To celebrate their 12th birthday, the award-winning, Bristol-based travel specialists, InsideJapan Tours, are offering bloggers a chance to enjoy two and a half weeks of travel and cultural experiences in Japan. Wow! This awesome opportunity can be snapped up by competing bloggers who share 12 reasons why we should travel to Japan. Of course, I … More Blogging My Way to Japan?
Every town and city has its own delightful character, something that makes it particular, charming, unlike other cities. The provincial centre of Lucca in Tuscany could be described as quaint, historical, pretty, as could many surrounding towns. For me, Lucca was set apart by it’s wider streets, the bicycles and the big, leafy trees along … More Bells, Doors and Bicycles: A Photo Walk in the Tuscan town of Lucca, Italy
A quiet kind of romance lingers in the medieval streets of Perugia. Vineyards, sunflowers and picturesque peaks abound the small city, leading newcomers on a happy journey into the capital of Italy’s Umbria region. The walled city wears potted flowers, balcony herbs and scrambling vines with an old-world elegance that fits my cinematic ideals of … More Happy Wanderings in Perugia: A Photo Walk in Umbria, Italy
Pink dawn lingers on olive groves as I wake on the train to Lisbon. A hazy blue hangs above the distant horizon, hinting at the salty river beyond. I am excited to see the city that so many have dubbed their offbeat favourite and can feel butterflies building in my belly as we approach. Saint … More Falling in Love with Lisbon, Portugal
Usually the posts in this ‘Travel.Food.Photo’ series share the foods themed by country, but as my Portuguese travels (so far) have been limited to the capital city, Lisbon, this post is dedicated to the delicious tastes of Lisbon alone. I was delighted with the food of Lisbon. It is impressively affordable, features lots of fresh … More Travel. Food. Photo. Lisbon.
Sweet pastels and brightly patterned tiles line the vertical surfaces of Lisbon’s streets. Like clothing, the colours are worn to communicate personality, enliven the streets, tell a story about culture. In my week visiting Lisbon I spent hours just wandering with a camera in hand, soaking in the joy of those coloured walls, learning the … More Colourful Streets of Lisbon: A Photo Walk
Leaving Marrakech is quick. As if the city were contained within an invisible wall, buildings suddenly give way to clay huts and large fanning palms. Mountains spring like over-sized ant mounts on the horizon, all soil and rocks and earthy bluntness. The road ribbons into the distance; the only curve among angular peaks and graveled … More Escaping into the Sahara Desert of Morocco
In my wildest dreams and most intrepid travels I have never encountered such an intense, exotic scene as the nightly market of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, Morocco. Commonly known as ‘the big square’, Djemaa el-Fna is the centre of Moroccan exotic displays, where traders, touts and performers have been gathering for a thousand years. As … More Redefining ‘Exotic’ in Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech
The food of Morocco epitomises the vibrant cultural flavour of the nation. Delightfully affordable, thoroughly spiced and served with enthusiasm, I must admit that Moroccan meals spurred a whole new level in my food photo obsession. Think caramelised onions with olives and prunes, and garlic coated olives of green, black and brown. Breathe in steaming … More Travel. Food. Photo. Morocco.
