I ran my hand over the sandstone pillars, slightly awed by their grandeur. Intricate carvings and geometric floral designs were etched into the stone. Despite the afternoon heat outside, it was relatively cool inside. Sunlight streamed inside the well, lighting it up in a brilliant golden shade, but the narrow staircases, which led to the […]

The majestic Cantabrian Mountains loom in the distance. At their foothills, vineyards cover the rolling hills and small hamlets dot the countryside. Grapes!   Poets have waxed eloquent in praise of this mythical, purple fruit and it is nowhere as bountiful as in the La Rioja region of Spain. It is Bacchus’ own country, where […]

The sea is a wonderful shade of blue, iridescent and sparkling in the summer sun. The toasty, golden beach embraces the sea lazily, curving around the bay in languid grace. In the evenings, the sun sets the sea on fire. Along the crescent beach, the beautiful city of San Sebastian lights up as darkness descends. […]

She swirls around the room, fluid and elegant; she is quicksilver. Her hands sweep through the air, making patterns that strike your heart, and her skirt whips about her. Her fan mocks, teases, and cajoles as she smiles. The music, the claps, the taps become one with her as she moves on the dance floor […]

There is music in the winds of Le Marche. Undulating hills, emerald green carpets of grass, and dancing wildflowers are abundantly seen in Le Marche or the Marches; Italy’s secret jewel. Tucked away between the snow clad mountains of Monti Sibillini and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Le Marche is a study in contrasts. Located in […]