Lured, like many, with the promise of virgin beaches, I made the pilgrimage to Almería. Though the city itself is rarely a stop on most tourists’ itineraries of Spain, I’m here to say, they’re missing out. For a foodie on a budget, Almería allures even more. Whether gazing longingly at a Mediterranean sunset or hopping … Continue reading
Recently, I discovered something new. After just one sip, I realized I had been missing out on something truly dynamic and different. My newly educated mind tingled with the drink’s alcohol heft, its subtle sweetness, and most of all, its interesting interplay of herbs and spices. Vermouth. How had I not known about it? Those privy to it, … Continue reading
A year ago, I was living in another Spain. Though just four hours away from my current life in Madrid, it was as if stepping into another country, a place you may have heard of, called Andalucía. As I knew Baeza, my small city in Jaén, it was a place defined by poetic words, an … Continue reading
Just 45 minutes away from Madrid, Chinchón feels like another world. It’s quaint, small, and ideal for a Madrid escape. In fact, it’s so close, you can even see the city’s skyline and sierra. From the crumbling castle, Chinchón’s highest point, time and space muddle together. Young boys kick a football, girls swing their hips … Continue reading
With 6.5 million in the metropolitan area, Madrid is mighty. If you have just a weekend in the Spanish capital, do this. I beg of you. There’s no flamenco listed, nor a stop for the Prado, but rather Madrid’s musts, from a local*. The places I have grown to love–or lust after. 1. Art Hop– … Continue reading
Inside Madrid is a new feature of Cut the Kitsch. Featuring Madrid’s traditional and modern enterprises and the people who frequent them. Deep in Lavapiés, Madrid’s multicultural neighborhood, you can find an untraditional Spain. On Calle Amparo, there’s a Turkish Cafe, a nondescript mosque, and now, a British cafe restaurant. Even in the brightly colored neighborhood, … Continue reading
At 1,486 meters, Spain’s tallest village, Trevélez stands tall. Its bulk, painted white, is a postcard image of Spain’s South. Houses stack upon houses on the incredible mountainous slope. Not far off, Spain’s tallest peak rises. Originally, I went to hike. I had wanted to step inside Granada’s Sierra Nevada since living in its provisional … Continue reading
It’s the question I’m asked constantly. “How do you travel so often? You’re always going somewhere interesting.” My quick answer: location, Ryan Air, a flexible job, and research. But there are a few tricks to the art of traveling cheap (and sometimes for free!) that every vagabond should know. 1. Couchsurfing Most people know about … Continue reading
Wine, candy floss, enchanting buildings and seashells. León, Spain, is just one beautiful Spanish city along the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Go visit it! Tip: Visit the Barrio Humedo and try the saucy blue cheese patatas, drink a copa of local wine (Tierra de León) and find a seat with a view of the cathedral, Santa … Continue reading
“Drinking wine was not a snobbism nor a sign of sophistication nor a cult; it was as natural as eating and to me as necessary.” –A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway #Wine #Spain #LegendaryCharacters Continue reading
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