This is a cautionary tale. We bought our tickets for 7am. It was early, but for the price we would happily manage it. But then, we were in Spain where typically late nights make a certain ruin of mornings. We went out, we had copas, we decided on a mini-siesta, aiming to get in just […]
6 Tips on How to Ride the Rails in Spain like a Pro Read More »
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 »
“Claret is the liquor for boys; port, for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy…There are, indeed, few who are able to drink brandy. That is a power rather to be wished for than attained.” – Samuel Jackson Sipping brandy neat—no ice, no mixer—is an acquired taste for most, and like
How to Find the Best Spanish Brandy 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 »
With more than two thousand years of grape growing and winemaking history, and as the country with the largest planted surface of vineyards in the world, approaching Spanish wines for the first time can be quite intimidating. Different regions, climates, varieties, regulations,… yield different styles that can gratify very divergent palates. Familiarize yourself with the
Spanish Wine 101- A starting point for Spanish Wine Lovers Read More »
Standing in a Spanish pescadería can be intimidating, even to the most acclimated gringo. Unlike in the U.S., where the fish counters are neat and organized, filets in even rows, a Spanish fish market is not for the squeamish. Whole fish are displayed on ice, heads and tails intact. Large shiny eyes stare up at you,
The Essential Travelers Guide to Ordering Fish in Spain Read More »
Spain might be known for its festivals and its food more than for its skiing, but it would be remiss to assume that Spain is a country best visited in the summer. Although it sports almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, the mountains, too, offer their own unique beauty and a wealth of winter activities beyond
Best Places to Ski in Spain 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 »
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 »
Unless you fancy yourself a bit of a sweet talker, convincing a vendor at Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market to sell you just one slice each of six different kinds of jamón isn’t likely to happen. I’ve enjoyed once or twice the feeling of hammy contentment after copping a free (tiny) taste of a top-quality
Jamón Experience: Tasting Spanish ham in Barcelona on a Budget Read More »
Thanksgiving is a famed holiday in the European community. Non-American friends and co-workers repeatedly ask when this epic meal occurs (hinting for an invite), and nearly all Americans living here agree that the best part of having an authentic Thanksgiving meal on foreign soil is sharing the experience with at least one first-timer every year.
Thanksgiving in Iberia: An Ode to Port Wine and Stuffed Fowl! Read More »
There isn’t a home or professional kitchen in Spain that doesn’t stock olive oil. Its omnipresence is ubiquitous. Similar to the French passion for butter, we adore this unctuous, golden liquid! One of the best ways to experience Spanish oil is during breakfast. While a sweet pastry is still appreciated, most of us are unconditionally loyal to “Pan, Aceite y
6 Tips to Guarantee Fresh and Delicious Olive Oil Read More »
The city of Santiago de Compostela is really more of a town than a city. It’s small, yet bustling with university students, locals, tourists, and—of course—road-weary pilgrims soaking up the glory of a long road traveled. The Camino de Santiago is the city’s biggest claim to fame—a Medieval pilgrimage taken for centuries by Christians to
Santiago de Compostela: Food and Wine Mecca! Read More »
Photographer: Marcos Bolaños Capture Date: January 2014 Location: Canary Islands About: Despite its small size, the Canary Island Volcanic Archipelago is one of the most beautifully diverse places on earth supporting rare endemic species of animals and plants sequestered in the thick laurisilva forests. Hence, the islands aren’t just for sandy beaches and subtle white wine, but a rich fairytale
Friday Feature Photo: The Fairytale Forests of the Canary Islands, Spain Read More »