Infused with generations of artisan skill, the Fez Medina is a pulsing labyrinth of colour and culture. With more than 9,500 narrow corridors curiously arranged into dedicated souqs, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest living Islamic medieval cities in the world and offers more than enough to occupy a visit to … More Adventures in the Fez Medina, Morocco
Walls and windows don’t come much more colourful than those surrounding me on this Mediterranean-view terrace in Tangier, Morocco. The vibrant pink paint reflects a juicy hue across the black and yellow tiles, and light bounces enthusiastically through the lime, canola and cornflower panes. I’m sitting at a little round table, with red and green … More Impressions of Tangier, Morocco
Set atop a cliff and surrounded by mountainous grey, the historical town of Ronda offers quite a view of southern Spain. As the pale morning sun breathes colour across the horizon, an agricultural patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and fawn grasses can be seen in the valley below. Behind me, the little town is still … More Walking Ronda in Southern Spain
A few weeks ago I had the delight of visiting the Southern Spanish city of Granada. Known for its bohemian culture, impressive Muslim legacy and flamenco-gypsy arts, this dynamic city was bound to entertain. I was pretty excited to be in a region where delicious Spanish food meets multicultural colour and stunning Spanish landscapes. By … More Art, Music & Culture in Granada, Spain
Looking out across the calm Lisbon shore, I am moved by the memories that brim to mind. It is mid-year already and time to reflect on all I have seen and experienced in my last 188 consecutive days of travelling. You would think that after six months, I would be used to living this reality … More 188 Days of Travel
Looking out across the manicured exotic gardens and regal stone archways of the Alhambra, it is easy to forget your time and place in the world. The vines are woven with wisdom through weathered wire frames and ageless white light filters through ancient windows. Sophisticated fountains and aqueducts nourish fragrant blooms and keep the grounds … More A photo walk in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Yesterday was the last day of my six week Spanish adventure, during which I saw a lot of the country, learnt a little of the language and ate lots of delicious food. Starting in lovely Barcelona, I then walked from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino de Santiago, Camino Frances. I cycled the … More Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.2)
There is something inherently serene about cycling by the sea. Perhaps its the feeling of salty air filling your lungs as your glide like a gull along the waters-edge. Perhaps its the big blue space that reminds you that the world is vast and wild. Or maybe, its just the simple pleasure of being away … More Cycling in San Sebastian, Spain
Traditional and contemporary delights contribute equal doses of charm in the northern Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Widely known as being a UNESCO World Heritage City, the home of the tomb of Saint James and the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago attracts millions of pilgrims each year, as well as plenty … More 6 Wonderful ways to experience Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The white concrete walls and lichen-covered facades of Santiago de Compostela are a heady contrast to my view of days past. As I sit here, looking across the window-framed historical centre, listening to church bells call the city to mass, I am filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment. To get here, I walked for … More Walking the end of my Camino to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
In April, the fresh flavours of Istanbul, Turkey inspired me to photograph and share my culinary adventures in the first instalment of Travel. Food. Photo. It seems that you liked the vicarious tasting tour, so I’m back to share the exciting palette of Northern Spain, which I enjoyed in May (and continue to enjoy) while … More Travel. Food. Photo. Spain. (Pt.1)
There are some things that are best experienced within the solitude of your mind, like meditating or soul searching… and perhaps, walking through the Spanish Meseta on the Camino de Santiago. The Meseta is the central Spanish tableland, which intersects the Camino Frances between Burgos and Astorga. It is a part of Spain known among … More Four days of solo Camino: walking through the Spanish Meseta
I’ve always found that travelling offers so many opportunities to reflect, to re-evaluate the direction of my life. Unlike the routine churn of home life, travelling allows time and space, a new angle from which to view the world, new experiences to teach you, and different challenges to remind you that there is always more … More Reflections: A 2012 Travel Photo Essay
Here is a little post written during my visit to Barcelona a couple of weeks ago… now that I’m walking el Camino across Spain, Barcelona streets seem so far away. Hope you enjoy. xo It’s 9pm here in Barcelona, meaning the sun will soon disappear behind the sea of balconied buildings. Although only my third … More Barcelona express: food, sights and culture in two days
