To cap off the year, two friends from college visited us and we traveled to the South of France! The South of France is known for its charming, coastal towns on the Mediterranean and it did not disappoint. Aix-en-Provence Aix-en-Provence is an adorable city known for its elegant boulevards and historic architecture. It is fullContinue reading “The South of France”
Author Archives: joelle
Budapest, Hungary
In March I took a girls trip to Budapest, Hungary. The capital city of Hungary is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Danube” for its location right on the river and its hilly, stunning panoramic views. Fun Facts: We had a great time and really loved the city. There was so muchContinue reading “Budapest, Hungary”
Zurich, Switzerland Recommendations
A friend from high school has family in Zurich, and we loved all their recommendations. As always, sharing them below! Hotel Food Bars Things to Do
Zurich, Switzerland
At the end of February there is a FIBA break, so basketball players can leave their clubs and go play for their national teams if necessary. We took advantage of the break, knowing it’s Brev’s last time off this season, by spending the weekend in Zurich, Switzerland. We were surprised to say that this wasContinue reading “Zurich, Switzerland”
Port Wine
Porto, Portugal, is renowned for its production of Port wine – fun fact: A wine can only be called a “Port wine” if it’s produced in Portugal’s northern Douro Valley. Typically, the grapes are grown and harvested in the Douro Valley, and then come to Porto to be aged and bottled. We did a wineContinue reading “Port Wine”
Porto
After Lisbon, we took a three-hour train to Porto, Portugal. None of us had been to Porto before and we all agreed that it was probably the highlight of our trip! In general, Portugal’s hills, colorful, and tiled neighborhoods are so charming and really make it feel like you’re somewhere else (in comparison to aContinue reading “Porto”
Alfama Neighborhood
Alfama is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon. Most known for its narrow winding streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Alfama has a rich history dating back to the Moorish (Muslim) rule of Lisbon. You can still see a lot of the neighborhood’s medieval charm, narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses adornedContinue reading “Alfama Neighborhood”
Fado Music
Fado is an emotional and soulful genre of music that originated in Portugal in the early 19th century. It holds a special place in Lisbon’s cultural identity. The word “Fado” itself is derived from the Latin word “fatum,” meaning fate or destiny. It’s characterized by mournful tunes and heartfelt lyrics, typically accompanied by the PortugueseContinue reading “Fado Music”
Alcohol and Lisbon
Lisbon is known for its Vino Verde, or Green Wine. Contrary to its name, “green” refers to the wine’s youthfulness rather than its color. These wines are known for being crisp, light, and fresh. Another key element of Lisbon’s drinking culture is the prominence of traditional neighborhood bars, known as “tascas.” These cozy establishments oftenContinue reading “Alcohol and Lisbon”
Back to Lisbon
After Madrid, we flew to Lisbon, Portugal. This part of the trip was nostalgic to me, because Lisbon was the first European city I visited during my college spring break trip in 2018. I had such a great time in Lisbon, and it really opened my eyes to European travel and got me excited aboutContinue reading “Back to Lisbon”
The Jo Show 