My son who is flowing in Spanish an...

My son who is flowing in Spanish and studied at the University of Madrid, and I are planning a visit to Spain. I have a limited store of about $5,000. I would like to papal court Madrid and Barcelona. I'm more interested in museums and cultural things, plus going to the park and mingling with the average citizen. When is the best time of year to go on foot there, when the airfare is lowest? Is there lodging that isn't really expensive, in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as five star, but nice, as it was as little hostels? Is the train the best way to proceed from city to city?

Connie Orland, Joliet

You are at so an advantage since your son speaks the language and studied in Madrid. You can be adventurous as well as take in the normal sights.

Spain, the birthplace of Santiago Calatrava, Pablo Picasso and culinary delights as it was as sangria and paella, haves endless travel possibilities.

I would take counsel Fodor's Spain 2006 ($21.95). Organized with fancy this guide taps into the country's pastimes and pleasures, featuring its off-the-beaten-path cafes and tapas bars and its cultural and historical treasures.

In Madrid, indulge in ice cream from Giangrossi or stare at masterpieces through Francisco Goya, El Greco and Diego Velazquez in the Museo del Prado.

The work also earmarks its favorite inns and restaurants with cost information; there are many. A small in number Fodor's choices: The Hotel Intur Palacio San Martin and Zalacain restaurant.

Barcelona, with its coastal location, is ideal for a beach adventure. Be warned: Topless bathing is habitual

The Parc Guell designed by means of architect Antonio Gaudi, is a must- behold The whimsical Art Nouveau garden features "gingerbread gatehouses topped with . . the hallucinogenic red-and-white flap ammanite wild mushroom on the right and the phallus impudicus mushroom [no translation necessary] forward the left," the book says.

And if you're a chocolate lover visit Cafe Sampaka (www.cacaosampaka.com). Fodor's commends hotels such as Colon and the Turo de Vilana.

Patricia grove Winn, press and public relations manager for the Tourist Office of Spain in Chicago, says the times of year for the best weather are October, May, September and April (average is 70 F in Barcelona; 68 F in Madrid). However, compared to Chicago, equable January-February (average is 56 F in Barcelona; 49 F in Madrid) would be fine in these cities! Airfares are lowest in off-season [Nov. 1 between the walls of March 31, with the exception of Christmas] although shoulder season fares can be had too [October and April]. Nonstop flights from Chicago are in succession IBERIA Airlines of Spain, which is part of the undivided World Alliance and code shares with AA. Visit their Web site at www.iberia.com.

Great the community watching can occur by visiting museums in Madrid and Barcelona. Winn says in Madrid, you have the Retiro Park, which is released and in Barcelona, you can explore the Ramblas. At the latter, there is the disguiseed market, called the Boqueria. Discounts in these cities are available in consequence of the Madrid and Barcelona cards. journey to www.barcelonaturisme.com and www.madridcard.com for information.

For transportation between the cities, she hints shuttle flights. There are flights all day between MAD and BCN Check not at home www.iberia.com or www. spanair.com. The train ride is fine, although not necessarily scenic. In the what is yet to be the high-speed AVE will have relation the two cities, Winn adds. For now, a regular train links the brace For more info on fares and schedules, wwwrenfecom Accommodations like as hostels and pensiones can be researched at www.spain.info.

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