After seven days of walking el Camino, my perspective has changed a lot. I have admired picturesque views more majestic than my imagination could conjure. I’ve met people from many backgrounds, each with a compelling story and an offer of personal truth. I’ve learnt about the logistics of the Camino – how to find a … More 7 Days walking el Camino de Santiago, Spain
One of the daily delights in my new life walking el Camino de Santiago is following trails of wildflowers, proud village blooms and the shell symbol of Saint James. Every step of the way these have been in sight: fields of poppies and daisies, chamomile and dandelion along the path edge, a shell quietly waiting … More Following flowers and shells: a photo walk along el Camino de Santiago, Spain
Thick, sweet, caffeinated goodness, oh how I love you… especially when served in tiny colourful cups amidst the whir of Turkish culture. For the love of you, I have been led into hidden bookish courtyards, I have whittled hours watching passers-by, and I’ve been persuaded to perform foreign stove-top rituals at the risk of shame … More For the love of Turkish coffee
Day 1 From the moment we left our room in Pamplona, we were winging it. Dave and I both had light packs with minimum supplies for a month of walking, a vague map and very poor sense of direction. After two kilometres (kms) of wandering residential streets, we found our first shell – the symbol … More Two days on Camino de Santiago: impressions
I am shaking in my figurative boots right now as I prepare for bed in Pamplona, Spain. Tomorrow when I wake, I’ll be eating a boiled egg and fruit, drinking a coffee, pulling on my ‘day’ clothes and shaking in my literal walking shoes as I start the first day of my one month pilgrimage … More Starting el Camino de Santiago: confessions from an almost-pilgrim
The glory of Istanbul’s Ottoman architecture and colourful carpets is arguably matched by its exotic, flavoursome foods. After three months of travelling around Northern Europe on budget-conscious cold sandwiches and greasy pub meals, I was delighted to arrive in Istanbul where fresh, delicious food is cheap, abundant and comes with a side of culture. Fast-forward … More Must-have Istanbul meals for 10 Turkish Lira or less
A rising murmur in the afternoon street rouses me from siesta. Eyes open to a sun-streaked balcony of daisies and thyme. Ears focus on the plucking of strings and the zip of motos under echoing sirens. I am warm, tired and utterly disoriented. And then I remember: Barcelona is out there. My head is still … More From Istanbul to Barcelona, from there to here
I’ve become that strange girl who photographs her food. I’m not sure if it’s a natural urge that I’ve previously suppressed through social awareness, or a new habit that’s sprung from a sincere appreciation for finding good, safe, yummy eats on the travel trail. Perhaps it’s because food is so connected to the cultures I’m … More Travel. Food. Photo. Istanbul.
Rocking gently on the wake of the busy Bosphorus with the sun on my neck and salt air in my lungs, I was sure our adventure to the Princes’ Islands was going to be a refreshing change from the whirling metropolis of Istanbul. I’ve always found that boats evoke that holiday feeling – memories of … More A day trip to the Princes’ Islands, Turkey
One of my favourite Istanbul experiences is visiting Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s old city. As you walk through the impressive white Gate of Salutation, you are transported to a time and place that seem more akin to childhood make-believe than real-world history. Inside you’ll find the worlds fifth largest diamond sparkling with decadent delight … More The magical world of Topkapi Palace – Istanbul, Turkey
I am feeling inspired by the rich cityscape of Istanbul: the kaleidoscope of colours, the exotic scents that hang on humid air, the lovely clash and clamour on the streets. Some of my favourite days here have been spent wandering the labyrinth of possibilities, taking time to notice and capture the quirks that collectively create … More Wide angle: a photo walk through Istanbul, Turkey
The thing about Istanbul is, it’s not an easy place to sum up. I’ve sat here scribbling impressions for a hour and my list is long and varied. From the hundreds of ornate mosques that call the city to pray each day, to the high-end fashion and modern bohemian vibe, it is clear that Istanbul … More Impressions of Istanbul, Turkey
Driving through the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland in a campervan is one of those classic adventures that offers more delights than you bargained for. You expect the charming thatched-roof cottages of the English Cotswolds, but not the scores of swooning swans on the glassy Avon. You’ve heard about the mysterious lochs and mist-shrouded peaks … More How to travel the UK & Ireland in a campervan: lessons from 1 month on the road
From the late night ferry between Ireland and Wales, to the deep-fried bread served at breakfast, and the hour spent patiently enduring a theological rant by a crazy woman in a carpark, it had been a rough start to the day. But by 4pm Dave and I were half way around the 6.8 mile Strumble … More Walking Wales: the Pembrokeshire Coast & Brecon Beacons national parks
Nic Freeman 