Sorry, Madrid. I wasn’t really impressed by you.
When initially planning this trip, I had expected to be in Madrid for about 2 weeks. The reality was that I was only there for about 2 days because I had enjoyed my time and flexibility up until then. In order to meet Gabe in Rome, I had purchased a flight for about...
Four Days in Granada, Spain
For many travelers, Granada is a pilgrimage. Famed for the moorish legacy at the Alhambra complex. The road to Granada is a well-worn tourist path. At least 4 languages were being spoken on the bus: Spanish, French, English, German, and a Chinese dialect (not sure...
A Brief Visit to Córdoba, Spain
Córdoba is energetic, colorful, bold, crowded, bustling, and trendy. It's a historic, living city with plenty of sights to see and is a popular destination for pre-wedding festivities. Tower in the Patio of Oranges, Córdoba. The Roman bridge in Cordoba. Mezquita One...
A Moment in Time: What to See in Ronda, Spain
Dramatically perched high on cliff tops above the Spanish countryside, Ronda is a special travel moment. Its best-known feature is the 300-foot gorge that separates the old Moorish town from the newer section, which was constructed in the 15th century. What is there...
Next Stop, Seville: The Most Beautiful City in Spain
Seville is known as the "most beautiful city in Spain" and I have to agree. The historic center is clean, vibrant, colorful, and full of life. From its ubiquitous orange trees and street performers dancing Flamenco to tapas bars and Moorish palaces, Seville has...
Travel Photos of Caceres, Spain
The Basics: Seville, Spain Currency: Euro Thank you: "Gracias" Water: Tap water is ok to drink, bottled water tastes better. Local Coffee: "Cafe con Leche" is espresso with milk, usually served in a small glass. Restaurant Customs: Enjoy small plates at a tapas bar....
Elvas, Portugal: Near the Border…
Elvas is a small border town, seldom visited by tourists but listed in guidebooks for its historic earthworks. Because I was en route to Caceres, Spain, I had to stop in Elvas overnight. There's one shuttle bus per day from Elvas to Badajoz and from there I could...
Evora, Portugal
Evora, Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage city is laid out like a spiderweb on a map. Notable sights include a Roman temple, aqueduct, and the eerie Church of Bones. The Church of Bones The Basics: Evora, Portugal Currency: Euro Thank you: If you...
Travel Photography: Lisbon, Portugal
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Street Art in Lisbon, Portugal
Backpacking Travel Photos of Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a cool, green mountain hideaway—a stark contrast to the city of Lisbon less than an hour away. The atmosphere is magical and mystical and refreshing; A fairytale parkland full of castles and palaces and gardens and lots of hidden wonders to discover. Quinta...
Travel Photography: Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos, Portugal has been inhabited since the stone age. Romans, Visigoths, and Moors made it their home before the first king of Portugal captured it in 1148. The castle and defensive walls have been constructed and reconstructed multiple times. Many tourists visit...
Backpacking Travel Photos of Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal was the first stop on my three-month European backpacking adventure. It was an obvious starting point for the journey because its location in northern Portugal, international airport, historic background, and collection of interesting sights. How do...
3 Months Backpacking Europe