Last week, my friend Ade took me to a cocoa fields of Hacienda El Castillo. A beautiful hacienda built in the 1930’s by the German Count Ludwig Weber von Wagenfuer and his wife Mrs. MarÌa Angelica Calero. At the end of the 1980’s, new owners bought part of what today is the Hacienda El Castillo, where the ruins of the villa where found. For more than 20 years, this small family business has been based on an agricultural, tourism and industrial operation, contributing to the area’s development.
A visit to Casa del Alabado Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, is a must for history and anthropology fans. Located in a wonderfully preserve building, this museum features sculpture, artefacts, jewellery pieces and more. I learned about Ecuador’s indigenous cultures and saw hundreds of archaeological objects belonging to the ancient societies that occupied the territory known today as Ecuador.
*NOTE:Unfortunately we are still in unusual times, and the COVID-19 regulations change rapidly. Please check here the latest information before making your journey to Ecuador.
The Ecuadorian capital city located in the middle of the world, standing proud between cloud-high in the Andes and two active volcanoes, Quito didn’t disappoint me. The 16th-century Centro Histórico (Old Town) is not only the largest and best-preserved colonial center in Latin America, but also the most visited.
Thanks to KLM and Air France, the approx. 15-hour journey from Vienna to Quito was a wonderful experience. Click HERE to read about my journey.
Breathtaking churches, impressive monasteries, colorful palaces, here is why Quito should be on your 2022 travel list.
If you visit the Greek island, Crete– a day trip to Rethymno (or Rethymnon) is a must. It’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Greece and was once a bastion of the Venetians who left a mighty legacy– the large Fortezza (fortress).
The town was also ruled by Turks for a time so you’ll find a scattering of Ottoman mosques, a Hamam peeping from behind 16th century buildings.
You can choose visiting Rethymno for a relax day on the nearby beaches, or explore the historic center and enjoy the hidden cafes in cute cobblestone streets.
Crete is an island full of surprises. From cliffs, to white sand beaches, volcanic mountains to palm beaches— if you are looking for a laid-back island in Europe, where you can enjoy the nature and authentic towns of the Greek island— you’ll lose yourself, where time seems to stand still.
The south coast of Crete is less filled with tourism than the northern part of the island. A visit to villages is where you can sense an older, truer, more timeless Crete.
After five wonderful sunny days in Lisbon, my friend Maria and I checked-in Villa Epicurea. This villa is a small eco-lodge, located in the middle of nature and with breathtaking ocean views from all rooms and terraces. Inspired by Epicurus “garden” philosophy, the Villa Epicurea’s nature retreat in Serra d’Arrábida, was designed for overall well-being and relaxing the mind. It is a 40 km drive from Lisbon, and you are totally in sync with nature and endless ocean views.
Where to stay, eat, drink, shop and swim at Portugal’s vibrant capital city
It’s a gloomy and rainy afternoon in Vienna, while I am uploading the images of my Lisbon trip. Never have I thought that Lisbon would take my breath away the moment I arrived in this beautiful coastal capital.
With approximately 4.5 million annual visitors, Lisbon has a lot of international fans who visit the city for its historic ruins, music, strolling around the old town, trams, great food and of course– pasteis de nata.
Our journey started from Vienna to Lisbon, followed by a short trip to the Sesimbra region. Today, I want to share some of my personal tips and suggestions by the locals who have recommended new places where to eat, drink and what to see.
*NOTE:Unfortunately we are still in unusual times, and the COVID-19 regulations change rapidly. Please check here the latest information before making your journey to Portugal.
Another check off my bucket list! Over the past decade since I have started my blog, I was mostly focused on travelling within central Europe. Although Portugal was always on my wish-list, somehow I never made it. However as we know, for everything there is a season, a reason and time.
Thanks to my longtime friend and colleague Maria Ratzinger who had a brilliant idea to visit Lisbon in September, this trip was the best thing we have planned to start the fall season. Our journey started from Vienna to Lisbon, followed with a short trip to Sesimbra region.
Where to stay, eat, drink, shop and relax at hot springs in Iceland’s beautiful capital city
*NOTE:Unfortunately we are still in unusual times, and the COVID-19 regulations change rapidly. Please check here the latest information before making your journey to Iceland.
I already knew that September will start with a lot of work appointments, new projects and a travel destination that I have planned for the end of the month. But I would have never thought, that I would travel to Iceland on September 4th so spontaneously. My Icelandic friend and business partner, who lives in Vienna, asked me two days before the flight— if I can travel with her and her twins to Iceland for personal reasons. Without even thinking, I said “Yes, I will come and help you!”, and after a few minutes I realized “OMG, I am going to my dream island on Saturday, holy moly!”
Surely, I knew that this is not a typical work trip, nor a vacation—so I couldn’t plan too much. However, my friend was so kind to think about me and connect me with her Icelandic friends, who could give me tips on where to stay or where to go while I am in Reykjavik. So, the tips I am sharing with you here, are my personal as well as tips from the local insiders.
