I’ve been busy; lately, I’ve swirled, sipped, and delighted in copious cups of good wine (and as you can see above, tea). All, I’m telling you, in the name of ahem, research. From further afield, my insight: A guide to Turkish wine, plus wineries to visit in Turkey’s enchanting land of fairy chimneys. You must try it, … Continue reading
The count is clear; two days remain. My mind is muddled. An overwhelming flood of changes are about to occur. However, first, I’m heading to La Rioja for the battle of wine! Afterward, I want to discover Cataluña beyond its capital. Perhaps enjoying some vermouth from the source? Then, finally, Turkey. I’m traveling solo, confident, and … 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
I’ve always slated Lisbon as one of my favorite cities in Europe. Here’s why. (Photo series part one: Semana Santa 2013) The first time I came to Lisbon, I was enchanted. Its fading colors, cracking paint, and continuous tiles had me clicking my camera until I left. It was my European city, a bit abandoned … 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
Thank you for the Liebster Award! Check out my tagger, (Pre) Concept, and her beautiful travel photography. Thank you! The rules of the Liebster Award: When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you. Pass the award onto 11 other blogs (make … 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
When speaking of Madrid, it’s no secret that Malasaña is the city’s trendy superstar. After all, la movida madrileña occurred here in this neighborhood. If you’re unfamiliar with this freewheeling era in Madrid’s history, I’ll simplify it. After the Franco dictatorship ended, creative freedom exploded, especially in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Pedro Almodóvar, … Continue reading
You may have realized by now, I love wine, especially Spanish wine. However, there’s another competing force here. Beer. Or rather, good, special, artisanal beer. In the past 20 years, craft breweries in the U.S. have flourished like Japan during the springtime. But unlike springtime, it shows no signs of abating, luckily. Madrid, on the … Continue reading
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