Travel with Julie

10 Surprises About Traveling In Spain

Some level of culture shock is to be expected when traveling to another country.  But, here are 10 "surprises" you might want to prepare for before traveling to Spain:

1. Toilet paper is not readily available in public restrooms.  I'm not sure why the rebellion on restocking, but it seems to run rapid.
2. Hip checking is a way of life.  Whether walking down the sidewalk or trying to get your waiter's attention at a tapas bar, the locals are not offended by the bump and grind conducted while worming their way through a crowd. Go ahead and join in--just do it with a smile!
3. Dinner is eaten late.  Really late!  Plan on having dinner at 10:30 or later.
4. Smoking is everywhere.  If dining in a small cramped restaurant filled with wafting cigarette smoke sounds unappealing, consider looking for outdoor dining options.
5. Spain cities are loud through the night.  Spaniard enjoy spending their evenings outdoors.  You will see grandmothers walking small children well past midnight.
6. Prostitutes are not punished for working the streets.  So, you know what that means....
7. Staring at people is not considered rude.
8. In some hotels, if you do not leave your room key with the desk clerk upon leaving the establishment, your bed will not get made.
9. Using your cell phone while driving will lead to a hefty pay-on-the-spot fine.
10. Traffic signs in southern Spain can be found in Arabic and Spanish.  No, you haven't crossed a border.  It is due to its close proximity to Morocco.

15 Surprises About Traveling In Italy

Traveling to Italy can be full of surprises -- good and bad.  Here, I've highlighted 15 surprises you will want to be prepared for before you go:

1. Automatic vehicles are not widely available.  If you don't know how to drive stick-shift, you may want to learn!
2. Cars are broken into and stolen with high frequency.  Don't leave valuables in your rental car, keep luggage and important things out of sight, and be sure to lock it.
3. Many hotels push twin beds together to form a double or king size bed.  Be prepared to fall between the crack!
4. Dates are shown in Day/Month/Year.  This can really mess some people up when booking hotels or making restaurant reservations.
5. Times are indicated in a 24-hour clock.  So, learn what time it is when the time reads 18:45.
6. Salad is considered a side dish, not a starter.  No meal in Italy starts with a salad.
7. Salad dressing is oil and vinegar, period.  Don't ask for Thousand Island, you'll be met with a blank stare.
8. Topless sunbathing is quite common on Italy's northern beaches.  (OK, some of you may find that a pleasant surprise!)
9. You don't flag a taxi cab.  They will ignore you!  Instead, walk to a taxi stand and wait in line for your turn at the next cab.
10. Follow the speed limits.  If you don't, you could be pulled over and ordered to pay the fine on the spot.  Or, caught on camera and mailed a fine (if renting, the fine will be sent to your rental car agency who will then send you a bill.)
11. There is no right turn on red.
12. It is extremely difficult to pay for gas with a credit card, especially after operating hours.
13. If you ask for a Martini, you will receive vermouth.
14. You will not receive a bill after your meal until you ask for it.
15. Returning a purchased item (even if it is flawed) is widely unacceptable.  You buy it, you're stuck with it!

A Day In Segovia, Spain

I don't believe a day does this town justice, but that's all I had.  With a great plaza, grand cathedral, Romanesque churches, convents and a magnificent castle, I could spend days exploring the narrow streets of Segovia.

It's hard to miss one of the main attractions, the Aqueduct.  Upon arriving in town, the massive arches of 20,400 stone blocks (incredibly not held together by any mortar or concrete) meet you at the main entrance. This Roman ingenuity has delivered water to Segovia for nearly 2,000 years resisting debilitating storms and earthquakes.  I found myself standing before it, staring at its enormity and in great awe of those who built this amazing structure, stone by stone.

Equally as impressive is the Alcazar located on the opposite end of town.  Originally a fortress, the Alcazar also served as a royal palace and the site of King Phillip II's wedding to his fourth wife, Anne of Austria.  And, if it looks vaguely familiar, it could be because this castle is believed to be the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle in Florida.

Take a closer look at Segovia in the photographs below and you'll see why I find it so special!

The Acquaduct.

The Cathedral.

The Alcazar.

Tower of Arias Davlia.

First Friday Foto Therapy

Arched Cypress Trees in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain.

Taken by: Julie Gilley

On the first Friday of every month, I will share a photo from my travels, or yours.  If you'd like a chance to see one of your fabulous vacation photos published on this site, send it (in .jpg format) along with a brief description to:  julie@MyFarAndAway.com.

Cure your travel bug with a little Foto Therapy!

Highlights Of My Day In Toledo, Spain

I can only image how this town must be overrun with tourists in high season.  With historic buildings, winding streets and the River Tajo running alongside the city walls, the town is full of ancient charm and beauty.  The "city of three cultures" was one of the few places where Christians, Jews and Arabs lived together relatively peacefully. Their cultural legacy are reflected throughout Toledo.  But there were four major sites that really got my attention in this town:

1. The Old City Gates.  Bound by walls, access was gained through several gates. The most notable gate is the Bisagra Gate of Muslim origin.  It was the main access point that not only included a door to the city, but also a beautiful central courtyard.
2. The Marzipan.  Comprised of an almond paste, sugar and honey mixture, traditional techniques are used like cooking in wooden dishes.  For most consumers, small tins of bite-sized crescent-shaped marzipan is sufficient.  But if you are a marzipan fanatic, just ask for the castle pictured below!
3. The Swords.  The manufacture of swords in Toledo goes back to Roman times and now provides collectors worldwide with weaponry.  Here you can buy exact replicas of the swords used by some of Spain's greatest heros like El Cid and the Roman Emperor Charles V.
4. The Cathedral.  Founded in the 1st century, it was changed into a mosque by the Arabs during the Moorish occupation of Spain.  In the 13th century, it was destroyed and the current cathedral was built on the foundation of the old church.

 Puerto Cambron

 Puente de San Martin

 Marzipan Castle

 Toledo Swords.

 The Primate Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo