Tag Archives: Spain

Mediterranean Diet Wins Glowing Reviews

It seems as if people are always looking for the perfect diet.  But, it often alludes us.  We either feel deprived of food or don’t want to eat what we can have.  Worse yet, there are the diets that just don’t work! For years, I have been hearing good things about the Mediterranean diet.  This is the diet primarily followed by people that live in the southern regions of Italy, Greece, and Spain.  It includes a lot of fruit and vegetables along with olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, fish, dairy, meat (but not red), and yes, even wine.  The diet … Continue reading →

Unique Summer Getaways

If you are tired of taking the same summer sojourn to the local pool or neighborhood quarry to soak up the season’s rays then you might consider the following unique travel destinations. By venturing off the beaten path you will be rewarded with the joys of experiencing sun-filled summer adventures minus the summer crowds. ITALY Italy’s island of Ischia is well known to European and Asian travelers, but most Americans have never stepped foot on the green and mountainous island. Most travelers from the U.S. overlook the tiny island and set their sights instead on the more popular island of … Continue reading →

Cruise Europe on a Dime

Okay, it might not be that cheap, but the following deals do reflect savings of up to 65% off regular rates. (Avid as well as first time cruisers can appreciate that.) As far as the destination goes, it’s true, the dollar isn’t at optimal levels in Europe, but at least you are saving money getting there. Another bonus: Instead of fussing with having to pay separately for your room, meals and transportation these cruises allow you to pay one flat fee. CARNIVAL CruisesOnly is currently offering an outstanding deal on an early-bird fall voyage to the Mediterranean. The 12-night odyssey … Continue reading →

Adventures By Disney: Spain

Posted on by

When you arrive at the airport in Madrid, a Disney representative will escort you to your transportation while the driver assists with your luggage. You’ll then be checked in to the Hotel Preciados. You’ll then have time to explore the hotel and surrounding area until the welcome reception and dinner. On your second day, you’ll visit the Royal Palace and the Royal Tapestry Factory in the morning. After lunch at El Espejo Restaurant, you can either return to the hotel or tour Retiro Park with your Adventure Guides. The evening is yours to explore Madrid or take a guided walk … Continue reading →

What To Know Before You Visit—AUSTRIA, SPAIN and PORTUGAL

Continuing my series detailing the social conventions practiced in foreign lands (things you should know BEFORE you leave on your trip abroad) this blog highlights the social norms Austria, Spain and Portugal. AUSTRIA Residents in Austria tend to be quite formal in both their social and business dealings. Which means they do not use first names when being introduced. Handshaking is expected when greeting local Austrians. Also, it is considered impolite to enter a restaurant or shop without saying “Guten Tag” or “Grüss Gott.” Similarly, it is considered rude to leave without saying “Auf Wiedersehen.” Social pleasantries and some exchange … Continue reading →

Spyland—-A New Theme Park Worth Checking Out

Who cares about running with the bulls when you can pretend you are a secret agent in search of international fugitives? Spain is getting a bit more intriguing for would-be super sleuths. If you are more interested in spying on someone digging into a plate of pollo al ajo than you are in dining on it yourself then you don’t want to miss the opportunity to be one of the first to visit Spain’s newest amusement park—-Spyland. The new adventure destination is being constructed as part of a major entertainment complex in the Zaragoza province of Spain, according to park … Continue reading →

Exploring Exotic Locations On Two Wheels and Two Feet

How would you like to explore lemon groves in southern Spain or cycle through the back roads of Madeira (a Portuguese autonomous archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean also known as “The Floating Garden of the Atlantic”) and enjoy the intoxicating smell of jasmine, begonias and camellias while the rest of your neighbors are digging out from a foot of snow? Not a bad way to spend the winter is it? If the idea intrigues you now is the best time to book a cycling or walking tour of some exotic locations. Right now, Breakaway Adventures, a U.S. based tour … Continue reading →

Dumb, Dumber and Just Plain Sad

It’s a known fact: people do crazy things. Whether they are motivated by money (see “Fear Factor” contestants dining on live maggots) or simply functioning on limited brain cells (see David Blaine’s “Drowned Alive” stunt), some people’s actions just leave you shaking your head. That’s exactly what I did when I heard about the following simply stupid moves pulled by a few of our fellow “earthlings:” DUMB A Spanish newspaper reports that police recently arrested four Frenchmen for jumping in front of cars on a busy road in Spain so that they could videotape the reaction of the motorists and … Continue reading →