people in other parts of the world. Winter activities are unforgettable and last a lifetime. Diverse events come alive in winter; talk about stage dramas, theater concerts, symphony and opera. All these come alive when winter season is near. And most winter evenings especially on “the day” are simply special and great. Every following year we inevitably look back to the previous one we had and that’s just how it is. Winter songs are moving and wonderful too, and winter shopping all makes a great deal. Overall, winter spirit is one of a kind. It is something we can dearly hold and treasure.

In many places of Europe, especially in the famous city of Venice you can catch sight of distinctive carnivals and one of Europe’s most popular winter affairs. This is a great tradition in this part of the continent so you can’t miss to witness these carnivals if you happen to come around this place for your winter holidays. Moreover, winters are when you get the best experiences of thrill found in skiing and snowboarding. These are two famous recreational activities for winter and are two very popular competitive sports as well. It combines adventure and leisure in the sloppy mountains and hills and in other snow-covered areas. Some great places for this kind of sports are in Aspen, Bariloche in Argentina, Chamonix-Mont Blanc, Killington in Vermont, Lake Tahoe and etc. Hotels are a good catch for winters, too. If you are traveling in winter and will likely be staying in a hotel to spend your Christmas Eve over, make sure you can count on a cozy room and enticing restaurants, fine bars etc. Even if you have to spend more than the average for it, take no pain for after all it is winter! How else are you supposed to spend it when you are away? There are many ways one can enjoy his/her winter holidays but the heart of it is found in spending it joyfully.