I wouldn’t say I am a budget traveler, but then again I would. I hate overpriced tourist traps. Europe happens to have loads. However, I appreciate travel splurges here and there, a nice meal or a three star hotel. When I set out for Italy this summer, I knew it was obviously a more expensive option than going to live in a village in Africa or backpacking through Southeast Asia. Since I could walk, a challenge has never made me back down. I left for Italy with very little money. For those of you who dream of spending a few months in Europe, specifically Italy, it is possible. Here are some Continue Reading
Porto, Portugal Wishes You Were Here
Clark and Kim from To Uncertainty and Beyond capture Porto, Portugal. I was also in Porto this summer so expect a post soon on this enchanting, can't quite put your finger on it, city. In the mean time, enjoy Clark and Kim's moments with Porto. As our train pulled into Porto, we found ourselves crossing a bridge and beholding the city from the best view imaginable. The colorful buildings piled high on the banks and the beautiful, high bridges spilling across the river make Porto truly breathtaking. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is alive with activity. Boats hurry up Continue Reading
Jelling, Denmark Wishes You Were Here
Nothing is sweeter than when you realize some useless piece of information you have stored away becomes of use. Driving through Denmark en-route to the ferry stop to Sweden, I notice signs for Jelling in southern Jutland. A light bulb goes off and I remember the town’s importance to Denmark as a whole. The Jelling burial mounds and runic stones tell the story of Denmark’s beginnings and transition from a pagan society to Christian. Known as the Jelling Stones, the two stones sit rather modestly out in the open air, but are deemed Denmark’s birth certificate. One served as a memorial Continue Reading
The Statues Of Florence, Italy Wish You Were Here
Museums tend to hold the majority of cherished and prized Italian art. However, outside a number of Florentine residents add to the outdoor museum of the city. Part of what I love about Florence is its cohesive architecture, the city's ability to stick to one style even throughout newer, more modern buildings. Part of that appeal lies in nearly every piazza and around every corner. There is some sort of statue to be seen, admired, and yes, even feared. The more famous, the lesser known, the symbolic and the evil eyed are among my favorites in Florence. Continue Reading
Évora in the Evening
In the Alto Alentejo region of Portugal, Évora is not an undiscovered place of beauty. The preserved medieval town has its fair share of tourists passing through daily, but in the evening, the city oddly brightens, revealing its protective, historical, gruesome, spooky and friendly side all wrapped up into the confines of its Roman walls. Évora’s Sé looks more like it is ready for battle than attune to prayers of sinners and saints. Massive, monstrous and topped with varying domes in size, shape and color, the Cathedral holds much of the city’s richest history. Construction began on the Sé Continue Reading
Óbidos, Portugal Wishes You Were Here
Despite the crowds of tourists and joggers gearing up for a race through town and despite the freeway looming not so far in the distance, Óbidos, Portugal is undeniable. The walled city allows visitors to scale its shoulders, no railing and all. Looking down warrants a few stomach jumps, but in the end all that can be seen is the ultimate wedding gift. Dom Dinis gave Obidos to his wife Dona Isabel. After centuries of blood from the Visigoths, Romans and Moors, sweat today from the marathon runners and tears from a few crying Portuguese baby tourists, Óbidos is difficult to grasp. After all, it Continue Reading
Ponte alla Carraia in Florence, Italy Wishes You Were Here
Most draw their attentions to the Ponte Vecchio in the other direction, but Ponte alla Carraia warrants more than a look. Standing on Ponte Santa Trinitá, Ponte alla Carraia spans the River Arno and appears covered in a haze this evening. The reflections of nearby buildings use the Arno as their mirror, getting ready for a big night out in Florence. Would you like to have your photo featured here? Email me at suzy [at] suzyguese [dot] com. Continue Reading