Historic Deep Dive into Sagunt: Day Trip from Valencia

If you have more than two days to spend in the Valencian region, I highly recommend a day trip to Sagunt/Sagunto, Spain. It's a quick thirty-minute train ride (round trip costs less than €6 as of summer 2023) from Valencia, and it is true time travel at its finest. Bring your heavy duty walking shoes! The cobblestones and gravelly trails are brutal in anything less than sneakers.

The. Views. Will. Blow. Your. Mind.

The ancient town of Sagunt unfolds like a living history book, offering a captivating journey through centuries of remarkable heritage. Here, you wander through its historical streets and encounter remarkable landmarks that have witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. Additionally, you can enjoy all of the following sights totally for free and at your own leisure.

1. Roman Theater of Sagunt

Step back in time as you stand before the Roman Theater of Sagunt, an awe-inspiring relic that harks back to the 1st century BC. With its commanding presence and stunning hillside location, this amphitheater once hosted grand spectacles and performances, leaving a glimpse of the past etched into its worn stone seats. It is also one of the few ancient Roman theaters that has been updated and is able to be used in the present day. You are able to explore the entire stage, seating, and behind-the-scenes tunnels.

2. Sagunto Castle

Perched majestically atop the city's hill, Sagunto Castle guards the town like a sentinel of history. This ancient fortress, which dates back to the Iberian era, boasts panoramic views that stretch from the coastline to the surrounding landscapes. It is clear why this location was fought over between so many different civilizations because of the 360 degree lookout that could prepare defences well in advance of an attack. Its imposing walls, towers, and remnants of a Roman temple make it a must-visit site for history enthusiasts. You can easily spend two to three hours here exploring and enjoying the views.

3. Jewish Quarter and Santa María Square

Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the Jewish Quarter, where the echoes of Sagunt's multicultural past still resonate. Wander into Santa María Square, where the Santa María Church stands as a testament to the town's spiritual heritage. The blend of architectural styles and the tranquil ambiance make this area a serene escape into history. Be sure to check out any of Sagunt's darling traditional Spanish restaurants that dot along the streets!

4. Archaeological Museum

For a deeper understanding of Sagunt's past, the Archaeological Museum awaits with a curated collection of artefacts that chronicle the town's evolution. From Roman ceramics to Iberian sculptures, each exhibit offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those who once called Sagunt home.

5. Ermita de la Sang

Tucked away amidst the historical maze of Sagunt is the Ermita de la Sang, a hidden gem that holds a special place in the town's religious history. This charming chapel, also known as the "Hermitage of the Blood," features a serene courtyard and exquisite interior adorned with intricate artwork and religious artifacts. It has stood for centuries as a place of devotion, offering visitors a peaceful retreat to reflect on Sagunt's spiritual heritage.

Sagunt's historical tapestry continues to captivate visitors, offering a realistic glimpse into the colorful past that enriches the present. Take your time in the streets and wander down the alleyways. Everything is open to your fancy and imagination! As you explore its ancient sites, and indulge in local delicacies, you'll find yourself transported to an era where the stories of time and civilizations intertwine in this charming Spanish town. 

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Make Your Way Around Málaga

Málaga is delightfully known as one of the warmest cities of continental Europe. This makes traveling here wonderful throughout the entire year, and it is nearly always a beautiful day for walking around town for sightseeing.

It's surprisingly compact, and the beach is always just a few minutes away.

This tour is meant to give you a variety of perspectives on Málaga, and make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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This tour actually begins at the Hammam Al Ándalus in the old city center. I recommend going at the early slot in the day for a more peaceful and calm experience. It is an absolute for any trip to Málaga; the only question is which day of your vacation will you want to go - if not everyday!

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After a morning well-spent at the spa, it only takes a few minutes to walk to a delicious brunch spot around the corner, Desal. The sisters who run the place have a fun menu with every kind of freshly squeezed juice, creative takes on Spanish toast, and a ton of avocado and mango options. There are also great coffee choices, and the food selection is so good, you'll have trouble deciding which items not to order.

The Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga and Museo de Málaga are a stone's throw from each other and are crucial to understanding the Catholic background and more modern outlook for the city. The buildings themselves are gorgeous, and just check the opening days and times to make sure you have the amount of time you need in each.

If you're up for a bit of a hike, you can head up to the Alcazaba or the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Both offer extraordinary views of the city and the coastal area, in addition to representing and explaining some of the Moorish history of Málaga.

