Rae Travels: A Collection of Experiences
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...
Planning the Great American West Road Trip
Maps are easy to become obsessed with, and Google Maps enables a travel addiction. This map was made by plotting out places as a "Want to go" and then importing them into a custom map. Now it's just about connecting the dots . . .
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...
Visiting Caen, France and a Tour to the Shores of Normandy
Bruges, Belgium Travel Photography
The courtyard of our BNB in Bruges.We happened to be there for the annual Holy Blood Festival. Where relic blood of Jesus is paraded through the streets, a tradition that has taken place since 1303 AD.The richest house in Bruges. In typical medieval style Next stop,...
Travel Photos from Ghent, Belgium
We only had a few hours to explore Ghent, a train stop between Antwerp and Bruges. However this town would be better explored over a period of a few days. Next stop, Bruges, Belgium...
Trogir, Croatia a Fairytale Island City
The hotel I wanted to stay in was full, but they recommended another property. I got a great deal on the blue suite in a villa with a private balcony, just off the main square. The Basics: Trogir, Croatia Currency: Croatian Kuna Thank you: "H'vala" or "Fala" which is...
Photos from Hvar, Croatia
Last stop, Trogir
Photos from Korçula, Croatia
The island of Korçula has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. It is currently the second most inhabited island in Croatia. My room was in a tower that "Marco Polo stayed in." The host for my room has a wine cellar. All food and drinks were free during my stay....
Side Trip to Lopud Island, Croatia
Lopud is a small island off the coast of Croatia near Dubrovnik. You can travel there by a Jadrolinija ferry. There are no cars on the island but you can hike via footpath. A fort and a small church from the 15th century are on the top of the hill. Next stop,...
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...
Dreaming of a Road Trip through Tuscan Hilltop Towns
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...
Halong Bay, Vietnam
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...
Hanoi and Halong Bay, Vietnam
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...
Hoi An, Vietnam
3/15/2008 After a leisurely breakfast of Pho and eggs, our guide picked us up at the hotel around 10:00. Our destination for the day was Hoi An, Vietnam, a UNESCO world heritage site. The place is centuries old and well preserved. It contains a mishmash of different...
China Beach, Đà Nẵng, Vietnam
3/14/18 We are met at the airport by our new guide. She is a young girl, about my age, speaks English well, and appears to be friendly and relaxed. She leads us to a van parked outside, adjusting her gait to match grandpa's slow shuffle. We find a driver waiting with...