Gastronomy – Travel – Culture
Prior to the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock and before the English colony of Jamestown, there was St. Augustine in Florida. It was founded as a settlement in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, which makes it the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African American origin in the United States. Castillo de San… Continue reading The Colonial Quarter & Castillo de San Marcos | Historic St. Augustine, Florida
The first time I read about the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth, I was in grammar school and I was intrigued. As with the many other stories of explorers and interesting places around the country, I wanted to visit historical St. Augustine. It was not until recently when I was… Continue reading Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park | Discovering St. Augustine, Florida
Greetings from Peru (I'm the pickle in the middle) The remarkable city of Lima was our first introduction into Peru. From here we traveled throughout the country into Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and onto the grand prize of the trip, Machu Picchu. Lima was a brilliant way to get ourselves grounded… Continue reading The Historical City of Lima – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
Madrid's Architecture Creating an itinerary for Madrid was quite challenging for me, and I am a seasoned traveler with 50 countries under my jet setting seatbelt. I was in Madrid for a week, and wanted to fill it with the city's history, art, culture, and its remarkable dining. I believe that I did a 'pat… Continue reading The Magnificent City of Madrid | Discovering Spain
The art and culture scene of Madrid is a brilliant one, and it is one of my favorites on this side of the pond. If your interests also lie in art, then you understand the appreciation one feels to take in a region's art scene through a variety of mediums. The city of Madrid is… Continue reading Madrid’s Greatest Museums | Discovering Spain
During my travels, I have always found myself exploring castles, old fortress, and palaces; I suppose it is one of my travel obsessions. I have been to so many that I lost count a few years ago, but then again I was never counting. In my own mad way, visiting former royal residences has always… Continue reading Palacio Real de Madrid – The Royal Palace of Madrid | Discovering Spain
Sitting at the top of a double decker tour bus can give you a unique view of a city. While visiting Cusco we hopped onto a double decker bus serendipitously, and before we even left my eyes were on the people of the city. I was intrigued how they moved throughout this ancient Incan city,… Continue reading Cusco – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
Las Vegas, NV- EDO Tapas is another of my favorites in Las Vegas. It is not located on The Strip, but is a swanky little Spanish wine restaurant in Chinatown. Many of my Vegas food friends and I have always raved about EDO, and I had also enjoyed their original food truck 'Boqueria Street'. They… Continue reading EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine | Tasteful Tapas in Las Vegas’s Chinatown
Arequipa Basilica Arequipa, also known as La Cuidad Blanca or the "White City", was an extraordinary Spanish colonial city in Peru to visit. In hindsight, I wish that I dedicated more time here to stay and play. The city of Arequipa was magnificent to see with its 16th - 17th century Baroque facades, and elaborate… Continue reading Picturesque Arequipa – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering Peru
Exploring the brilliant "White City" of Arequipa, had lead me to also explore a colorful little city, the Monasterio de Santa Catalina - it was a city within a city. Just a few minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas is Monasterio de Santa Catalina, and it is a fascinating place. Santa Catalina is a… Continue reading The Monasterio de Santa Catalina of Arequipa | Discovering Peru
On my first adult visit to Cebu, where my parents and family originated from, I made it a point to visit many of the Spanish heritage sites. I think that I was trying to understand my Spanish DNA (as per Ancestry .com) as much as possible, even if it were only through buildings and monuments.… Continue reading Cebu City’s Spanish Heritage Sites | Exploring the Philippines
Scotty's Castle in Death Valley, California is an intriguing look into the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy during the roaring 20's. What is even more intriguing is the story behind this classic Mission Revival style home in the midst of nowhere. It was the secluded winter hideaway for Chicago millionaires Albert and Bessie Johnson, from… Continue reading Scotty’s Castle – Death Valley National Park | Exploring California
Trixie Navarre 