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Between Sirens and Silence: The Secret of Colina

2026-10-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

e continue to be fascinated by the countless mysteries of the Merindades region of Burgos, and in a small village belonging to the Traslaloma district, called Colina de Losa, we were overwhelmed by the enigmatic presence of some Romanesque sculptures in its 12th-century church, dedicated to the Expectation of Our Lady.

Although some of them show signs of the inexorable passage of time—which, as the Latin poet Horace aptly stated, all hours wound except the last, which kills—it is the incomprehensible aggression of humanity and its fatal biases of intolerance that prevent us from appreciating, savoring, and enjoying these unique archetypes in all their splendor.

And yet, amidst the veiled allusions to those phallic plants, the asparagus, the unsettling presence of a merman playing the violin, perhaps possessed by the very Devil who—so it was rumored—accompanied Paganini in his breathtaking performances, and the elaborate columns that demonstrate masterful skill, the disconcerting figure of an ascetic meditating among the vegetation, as if he were a true Western Buddha, evokes more than just mixed emotions: genuine astonishment.

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Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

2026-10-26T17:22:00.000-05:00

Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

The Volcan Nevado de Colima National Park is a federally protected natural area located on the borders of the states of Jalisco and Colima, two states in the central Pacific region of Mexico.

This park is made up of the Volcan de Fuego and the Nevado de Colima volcanoes. Interestingly, it is an active volcano closely monitored by various government institutions. Eruptions from this volcano are considered explosive and pose a danger to the population. This volcano is classified as the most dangerous in Mexico and is therefore highly monitored.

The "Nevado de Colima Volcano" National Park is a Mexican natural park located on the borders of the states of Jalisco (89%) and Colima (11%). The park is home to the Colima Volcano, also known as the Volcan de Fuego, and the Nevado de Colima volcano, from which it takes its name. By decree of the Mexican government, it was declared a national park on September 5, 1936. It covers a total area of 9,375 hectares and is administered by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the state of Jalisco. The park has a security checkpoint, parking lots, cabins, and a lodge. -Wikipedia

Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

To reach the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park, you must take a guided tour or drive your own vehicle. If you choose the latter, it is recommended that your vehicle be prepared for adverse conditions, unstable, and uneven terrain. Therefore, I recommend off-road vehicles, as well as a driver with experience on difficult roads. The climb is full of sharp turns, gorges, and potholes. Since the roads are dirt, mud can be a factor during the rainy season.

Location of the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

The climb takes several hours, so you need to go early. The park entrance fee applies, but it's quite accessible. Keep in mind that you should bring enough water and food. The park base sells some items, but don't be overconfident. It's also important to remember that pets are not allowed, and at one point you must leave your vehicle and continue on foot. It's a mountaintop. Wear thermal climbing clothing; the winds are very cold. Comfortable shoes with good traction. I recommend gloves and sunglasses, as well as a hat, balaclava, or cap.

Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

It's also important to know that the basic route is walking, but the climbs are steep. From one point onward, climbing gear is required to continue, but it's not necessary to reach the summit. I do recommend remembering that every step forward is a step back. It's very difficult to climb, but the views are well worth it, and the satisfaction of reaching the top is fantastic.

Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park

Before embarking on this adventure, I recommend checking the official website of the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park, the official file of the Nevado de Colima Volcano in the Information System, Monitoring and Evaluation for the Conservation of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas and the official Facebook page of the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park which were extremely useful to me when organizing my excursion.

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Eros and Thanatos on Medieval Roads

2026-10-22T09:08:00.000-05:00

ithin the vast repertoire that made medieval storytelling a brilliant marketing project lasting centuries and, curiously, still offering fierce resilience against modern narratives, the inclusion of themes that persist today among its legendary myths stands out.

Among these, two completely opposite themes stand out for their enduring nature and because they are possibly deeply rooted in the depths of the Collective Unconscious—with apologies to Dr. Jung—yet they bear witness to an unparalleled dualistic model: love and war. Generally depicted by medieval stonemasons in sculptures that, in a way, like painting, became the forerunners of modern storytelling, it could be said that there was no church, hermitage, cathedral, or monastery that did not include them in its message.

The clashes between knights, which continued not only on battlefields but also in the form of aristocratic duels that so inspired literary styles like Romanticism, contrast with the specter of love derived from the world of music, a world closely linked to the great master of seduction: Eros.

Eros and Thanatos, or death, as its counterpart, continue to exert a powerful fascination in a world that already dreams of great space voyages, immersed in the astonishing capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, where, as on ancient pilgrimage routes, travelers and pilgrims find themselves in the same circumstances, but with different backdrops.

Therefore, one of the greatest attractions of any worthwhile journey is the opportunity to study and appreciate this cultural legacy, which, often neglected and misappropriated for foreign interests, still offers, in the most overlooked corners of countless paths, a place not only for contemplation but also for learning, allowing us to truly see who we are, where we come from, and how little we have learned.

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Eguren Ugarte - Spain's Underground Winery

2026-10-19T10:41:00.000-05:00

Hello, dear travelers! Even if you've never been to Spain, you've probably tried wines from the Rioja region. On our latest trip, we visited a famous winery called Eguren Ugarte in the province of Álava. It would be a crime to pass through this region without stopping by one of its wineries.

Here stands a statue of Vitarina Eguren Ugarte, a man who dedicated his life to winemaking and is a fifth-generation member of the Ugarte family.

The dedication and commitment of this man and the generations before him to the winery are truly impressive. Upon arrival, we paid for a guided private tour. The guide told us all about the winery's secrets and showed us its hidden corners. We were given a sample of a wine called "Malvasia," which was quite delightful. We were also treated to canapés with foie gras. The Eguren family has been in the winemaking business since 1870. The founder is Anastasio Eguren, who planted these vineyards.

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of wine, but when we got here, I was excited to see the underground cellars and taste one of the region's most famous wines. We saw the underground cellars, which are one of the most fascinating parts of the winery.

The winery and hotel have a total of two kilometers of caves that Vitarina dug with the help of his wife, Mercedes, and a few young people from the village. According to him, they were weak and frail at 18, but when the work was done, they were strong as bulls. We descended underground and reached the lower level of the winery, where we were treated to more wine. It was pretty good, and I didn't expect to find an underground city of this size. It felt like being in a medieval castle. In these caves, there are also special rooms called "chocos," where clients sometimes gather with family and friends to drink their own wines. These niches for clients' wines are located in the walls of these underground tunnels.

We had another opportunity to try a different wine, called "Maturina." If we continued at this pace, we wouldn't have been able to leave on our own two feet. So we decided to proceed with a bit more moderation. Every detail was thought out in these tunnels. For example, the tunnels have various proverbs and sayings because, according to our guide, Señor Eguren Ugarte was quite eloquent. We continued to descend, reaching a depth of about 20 meters, and according to our guide, the oldest wines here are about 100 years old. We went even deeper, reaching over 20 meters underground, and I was surprised to learn that there's a hotel here with rooms right next to the wine barrels. So you could grab a bottle of wine, get tipsy, and go to bed right away. Would you stay in a hotel this deep underground, or would you be claustrophobic? Please share your answer in the comments.

In this room, there are wine barrels for private clients. Each barrel has the client's name on it, rented to allow their wine to age until it's ready for consumption. Most names are in German, but there are also a few Chinese, a few Spanish, and some well-known companies. Throughout the tour, we were offered more wine tastings. We saw a machine that they said is cleaned with ozone. Next to it is a colorful chamber where they store vintage wine.

In these winery cellars, we not only saw wine but also various interesting items. For example, there was a Citroen car with just two horsepower. But not all winery spaces are as unique. We also saw the most ordinary part of any winery: the warehouse. After wine is bottled and aged, it's stored in these warehouses. The tour came to an end. We tried many wines and snacks, saw the cellars, and learned about the family's history.

It was an enjoyable trip. If you ever find yourself in the province of Álava, I recommend visiting the wineries here.

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Exploring Los Angeles - A Visit to the Getty Centre and Museum

2026-10-19T04:21:37.978-05:00

I was just thinking yesterday about how it great it must be to travel the world and capture different types of architecture. I do it in a vocational sense, when I'm travelling I end up being attracted to different pieces of modern architecture, but I think as a job must be really interesting. Maybe a little stressful as you need to capture the right angles and convey the sense of the building. So when I was in Los Angeles the Getty Centre was an obvious location that I needed to visit. I remembered seeing this building when I was a design student and was in awe of the clean lines and views from the top looking over Los Angeles, it's almost like a castle in the sky.

