Have you been somewhere that unexpectedly stole your heart? The Spanish-Baroque village of Antequera stole mine. I intended to see the charming white pueblo as a pit stop on my drive from Seville to Granada during my tour of Andalusia. But Antequera lured me in, like a fish on a hook, and laced its tentacles … Read more
Sevilla is just glorious, Spain’s most flamboyant city. It’s a happy wonderful-to-be-alive kind of sunshiny place, teeming with people, scented orange blossoms, tapas, and flamenco music — pure sensate joy. Seville is guarded by a colossal Gothic cathedral, a symbol of power courtesy of its Christian rulers. The city is a seductive mix of Moorish … Read more
Here’s my complete guide to visiting the UNESCO-listed Coimbra University in Coimbra Portugal, with must know tips for visiting. Coimbra is the perfect midway stop between Lisbon and Porto and well worth a visit. The fortress-like university on the hilltop is one of Portugal’s most impressive UNESCO sites. You’ll be awed by the splendid architecture … Read more
SPAIN TRAVEL Spain is a mix of old and new, modern and traditional. For the traveler, Spain means many things: bullfights, massive cathedrals, world class museums, Moorish palaces, whitewashed villages, delicious tapas, and sunny beaches. From the stirring sites of Barcelona to the sizzling rat-a-tat-tat of flamenco in Seville, this country creates its own beat … Read more
Andalusia is a land rich in historic sites, cultural heritage, and appealingly diverse landscapes. It’s a romantic blend of must see hotspots, tiny whitewashed hill towns, glamorous Mediterranean resorts, and natural wonders. There’s a million reasons to visit Andalusia. But the glory of Andalusia is in its architectural amalgam of cultures. More than a millennium … Read more
Planning a trip to Spain and need some destination inspiration? To help you along, here’s my guide to the 30 most famous landmarks in Spain. Spain is a gorgeous country. It boasts a heady mix of diverse landscapes, world famous landmarks, massive cathedrals and iconic museums. From Barcelona’s patron saint Antoni Gaudi to Frank Gehry … Read more
Here’s my visitor’s guide to Lisbon’s fascinating Museu Nacional do Azulejo or National Tile Museum. The museum is an underrated hidden gem in Lisbon. Not only is it beautiful in and of itself, the museum helps to explain Lisbon’s unique decorative appeal and architectural history. Lisbon is affectionately nicknamed “Queen of the Sea.” I like … Read more
If you’re planning a trip to Seville, you’ll need some essential tips for visiting. While the city offers sunlit bliss, the key to a successful trip lies in knowing both the highlights and challenges. Seville is a gem of Andalusia. It holds a special allure, radiating joy with its sunny ambiance, lively streets, and soul-stirring … Read more
Planning a trip in southern Spain? If you can’t resist an imposing Moorish fortress, here’s my guide to the Almeria Alcazaba.Snuggled away on the southeast corner of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Almeria is a hidden gem in Andalucia. It’s a rough Andalusian beauty with a magnificent well-preserved fortress. The 1430 meter walled fortress is part of … Read more
There’s no shortage of metaphorical ways to become unmoored in life — lost souls, lost hope, lost causes, lost love. I’ve suffered from all of them at some point. But what I particularly specialize in is just getting lost. Anywhere. Anytime. I have zero sense of direction. I suspect it’s a genetic mutation, the problem … Read more