June 2018 Archives

June 6, 2018

Spain’s Little Sights

Exploring Europe, you see the big sights — and you also see the little ones. Here are a few little things I noticed along the way in Spain.

While I was very comfortable during my visit earlier this spring (temperatures were in the 60s and 70s each day and evening), in a few weeks it’ll be cracking 100, and there will be a lot of wall-crawling shrimps. (The brutal summer sun in Spain turns pedestrians into what are now called “wall crawlers” — people walking right up against the walls, catching whatever shade they can. And tourists not used to the sun who get burned are called “shrimps.”)

looking up at awnings along a street — Climate change is real — and Europe is getting hotter. In Spain, canvas awnings provide entire streets with critical shade.

More and more, tourists are enjoying the delights of Andalucía and, more and more, English is the language of travel. Rather than the old-school menus with five languages, menus are now generally in two (or maybe three) languages, including English.

Study this menu — great prices, fun tapas.

Spain loves its festivals, and Sevilla takes it to extremes. My favorite Triana bar includes the dates of the major festivals on its business card — for the next several years.

festival dates written in spanish on a small card — Olé!

(What about you? I’d love to hear about some of the little sights you saw on your last trip. Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.)

June 5, 2018

Let’s Do This! Join Me in Empowering Bread for the World

As I travel far from home, I think a lot about economic realities — both in the US and abroad. I know that many travelers feel the same. And that’s why, last week, I offered to match all your contributions to Bread for the World (up to $50,000) with my own gift. Plus, if you make a gift of $50 or more, I’ll send you a copy of my book, Travel as a Political Act, as a thank you.

I’m really proud to help empower Bread for the World with this fundraiser…and we’re off to a great start, with over $40,000 raised so far. With my match, that’s $80,000 for Bread. Remember, rather than charity, this is advocacy — advocating for smart government policies that help struggling and hungry communities, both in the US and abroad, to work hard and succeed.

While I’m excited about Bread’s work from a “love thy neighbor” point of view, I’d like to point out to people for whom hunger and desperation, out of sight, isn’t an issue that this is a national security issue, too. When we help our poor succeed (with, for example, better nutrition for children in their first 1,000 days), they are better able to contribute to society, and our nation grows stronger. And when we help other countries build their economies (with, for example, technologies that help their people become healthier, and therefore better able to learn, work, and take care of their environment), the world becomes more stable — and America becomes safer.

Whether you’ve got a heart the size of Mother Teresa, you’re someone at the other end of the compassion spectrum, or you’re somewhere in between, this exciting initiative will help Bread for the World do good and important things. Please, as you watch this clip, consider the timeliness of this initiative and help us meet our goal. To join in, please make your contribution now. Thanks.

June 4, 2018

What’s the Deal with Hard Rock Cafe?

You find Hard Rock Cafes at landmark locations all over Europe. And you find tourists that, like pilgrims, seek them out and buy a T-shirt there. I have never understood the allure.

Can anyone explain to me the appeal of this bit of American rock ‘n’ roll culture overseas? Drop me a line in the comments below, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

June 3, 2018June 1, 2018

A Relaxing Day on Portugal’s South Coast

Hello from the Algarve, on Portugal’s south coast — a place where I love to recharge. After a busy six weeks of TV filming and guidebook research, I took an easy day at my favorite retreat (Pensión Maré in Salema, which I’ve recommended for decades).

Then, I ventured to the Land’s End of Europe, Cape Sagres, to check the information in the Rick Steves Portugal guidebook. Last year, my researcher added a bit about the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent that sounded hard to believe:

“If you’d like to go up to visit the actual lighthouse, wait at the door marked ‘Privado Staff Only,’ and the lighthouse keeper may eventually show up to take you on a free little tour (for a tip). The ‘tour’ is a 20-minute romp (in broken English) around the 1908 lighthouse. You’ll climb steep stairs and enjoy the tranquility of the couple of families who live here, maintaining the now automated beacon.”

So often, these kinds of possibilities turn out to be nothing more than wishful thinking. I’m happy to confirm that I knocked…and it worked.

This is why we update our guidebooks in person. When you knock…I want it to work for you, too.

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June 2, 2018June 1, 2018

Spain: A Festival of Images

Traveling in Spain is a festival of images. While I was there earlier this spring, I chanced upon many beautiful moments…both lively and pristine.

Stepping away from the action of Granada’s Albayzín quarter and into the peace of the small Church of San Gregorio, I came upon a sister in white kneeling at the altar. She’s part of a holy team of Franciscan nuns who are committed to keeping prayers heaven bound 24/7. The silence, offering such a contrast to the hubbub outside, and the quiet persistence of her faith caused me to pause and be both thoughtful and thankful.

Seeing the delight ice cream brings a child is a universal slam dunk for a happy photo. (Here’s a tip: When photographing little kids, get down on their level.)

I enjoyed the scene at the Sunday morning antique market in Sevilla’s Plaza del Cabildo, near the cathedral. As I watched little kids earnestly trading soccer cards with adults, it occurred to me that Spanish kids trade cards of their soccer heroes just like American kids trade baseball cards.

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