Toledo, Spain
By Michael Lofgren | Published Saturday, April 16, 2011

Escape the busy streets of Madrid for the quiet walkways of Toledo. Forty-five miles away from Madrid, Toledo makes a great day trip for just about any traveler. Transportation is easy, with high-speed trains that can deliver you at the base of the city in 30 minutes or buses in about an hour. Arrive early in the morning to beat the tour buses.

Located on top of a hill, Toledo overlooks the Spanish countryside. It is compacted with history, with origins dating back over 2,500 years to the Romans.

Visitors flock to the city’s old cathedral. If you think every cathedral in Europe is the same, this one is not. It took over 250 years to complete and was finished in 1495. The Gothic altar is remarkable, with gilded Biblical scenes. Inside the cathedral’s sacristy is a mini art museum that houses eighteen El Grecos and other Spanish paintings.

The next must-stop is the Alcázar of Toledo, located in what was once a 3rd-century fortress. The Alcázar contains many historical army artifacts, from uniforms to firearms and swords.

A visit to Toledo isn’t complete without the sampling of Mazapán. Purchase a few almond desserts from one of the many shops and enjoy them while strolling the town. They also make great gifts to bring back to friends and family.

Consider staying at Castillo de San Servando Hostel. Dating back to the 14th century, the hostel was once a castle that was used to defend the walled-off city. Unlike youth hostels of the past, rooms have recently been renovated with private facilities. Room rates are reasonable, starting at 15 Euros ($21 USD) a night per person.

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I am sitting on the train in the Barcelona train station waiting for my 8’oclock departure to Madrid. I am scheduled to arrive in Madrid at 11:52am via one of the many high-speed trains located throughout Spain and all of Europe. Train travel can be expensive, especially since I no longer qualify for the youth rate and I do not have a rail pass. Today’s direct train ride from Barcelona to Madrid is 118.5 Euros ($163 USD). Paris to Barcelona was $156 USD.

When I have the option of flying vs. taking the train, I always will take the train. Today, I could have flown and arrived a little faster, however I would have to go through more security, taken more time consuming public transportation to outside of the city center, and then taken public transportation again back to the city center of the next city. Not to mention the fact that I had my luggage lost for 32 hours when I started my trip. However, I was given a $100 voucher towards my next ticket.

Spain so far has been better then I remember. The main reason would have to be the fact that I can speak a little Spanish. I am not the lost English speaker who doesn’t know any of the local language and I can get around just fine.

Some highlights of my trip have been:

New York City, United States of America
Being in the audience for the Tonight Show with David Letterman
Times Square
Xi’an Famous Foods (as seen on Anthony Bourdain)

Paris, France
Eiffel Tower
Champs-Élysées
Walking along the Seine River

Barcelona, Spain
Communicating in a language I understand
Sagrada Familia (Antoni Gaudí designed Roman Catholic Church)
Tapas

Lowlight of my trip:
Lost Luggage

I found $5 parking at the U.S. Post Office- Los Angeles Terminal Annex, which was much cheaper then the $14 parking I considered using. My first stop in LA was at Philippe’s The Original, which opened in 1908. They are well known for there sandwiches and have been featured on the Food Network. I ordered a lamb sandwich, double dipped with a lemonade. The lamb sandwich cost a little more ($7.70) then some of the others, but was highly recommended. Lemonade is only 75 cents. They do make one good french dip. It should be, as they say they invented it.

From Philippe’s, I headed to China Town. LA’s China Town was packed with restaurants, Chinese medicine stores, and souvenir stores. The first thing I noticed was that most of the restaurants had received a “B” grade from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This didn’t seem to stop people from eating at these locations, but it did stop me.

From China Town, I headed to Little Tokyo. On the way there, I passed a bunch a bunch or reporters who were standing in front of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. I asked one what was going on and was told that it as for Dr. Conrad Murray’s preliminary hearing for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Just 558 days ago, I was in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina when Michael Jackson died. I remember going to sleep after seeing something mentioned on Yahoo’s front page about Michael Jackson found uncontentious. I woke early, entered the common area where the TV was showing live coverage of his passing.