This museum was started at J. Paul Getty's house in 1954. J.Paul Getty was one of the richest living Americans and was worth more than $6 billion dollars at his death in 1976. He was said to be very frugal but always made exceptions for art and antiques, hence expanding his house to better accommodate the collection. The collection soon outgrew the property and the Getty Trust looked for a new location, choosing this campus of 24 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The architecture was designed by Richard Meier, both abstract artist and architect, who wanted to use geometric gradients of the colour white all across this property. He did this by creating two grids that acted as axises that meant open views from each side of the build. I reccomend you read up on this property and there are so many intricacies architecturally, if you get a chance to visit you can take a free tour of the architecture itself with a guide. It's very interesting.

Here are a few photos I took on my film camera that day. I tend to be selective when I take a film camera with me but here there were so many unique angles and details that I used two rolls or more on this building alone. I hope you like them.

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Covarrubias: Among Counts, Temples, and Mysteries

2026-10-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

he adventure wouldn't be complete if, after visiting the battered ruins of the Monastery of San Pedro de Arlanza, we didn't dedicate some time to wandering the medieval streets of a place whose picturesque charm is surpassed only by the numerous treasures and enticing mysteries it has guarded with avaricious determination throughout history: Covarrubias.

A good place to begin exploring some of these countless mysteries—and rightly so, given that we are in the heroic heart of the first Castilian counts—is the Fernán González Tower. Inside, if you are observant, you will notice, among other interesting curiosities, a reproduction of several banners of the famous leader Almanzor. You will be surprised to discover that the design of one of them, a black and white checkered pattern, might suggest that it predates the famous Templar banner by a century.

But without a doubt, the magnificent Collegiate Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian—twin saints and practitioners of the noble art of medicine, where one diagnoses and the other offers the remedy—will be the unmissable place where your imagination will run wild, not only with the tombs of kings and nobles—such as Princess Christina of Norway or Mudarra, the son of Hispano-Arabic origin who avenged his brothers, the Seven Princes of Lara—but also with a small, yet extraordinary art museum, where you won't be able to stop admiring a stunning work by the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, "The Virgin of Wisdom," an astonishing and minimalist painting that will leave you bewildered trying to classify the more than one hundred detailed objects it contains.

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Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Folkestone for an Iced Latte on a Sunny day

2026-10-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

We have decided to change it up a little and instead of our usual order of a white americano go for something different but before we get into the coffee let's see and talk a little bit more about Eleto Chocolate Cafe!

I can start by saying that this is a place that looks very confusing for me.

From their outside to the inside space and decoration, I get a very bohemian vibe. But I don't really know what to think of it. Even after this visit I don't know if I love it or if I am simply confused.

The staff is very nice and the atmosphere it is as weird as the space itself but this time not in a bad way, just weird. I don't now how else I could describe it.

I have wanted to visit this place at night for a drink and I think the place goes better with those vibes. But as an afternoon place, I still can't make the connection.

The Location it is great and that was one of the reason why I have ended up here.

I was coming from the beach and in this sunny day, and because the weather is still quite cold, I had too much clothes but after a long walk and with the sun actually shinning bright and strong, I was feeling warm.

So before my last walk to get home, this was the ideal place to stop and get something refreshing.

But from these photos what would you say about this place. I am curious to hear all your thoughts about the decoration and vibes from Eleto Chocolate Cafe.

The Coffee time

You know I prefer my coffee hot but on this beautiful sunny day I got a little bit warm and I was not in the mood for a juice or alcohol so I have decided to go with an iced latte.

I was actually very surprised when it looked great upon they served me. Sometimes you go to this places and their iced coffees look very sad.

But I had a great experience and I would totally stop by once more for another iced coffee break in a different day.

In general, as I said the place and decoration look weird but I totally would recommend you to stop by. Either for coffee or a drink. The seats outside for the sunny Summer days are ideal.

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Santillana and the Threshold of Mystery

2026-10-08T09:01:00.000-05:00

Today, our journey into the darkness of History, the enigmas of Art, and that metaphorical island of Barataria, nestled between the two, which is Mystery, leads us once again to one of the most picturesque places in northern Spain, a place that has always drawn us like a magnet: Santillana.

In Santillana, a bastion of remarkable attractions, nestled between the lush exuberance of the Pasiego valleys and the evocative proximity of the magnificent Cantabrian cliffs, we find one of the most beautiful and interesting towns in Spain.

On the other hand, as travelers committed to adventure and mystery, but also aware of the role of devil's advocate we must always play to avoid falling into the trap of the trivial, we imagine that the obscure beginnings of this town, which still retains its genuine medieval appearance like a breath of fresh air in the face of future vicissitudes, stemmed from its proximity to a legendary place: the famous caves that bear its name. These caves, dating back thousands and thousands of years, already indicated their importance as a place of spirituality and knowledge.

We know that the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, one of the four great Romanesque collegiate churches located in Cantabria, began as a humble hermitage where, around the 12th century, the mortal remains, transformed into relics, of a mysterious saint named Juliana were enshrined. She is known for her ability to put in their place that figure whom the poet Baudelaire described as a taciturn solitary soul, and to whom another writer, Ambrose Bierce, dedicated his famous Dictionary: the Devil.

With this background, it is not at all surprising that a prosperous and authentic village developed around the imposing Romanesque structure that now stands before us, a village that every summer attracts thousands of tourists who are captivated by its irresistible charm.

It is also true that visiting the town and venturing with an open mind into the somber solitude of the Collegiate Church, including its spectacular cloister, involves not only enjoying art that constantly invites you to take in every detail, but also immersing yourself in that fabulous universe of archetypal images. This imagery transformed a seemingly crude and medieval narrative into the best marketing campaign in history, to the point that, even with its ups and downs, it continues to resonate throughout the centuries.

And both Santillana and its priceless Collegiate Church remain, still there, to show us a message that, although right before our eyes, we don't always pause long enough to truly grasp.

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Kimobetsu Hokkaido, Japan

2026-10-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

Kimobetsu is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido it is a short 10 minutes drive down the road from the Rusutsu ski resort. It was a new and strange experience for us. We found ourselves here as I had always wanted to do some skiing in Japan. I had seen some advertising in Australia from our Perisher Resort that if you bought there season pass for not much more than a regular weeks lift pass you could get a free weeks lift tickets in a partnered resort in either Canada, the US or Japan . We had planned to ski down in Perisher any way so why not take advantage of the epic season pass and get a free week in Japan too. So with two weeks skiing on the epic pass in Australia we were off to Japan to cash in , or at least see how much we could save.

I would not really want to add up how much it cost all together for a ski trip in both the south and northern hemisphere 6 months apart but I suppose that's why I work all the long hard hours.

We had two choices in Japan for skiing on the Perisher epic pass, Hukaba on the main Island or Rusustu much further north and close to Russia. We chose Rusustu because it was supposed to have less people, better snow. The only problem with Rusustu was the accommodation at the resort was $1000Aud per night in peak season so hence why we were staying in the nearby town of Kimobestu. Where Our accommodation was way cheaper and we had a bigger room with a free shuttle to and from the ski resort each day.

Mt Yotei rises 6227 feet above the town and is usually covered by cloud, I thought it resembles Mt. Fuji.@consciouscat got a photo of me trying to run in the snow and cold before we headed up the mountain for a ski.The swings were wound up over the top pole for winter and half buried, looks like a full time job for the excavator to try and keep the some access clear. It was -13 degrees on the run/photo walk and my head was cold. The next morning I opted for a beanie and a neck covering.The local super market Our Accommodation at the Lobs.Our little Kitchen.Automatic heated toilet.

And it is good bye from Kimobestu. We hope to return one day maybe in the summer.

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Italy is famous for its symbolic monuments, declared World Heritage of UNESCO.

2026-10-03T10:52:00.000-05:00

Italy is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and the magnificent Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore the wonders of art in Florence at the renowned Uffizi Gallery or admire Michelangelo's masterpiece in Vatican City's Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that popular places such as Venice can get very busy, especially in high season. To avoid the crowds, opt for beautiful, but less-visited regions such as Basilicata or Puglia.

Indulge your taste buds with authentic Italian cuisine. Feast on mouthwatering pasta dishes like spaghetti alle vongole or savor a slice of traditional Neapolitan pizza. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine from vineyards that date back centuries.

Immerse yourself in Italian culture as you stroll through charming cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafés and boutique shops. Experience la dolce vita (the sweet life) as you relax at a sidewalk café with an espresso or gelato in hand.

Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, cruising along picturesque coastlines, or simply enjoying an afternoon siesta under the Mediterranean sun, Italy will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Lecce, Puglia

Grand Tour of Italy

Rome

Explore the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, visit the Vatican City and admire the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.

Florence

Marvel at the Renaissance art and architecture of the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, and stroll along the picturesque Ponte Vecchio.

Venice

Take a gondola ride along the canals, visit St. Mark's Square and Basilica, and explore the beautiful islands of Murano and Burano.

Cinque Terre

Hike along the picturesque coastal trails, visit the colorful fishing villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore, and sample delicious seafood.

Amalfi Coast

Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery, relax on the beaches of Positano, visit the charming town of Amalfi, and explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

FAQ

What are some popular tourist destinations in Italy?

Some popular tourist destinations in Italy include Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast.

What is the best way to get around in Italy?

The best way to get around in Italy is by train, which offers a convenient and efficient transportation network. Rural areas, for example Basilicata, are best explored by rental car.

What are some essential phrases in Italian?

Some essential phrases in Italian include 'Buongiorno' (Good morning), 'Grazie' (Thank you), and 'Scusa' (Excuse me).

Is Italy a safe country for tourists?

Italy is generally a safe country for tourists, but it's always important to take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Travel Tips

Money Cards are accepted at most places
ATM Fees Most ATMs charge no fees
ATMs to avoid (high fees) Euronet
Do try the local cuisine and respect Italian dining traditions.
Do dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.
Don't tip excessively, as it's not customary in Italy.
Don't touch the produce at markets unless invited to do so.
Don't plan a city trip in summer - heatwaves are common.
Don't use serviced petrol station booths; opt for self-service booths instead to avoid extra service charges.

Asturias: Secret Marketing Carved in Stone Since the Middle Ages

2026-10-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

Today, like that cunning Ulysses who embarked on the hero's journey compelled by the gods, we too feel the call of adventure and return to Asturias, aware that the secrets of its dark past are not always best left undisclosed. Ignoring contemporary misfortunes and defying, even if only metaphorically, the tempest, like Shakespeare's forgotten heroes, we travel to Ciaño, in the heart of the revolutionary mining region, to take a look at one of its Romanesque relics. Although badly damaged over time, it still displays interesting details worth noting.

We are referring to the Church of San Esteban, a striking example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture. Its skillfully crafted main portal features some of those curious examples of medieval branded content, which, believe it or not, has yet to be surpassed by the grand campaigns of modern marketing.

Without the need for metrics, KPIs, or decision-making subordinated to the biased whims of algorithms, the medieval stonemasons, likely relocated to the misty Asturian mountains, also developed a subliminal yet meticulously crafted message here, whose power can still be measured in conversions.

Aside from the grotesque scene of the stoning of Saint Stephen, we observe, in the curious Norman birds that populate the upper archivolts, that motivating and, at the same time, transformative traffic of the discovery of the supposed remains of the Apostle James in a somber Galician forest and the opening of pilgrimage routes, which once again fueled adventure, the economy, culture, and the growth of a society—European society—that was only just beginning to leave behind the misfortunes of a dark period known as the Early Middle Ages.

How thought also evolved and began to develop the potential of what centuries later the world would know as modern psychology: the stonemasons who built this church left us the precedents of certain archetypes, such as the centaurs, precursors of Jung's shadow, Machado's complementary nature, or Ortega y Gasset's concept of circumstance.

The promiscuity of the sirens, with the evocative mirage of their sensual song, combined with the magnetism of those queens of bias, who, deep down, were their sisters, the harpies, formed, within the complex framework of this fabulous spiritual marketing, the natural Prozac that kept the most primitive instincts of the faithful and pilgrims in check, and thus provided the indicators that taught them to practice more social and rational behavior.

These remnants, in short, not only continue to teach us a multitude of things, but also remind us that the fascinating adventure of travel is a school where learning doesn't have to be at odds with that other great adventure, which is, of course, always living.

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Moments of happiness at Wat Pho

2026-09-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

Był marzec. Pierwszy raz w życiu znalazłam się w Tajlandii. Wiedziałam, że na pewno dwa tygodnie spędzę w Bangkoku realizując projekt z pracy. Do dyspozycji miałam jeszcze jeden tydzień... ale o tym później...

Kiedy jesteś pierwszy raz w danym miejscu chcesz zobaczyć to, co "wypada zobaczyć". Ta reguła zadziałała również w moim przypadku, chociaż tylko do pewnego stopnia. Wiedziałam, że chcę zwiedzić jakąś tajską świątynię, a najlepiej kilka. Wat Pho było na mojej liście, ale bez ciśnienia, bo najbardziej nie lubię znajdować się w tłumie turystów i z tego powodu czasem odpuszczam niektóre atrakcje.

EN

First time

It was March. For the first time in my life, I found myself in Thailand. I knew I would spend two weeks in Bangkok working on a project. I still had one more week to spare... but more on that later...

When you are in a place for the first time, you want to see what is "supposed to be seen." This rule also applied in my case, although only to a certain extent. I knew I wanted to visit a Thai temple, preferably several. Wat Pho was on my list, but with no pressure, as I dislike being in crowds of tourists the most, and sometimes I skip certain attractions because of that.

Do Wat Pho dojechałam metrem (MRT), był to mój główny środek transportu. Po czym poznać turystę, który nie zna miasta? Ciągle ma telefon w ręku z google maps. To ja.

Do świątyni dotarłam koło 17, trochę późno, zwłaszcza, że gdzieś doczytałam, że tylko do 18.30 otwarte. Na miejscu okazało się, że trochę dłużej. Bilet 200 THB.

EN

Upon reaching Wat Pho by metro (MRT), it was my main mode of transportation. How can you recognize a tourist who doesn't know the city? They constantly have their phone in hand with google maps. That's me.

I arrived at the temple around 5 pm, a bit late, especially because I read somewhere that it's only open until 6:30 pm. It turned out to be open a bit longer. The ticket was 200 THB.

Oczywiście wkraczając na teren świątyni trzeba ubrać się odpowiednio, czyli odpowiednia długość rękawów i nogawek. W niektórych miejscach trzeba ściągnąć buty, ale za każdym razem jest to wyraźnie oznaczone więc nie ma szans na popełnienie gafy.

Nagle znalazłam się w innym świecie. Dla mnie całkowicie nieznanym. Chłonęłam wszystko dookoła. Wszystko było nowe a przez to ciekawe.

<?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = "[default] http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" NS = "http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" />

EN

Of course, when entering the temple premises, proper attire is required, meaning appropriate sleeve and pant length. In some places, shoes must be removed, but each time it is clearly marked so there is no chance of making a mistake.

Suddenly, I found myself in a different world. Completely unknown to me. I absorbed everything around me. Everything was new and therefore interesting.

Świątynia zrobiła na mnie ogromne wrażenie. Może dlatego, że była to moja pierwsza świątynia, w dodatku największa w Bangkoku. Nie wiem. Chodziłam tam w kółko otumaniona wszystkim dookoła.

Poszłam też zobaczyć słynny posąg Leżącego Buddy. Było trochę ludzi, czasem czyjaś część ciała wchodziła mi w kadr, czasem ktoś coś głośniej powiedział, ale jak na turystyczne miejsce było dość luźno.

EN

The temple made a huge impression on me. Maybe that's because it was my first temple, and also the largest in Bangkok. I don't know. I walked around in a daze, surrounded by everything. I also went to see the famous reclining Buddha statue. There were some people around, sometimes someone's body part would get in my shot, sometimes someone would say something louder, but for a touristy place it was quite relaxed.

Budda zerkał na mnie a ja na niego. Chociaż bardziej ja na niego niż on na mnie. Podejrzewam, że miałam cały czas wytrzeszczone oczy. Chciałam zobaczyć wszystko, co tylko mogę. Pochłonąć oczami każdy obraz. Wbić w umysł, zapamiętać... Nie wiedziałam, że tego dnia będziemy się widzieć dwa razy.

EN

Buddha gazed at me and I at him. Though more me at him than he at me. I suspect I had my eyes wide open the whole time. I wanted to see everything I possibly could. To devour with my eyes every image. To penetrate the mind, to remember... I didn't know that we would see each other twice that day.

