Europe
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15 favorites of 2015
Ok, so it’s a good thing the years keep getting bigger in number because my opportunities and experiences keep getting better. The end of the year is the best time for me to reflect on what I’ve worked for each year, and look back on the opportunities that make me feel the most thankful and happy. Up, up, up AND away in Myanmar, Spain AND Turkey The first 31 years of my life I had lived without stepping foot into a hot air balloon and just like that, I got the chance to take not one, not two, but three incredible rides. Each overlooking a different landscape, iconic and unique…
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Pining for Portugal, a perfect weekend in Porto
The Algarve has the beaches and coastal charm, Lisbon has the culture and city living, but Porto has history and for me much of the heart of Portugal. You could spend enough time walking through the city just exploring but here are some recommendations of some of my favorite things I stumbled on while in this UNESCO World Heritage city during my weekend in Porto. Get Lost A small old city, Porto winds through narrow alleyways towards the Duoro River. The Ribeira is the soul and historic center of the city, the best place to see beauty by the river, colorful tiles and crumbling old buildings. By night it’s a…
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Berlin & Its Wall in Photos
This week marks the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall when twenty-six years ago, on November 9th an act of removing a barrier changed a country and in turn, the rest of the world. We walked along the remainder of the wall this summer on a rainy afternoon and we were so impressed by the colorful art and what it represented, from then to now. Since then the city has taken the reminder of the past and like a caterpillar, the grey, bleak concrete morphed into a butterfly, an art project that began in the 90s to alter the symbol to one that represents peace and joy in…
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My ABC’s of Berlin
Berlin, the city is unlike any other in Germany. It’s a cultural, trendy, artistic hub with a deeply rooted historical center. The capital has a uniqueness that leaves a visitor with strong feelings one way or the other about the city. I too had a love/hate relationship with Berlin, intrigued by it’s dichotomy of grittiness yet sophistication, being accepting of whatever yet feeling out of place. Berlin is like that hipster, artistic friend that you see at a dinner party always up on the “next new thing” forever making you feel out of date. She has a way of keeping you guessing and here are some of my ABC’s of…
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Snapshot Sunday: Prague Old Town
Sunny days are wonderful. Sunny days in Prague are just plain perfection. Old town had quickly become one of my favorite cities in Europe, the architecture is stunning and it’s a great place to walk through exploring all of the little side streets. On a day like this, the colors just pop and it’s nearly impossible not to make your day brighter.
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Underwhelming Travel: How to Escape Travel Disappointment
I woke up well before daylight to meet with my group. Climbed out of bed, changed in the dark and lazily grabbed my camera for what I thought was going to be a peaceful morning. I didn’t realize how further from the truth that would be. Online, Angkor Wat depicts an iconic sunrise you see gracing travel websites with tips on touring Cambodia. Angkor Wat is one of those attractions that is a “must see”, and the magic of photography has prepared you. An experience you have anticipated for years before arriving. Sometimes these can’t miss bucket list sights and experiences while traveling don’t always live up to the hype…
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Urban Art: Portuguese Street Art In Lisbon
There is no doubt that although it is a city known for it’s hills, Lisbon is for walkers. There are far too many small neighborhoods with winding streets to not go and explore by foot. The architecture is unique, the people watching unprecedented and to top it off, there is phenomenal street art around every corner. Lisbon is a serious triple threat. The city is a virtual open gallery, but to find a lot of the larger and more famous pieces be prepared to cover a lot of ground. I met a Portuguese guy who was working for a tour company and he offered to give me a private street…
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Snapshot Sunday: Streets of Lisbon Portugal
I love people watching, it is my main hobby when in a city and Lisbon, Portugal is a wonderful place for it. There is nothing better than being in town, sitting at a cafe, enjoying a drink or a meal and watching passersby. I often craft stories in my mind about where people are going, what they are doing or thoughts of who these fictional characters might be. I spotted this sweet little old man buying flowers at a shop next to where I was having breakfast and I envisioned him heading home, bringing the bouquet as a surprise for his wife who was cooking them a Sunday dinner. I…
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Beyond Barcelona; Exploring the Province
Most visitors to Spain come to Barcelona to see the amazing architecture of Gaudi, explore the history and architecture of the art nouveaux period, and experience Catalonia life by enjoying tapas and wine in one of the cities many busy squares. Barcelona has much more to offer than just it’s famed city. The province is comprised of three major diverse regions providing truly something for everyone from nature lover to city dweller. The Towns The Catalonia region is dotted with other smaller, unique cities that will give you a better idea of the Spanish way of life outside of Barcelona. About an hour north is Vic, a small town where…
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Snapshot Sunday: Ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey
Something I had the opportunity to experience for the first, second AND third time this year was waking up early, climbing into a wicker basket and suspending myself over some breathtaking landscapes in Myanmar, then Spain and Turkey. Cappadocia has rock formations unlike anywhere else and the best way to take in this unique scenery is for sure by air. Bouncing slowly over these “fairy chimneys” with dozens of other balloons in the distance was the highlight of my time in Turkey and I recommend you add it to the “list”.
