“Here, our bones lie, awaiting yours.” This is the macabre welcome to Évora’s most famous attraction — the capela dos ossos, or bone chapel. The bone chapel was my primary reason for visiting Évora, and it’s well worth a visit. The chapel was built by a Franciscan monk in the 16th century during the Counter-Reformation. Its purpose […]
Creeped Out at Évora’s Bone Chapel Read More »
When I added Évora to my Iberian itinerary, I didn’t have many expectations. I heard it was a lovely town, but my main goal was to see the Capela dos Ossos, the bone chapel. Anything else would be a fringe benefit. Sometimes, going into a place without expectations is best — because I was absolutely bowled
Évora: The Unexpected Beauty of Portugal Read More »
“Oh, you simply MUST go to Sintra!” If you’re planning on visiting Lisbon, chances are you’ll hear the above statement at least once. Of all the day trips you can take from Lisbon, Sintra is the most famous. Since I had a full week to spend in Lisbon, I decided to take the 40-minute train
Sintra — As Seen By iPhoneography Read More »
When I jump-started my full-time traveling, the timing could not have been more fortuitous. Not surprisingly, it was in the middle of an endless New England winter when I decided that I would leave home and head for the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia. Little did I know that the upcoming winter, the one
Making Peace with Winter Read More »
When I arrived in Lisbon, two things struck me immediately: how beautiful the city was, and how insanely hilly the city was. Like as hilly as San Francisco, only with cobblestones. The more I got to know Lisbon, the more comparisons I drew between Lisbon and San Francisco. It was hilly, of course, but it
The Sunshine of Lisbon Read More »
If you subscribe to my newsletter, you already heard the news. I’m in Portugal and Spain for five weeks! I just got to Lisbon yesterday and I am already bowled over by this city. It’s incredibly beautiful, remarkably intuitive, and surprisingly affordable. I have no doubt that Lisbon will be one of my new favorite
Surprise! I’m in Portugal! Read More »
Up Helly Aa is all about the explosions of fire and burning torches, the parades and Viking songs. What is less known is that it’s ALSO about some legendary after-parties. After the burning of the galley, there are 10 official Up Helly Aa parties around town. These parties last from 9:00 PM to roughly 9:00
Up Helly Aa: The Epic After-Party Read More »
After a day of Vikings, parades, and traditional music, it was time for the main event: Up Helly Aa, Shetland’s Viking Fire Festival! Fire, torches, parades and glory! It began at 5:00 PM with the children’s Up Helly Aa. Did you know that the kids get an Up Helly Aa of their own? Just like
Up Helly Aa: The Viking Festival of Fire Read More »
While the fire-filled festivities of Up Helly Aa take place in the evening, the festivities begin with parades during the day. Shortly after we arrived off the ferry in Shetland the day before, our Haggis Adventures guides Tony and Dougie took us to see the galley being built for Up Helly Aa 2012. It would
Up Helly Aa: The Day Festivities Read More »
In Paris, two islands fill the Seine: Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis. The former gets all the fame: it’s the geographical center of Paris, and today is home to Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chappelle. No matter how you get to Paris, flying via Flybe, train, or by car, you WILL end up on Ile de
Ile Saint-Louis: The Other Island in the Seine Read More »