Błąkałam się po całym kompleksie aż trafiłam do budynku Phra Ubosot. Oczywiście przed wejściem ściągnęłam buty. W środku kilka osób siedziało na podłodze. Usiadłam i ja. Myślałam, że na coś czekają. Czekałam i ja. Mnisi się krzątali i przestawiali rzeczy. Pomyślałam, że może będzie jakaś buddyjska uroczystość. Nawet jeden z mnichów przeleciał czerwony dywan odkurzaczem. Więc tak siedziałam tam i siedziałam. Ludzie przychodzili i wychodzili. Przestałam czekać aż coś się wydarzy, ale nie wychodziłam. Obserwowałam mnichów. Czułam dużo spokoju. Spędziłam tam chyba ponad godzinę. Zrobiłam trochę zdjęć, ale głównie napawałam się samą atmosferą tego miejsca.

EN

I wandered around the entire complex until I reached the Phra Ubosot building. Of course, I took off my shoes before entering. Inside, several people were sitting on the floor. I sat down too. I thought they were waiting for something. I waited as well. The monks were bustling around and rearranging things. I thought maybe there would be some Buddhist ceremony. Even one of the monks vacuumed a red carpet. So I sat there and sat there. People came and went. I stopped waiting for something to happen, but I didn't leave. I observed the monks. I felt a lot of peace. I spent probably over an hour there. I took some pictures, but mainly I just soaked in the atmosphere of the place.

Kiedy w końcu zdecydowałam się wyjść było już ciemno. Wszystko było oświetlone, a ja się zorientowałam, że jestem tam praktycznie sama. Czasem kogoś jeszcze mijałam. Będąc tam sama doznałam wzruszenia pomieszanego z ekscytacją, ale też trochę smutkiem, że nie mam z kim tych emocji dzielić. Nie pamiętam jakie miejsce ostatnio wywołało u mnie tego typu doznania. Chodziłam między budowlami i nie mogłam wyjść z podziwu. Dziwiłam się też, że w tak pięknym miejscu jestem sama.

EN

When I finally decided to go out, it was already dark. Everything was lit up, and I realized that I was practically alone there. Sometimes I passed by someone else. Being there alone, I experienced a mixture of excitement and emotion, but also a bit of sadness that I had no one to share these feelings with. I don't remember the last time a place triggered such feelings in me. I walked among the buildings and couldn't help but admire. I also wondered why I was alone in such a beautiful place.

Dowiedziałam się, że kompleks jest czynny do 20.00, więc poszłam jeszcze odwiedzić Leżącego Buddę, tuż przed samym zamknięciem.

Byłam tam tylko ja i Budda. No dobra jeszcze jeden turysta, nie wiem czemu, ale byłam przekonana, że to chiński turysta. W każdym razie oboje zdawaliśmy sobie sprawę z tego, że mamy szczęście, że możemy tam swobodnie się poruszać, robić zdjęcia i po prostu sobie pobyć.

EN

I learned that the complex is open until 8:00 p.m., so I went to visit the Reclining Buddha, just before closing time.

It was only me and Buddha. Well, okay, there was one more tourist, I don't know why, but I was convinced that he was a Chinese tourist. Anyway, we both realized that we were lucky to be able to move around freely, take pictures, and just be there.

Wykorzystałam ten czas maksymalnie. Z Wat Pho wyszłam o 20.00. Trochę żałuję, że nie skorzystałam z tajskiego masażu, bo ponoć tam jest ten najbardziej tradycyjny.

Nie piszę nic o historii tego miejsca, bo na tym się nie znam i nie umiem pisać, a zapewne internet jest pełen wiadomości dla dociekliwych.

Myślę, że mogłam tam spędzić tyle czasu i sobie po prostu pobyć w niektórych miejscach bez pośpiechu dlatego, że Bangkok nie był dla mnie trzydniową wycieczką i miejscem przesiadkowym na rajskie wyspy. Wiedziałam, że jednego dnia nie muszę "zaliczać" wszystkich atrakcji.

EN

I made the most of this time. I left Wat Pho at 8:00 p.m. I somewhat regret not taking advantage of the Thai massage, because supposedly it is the most traditional there.

I'm not writing anything about the history of this place, as I am not knowledgeable about it and don't know how to write, and surely the internet is full of information for the curious.

I think I could have spent so much time there and just been in some places without rushing because Bangkok wasn't a three-day tour and a layover spot for the paradise islands for me. I knew that I didn't have to "check off" all the attractions in one day.

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Spain, a vibrant and diverse country that captures the heart and soul of every traveler.

2026-09-26T10:44:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Spain, a vibrant and diverse country that captures the heart and soul of every traveler. Situated in southwestern Europe, Spain is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and lively culture. With its Mediterranean beaches, majestic mountains, charming villages, and bustling cities, this enchanting land offers an unparalleled experience.

One of the most captivating aspects of Spain is its fiery passion for life. Whether it's indulging in mouthwatering tapas at a bustling bar in Barcelona or immersing yourself in the passionate rhythms of flamenco in Seville, you'll find that every moment spent here is infused with energy and excitement.

But Spain isn't just about flamboyance; it also boasts a deep sense of tradition. Explore the narrow winding streets of medieval towns like Toledo or Granada's historic Alhambra palace to witness centuries-old customs still alive today. From the iconic bullfighting arenas to vibrant festivals like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls, Spain celebrates its heritage with unmatched vigor.

From the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees in the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean and the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coastline, Spain offers a wide range of natural wonders to explore. With lush national parks, picturesque valleys, and enchanting forests, the country's landscapes are a true delight for nature lovers, providing endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersing oneself in the beauty of the outdoors.

The Canary Islands are boasting a perfect blend of natural beauty and warm weather. Nestled off the northwest coast of Africa, this Spanish archipelago offers a year-round mild climate, making it an inviting destination for those seeking respite from the winter chill. With stunning volcanic landscapes, golden beaches, and a wide array of outdoor activities, from hiking in lush forests to water sports along the azure shores, the Canary Islands provide a captivating and rejuvenating experience for travelers seeking sun-soaked adventures during the winter months.

Must-See Cities

Madrid

The capital city of Spain, known for its rich history, art, and culture.

Barcelona

A vibrant city on the northeastern coast, famous for its unique architecture and lively atmosphere.

Valencia

A coastal city with a mix of modern and historic attractions, like the City of Arts and Sciences.

Granada

Home to the stunning Alhambra palace and nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Seville

A charming city with Moorish influence, known for its beautiful architecture and flamenco dancing.

Travel Tips

Money Cards are accepted universally
ATM Fees Most ATMs charge fees, but you can find fee-free ATMs
Free ATMs Deutsche Bank
ATMs to avoid (high fees) Santander, Euronet
Do try traditional Spanish dishes and beverages.
Do respect the siesta culture and avoid making loud noises during midday rest hours.
Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Don't expect shops and restaurants to be open during siesta hours.
Don't assume everyone speaks English; it's polite to learn basic Spanish phrases.
Don't plan a city trip in summer - temperates can get very hot.

Vrindavan - Shri Banke Bihariji Temple, Keshi ghat and Nidhivan

2026-09-21T11:24:00.000-05:00

Vrindavan is considered as the holiest place of India where the celestial abode of Lord Krishna and goddess Radha resides. It's a 4 hour drive by car from Delhi and we started finishing our breakfast from New Delhi ( Continuation from this post) and directly checked into the Hotel Royal Sarovar, as all the temples are closed during lunch time. As we entered the city, these gates reflected the religious culture that the city follows - a full vegan city where no one eats non-veg and even non-veg is not served anywhere, even in star hotels.

Royal Sarovar was a much better hotel compared to our previous one and boasts religious ambience with a nice vegan restaurant Tripti ( meaning pleasure).

Bhagavad Gita, the most epic Hindu scriptures near the entry showcases the hotel's commitment to the cultural heritage of the place.

And then this little visual guide inside the lift gives clue to all the religious places that one can explore. Taking an hour of rest, we started our tour at 3 p.m., heading directly to the Keshi ghat, the most worshiping place built in 17th century where traditional rituals are performed. The vehicle is not allowed inside and we had to leave it at the parking place and go by an battery operated auto, unfortunately, there is no standard rate or governance, so you will have to bargain. On our way, we saw some people doing the Parikrama of all the temples, some even doing "Dandavat Parikrama" (prostrations on the ground - fall like a stick , pranam or Dandavat and get up and repeat). This is the first time I saw "Dandavat Parikrama" and the young auto driver explained like a guide. The entire Parikrama of all the temples is 21 kms long and most complete it walking barefoot (and even fasting), but those who cannot, can do it by rickshaw’s as well. What I did not like is the very bad condition of roads, on which people were doing "Dandavat Parikrama".

Keshi ghat on the banks of river Yamuna seems to had many ancient temples which are mostly broken now. One can take the boat ride and go to the centre of the river to witness the sunset and evening Aarti, but we didn't have plan for that.

