Things to do in Lancaster County PA: a complete guide to Amish Country
Lancaster County Pennsylvania (PA) is one of the best-known destinations to experience Amish culture in the United States. During our East Coast road trip, this peaceful rural region offered a refreshing contrast to the busy cities we had visited earlier, with farmland stretching for miles and horse-drawn buggies moving slowly along quiet country roads. In this travel guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Lancaster County PA, how to visit Amish Country respectfully, where to try traditional Pennsylvania Dutch food, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
Las Fallas in Valencia: events, traditions and travel tips
Each March, the city of Valencia transforms into one of the most vibrant places in Spain. Firecrackers echo through the streets from early morning, towering satirical sculptures appear in nearly every neighbourhood and fireworks light up the Mediterranean sky long after sunset. This spectacular celebration is known as Las Fallas, Valencia’s most famous festival and one of the most unique cultural events in Europe. If you happen to visit the city during this period, you will quickly realise that Las Fallas are far more than a festival. They represent a fascinating mix of art, satire, fire, music and community spirit that lies at the heart of Valencian culture. In this guide, I explain what the Fallas celebrations are, when they take place, the main events of the festivities and how to experience them like a local, based on my own experience visiting Valencia at the height of the festival.
San Pedro and San Marcial ´fiestas´ in Irún: the tradition of the Alarde
Traditions close to one's heart can be hardly put in writing. So many words come to my mind when I think of June 30th, the day of San Marcial: passion, pride, emotion, memories. This is by far my favorite day of the year, the one we wait for all year long in my hometown: Irún. Curious to learn more about the traditional military parade known as Alarde and the popular ´fiestas´? Then keep on reading.
A guide to the Feria de Abril in Sevilla
Every year, Sevilla becomes the city that never sleeps for a week. During those days, locals and visitors flock to 'El Real de la Feria', a vast outdoor complex set for the occasion, to enjoy life dancing sevillanas, drinking rebujito and meeting with friends and family. Want to know more about this unique celebration? Then keep on reading this guide about the Feria de Abril in Sevilla (Spain) to understand and navigate this festive occasion like a true sevillan@. Olé!
The cheerful Carnival of Tarija
San Roque celebrations
Tarija celebrates the festivity of San Roque every 16th of August. This day marks the beginning of a full month of religious activities which runs until mid-September.
The ‘Escalade’ race
Each year, on the first Saturday in December, the most popular sporting event in Geneva takes place in the old town : the Escalade Race. This event is for everyone - famous international runners to beginners, children and adults alike. Some people even dress up! Distances run vary from 2kms to 8 kms depending on the category All the races take place in the narrow streets of the old town and finish in the Bastion Park.
‘Désalpe’ in Les Charbonnières & Romainmôtier
We experienced a truly Swiss experience this weekend!
Thanks to the International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI) we visited the villages of Les Charbonnières and Romainmôtier-Envy, in the neighboring canton of Vaud.
Back home in September (part 3): ‘fiestas’ in Fuenterrabía
Every time I go back home I try to stop by Fuenterrabía, and this time around was no exception.
This fishing village is one of the most beautiful in the Basque Country and the food is delicious! Besides, the village celebrated its yearly Alarde while I was there at the beginning of September.
An ‘unpresidented’ weekend
What an 'unpresidented' weekend it was! I have to admit I did not attend any of the big events these days in Washington DC, nor Trump's Inauguration nor the Women's March.
Instead I decided to stay at home and declutter my apartment - see related post here.
The story behind one of my favorite sweets: ‘opilla’
And what's the 'opilla' you may ask? Well, let me take you back to my hometown and tell you a sweet story about this delicious cake (and share the recipe :) ).
Living History: Obama’s second Inauguration
I am currently living History. Today Barack Obama sworn in the Oath of office as President of the United States for the second time during a touching Inauguration ceremony. Learn about all the preparations and how my experience was!