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The Parque de Málaga is like a tropical forest with huge palm trees, jungle-like plants, fountains, and benches to sit on and watch all the people walking by. This is also a great place for a run or dog walking, and it provides a lot of cool shade on a hot day. Crossing the main road will bring you to the colorful glass cube where you can enter the Centre Pompidou Málaga for the best modern art in the area.

Strolling into the port area is best on the Paseo del Muelle Uno. There are two parts to this promenade: the part covered with white slats that creates the sensation of being on a boat or a yacht in the port, or the area with shopping and food. This second area will take you into a more modern district of Málaga, complete with covered and misted pathways, and will lead you directly to the lighthouse, La Farola.

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You can end your tour by setting up camp on the beach at Playa la Malagueta. Here is where all of the people, tourists and locals alike, come to take some sun and relax. There are beach bars, showers to rinse off the sand, and plenty of opportunities for sport both in and out of the water. The water is generally warm enough throughout the seasons for a swim!

Málaga is a great European city on a beach! I have spent time there both in the winter and summer, and it does not disappoint. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities and options to keep everyone busy or have the right amount of down-time. The architecture is a healthy mix of traditional and modern, and the food scene is eclectic and a restaurant of some kind is always open. I hope you can enjoy this take on Málaga and enjoy the weather, too!

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Carcassonne Drive-By

Carcassonne is just really freaking cool. It's a fortified city on a hill, and the views from all angles are magnificent! Someday, I will return again and really dive into the historical Cité, but, for now, admire these wonderful photographs.

Have you been to Carcassonne? What did you like the most about it?

For the stories and photos from my entire trip, check out the main post, South of France: Aude to Hérault.

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South of France: Aude to Hérault

WHAT A TRIP!!!

I worked and played for a very full eight days in the south of France Occitanie region in April. 

First of all, I had known the regions of France were going to be condensed, but had totally forgotten about it. So, most of the time I was on my trip, I was happily enjoying what I believed to be the Languedoc...what used to be the Languedoc, apparently!

I was mostly in the departments (think of regions as states, and departments as counties) of Aude and Hérault, hence the post title. And, yes, "Aude" is pronounced like "ode," also hence the post title!

There were so many great places that I got to see, so it was best to mark them all down on a list here, which will be updated as the posts are posted with their direct links.

Favorite photos: #Swags2France

I have to give a huge shout-out to my fabulous French friend, Adeline, who researched and planned half of these destinations for us to profiter from the best possible weather, walks, and food!

Merci for enjoying my Easter break with me!

Carcassonne

Sauvian

Narbonne

Béziers Volleyball Match

Peryiac-de-Mer & Sète

Espéraza et ses Environs

Pyrenees to Andorra

Rennes-le-Chateau

What other places would you recommend

to visit in the Occitanie region of France?

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Enjoying Amazing Annecy

Anyone down to move to Annecy with me?! ;)

There are certain places in the world where it's extra awesome because an annual event will bring you back every year! Annecy, France, is one of those places for us, for sure, and we are really looking forward to the huge grass volleyball tournament again with all of our friends!

Aside from the yearly event that draws us there (and for many, the annual International Animated Film Festival), Annecy can hold its own as a beautiful French town. Set on a backdrop of a lake in the Alps, it's hard not to love everything about the way Annecy just looks. Then you add in the adorable old town of canals, bridges, tunnels, and twists, and you're in a French fairy tale!

For a lovely day in Annecy, you can park your car at Parking Impérial next to the Casino Impérial Annecy. From there, take Avenue d'Albigny along the lake as you approach the town.

You will notice my favorite activity in Annecy has lots of options. You can rent nearly any kind of paddleboat to hang out on the lake for as long as you want! With even just a little bit of sunshine, this is such a fun way to spend time with friends, and you can even take a picnic lunch with you on the boat and make a full afternoon of it!

You will pass the stately Préfecture de Haute-Savoie right before you turn left into the grassy area towards the darling Pont des Amours over the Canal du Vassé. Turning away from the lake and into the town, you will pass the pretty square with the Mairie d'Annecy and the Église Saint Maurice.

The crown jewel of Annecy is right up ahead on Le Palais de l'Île, a small island jutting out of the canal as you enter the town. The best move at this point is to simply wander in and around the cobblestone pathways of the center, allowing the atmosphere of the many restaurants and cafés to invite you in to enjoy a nice break.

We have especially enjoyed our meals at Le Napoli and Aux Crêperies Bretonnes La Bolée. There are also ice cream shops and bakeries galore, and plenty of bars and pubs for the whole crew.