You have to go through this very narrow road on the bank to reach Nidhivan, if you are coming from this way.

Beware of monkeys, they are waiting to snatch from you, so do hold your bags carefully.

His Mobile mania caught my attention.

Many foreigners come and stay in Vrindavan adopting to our culture abandoning their worldly life - realizing the eternal pleasure from the holy abode.

Walking through these narrow (and bad) roads we finally reached the Radha Ramanji temple.

Nidhivan, is close to this temple, where the idol of Shri Banke Bihariji (commonly called as Bihariji ) appeared.

The one way entry to Nidhivan and you have to take off your shoes and keep them at stands operated by local vendors and they protect them only from monkeys.

Even though there are barricades, it does not stop monkeys and they are in constant search of snatching your belongings, so don't hold your phone, or even wear spectacles.

Nidhivan is a mysterious place with these short heightened bending hollow Tulasi plants ( a different kind) standing in pairs, twisted downwards and it is believed they become alive at night, turning into Gopis and doing Raas Leela with Lord Krishna - something charmingly unbelievable for some, but true for the believers. That's is the reason its shut after 7 PM. And this is the place where Shri Banke Bihariji idol appeared. Swami Haridas continuously meditated at this place and pleased with his sheer devotion, one day Lord Krishna and Radha appeared in front of him. Swamiji wanted to have these heavenly beauty forever, and requested both of them to to take a single form and that is how they formed an idol known as Banke Bihari, a perfect metaphor to the combined beauty of dark Lord Krishna and the fair Radhaji. You can read more about this in this official site from the temple administration. The story definitely brings goosebumps, if you feel it by heart. The deity was initially being worshiped in a temple close to Nidhivan, but later was moved to the current temple constructed in 1862 AD.And it's believed that if you stare into the eyes of Shri Banke Bihariji idol for long, then you will lose self consciousness, hence the darshan is broken by drawing a curtain in front of him regularly.

This is the place where idol of Banke Bihariji appeared for Swami Haridas inside Nidhivan.

Getting out of Nidhivan, we took a rickshaw to go to the Banke Bihari temple. There are battery autos, but they were asking for unreasonable amount of fair and there is no administration at all. The roads are pretty narrow to accommodate the heavy crowd and you have to arrange everything on your own and be cautious at the same time. I hired a local guide who promised us to take inside easily, charging 500 rupees. This was very helpful for Mom as he protected and took us straight to the front of the deity with much difficulty. But if you are strong then you can go on your own.

The narrow roads to the temple is occupied by sweet shops and could have been managed much better.

The rush inside is very severe, and it's pretty difficult to reach the front. And you can go with your mobile, no checking of anything on your way.

I saw the priest taking the photo of Banke Bihariji in one mobile, may be for someone, but there are volunteers who shout at you if they see you taking photos. This is not good administration, if you have to ban, you have to ban even the priest.

Mom was initially not happy with me taking the guide, but after the visit, she realized, it was worth. Even though Vrindavan is not any of the Char Dhams, it's one of the holiest temple of Lord Krishna in the World, and she felt her religious journey to be complete after this - I have already taken her to all the Char Dhams. In the mean time enjoy this video of Banke Bihariji temple - you will be mesmerized with the devotion of people - the black lord has the magic to take all your pain and sufferings.

The exit from the temple - a very narrow pass-way through which only one person can go at one time.

And when many try, you can imagine the situation. The guide hold her and made some space to exit, but she was still hurt in the leg as others stepped on her. This was the worst experience - people should exit quickly de-congesting the inside. Coming back on our way, I captured some niche moments.

I requested them to pose for a photo and look at the smile on their face - happiness is from within.

The next best place to visit in Vrindavan is Prem Mandir.

But the security at the gate did not allow us to go inside with the camera. There are road side vendors, where you can keep them, but I did not feel they are safe. So we gave up coming there, and planned to come back next morning. I will keep it for another post, but we were able to go inside with the camera - wait for some interesting twist.

Given the religious importance of Vrindavan and large number of crowd, the Banke Bihari Corridor project will definitely make it a better place, hopefully, we will be able to see it again in few years, with more blissful experience. If you are strong and plan to visit Vrindavan, then plan it during Holi to get an unique experience of lifetime. The Banke Bihari temple celebrates the Holi festival with flowers. There will be crazy crowd, but if you be with them, you will enjoy it to the fullest.

This post will be part of my Google review of all these places - a little hive marketing. It takes immense amount of time to provide all the context and take you through a pictorial journey of these places, so that you get a feel of our places, culture.

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Picturesque Swiss Village, Brienz - Magical Panoramic view of Brienzer Rothorn Mountain and Alps

2026-09-21T08:05:25.553-05:00

finally reached our destination. I was tired, and exhausted after the long travel from the Netherlands to Switzerland so I had no idea when I fall asleep. It almost took around 12 hours for us to reach Switzerland due to heavy traffic. So after waking up when I witnessed the jaw-dropping, picturesque scenario around me, I forgot all of the tiredness. We were in Brienz, a beautiful village in Switzerland on the northeast shore of Lake Brienz. The driver informed us that this was where we were going to stay for our Swiss trip. Why did I say jaw-dropping scenario? Because I was surrounded by beautiful majestic mountains, waterfalls, and Lake Brienz. Our hotel was a typical wooden Swiss chalet and the view was mind-blowing.

We finally arrived at Brienz...

After leaving the car, I along with my sister started walking around to see the location. I heard the mesmerizing sound of the waterfall and then I saw the beautiful waterfall from far away. I have never stayed in such a beautiful location before, The last time was in 2023 when I was in Switzerland, and we stayed in Malters. I didn't know about the hotel location because our agent booked the hotel for us so without any delay, I texted a "thank you" note to my agent. After leaving our luggage inside the room, we decided that we were going to explore near the hotel area because, from the balcony of the hotel, we saw the beautiful Lake Brienz. So, we instantly had changed our outfits and got ready for a small walk.

The weather was chilly and pleasant, not cold at all. Amid a scenic alpine landscape and surrounded by the adjacent mountain peaks, we were having a feeling of comfort and solitude moment.

Brienz is a scenic village in Switzerland, nestled along the shores of Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland region. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, this beautiful village offers breathtaking views of turquoise waters surrounded by imposing alpine peaks. This idyllic setting makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure. Well, I was quite happy because the location where we stayed was not very touristy. I saw locals and their houses mostly.

Brienz's charm is enhanced by its traditional Swiss chalets, flower-adorned balconies, and a serene atmosphere which you will see in my photos. The village serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails (I came to know about this info from the hotel), making it a perfect base for exploring the region’s natural wonders.

We walked the nearby neighborhood and went near Lake Brienz. The panoramic view was so soothing and I almost forgot all of the tiredness of life for a moment. We took a lot of photos, walked on the small walkway following the lake, and adored the moment with the mountains. I had seen snowy-covered mountain peaks, and floating dense clouds had covered the peaks almost instantly. My go-pro was not with me otherwise I would have made a timelapse video.

This side of the village was not crowded at all. I saw locals and kids coming from work and school. We also went to a local bar and had a drink.

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One of Brienz’s highlights is the Brienz Rothorn Railway, a historic steam train that climbs to the Brienzer Rothorn mountain, providing panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The village is also famous for its woodcarving tradition, with the Swiss Woodcarving Museum (Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum) showcasing intricate craftsmanship and offering workshops. I had already planned a trip so I didn't have time to explore local attractions.

After our short walk, I sat here (the photo you are seeing now) and started looking at the map for the locations. I had some very specific locations in my mind and I figured out that Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Iseltwald were not far away from the area where we were staying, with the highest 30-minute drive maximum. I was actually happy and then started checking other activities at the location. Well, I knew what I wanted and soon you will see what I did in Switzerland this time.

I genuinely don't have enough words to explain the scenic atmosphere of this village. Standing on the shores of Lake Brienz, I was immediately struck by the surreal beauty surrounding me. The lake, with its impossibly clear turquoise water, mirrored the towering mountains that rose steeply on all sides. It felt like stepping into a postcard. As I walked along the shore, the gentle lapping of the water against the pebbles created a soothing soundtrack, perfectly harmonizing with the crisp, fresh air.

Venturing into the surrounding greenery, I felt like I had stepped into a fairy tale. The hills and forests were lush and vibrant, with a myriad of wildflowers dotting the meadows. The scent of pine filled the air, and the sound of birdsong accompanied me as I walked. Each turn in the path offered a new, stunning view of the lake or a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Am I being dramatic? Maybe a little bit poetic...

