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
travel
What Hospitality Has Taught Me About Travel
For the last three years of my life, I’ve worked in the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants and bars have been my life when I wasn’t traveling and even when I was. I like working in hospitality because the jobs are easy to find in between my various jaunts around the world. I like meeting and … [Read more...] about What Hospitality Has Taught Me About Travel
Experiences, Not Expenses
Throughout my travels, I've learned that sometimes it's not about keeping things as cheap as possible. It's the experiences, not expenses that you remember years later. Some travel splurges are worth making. While I may stress at the time about adjusting my budget for those tours, accommodations or … [Read more...] about Experiences, Not Expenses
The Joy of Long Walks
Colonial Lake, Charleston, where I walked anytime something was bothering me Something you might be surprised to know about me is that I hate running, despite entering races constantly. I run because I know I should, but I walk because I enjoy it. I enjoy the scenery and it's my favorite … [Read more...] about The Joy of Long Walks
My Favorite Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to get to know a city is to explore the local markets. It's also a cheap way to pick up quality products instead of going to the grocery store. I bought a pound of cherries from a farmers market in Split and I swear they were the best I've ever had. Here are some of my other … [Read more...] about My Favorite Farmers Markets