On Friday, March 14th, I flew to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago is the capital city of Galicia, a region that hugs the northwest corner of Spain, above Portugal. The city marks the end of El Camino de Santiago, a Christian pilgrimage route in Europe whose Spanish section winds through the picturesque north of the country. Unlike dry, flat Madrid, … Continue reading
Vienna: a city of museums, cafes, and unforgettable torte. Molly and I arrived by train on Christmas Eve. From the U-Bahn, my new favorite metro system, we emerged into the sunshine, which glinted on the pastel-colored buildings bordering the Naschmarkt, a sprawling food market. Dropping our bags at our hostel, we ducked into the market … Continue reading
Two months ago, I was browsing flights online at 2 am, unable to sleep. Using a favorite “adventure generator” I spotted a roundtrip from Madrid to Geneva for only €66. Better yet, it was operated through Swiss Air, not a discount airline that will charge you for breathing too loudly or bringing non-regulation sized reading material. I … Continue reading
I gave myself four and a half days to enjoy the Cinque Terre. Meaning “five lands,” the centuries old cliff seem like quintessential Italy. The many other tourists seem to think so, too. They’re backpackers and hikers, lovers of pesto and wine. They also seem to be French, for the most part. People come here for … Continue reading
Florence. The name itself inspires a sort of beautiful anticipation, as though slide after slide in an art history lecture will emerge in one city: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s David, Titian’s Venus of Urbino… But I hadn’t gotten to those yet. I arrived by train tired and ready to unload my increasingly heavy … Continue reading
Italy has always topped my ever-expanding list of countries to visit. It’s the Mecca for devout food lovers like myself, and Carbs are a serious weakness for me. It doesn’t hurt that the men are handsome and well dressed or that it’s a good deal sunnier than London. So Rome seemed like a good choice … Continue reading
For me, Paris is one part cheap red wine, one part Monet’s water lily paintings, one part dirty metro system, and one part pan au chocolat. It’s a luscious amalgamation of art, food, and style; so distinctly European and so distinctly Parisian. Thanks to another one of Spain’s very long weekends I got to visit one of … Continue reading
I didn’t realize this time would come so soon. My love affair has soured, yet I’m in the awkward position of continuing like nothing has changed. I am finally admitting to myself that I would be perfectly happy to never eat ham again. Spaniards adore jamón; it’s an important part of their diet and lifestyle. It almost seems … Continue reading
On October 12th, my mom came to Spain for a twelve-day trip spanning seven cities in the center, south, east, and north of the country, via train, plane, and automobile. I eagerly anticipated her arrival like any college student, for parents’ visits mean nice meals out and easing homesickness. My mom and I make a … Continue reading
Travel Ardor 