Europe
Madrid and Barcelona
Jul 13th
Madrid won my heart last week during my trip to Spain. Before departing for Spain, everyone I spoke with who had been to Madrid and Barcelona both told me I would absolutely love Barcelona, without so much as a word about Madrid. While I enjoyed my time in Barcelona, it is Madrid I would choose to visit on a return to Spain.
Barcelona’s beach and location on the water was beautiful. I spent my first night at the Hotel Arts, which was, in a word, lovely. I would have been more than content to stay there the whole trip, but I was lucky to get one night as they were fully booked the rest of my stay.
I then moved to the trendy 1898 Hotel in the old town and could not have left a minute sooner (look for my review in an upcoming eFlyer). My last two nights were spent at the EuroStar BCN Design Hotel, which was in a prime location for me, in the new part of the city and away from the touristy Ramblas, one block from one of the infamous Gaudi houses. The lobby was minimal, the rooms were large and contemporary and I had a balcony. The hotel was reasonable and I highly recommend it to any business traveler, single person or couple needing a reasonable, stylish hotel.
I spent my last three nights in Madrid, falling in love with the city. Perhaps my affection for Madrid stems from the fact that I am more of a city person than a beach person, but Madrid offered greenery, a stunning old town and more interaction with the Spanish people.
I spent three nights at the InterContinental Hotel and I was in close proximity – via foot, subway or taxi ride – to anywhere I wanted to be. I had a delicious traditional dinner in the old town at Botin restaurant and a phenomenal contemporary tapas lunch at Le Carera. The nightlife in Madrid mesmerized me with restaurants not even opening until 9 p.m.! I enjoyed the pace of the city and did not find it to be overwhelming. The architecture is elegant and beautiful. Madrid, I look forward to discovering more!
-Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
An Experience to Remember
Jul 8th
This past spring semester, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad. I was based in Rome but took advantage of weekends and breaks to travel around Europe. After all my trips and travels, Rome remains one of my favorite destinations.
Living in a place gives you a unique feel for the city, one that a week’s vacation could never provide. It’s the little things that the usual traveler will never be able to experience that create the most substantial memories.
I lived in Trastevere, a section of Rome across the Tiber from the main historical sites. There, I was able to experience the Roman lifestyle firsthand. I attended Santa Maria in Trastevere every Sunday for Mass and went to the same restaurant every week for their 10-euro student meal. These little treats made my time in Rome special and gave me a genuine experience abroad.
One of my fondest memories in Trastevere was going to the grocery store every few days. I bought the same things every time I went, and there were even times when I had no idea what I was purchasing. With poor Italian skills, my purchases were often random and occasionally wrong. Many times I just bought things because the picture on the box looked good or the name sounded exciting. Fortunately, I was never disappointed — even with my miserable skills in the kitchen.
One day in particular stands out to me. I was going through my usual shopping routine when I got to the check-out line. The store was a family-run business, and there was often a line at the register. I was waiting in line and I lost myself in thought and replaced my usual smile with a pensive expression. As I approached the cashier, an Italian man in his late 40s turned to me and said, “Smile!” He also broke into a big smile. It was this little act of reminding me to savor every moment that an average traveler may not get to experience. For this reason, that moment and this store will be a huge part of my Italian memories.
Another unique experience I had while in Rome was seeing all the sights without the crowds. It was amazing to walk right into the Colosseum and tour the Vatican as slowly as I wanted. I was able to see the beauty of Rome without being distracted by the tourists that flock the city come May.
Travel not only for the sights but for the experience of the culture. After my time abroad, I firmly believe no trip is complete until you wander into the little shops, eat the local cuisine and interact with the locals. Hotels are everywhere; it’s the culture that makes a place.
– Mary Carpenter, intern
Why Ask Why?
Jul 6th
I am on vacation in Spain for the first time. I was invited to go to Spain and attend the Tae Kwon Do World Championship in Vigo. Unfortunately, the day before my departure, the organizer of my trip, who was part of the Tae Kwon Do festivities, had to cancel, leaving me with a week in Spain and no itinerary.
While I was very disappointed to miss the meeting with my friend, the opportunity to fill a week in Spain was rather exciting. I chose to go to Barcelona first. I had heard many wonderful things about the city (stay tuned to hear more about my experience in blogs to come), but the Long Island Youth Orchestra heavily influenced my decision to come to Barcelona.
I traveled the world with that orchestra for five summers in high school and college. We were 85 students strong during the five summers I toured, and I covered every continent except South America. I believe I missed the South America tour by just a year or two.
Before re-routing my ticket from Vigo to Barcelona, I saw the orchestra was giving its first concert at the Conservatori de Lucea in Barcelona and I knew I had to attend. Yesterday morning, I ventured out into the city and found the orchestra rehearsing, even running into a few old friends still with the group. It brought me back to some of the most phenomenal experiences of my young adult life. Those experiences helped shape me and led me down the career path I am on today.
To see the students on stage — some seasoned veterans, some taking their first tour — made me proud to be a member of this special alumni group. It made me happier to thank the man who made it all happen, Mr. Martin Dreiwitz, who founded the organization in 1962.
While I was at first disappointed to hear my plans had been canceled, it turned out just fine. If they had not been canceled, I would have never seen LIYO in Spain. I had a chance to remember why I love traveling the world and reconnect with my roots. Tomorrow, I am en route to Madrid. The orchestra heads to Mallorca. I can only imagine what adventures await the students, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of Spain has in store for me!
– Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher
Portuguese Wines
Jun 21st
While traveling, we took a few hours to visit the Cartuxa Vineyards for a tour and winetasting. The vineyard was originally a Jesuit post — the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal in 1759; and in 1821, all religious orders were banned and their property was taken over by the state. It was not until the early 20th century that orders returned, but never to the same strength. This was an interesting story for me, someone with eight years of Jesuit education in Philadelphia (St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and St. Joseph’s University). The Jebbies always have an interesting story.
Portugal makes some wonderful wine, and I think it is often overlooked by the American market. Spain has done such an incredible job marketing and promoting its wine, whereas small Portugal has been overlooked (says something about marketing and advertising your brand!). When Americans think of Portuguese wine, they immediately think of Port, the fortified sweet wine often served after a meal. They actually have many varietals to offer.
Since yesterday was Father’s Day, we uncorked a bottle that we brought back (I shipped two wonderful whites in my golf bag). We enjoyed a light and crisp white wine, Perma Manca 2007, from the Evora-Alentejo vineyard. Perfect for the day before the first day of summer!
So next time you are in Portugal, make sure you stash a few bottles of Portuguese wine in your golf bag!
– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO
