Visiting Estepa: More Than Just Mantecados
I sometimes confused Estepona, a beach destination on the Costa del Sol, with Estepa, a town nuzzled up to a hill at the far reaches of the Seville province. During…
Seville Snapshot: The Plaça Reial of Barcelona
Over the holidays, my parents and sister arrived to Barajas jet-lagged but 15 minutes early. I was typing away on a story at the cafetería next to the arrivals gates…
Tapa Thursdays: The Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid
When I came to Spain to study, my first meal was far from memorable - a slop of mayonnaise, potatoes and nothing else discernable. I was convinced that I didn't…
Portugal. Tally: five trips.
Making the Choice to Live Abroad (and Stay)
My first steps in Spain landed in a big wipeout. Armed with two suitcases, a carry-on and my laptop bag, I tried to hoist my backpack onto my bag, using…
Seville Snapshot: The Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos
Not too many years ago, I asked my high school students what the Reyes Magos had brought them. In the midst of a financial crisis, I was shocked to hear…
The Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival: The Songhua River’s Annual Swan Song
Crouched in near racing positions, we listened as Vicki laid out the rules. “You have twenty minutes. Do not spend money. Do not even THINK about running. Do not take…