Other churches to admire in the town include Notre Dame de Liesse and the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. An enjoyable walk up a small hill will take you to the Château d'Annecy and great views of the lake and town.

For those more keen on the nightlife scene, heading back to the Casino area along the lake border will bring you to a nightlife hub of music, dancing, and no sleep!

Every year, we like to bring a mix of old and new friends with us. We have traveled by car, train, bus, carpool, and plane (Geneva) to Annecy, and it's always a breath of fresh air when we arrive and get to stay in this city for a few fabulous days. The volleyball tournament, of course, brings thousands of extra people (and old friends, too!) to the town, but we love the buzz and excitement of getting to enjoy a great event together in an unbeatable setting.

I have listed below the information for the volleyball tournament (everyone from professionals to beginners are absolutely welcome!), and the links for the International Animated Film Festival. Whenever you get to come to Annecy, I hope you fall in love with it as we have!

How the volleyball tournament works:
Lac d'Annecy and Why I Will Always Go Back
Meet Me in Annecy

2019 Registration: May 12 (fills up almost immediately!)
http://tournoi.annecy-volleyball.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TournoiPentecoteAnnecyVolleyBall/

International Animated Film Festival information...
https://www.annecy.org/home

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Segovia: For Architecture & Food

If you've ever been sucked into the cheesy princess movies, you'll know the fake-almost-countries always sound the same: Genovia, Aldovia, Belgravia... the list goes on.

Segovia, on the other hand, is a very real place, and although not a country, it is a city and region in Spain that deserves to be recognized as maybe the inspiration for all of the fake kingdom names! But Segovia is so much more than just a cool name - it has some of the best preserved Roman, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture, in addition to the Jewish quarter that has retained much of its original structure. The whole city is an UNESCO heritage site, and every turn brings you to another fascinating part of history.

Please do take the time to read about the history of Segovia. It is beautiful and wonderful and very interesting!

But this is about what you can do there today! Google Maps has not yet figured out how to let tourists know that they can take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Segovia. When I searched on the map, I was directed to a +2 hour regional train from Madrid-Atocha to Segovia. It's best to start your journey to Segovia at Madrid-Chamartín instead, hopping onto the train that continues after Segovia to Valladolid. It takes twenty-seven minutes and costs €10,30 each way as long as you buy a round trip ticket from the start. If you want more flexibility in your travel schedule, you'll pay about an extra two Euros each direction.

Once you've arrived at the Segovia-Guiomar AVE station, go directly outside and get onto Bus 11 for €2. On the way into the city center, you will pass the bus stop for Plaza de Toros de Segovia and see the bullring on your right. Get off the bus when you see the huge Acueducto Romano de Segovia.

It's interesting to climb up to both the right and left of the aqueduct for a full perspective on how incredible of an architectural feat this was and still is! Note: made without any mortar of any kind!

Making your way up Calle Cervantes will take you to Plaza de Medina del Campo, where you will find the cathedral of San Martín from the 1100s.

Continuing onward to Plaza Mayor, you will be struck by the huge Catedral de Segovia. Off to the side, it's a good nod to history to notice the smaller Iglesia de San Miguel, where Queen Isabella was coronated in 1474.

Further along the ridge that Segovia is built upon, you will arrive at the Alcázar de Segovia, rumored to be one of the many castle inspirations for Walt Disney's amusement park creations. The views from the castle are amazing and not to be missed!

Segovia's main three architectural sites of the aqueduct, cathedral, and castle make it a perfect afternoon day trip from Madrid. Digging deeper into the city, you'll find a delicious restaurant scene. The main dish of Segovia is the cochinillo, or roasted baby pig. Most restaurants will serve it, and we found a fabulous and generally affordable version at Meson Don Jimeno.

I especially loved catching the gorgeous ironwork and building details down the different roads and alleys we took. These windows pictured above have one of the best views in the entire city and made for my favorite corner.

If you have time, take a walk around the castle gardens and soak in the sunlit views in every direction. We didn't go on the castle tour, but it seemed very popular and I know there are even better views of the city and countryside from the various porticos and towers.

There are monuments, statues, and plaques all over the city; it just takes a curious and observant eye to notice the sometimes small Spanish writing describing why the space has been memorialized. This was how we noticed the Iglesia de San Miguel. There are many buildings denoting various activities of Queen Isabella since she spent a lot of time here before she became queen.

We are so happy we took one of our Madrid days to experience Segovia! It's a trip into Roman and Spanish history and an absolute must for architecture and food lovers.