Everything felt unreal at the beginning because I mentioned I had never stayed in such locations before. The area was too captivating to be real.

Enjoy some series of photos...

Polvo à Lagareiro14€

Octopus roasted in olive oil & garlic

Shellfish · Gluten-free · “POL-voo”

Cataplana de Marisco18€

Arroz de Pato12€

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Understand every dish, not just the words.

Word-for-word translation gets menus hilariously wrong. Snap a photo (handwritten menus work too) and you'll know what each dish actually is, what's in it, and how to ask for it.

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Some photos I have taken from the balcony while having my coffee. The view from the balcony was amazing, we were on the 1st floor. The villa was 3 storied and was the only 3-storied villa in the area.

Evenings in Brienz were equally magical. We sat for coffee while watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and orange. The Mild sound of the waterfall was coming, and I had felt a profound sense of peace. The traditional Swiss chalets, with their flower-adorned balconies, added to the village’s charm, creating a scene that felt like a dream.

We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights. Every day we had enjoyed the astonishing mountain view from the balcony of our room whenever we could.

The hotel was nice and comfortable and the hospitality was quite comforting. The staff were friendly and offered all the guests a home feeling. Breakfast was good, European breakfast with delicious bread. The restaurant was cozy and nice, perfect for having a good breakfast. The dinner option was also available for us.

We had our best time during our stay in Brienz. Every location where we wanted to go was nearby, we were away from the bustling sound of the city, with no tourists crowd moreover we were so close to nature.

We had a very relaxing vacation time in Brienz and I would recommend everyone this village for a stay.

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Le Sentier du Molokoi

2026-09-21T07:51:35.568-05:00

French Guiana, France

Le Sentier du Molokoi - French Guiana

TRAVELFEED · FIELD NOTES ·

@thelazynomad

April 2022 · 5 MIN READ

⌖ 4.6124° N · 52.6415° W

Defying the weather forecast

It was raining like crazy in French Guyana a couple of days before deciding to engage in this trail. We were advised several times not to do it under these weather conditions, because much probably we would need to "swim" and some tree trunks could be blocking the path.

Well, by the image you can already see that we did it anyway

For the ones who are not familiar with the word "carbet" in french, it is basically a wooden shelter originally made by the indigenous people of the region. The sign basically points to the trail that leads to the "carbet", place that we would be sleeping a couple of hours from there.

Some parts of the trail were indeed flooded, as you can see in the image above, but fortunately there was no need to "swim", and the weather was very kind with us all through the trail.

The Molokoi has a total of 18 km, and people usually do it in two days. One of the approaches, is to take the biggest part of the trail the first day (11 km), sleep in the "carbet", and do the rest (7 km) the second day. The first half can take approximately 5 to 6 hours, of course it always depend on your rhythm. The second day can be easily done in 3 hours. This first approach starts near a national road (RN2) and ends in the amazing village of Cacao (keep reading to know more about it ).

Astonishing nature

The animals in general are not so easy to find, they really know how to hide from humans, and apart from a lot of exotic sounds, I wasn't able to see anything clear, just some birds and a glimpse of a mammal, that didn't give me enough time to classify it.

But insects, there were tones of them...

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From several butterflies, centipedes (I actually had one in my arm at some point), caterpillars, spiders and countless of other insects that I'm incapable of naming them.

From all of the amazing insects, the ones that won the prize of teamwork are definitely the ants.

I spent a couple of minutes watching them carrying leaves, from one place to another, and the smallest ants, not strong enough, were actually attached to the leaves in a clever way to not allow the big ones to carry more than they should. An amazing force distribution, that shows a lot of intelligence from these tiny insects.

Chilling in the carbet

After 5, 6 hours we finally arrived to the "carbet". First thing was to drop our stuff and run to the river that was passing near by. A shower there just felt like a gift from the gods. I would say that this first half of the trail was quite intense, and the only thing you want afterwards is to immerse your body in fresh water .

The "carbet" has 3 different wooden shelters, one that serves as a common space to eat, drink, have laughs together, tell stories that only the rainforest can hear. And two other places to handle the hammocks. These two shelters have place for 18 - 20 hammocks, so one good rule of this trail is to go very early in the morning to be lucky enough to find a spot.

There is also a funny WC, that I will leave the curious to find out by themselves

After spending an amazing night there, we woke up quite early to able to arrive in time for the market in Cacao. We packed our stuff, one last shower in the river, and ups... a small friend decided to show up.

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The Hill of Hell: History, Storms, and Legend in Laredo

2026-09-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

Today we are captivated by the picturesque charm of a Cantabrian seaside town, from whose memorable shipyards emerged many of the ships that made up the ill-fated Spanish Armada, which King Philip II of Spain sent against England, and which was destroyed by a brutal storm. This storm, presumably, also served as the basis for a well-known play by William Shakespeare: Laredo.

Interestingly, Laredo was also the destination of his father, Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany, before another storm, no less brutal than the first, forced him to take refuge dozens of kilometers away, in the beautiful Asturian town of Tazones, where he was mistaken for a pirate and nearly hanged.

Mysteries of history aside, the enigma that motivates us to return to Laredo today is none other than the curious name of that metaphorical and arduous Jacob's Ladder that leads to the heart of its beautiful and popular old town: the Hill of Hell.

Its exact origin is unknown, which makes it the perfect opportunity to put speculation—that great ally of creativity—into practice. Based on this, we can't help but go a little beyond the popular belief that sees in it the curses of sailors who, after a grueling day fishing in the treacherous waters of the Cantabrian Sea, returned to their humble homes, enduring the hardships of climbing the hill laden with their catch and, sometimes, their precarious boats.

We don't know, however, if the name, as in other cities like Toledo—which, in addition to a Hell's Alley, also holds the record for having a Devil's Alley—derives from legendary, even more lurid stories where alchemy, secret societies, and Satanism left their mark on popular memory at some point in history.

In any case, what we can say with absolute conviction is that, in Laredo, climbing to its old town via this treacherous Hell's Hill is quite an adventure and a test of resilience that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and are therefore subject to my copyright.

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A GLORIOUS FORMATION OF SUNSET OVER BANGKOK!

2026-09-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

Just spectacular formation of another sunset over Bangkok no matter how long i have been here in Thailand it's always a delight to watch that Sun disappearing over the horizon and leaving such a photogenic display as it retrieves for another day.

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL PHOTO FROM MY IPHONE.

THE FOLLOWING THREE PHOTOS I PLAYED AROUND WITH FILTERS TO GIVE IT A DIFFERENT AFFECT.

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Santo Domingo de Silos: The Cloister Where Our Fears Were Born

2026-09-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

n its cloister still stands that symbol of immortality, the cypress tree to which the illustrious poet, Gerardo Diego, dedicated one of his celebrated sonnets. However, in our desire to present this symbol of a bygone era—which, in our opinion, was neither better nor worse, merely different—from a different perspective, we prefer to omit the more spiritual aspects of the four arcades that comprise it and focus on that strange, dreamlike vision conjured up by the stonemasons of the various guilds who worked here at the dawn of the 12th century. We wonder what passionate legends might have stirred the fevered imagination of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer had he exchanged the cloister of the Veruela Monastery for this one, situated in the frigid Castilian steppes: Santo Domingo de Silos.

Although the Cartesian heterodoxy of that celebrated godfather of the Knights Templar, Bernard of Clairvaux, saw in them the ever-present specter of absurdity, we, perhaps more inclined toward the world of speculation, go beyond the obscure motivations that transformed them into a style, "the Silos style," which spread through the churches of numerous regions in its time, to see in them the precursors—also immortal, like Gerardo Diego's cypress—of a supernatural storytelling that would give rise to those chilling tales of popular terrors that have terrified entire generations and that today, when we look at the universe with geopolitical yearnings, still continue to overwhelm us.

The gnome satyrs of Moncayo, the lethal nymphs of the Duero and the spectral warrior-monks of Monte de las Ánimas, become here, in this archaic Castilian monastery, the terrors that have always lurked in the dark corners of the human soul, hidden but vigilant in that forbidden universe that C. G. Jung called the Collective Unconscious: Hercules possessed by the homicidal fury of the centaurs when he murdered his children and was condemned by the Gods to perform the twelve impossible labors, some of them in Spain; Jason, when he faced the terrifying harpies, the forerunners of Bram Stoker's famous vampire, in his quest for the Golden Fleece through the lands of Colchis, and the pilgrims who, from the 9th century to the present day, continually encounter them at every landmark along the Way where they pause, so as not to forget that shadow that always accompanies us and which, at times, proves extremely difficult to restrain and exorcise.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and are therefore subject to my copyright.

