Madrid originally wasn’t on my Spain itinerary. With all I wanted to see in Andalusia, and needing to get to Valencia in time for Las Fallas, I didn’t think I’d have the time. But after I announced this, there was a mild mutiny on my Facebook page. “DO NOT SKIP MADRID,” my friend Hilary implored. […]
Madrid in One Day — As Curated By You! Read More »
I almost missed the date. March 28th was the anniversary of my shipwreck off the coast of Komodo Island in Indonesia. I wouldn’t have remembered if my shipmates hadn’t emailed me. It was good to hear that they’re doing well these days, especially little baby Elin, who was just 10 months old when our Perama
100 Years Since Titanic. 1 Year Since My Wreck. Read More »
In my life, I have experienced a few travel moments so spellbinding, so breathtaking, so fascinating, that they have left me short of breath. They’re not common. After visiting 28 countries, I can think of only about five instances that have affected me so deeply. And one of those was visiting the Alhambra in Granada.
Absolute Enchantment at the Alhambra Read More »
I had the feeling I would love Granada before I even arrived. And I was right — after 24 hours, I was thrilled to death with this city in southern Spain. And more importantly, I felt like I could live here. Easily. (Not all cities I love have that quality.) So what is it that
Granada — Yes, I Would Live Here Read More »
I’ve had my credit cards stolen while traveling in the past — I was pickpocketed in Buenos Aires in 2008 — and since then, I’ve guarded my belongings almost militantly. I lock up most of my belongings in the hostel safe. I use a purse that zips up and hangs across my body. I take what
When Your Credit Cards Are Stolen While Traveling Read More »
Sevilla was my first stop in Spain, and I couldn’t think of a better introduction to this wonderful country. The region of Andalusia is the romantic Spain of yore — Moorish architecture and bullfighting and flamenco — and Sevilla is its astoundingly beautiful capital. I’ve seen a lot of Spain in the past few weeks.
Sevilla: The Most Beautiful City in Spain Read More »
After landing in Paradise in Portugal, I knew my time at this lovely, low-key resort would include far more than just relaxing — I would be making my first-ever attempt of bird-watching. Birdwatching — or birding — is the main attraction of the Quinta do Barranco da Estrada. Frank, the owner, is a birdwatching expert,
Adventurous Kate Goes Birding in Portugal Read More »
Having arrived at the Quinta do Barranco da Estrada — better known as “Paradise in Portugal” — I stood and gaped at the image in front of me. A perfect blue lake — actually a reservoir — surrounded by green-gold trees, a perfect blue sky filled with chubby clouds overhead. The most amazingly fresh air.
Finding Paradise in Portugal — the Quinta do Barranco da Estrada Read More »
I was at the train station in Santa Clara e Velha, Portugal, waiting for the thrice-daily train to take me to the city of Faro, where I would catch a bus to Spain. I had just spent three glorious days at the Quinta do Barranco da Estrada — better known as “Paradise in Portugal.” How was
Paying it Forward in Portugal Read More »
It’s 4:00 AM in Évora and I haven’t slept a wink, despite the heaviness of my eyelids. I am too scared to fall asleep. I’m not afraid of anything specific; I just feel a deep, looming sense of dread. Something is not right, and I can’t allow myself to become defenseless. Is it irrational? Some
Sometimes, I get scared. Read More »