Little Tokyo was definitely little, compared to China Town. Not too much to see in the Japanese area, a few restaurants and theaters. From Little Tokyo, I headed home just in time for rush hour. Trying to delay the inevitable traffic jams, I stopped by the Grand Central Market. The market has 50 stalls, all offering a variety of foods, medications, and services. All types of food is available, including Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. I was very tempted to try some of the delicious looking tacos.

Two hours later, I safely made it home.

New York City (2 nights)
Paris (4 nights and take night train to Barcelona)
Barcelona (2 nights)
Madrid (2 nights)
Toledo (2 nights)
Madrid (1 night and fly out in the morning back to Paris)
Paris (1 night and fly home in the morning)

Jen can be heard weekly on This Week in Travel Podcast and is a partner at Best Kids Apps.

Some other accessories that I picked up for my Canon T2i:

Canon EF-S 55-250mm
Dolica ST-650 Lightweight Tripod – Camera / Camcorder Tripod (Black)
Transcend 32 GB Ultimate Speed SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card TS32GSDHC10
Hoya 58mm UV (Ultra Violet) Multi Coated Glass Filter
Caselogic SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag (Black)
Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Photo Printer (3295B002)

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

While in NYC, I stayed at the Columbus Circle Hostel. The location was great, only a couple blocks from Central Park and I even got to walk past the Mandarin Oriental and watch the paparazzi waiting to take pictures of celebrities. New York was great. I was able to see the Dalai Lama, a couple Broadway shows, Avenue Q and West Side Story, visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
NYC Pictures

From NYC, I traveled down to Washington, DC, where I stayed at Hostelling International-Washington, DC. Some highlights of DC include seeing the president leaving the Capitol building (he was in a limo), seeing the monuments, more Smithsonian Museums then I can remember, and going to Mt. Vernon (George Washington’s estate).
Washington, DC Pictures

Where next? I booked a ticket from NYC to Paris for two weeks, leaving in February. As of right now, I am not sure how I will get from San Diego to NYC, but I am sure I will figure something out.

Cinque Terre
By Michael Lofgren | PublishedFriday, July 2, 2010

Located along the Mediterranean in Italy, Cinque Terre is a collection of five towns nestled along the side of coast overlooking the Ligurian Sea, linked together with a train that runs often, transporting quickly you from one town to the next. Each town is connected with wonderful hiking paths that wind along the coast through grape vineyards and trees. Trails are clearly marked and come with amazing views of the coast.

Grapes are grown just about everywhere and many are used to make some wonderful wine that can be purchased at one of the many shops. Not just wine is produced here – sample some limoncello – a liquor made with lemons. After a day of hiking, enjoy a glass of wine or limoncello as you relax watching boaters coming in from the sea with fresh seafood that can be prepared at one of the many restaurants.

For inexpensive accommodations, Hostel Cinque Terre is located conveniently in Manarola, one of the five towns of Cinque Terre, and overlooks the town. Rates start at 20 Euros a night. For a little more privacy, there are also many small hotels and bed & breakfasts that offer accommodations.

Heaven on Earth: Gimmelwald, Switzerland
By Michael Lofgren | Published Wednesday, March 17, 2010

After traveling around Europe for three months, the one place I keep telling myself I need to return to is Gimmelwald, Switzerland.

Located high in the Swiss Alps, this town of approximately 130 residents is full of charm and relaxation. There are several places to stay in Gimmelwald – some B&Bs, but most people stay at the Mountain Hostel. At the hostel, people of all ages come together and talk about their travels, where they’re from and hiking. For only 26 CHF ($24.25 USD), the Mountain Hostel is a great value.

One long hike involves hiking from Gimmelwald up 5,200 feet to the summit of Schilthorn. At the very top,there’s an observation deck, a restaurant and a way down – a cable car back to Gimmelwald. The observation deck may look familiar, as it was used in the 007 movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Short hikes can include walking to the town above, Murren, where you can mail postcards and purchase groceries and Swiss chocolates, or exploring Gimmelwald and sampling some local cheese or sausage. There’s a saying, “If Heaven isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, send me back to Gimmelwald.” I completely understand and agree.

I just finished printing out 800 pictures from my trip to Europe and they look great! Thank you Snapfish! Flipping through all the pages brings back so many wonderful memories.

Yesterday, I watched a Rick Steves program on Sorrento and Capri, perfect timing to reminisce on a wonderful time there.
“Until next time, keep on traveling.” -Rick Steves