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Circle Salzburg through the Squares

Most of my Salzburg posts have been heavy on the photos and light on the text. I've enjoyed living within two hours of one of my favorite Europeans cities for over three years now, and it's high time I share my usual itinerary of how I loop through the town!

Basically, anyone who comes to visit Vilsbiburg gets a day in Salzburg with me. Salzburg was in my top three destinations when I first moved to Europe, right after Paris and anywhere in Italy. The past few years living in Germany, I have gone to Salzburg on average four times per year.

One of the many reasons I love Salzburg is because it is actually impossible to get lost. On the approach to the center, the river is on the left, the mountain is on the right, and once you've hit the highway, you've gone too far. My perfect scenario for wandering!

Most visitors will arrive at the Salzburg Hauptbahnhof main train station. When you arrive at this station, make sure you wind your way to the center through Mirabellgarten. There is a small mansion there, but it is most recognizable for its role in The Sound of Music during the "Do-Re-Mi" song montage. My favorite moments are the "Do-Re-Mi" steps guarded by unicorns and the long green-arbored tunnel where you can "Fa, a long, long way to run!"

If you have the opportunity to get off the train on the other side of the river at the Salzburg Mülln-Altstadt station, I definitely recommend this route and saving the Hauptbahnhof route for the return. This station will drop you off on the river, then you follow the river to the right for the best approach to the old city center.

You will pass the Makartsteg bridge with "lovelocks," then you get to be creative. Choose one of the arches to duck into near the Billa supermarket and let it lead you into another era. When you end up on the next street, look for another archway to enter and you'll arrive in Universitätsplatz. This square regularly has a fresh market going, a beautiful church to walk through, and darling flower stands. You can eat at the seasonal tavern of Zipfer Bierhaus or just get a snack of a giant donut pretzel at the pretzels-of-all-kinds stand. You'll find it!

What you'll want to seek out in this square is Mozart's birthplace, in German as "Mozarts Geburtshaus." It's small and the entrance is a little tricky to see, but worth it for classical music lovers.

Head through another set of arches (you'll be doing this all day), past the lovely Cafe Tomaselli to get to Residenzplatz. The stately buildings and interesting fountain are even better when surrounded by the annual Christmas market every December. This square invites you into the next square of Mozartplatz, housing both the Salzburg Christmas Museum and normal Salzburg Museum, in addition to the central large statue of Mozart himself.

At this point, you are going to backtrack a little bit through Residenzplatz to get to Domplatz, the courtyard to your left. Here you can visit the massive Salzburg Cathedral before heading into my favorite square in Salzburg, Kapitelplatz. This square has it all: a glorious fountain, views of the fortress, a small market, musicians playing in the archways, free wifi, a life-size chess board, and even a giant golden ball with a man on the top of it. I usually sit here for a while before moving on to the next place to go.

If this is your only chance to visit Salzburg, it's a very good idea to journey up the side of the mountain to see the fortress in person. Go upward out of the square to find the FestungsBahn funicular that will train you up the mountain for a small fee. Once you get up to Festung Hohensalzburg (let's stick to "fortress"), it's a bit of an incline, and you do have to pay to enter the fortress grounds and museums. The best part of the on-your-own tour is getting to the other side of the fortress and seeing the magnificent Alps in the backdrop - make sure you go up on a clear day!

You can wander your way down the mountain, or take the funicular back down. It's a peaceful and pretty visit to Petersfriedhof Cemetery, where you can see something similar to how The Sound of Music characters hid from the Nazis toward the end of the movie. You can keep winding through these passages and squares along the mountainside and you will end up facing the huge Salzburger Festspiele where the annual music festival is held (and from where the Von Traps in the movie escaped the concert).

Continuing along the front side of the concert hall, you'll be in Max-Reinhardt-Platz and very soon in Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz. Enjoy the detailed architecture and various monuments arranged around Salzburg's university buildings. Continuing on through Bürgerpitalplatz and Museumsplatz will lead you right back to the river. At this point you can return to the smaller train station, or over the bridge back to the Hauptbahnhof.

BONUS: If you still have some spare time and energy, I highly recommend the hike up to the Kapuzinerkloster Monastery on the other side of the river along the old city walls. You'll have a full view of the Baroque city center and definitely be up and away from the crowds. It makes for a beautiful way to end your full day in Salzburg - plus you can pop into the Hotel Sacher Salzburg for their classic Sachertorte chocolate cake on your way back to the train station!

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