Apr 30, 2022

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Croatia is my first destination in the Balkans, but certainly not the last. Known for its scenic coastline with rugged mountains sloping down to the water, Dubrovnik has more recently gained fame as a destination for Game of Thrones fans. Unlike the rest of the Balkans, Croatia is not really undiscovered anymore and the downtown areas are filled with tourists, especially when a cruise ship is docked. The biggest surprise during my stay was a 5.7 magnitude earthquake, the largest in the area in decades.

Apr 8, 2022

Nice

Nice, France is the second most visited city in France after Paris. The 300 days of sun per year and the promenade alongside turquoise water are two main draws. Monaco and Cannes are 30-minute train rides away, making for convenient day trips.

Mar 31, 2022

Porto

Porto, Portugal is my final stop in Portugal. While smaller than Lisbon, it feels like there may be a greater quantity of tourists in Porto. It still strikes me as impressive how nearly every local I've encountered has spoken sufficient English to converse, save a handful.

Mar 26, 2022

Sintra

Sintra, Portugal is a frequent day trip destination from Lisbon. I decided to spend time in a smaller town to have more time in nature. While in Sintra, I experienced hazy air and thought it was pollution, but it turned out to be a dust storm from the Sahara desert.