When we think of Spain, quite honestly the mind pops up an image of a happy people, perhaps tugged in a vivacious party with unlimited booze or amid some rooftop party on a breezy sun-drenched afternoon tugging into a sumptuous feast of Chorizo or Salchichon.
We think of Spain in vivid hues that fill our mind with elements of an ongoing celebration, a happy procession or a congregation of people that look after themselves as well as they look after varied interests in life- party, art, recreation or travel.
Dance and music thrive in the air here just as freely and romantically as if the nation were besotted with the idea of falling into an endless spell of love. That’s why you see anyone possessed even as one merely breaks into a classic Flamenco dance step. Among the most gifted countries where natural beauty is concerned, Spain also happens to be a crush of the world where historical monuments, chateaus, vineyards and, the free eating culture of Tapas stand.
One of the greatest ironies of the country ruled by the tumultuous dictatorship of Franco si that it accepts intrepid travellers with a welcoming culture of warmth and love.
But what’s more to Spain, the home of the Tomatina Festival and the only place on earth where a living and active Formula 1 Driver happens to have a museum dedicated to his life? El Nino is a cult here and the mere mention of the name Fernando Alonso sparks an incandescence of emotion?
Could it be that there are some amazing Spanish inventions that you and I may not be aware of? In case you were doubtful, consider those to be smashed as we present you some rather rare facets about a country that is so often restricted to an idyllic conception and image surrounding glitter, easy going vibe and fanfare.
The Gyrocopter or the Gyroplane
You’ve heard of the aeroplane and the helicopter alright, but have you heard of the Gyroplane? Back in 1920s, a Spanish engineer, Juan de la Cierva lent his useful engineering brain to create world’s first and foremost gyrocopter, that functions on the principle of an unpowered rotor in free autorotation to develop lift.
This special mode of transport enables one to take off from and land at a piece of land that is devoid of huge space, hence proving to be of a particular importance especially in unforeseen military operations and defence usage.
The Cigarette
Alright, so Spain is indirectly responsible for inventing of an object that’s a tyrant to health and an antidote to the existence of peace in families. Agreed, but hey, it’s given rise to an element that’s made- according to women- men more desirable and a standout. Back in the 16th century, street beggars in the city of Seville were supposedly engaged in the random habit of rolling tobacco they collected from rubbish in thin sheets of rice paper.
And now, it’s become both a fad as well as a mighty health deterrent.
The Classic Guitar
What can be said about this one, other than saying that in Spain’s ebb lays one of the most captivating sights of the modern world. Imagine Elvis minus a guitar or the likes of John Denver or Jon Bon Jovi operating in music minus this must-have? The classic six-string guitar was founded way back somewhere in the 13th of 18th century, as an evolution or betterment of the old vihuela. The rest, as they say, is melody.
The Cable Car
Wow, how many of us knew that one? Today, so much of travel and tourism and much of government’s operations whether for civil, infrastructural, energy and other usages rest on the great concept of cable car. Had Spain not had had a part to play in this invention, we wouldn’t have been able to indulge in the rare beauty of seeing some of the world’s ‘aerial’ pleasures.
Among the principle Spanish inventions, the cable car was invented by Leonardo Torres y Quevedo in 1887.
The Digital Calculator
With each new article on this list, it begins to get clearer that there’s more to Spain than meets the eye. Had the digital calculator not had been invented by that great inventor- Leonardo Torres y Quevedo- we would’ve been resting a lot of effort on the fingertips, isn’t it? Right at the time of the First World War did this creation come into existence, i.e., 1914.
The Mop
A simple albeit very utilitarian invention, it ought to be said. The mop is to cleaning what taking a shower is to hygiene. Interestingly, it was created by an engineer in the Spanish Air Force way back in 1956, whose creation ended the long tirade and undesirable tradition of people bending on their knees to clean up dusty, dirty spaces.
The Lollipop
Believe it or not, among a child’s most treasured possession, the lollipop was invented in Spain. This sweet albeit revolutionary idea of creating a stack of candy mounted in a circular shape on a stick belonged to Spaniard Enric Bernat in 1956-57. Soon, the creation would be known as an iconic brand called Chupa Chups whose logo, you have to believe was designed by the great and often misunderstood Salvador Dali, back in 1969.
There’s so much more to Spain that the bloated standard cliches of having a jolly good time in a rooftop Barcelona cafe or of seeking resplendent pleasures in Jerez.