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Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand

2026-09-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

I must say Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui in Thailand has got to be one of my favorite beaches in Thailand it's approximately 7 km long, making it the longest beach on the east coast with outstanding soft white sand great to walk on have a lay or simply sit in your deck chair with a icy cold beer listening to the music of your choice but if your feeling energetic there is always that morning or evening jog which you would immensely enjoy the beauty of the clear crystal blue waters and it's nature scenery of coconut trees that line the beach.

While on the beach, many vendors will stop and offer beverages, fruit, ice cream and local Thai food cooked on small portable BBQ's. These vendors are polite, if you do not want anything, a simple "no thank you" will see them on their way. A variety of local crafts and Thai souvenirs are also available.

THE VIEW FROM THE HOTEL (CHAWENG BAY VIEW) WE WHERE STAYING AT ON THE MOUNTAIN SIDE OF CHAWENG BEACH.

SWIMMING POOL and VIEW FROM OUR HOTEL IN CHAWENG BEACH, KOH SAMUI.

Chaweng Beach attracts a diverse range of travellers, from your young "hippie" backpackers, international school and university students, sporting teams, singles, couples, honeymooners, wedding party's and families. I had the opportunity of seeing a wedding ceremony been set up while taking a walk along the beach most ideal place for a wedding beautiful photogenic scenery.

View front the Chaweng Beach front a Villa Complex on the mountain with million dollar views, my dream villa.

And after a most gorgeous day rolling around in all that white sand and swimming with the tropical fish it's time for a night cocktail back at our beautiful hotel on the mountain to observe that astounding sunset.

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Pilgrims of the Invisible

2026-09-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

There is no doubt that there are many ways to travel beyond the quintessential physical journey. As beings in transit, and despite our apparent sedentary nature, we are also creative beings, and the practice of imagination has allowed us, throughout existence, to "visit" what the French surrealist poet, Paul Éluard, defined as those "other worlds that are also in this one."

It is said that the famous medieval French alchemist, Nicolas Flamel, walked the Saint James Way, although many authors today believe that Flamel never actually left Paris and used dreamlike documentation to unravel the esoteric keys related to this pilgrimage route, incorporating them into his treatises and research.

Through psychotropic substances, allegedly obtained from the famous fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) and other related mushrooms, travelers who visited the renowned sanctuary of Delphi "journeyed" to other worlds and other dimensions. Similar journeys were offered by that perplexing enigma who, even centuries later, remains the beloved son of the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch, born Hieronymus Bosch, but known worldwide as El Bosco.

Among his enigmatic works, precursors—comparatively speaking—to those memorable fantasy sagas in comics and novels, such as 'Weird Tales' or 'Tales of the Crypt', this one stands out, which I invite you to explore on this occasion: 'The Reveries of Saint John'.

A jewel of the Flemish collection at the Lázaro Galdiano Museum in Madrid, this work, which has recently been the subject of some criticism regarding its authenticity—that is, its authorship by Bosch—supposedly depicts a dreamy John the Evangelist. Having also passed, like Dante, half his life, he lies peacefully on the grass, surrounded by plants and creatures that are certainly suspicious, such as the poppy, suggesting the prelude to that mystical journey that led him to write one of his most cryptic and perplexing works: the Apocalypse.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and are therefore subject to my copyright.

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Camino de Santiago: Órbigo Bridge - Astorga

2026-08-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a hooked on the Camino de Santiago. I could not tell you very well why.
Today I want to show you a stage that I walked in 2014. It has not been the most beautiful stage of the Camino, but it was the most overwhelming and disturbing.

Between the bridge of Órbigo and Astorga the stage runs through the Páramo leonés, through a kilometric desert almost flat. El Páramo leones is a region that is located in the southern half of the province of León. It is just south of the Cantabrian mountain range and is between the fertile valleys and confluences of the Esla and Órbigo rivers.
It stands out for being one of the flattest areas of the Iberian Peninsula. It was generated by fluvial deposits millions of years ago and has been preserved almost without erosion until our days. In this area, there were millions of years ago large rivers that dragged a huge amount of materials that, over time, gave rise to this area of great sedimentation in the basin of the river Duero.

The region of Páramo Leonés is geologically a plain formed by sediments between two rivers. It is the largest in León, and one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. It is 50 km long and 30 km wide. It is practically flat, without relieving or pending

At present the rivers have been having their channels, but they have left intact long plains and small hills. As there is no lack of water, they carry out intensive agriculture.
In recent years, there has been an intensive cultivation of corn, even to vary the climate of this area becoming more humid in summer.

The popular paramesa architecture is composed of basic materials that are found in the area: mud, adobe, wood, straw and boulders.
The adobe, bricks of uncooked mud, to which straw is added as a method of cohesion.

The Camino de Santiago is full of history and traditions, after all, it has more than 1000 years of history and all this has been reflected in its journey. In the Bridge of Órbigo a great medieval tournament happened whose fame has reached our days. I intend to make a * post * only intended for this meeting of gentlemen.

The Órbigo bridge is of Roman origin and was rebuilt in the 13th century.

For me it was a challenge to walk alone alone through this infinite and dry plain. It was a challenge for me. On many occasions I was wondering if I was not crazy and why I do this. But I was happy. I did it, a bit like personal improvement and also because I love feeling integrated with nature.

In a few occasions one can simply enjoy the charm of nature. We can hear the sounds of the countryside, the birds, the breeze, our footsteps ...

Few decide to do this stage. It must be pretty horrible to do it in summer. It would only be possible early in the morning to finish it before 9-10.

You have to go well equipped because there are not many places to get water or supplies.

In the background a group of trees. Upon entering, I observed that the floor of this grove was covered with a blanket of white fluff, as if it were snow ..

A small town appeared where you can rest and drink a beer without alcohol.

IMG_1328.JPGenero-2012.jpg

In the meadows, the leaves of the crops swayed in the form of waves that traveled long distances. The gentle breeze moves these leaves all together in one or the other direction, giving the sensation of a swell. I had never had occasion to observe this before. In a lake the ripples of the water provoked by the breeze if we are accustomed to see them, but not in plains of kilometric crops.

In the credential, it is convenient to go sealing to be able to show the kilometers that you have done when you finally arrive in Santiago. I also like to remember the places where I stopped and why some stamps are very beautiful.

Like a mirage, when the plain started to shine too much forcing me to close my eyes a lot, I saw a point at the end of the line.
As I was closing in, I did not know what it could be.

The sun was strong and there was no possible shade to shelter. In this situation, I could only lower my head and walk forward if I did not want to stay there forever. Probably the mobiles would not have there coverage to ask for help. There was no way to ask a taxi driver to get there on impassable roads. So all that remained was to continue forward without stopping.

As I got closer, that dark spot on the top of the hill grew and, to my surprise, it seemed to be an umbrella.

If it was a shadow!
Lucky!
That place was located at a point where if you can not rest, you may have a very bad time, because the sun was already burning very hard.
In fact, there was a small stall made up of sticks and canvas, creating a space of shade forming a kind of * jaima * and some pilgrims were sitting there in silence.

I was received by a guy wearing only swimsuits and indicating with a smile that you would sit me down and rest. He told me that I could use and take what I wanted that was free. He encouraged me to eat and drink whatever I wanted. There were fruits, soft drinks, water and shade in the wagon.
An oasis!

I took off my backpack and hydrated myself, glancing sideways at a couple of young pilgrims who were there too, tired, and silent. How many kilometers would they have walked out of civilization, in this desert?
I realized that what I was seeing was memorable. I was wondering what the hell am I doing here? But also what the hell is this guy doing here?

In the decorated and flirtatious green trolley, he had written a phrase: "Essence is presence."

Many times I have asked myself what I would like to say with this. For this hermit that phrase was the reason why he was there in balls, with nothing, attending to the pilgrim. It was his reason for being and it made him happy.
Maybe he meant that the essential is the present? Do you live life and enjoy the present? I dont know. Or, perhaps, he claimed that thanks to being present at this point he could help us in such a tough area.

He was a freak. A blessed one. A pirado that had realized that in that point a place of aid to the pilgrim was important. I asked him how long he was there and he told me that he lived there all year.
I found it a horrible place to live, where it can get very cold and very hot. At night it can be below or very close to zero degrees and in the winter all this plain would be covered by snow. While in summer that is a desert.
Behind the * jaima * there is an adobe building, which probably in the past would be for cattle or pigs and there you can see a young woman coming and going. Of course, as the bullfighter said, "there are people pa tó" I thought. What need did he have to live there?
Why these two people have chosen to leave everything and help the pilgrim?

