For us, the rain in Spain did not stay mainly in the plain. We had two sunny days (during which we crammed in as many parks and gardens as we could), but then it drizzled for the remainder our time in Madrid. We managed to avoid the worst of the rain by dining during the downpours, taking a day trip to Toledo, and getting cultural in a few world class art museums.
Read MoreAlright, we admit it. We indulged in a lot less Spanish cuisine than we could've. Why? It's not because Madrid's food was bad. Quite the contrary. Two months without Asian food was leaving a strong craving in our bellies and Madrid has a great international food culture. So, we had Korean, Japanese, and...well, McDonalds isn't Asian, but definitely comfort food. We did manage a few Spanish plates in between our guilty feedings.
Read MoreWelcome to the Royal Botanical Gardens where footpaths are fringed with the young buds of early greenery and petals flaunt their playful colors of periwinkle, pinks, and cream. Despite spring's success, the gardeners keep their heads down, fingers busy. There is more work to be done. Wheelbarrows trundle and bump between flowerbeds while the clip-clip of pruning shears mark the moments that pass until summer's blossoms arrive.
Read MoreMadrid has some of the prettiest manicured parks and gardens. El Retiro Park is the largest park in Madrid with secluded walking paths, a crystal palace, and, if the notion strikes, a place to go row a boat. Not to be outdone, Jardines de Sabatini, while much smaller, is a fun maze of green hedges and burbling fountains set against the backdrop of the massive royal palace.
Read MoreBelieve it or not, we don't post everything we eat on Food Fridays. Here are a few runner ups from our travels so far that didn't quite make it to blog-worthy status.
Read MoreThere is something about Lisbon that invites you to turn that one more corner (and see a woman singing Fado in the streets), unlock the windows (and let the neighbor's cat in for a midnight visit), or gather your resolve and climb that next hill out of seven (and get that amazing city view). To put it mildly, we fell in love with Lisbon. We stayed two weeks, which was just enough time. Any longer, and we would have been trying to find a way to stay here permanently.
Read MoreThe seaside town of Cascais is only a 40 minute local train ride from Lisbon. After a quick walk through the town streets, we reached the jagged rock strewn coast. We started off walking along the road and in between the crags in the cliffs, but soon realized our feet could only take us so far. If we wanted to go further, we'd need a little assistance. We returned to town and rented electric bikes (absolutely loved these, no more worries about head winds or hills) to take us further down the coastline towards the distant sands of Guincho beach.
Read MoreSintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site clustered with castles, palaces, parks, and religious buildings. That description doesn't quite do justice to what is actually here. We started off our day trip grounded in history (a ruined Moorish castle, the royal palace), but ended up finishing with a strange sense of experiencing something fantastical. We not only got to glimpse at how the people in these places lived, but how they dreamed.
Read MoreDining out in Lisbon isn't considered complete without drinks and dessert. The servers give a baffled look if you decide to go without either (the very polite ones blink really hard). At a cost of an extra euro or two, which is sometimes cheaper than a bottle of water, it's hard to resist trying a few new desserts and sampling the local beverages. Oh yes, and did we mention that Lisbon has an open liquor policy?
Read MoreAfter a few days of cobblestone streets, historical town squares, and intricately tiled buildings, we headed over to the modern side of Lisbon. In 1998, Lisbon hosted the World Expo which sparked a renewal of a coastal area north east of central Lisbon. A cable car was strung, steel and glass buildings were built, and the second largest aquarium tank in the world was filled. Post-expo, the area was named Parque das Nações (Park of the Nations) and has been a gathering place since then for locals and tourists alike.
Read MoreBelém is a pretty district that offers a slower, flatter change of pace from central Lisbon's bustling hills. The biggest attraction is the Jeronimos Monastery, but there are a few other gems hidden here, such as a beautiful walk along the Tagus River that's dotted with historical points of interest and cute food trucks.
Read MoreIn Lisbon, the food is cheap and the portions are huge. The seafood is fresh and their meats, beef included, are surprisingly good too. They love their olive oil and potatoes come in all forms...boiled, mashed, smashed, fried, and chipped.
They also love sharing tips about their food. Here are a few we were given:
1. Go to the places with the handwritten menus
2. Order the especial do dia (special of the day)
3. Try the bacalhau at least once since it is the national food and there are apparently 365 different ways of making it
4. Never skip dessert
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