by Rae | Jul 28, 2019 | 2019 3 Months Europe Trip, Europe, travel
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...
by Rae | Jul 27, 2019 | 2019 3 Months Europe Trip, Europe, travel
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...
by Rae | Jun 24, 2019 | 2019 3 Months Europe Trip, Europe, travel
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...
by Rae | Nov 14, 2018 | Europe, travel
Tentative Trip DateCountdown Here are some thoughts for a road trip through Tuscany, Italy to see some of the famous hilltop towns. Have you been there? Any thoughts or suggestions? Click on the icon on the top left corner of the map to turn on the layers for each...
by Rae | Aug 19, 2018 | travel, Vietnam & China
3/17/08 We got up early in the morning for breakfast and then our guide picked us up in front of the hotel. Halong Bay would be a four-hour trip from the city through the Vietnamese countryside. After exiting the cluttered chaos of the city, we were driving through...
by Rae | Aug 19, 2018 | travel, Vietnam & China
3/16/08 The flight to Hanoi was short and both airports were very small. Another friendly guide was waiting for us once we arrived. We were off to explore another city! I peered out the window as we drove along and came to this conclusion: Hanoi Rocks! This city is...