The fact is that he looked happy. He chatted with everyone who stopped and showed them a smile.
I wondered about the banality of life and the desire for possessions. Meanwhile, there are these hermits who live badly, but happy, with what they put on and renouncing everything, but being very useful in a deserted and uninhabited point of a kilometric desert plain.

In the solitude of the road, having a pilgrim in sight makes you a lot of company.

Storks make their big nests in electric turrets.

The yellow arrows and the shells indicate the direction of the road to Santiago.

Entering Astorga. My goal was to eat a good cooked maragato and it was already being announced.

Before entering Astorga, you have to cross the motorway through some horrible level steps. The return to reality.

I ate a well-deserved Cocido Maragato.

As I told you the other day in a * post * that I wrote especially about the cocido Maragato.
The cooked maragato is eaten upside down. That is, the meats are served first. Then the chickpeas and vegetables and finally the broth. The last the broth that, although you think you will not be able to handle it, it goes very well. For dessert, the classic is custard.

If you liked this * post * you can vote or resteem it and keep it in your blog.
I await your comments!

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The “Beautiful Unknown” that hides one of the greatest secrets of Spanish Gothic architecture

2026-08-27T08:37:00.000-05:00

oday our attention is once again focused on one of Spain's most significant cathedrals, which, although it suffered from neglect and oblivion for centuries, to the point that the locals themselves ironically and bitterly called it “the Beautiful Unknown,” is fortunately enjoying well-deserved attention today, once again drawing eyes to it: the Cathedral of San Antolín in Palencia.

We are therefore dazzled by the geometric beauty of what is considered the third largest cathedral in Spain, letting ourselves be carried away by the fantastic essence of a story whose genesis, as Chesterton recommended, begins, at least, in that obscure 7th century, with what is considered to have been a Visigothic temple—probably also built on top of an earlier pagan one—that is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Wamba.

On this site, considered the 'crypt of San Antolín', a first Romanesque cathedral was built. Later, attention turned to the heights of Gothic architecture, further emphasizing a vision of evocative fantasy, seasoned, as if that weren't enough, with the symbolism of a Romanesque narrative that endured for centuries. A testament to this is the presence of those enigmatic figures who navigate between cults, the green men, and the cryptic and sometimes provocative message of the gargoyles, ever vigilant, whose earliest antecedents can be traced back to the legendary guardian demons of the famous King Solomon.

Surprised by its gaze and dazzled by the remarkable beauty of its exterior, nestled within a veritable pandemonium of Herculean petrified columns, capable of withstanding the terrible forces acting upon its awe-inspiring framework, its equally dazzling interior makes us think that, like Lewis Carroll's muse, the well-known Alice, we have just entered a parallel universe, similar to the paradoxical Wonderland.

It is not uncommon, but it is significant, to find, within the religious imagery that prevails in these charismatic interiors, the presence of figures who, for various reasons and circumstances, embody a rich symbolism. Among these, the indispensable figure of the White Virgin stands out—very similar, in this case, to the one also found in the Primate Cathedral of Toledo—as does the figure of a mysterious pagan character, later Christianized and a 'friend' of Alchemy: the giant Saint Christopher.

This, combined with the beauty of the forest of columns supporting handcrafted vaults, unfurled like the sails of a ship capable of navigating the complex seas of the spirit, and the culturally relevant contents, placed like time capsules in strategically located chapels, makes the visit, after all, a true adventure, where the difficulty, in the end, is not to be swept away by the seductive challenge that always accompanies a little-known or unknown history.

A magnificent excuse, therefore, to make an unforgettable visit to the capital of the Gothic Fields.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property and are therefore subject to my copyright.

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The "Art Deco" o taste for simplicity and style

2026-08-24T08:51:00.000-05:00

I like to visit exhibitions and thus to become cultured. A few days ago I went to the ABC Museum in Madrid to see an exhibition about Art Deco. It was a small visit, from a single room, where through covers or drawings of the ABC newspaper and the Blanco y Negro magazine, they explain the approaches of this artistic current that has influenced us more than we suppose.
I found it interesting to take some notes and put them on the blog, as a souvenir and also in case you find them useful or entertaining.

The International Exhibition of Decorative Arts that took place in Paris in 1925 marked the birth of an artistic movement.
The black and white magazine and the ABC were means of dissemination of the most modern artistic movements at the beginning of the 20th century. The current "Art Deco" was collected in these journals. This explains this exhibition at the ABC Foundation in Madrid, which I found very interesting and formative, although it is certainly very small and limited to a single

In the exhibition that is currently in the museum of the ABC Foundation is a set of drawings from that time that brings us closer to the proposals of interior design in the 20s - 30s.

It was an eminently urban style of large houses, luminous facades, bright materials, diaphanous rooms. His proposal was simplicity and stylized forms.
In the international exhibition of decorative arts of 1925, Spain did not contribute much, but nevertheless this exhibition frame enough for Spain to adopt these approaches, still visible today, for example in the Gran Via de Madrid.
The "Art Deco" emerged as an abbreviation of this famous Parisian international

It was a proposal based on applied arts: architecture, painting, interiors and furniture. In this artistic movement, the pure line and the geometric proportion were sought. The approach was that the modern line is the simple line. There is a linear depuration of the different facets of the design.

It is an artistic current heiress of the British "Art and Craft". In Madrid there was an exhibition about this decorative movement that I visited recently and I liked it a lot. In that Expo I made some photos.

The "Art Deco" was the result of social and aesthetic changes, which occurred in the early years of the "twentieth century.
In the exhibition in Paris, original and original proposals were sought that had nothing to do with past styles.

Thus, in the interior design his proposal was to group the ornamentation only in specific places, maintaining the rest of the space with a neutral and simple character.
The decorative motifs were geometric and repetitive. Use patterns of pale shapes and colors.

The contract was very important in this artistic style. As an ornamental element, for example in jewelry, stones and metals of different colors and qualities, such as jet and crystal, were combined.

At that time, there was a taste for technical innovation, which was also a hallmark of the refined bourgeoisie, dazzled by a futuristic and functional design.

In this taste for contrast, metal chrome was added to the wood. Polished and shiny, lacquered surfaces were used a lot, as well as the use of mirrors.

If you look, these ideas are still used a lot today in our current decorative approaches.

In lighting there is a taste for large windows and to control and modulate so much light, the curtains and curtains were widely used. In the interiors, the light is with small lamps that help to create relaxed atmospheres.

The pure line, the geometric and aeronautical ratio is sought.
The modern line is the simple line.
Geometric shapes abound. The squares, triangles and circles are seen in many of the designs of this era.

There is a linear depuration of the different facets of the design.

If you were interested in this * post * you can vote for it, or resteemed and so you keep it in your blog.

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The Curiosity That Guides the Journey

2026-08-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

n old saying goes that curiosity killed the cat, but if it hadn't been for its sacrifice, its desire to go further, perhaps the rest of the cats would never have left their comfort zone and would have nothing to tell.

Therefore, as in the case of the cat, curiosity is also a driving force that propels the traveler to leave their comfort zone and embrace, without distinction, the joys and failures of any worthwhile adventure.

On this occasion, the traveler returns to that area of Art, History, Mystery, and cultural heritage that is the fortunate region of Aragon known as the Cinco Villas (Five Villages) and stops in a town that still retains much of its medieval essence: El Frago.

Occasionally, he leaves behind the enigmas of its imposing 12th-century church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, and although he cannot resist the seductive spell that still lingers in the mysterious lamps of its old Jewish Quarter, he immerses himself in the echoes and silence of a peaceful morning.

Unexpectedly, he encounters an extraordinary curiosity that reminds him once again of the enduring power of the oldest means of communication in the world: stone.

Seeing these same stones, sculpted by time, water, and wind into the most unique shapes, receiving the blessing of paint to create—as medieval stonemasons did with the corbels and capitals of churches—fragments of joyful and powerful narratives, is not only fascinating but also motivates him to continue exploring these historic alleyways, following the trail of creativity.

And the traveler, as one might expect, relives the old tale of Chickpea, collecting traces and evidence on door frames and window sills, feeling, like the cat, curious not to miss a single one of these picturesque details.

Another way, certainly, to feel and experience the magical essence of these villages, which, seemingly removed from the noise of the outside world, still attract attention and fascinate with their own charm.

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