Last week, I provided you my top tips to enjoying the numerous beaches in both Spain and Portugal, but a few of you were none-to-pleased with that very last tip “Go Topless!” Really?! Is sans bikini top that big of deal? I would argue that no, it’s not. If anything, once I moved to southern Europe, […]
Boobs in Iberia: The perfect place to let the “ladies” loose! Read More »
Every culture has their way of celebrating summer, but the Iberians are full on experts at maximizing your beach lounging experience. From serene rocky shores filled with marine life to vivacious sandy beaches sporting live entertainment, swanky restaurants and topless women, there’s surely a beach that fits your style! But no matter where you are in
Top 8 Tips to Enjoying the Beach in Spain and Portugal Read More »
If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. These are the tips of an expatriate and those of a traveler. They are the words that I utter after every trip gone awry and also after those that went off, mostly, without a hitch. Yet, it’s also
Spanish Nightlife: 10 tips on how to have the most fun Read More »
I adore a stunning pair of high heels. I’m not talking about the mammoth spikes that can alternatively be used as an assault weapon, or block heels that make you walk like un-oiled stick figure; I’m referring to the elegant sensible heels that sculpt your legs into sumptuous, sleek delectables. That said, Portugal is not for the heel obsessed. Frankly,
Catavino’s Top 10 Tips for Traveling in Portugal: Ditch the High Heels! Read More »
Last week was pretty special around here, at least for me personally. Ten years ago, I boarded a plane from Minneapolis to Madrid for 1 week, or at least that’s what my plane ticket said. Gabriella had already landed just over a month earlier and was patiently waiting for my arrival so we could start our
10 years on, a look back at my time in Iberia Read More »
Carnival conjures images of brightly decorated floats, scantily clad dancing women, and a party that lasts for weeks on end, equivalent to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Of any other celebration, Carnival is beloved in Europe! (photo by Rosino) But what is Carnival? Historically, during the six weeks of Lent, one was expected to be conservative in their behavior, which meant no
Where to Find the Best Carnival Celebrations in Portugal Read More »
If you were to take a series of snapshots of Carnival around the world, they might all look markedly different: a painted mask floating out of the evening fog in Venice; a jewel-studded headdress on a scantily clad dancer in Rio; an enormous Krishna riding on a float down a dusty street in India. Carnival
Your Guide to the Best Carnivals in Spain Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear Read More »
I’ll admit, there are times I desperately wish to transport myself back to Barcelona, to the autumn sun, to the calm beaches, to the lazy outdoor terraces. And it’s not because Barcelona is any better or worse than Porto, it’s because it’s simply…dry. Come autumn, Porto turns into a wicked stepchild, throwing a massive tantrum of blustery
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Rain Read More »
Beyond the festivals, concerts and cultural activities in Portugal, lies a community of people who ride on boards like chariots upon the sea. I’m proud to be part of this clan, addicted at a young age by the peaceful feeling of being immersed in the sea. Over the years, I have visited Portugal several times, typically with
Top 5 Places to Surf in Portugal Read More »
Enchanting, mystical, charming…these three words perpetually fall off my tongue when I describe the city of Porto. It’s a city that holds a thousand secrets etched on porcelain tiled buildings and abandoned romantic gardens teeming with flowering camelia trees. It’s a city where a 102 year old grandmother draped in black will smile broadly as
Deciphering the Vibrant Street Art of Porto Read More »
There are few cities in the world that are internationally known for their parks. Off the top of my head, I can think of Central Park in New York City, Parc Guell in Barcelona, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Griffith Park in Los Angeles, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Monsanto Park in Lisbon, but never once
The Lush Green Parks and Gardens of Porto, Portugal Read More »
It’s 7:30 am, the mist is rolling off the breathtaking Umbrian countryside, and the sun is breaking through the leaves. I sip on my cappuccino and stare at the enormous carcass of a 400lb pig and wonder, how are we going to butcher this enormous beast? We’re staying at a beautiful country inn, just 5km
Cutting to the Bone: The cultural nuances of butchering meat Read More »
Welcome to the Vi Jazz festival in Vilafranca del Penedés: balmy summer nights, free Jazz concerts galore, and abundant local wine in the historic center of this modest Catalán city of around 40,000 inhabitants. Dating back to the 12th century, Vilafranca is the economic engine and heart of the Penedés wine industry. While Penedés garners
History of Jazz in Catalunya, Spain Read More »
Granted, our new writer is more focused on articles related to lactose based beverages, but soon, he’ll be craving a wide range of flavors, textures and aromas. Hence, it is with great pleasure we announce our son: Mica Douro Opaz, born July 25th at 3:39am weighing 3.095 kg and 49.5 inches long, a squishy, delightful
Catavino Welcomes a New Writer to Our Team!! Read More »
