Arriving in Caceres (my starting point for walking part of the Via de la Plata Camino) was a bit different. As I hopped off the train from Madrid in the evening I faced cold and rain. Time for a taxi to my hotel only meters from Plaza Mayor. As I arrive I hear the bands and music and see that some kind of festival is … Continue reading Caceres – one of Spain’s splendid small cities
Arriving late in the day in Brussels what better thing to do than head to the Grand Place with its palaces, old guild halls and town hall illuminated against the night sky. Crowds of people were enjoying the open air cafes in this square voted Europe’s most beautiful in 2010. The Town Hall was built in stages beginning in 1401. Subsequent bombardments and fires led … Continue reading A Taste of Belgium
Leiden is a relaxed and charming university town a half hour train ride from Amsterdam. The old town is filled with canals lined with distinctive tall and narrow houses and the odd building or church of historical significance. It features 88 bridges, a few windmills, a significant number of pleasure boats, an array of cafes and restaurants fronting the water and an army of happy … Continue reading The Dutch City of Leiden
I have always loved bright coloured flowers and as a child I dreamed of visiting the tulips in Holland. So on a 5 week trip to Europe I have taken myself for a taste of Holland while my other half is busy walking another Camino Based in the charming city of Leiden I walked to one of the bike rentals in town this morning and … Continue reading A bike tour through tulip country
If you like mediterranean coastal scenery, rugged walking paths, ancient history and Turkish cuisine then walking along parts of the 500 kilometre Lycian Way on the southern coast of Turkey might be something to put on the bucket list. It is still uncrowded but will no doubt become one of the world’s popular walks as accommodation options increase year by year. Starting point is at … Continue reading Walking the Lycian Way
1. Paella – a great local dish throughout Spain – this one from Spanish Pyrenees. Rich with seafood and saffron. Best enjoyed in home cooked fashion in a family run cafe. 2. Padron Peppers – from Padron or nearby in Galicia, Spain. Not always in season. If you are lucky they will be chargrilled for just the right amount of time with added salt. A … Continue reading Irresistible Iberian Food Dishes
For me there are three distinct parts to doing a long walk. The first stage is the planning and research which I always enjoy even if time consuming. The second stage is actually doing the walk which can be surprising and tough. The third stage is about processing the experience and using this to make future plans. Here are my impressions following the Portuguese Camino … Continue reading Reflections on Portuguese Camino in May 2017
Spending a few days or a few weeks to follow your passion or learn a new skill can transform a holiday into a life changing experience. Learning holidays are ideal for solo travellers and provide opportunities to connect with other travellers and a chance to fully immerse in a local culture. Here are 6 ways to enjoy a more holistic holiday experience. LEARN FLAMENCO IN … Continue reading Learning Holidays – 6 Ways to Enrich your European Travel Experience
Madrid is a laid back city which is not overly dominated by tourists and is compact enough to be able to walk to all major attractions. A really neat thing about Madrid is that there are many things to do which are either free or cost very little. Enjoy the Glorious Gardens in El Retiro and Walk Along Paseo del Prado – El Retiro is huge … Continue reading How to spend a Day in Madrid Mostly for Free
