After a long day of sightseeing and a bus breakdown, I was relieved to find out accommodation for the night in Guinmares was a beautiful former monastery tucked into the surrounding peaks of the Douro Valley. Pousada de Santa Marinha is not the type of place I would typically stay, but I can't say … [Read more...] about The Night I Spent in a Monastery
Europe
Packing for a Trip to Europe
Packing for my upcoming trip to Europe has been a bit of a struggle. I usually travel in extreme seasons, either in the summertime when I know I will be living in my swimsuit, or in winter when I need heavy coats and scarves. But this trip will be from early September to mid October and cover … [Read more...] about Packing for a Trip to Europe
From Disaster to Surprise in Siena
It started with the words you never want to hear: "I'm sorry but we seem to have overbooked. We don't have a room for you." I was traveling by train through Italy with my parents, sisters, and grandmother in the summer of 2006 for Sammi's Sweet 16 trip. So far we had good luck, in Venice and … [Read more...] about From Disaster to Surprise in Siena
Interview with Travel Guru Rick Steves
Some people freak out at the idea of interviewing their favorite celebrities, like Brad Pitt or Kate Hudson. I, however, turned my stomach into knots when I was given the chance to interview one of my idols, Rick Steves. I've been watching his PBS show for as long as I can remember and couldn't … [Read more...] about Interview with Travel Guru Rick Steves
Just Touched Down in Londontown
As you may have read in "Making a Living," I flew to London last weekend for a job interview. I didn't have a whole lot of time (only 4 days) or money (still saving for Australia), so I had to keep it as cheap as possible. I stayed at my beloved Palmer's Lodge Hostel in Swiss Cottage, where I … [Read more...] about Just Touched Down in Londontown