Travel with Julie

Amsterdam Trivia #2

Question #2: How many canals and bridges exist in Amsterdam?

Answer: 160 canals; more than 1,200 bridges.

Amsterdam Trivia #1

Question #1: What does this city's river have to do with it's name?

Answer: The name Amsterdam is a combination of the words Amstel (the name of the river) and dam (named after a dam that was built on the River Amstel in early times),

Things I Like About Granada

I'll sum this one up in one word:  Alhambra.  This incredible castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Granada. It's origins date back to the 9th century under Arab kings.  This is truly one of the most spectacular sites I've ever seen!

A view of the complex from a nearby hill.

An interior courtyard.

The summer cottage.

Architecture of interior column.

Photos will never do the Alhambra justice.  It must be seen and experienced in person to grasp the splendor of it all!

 

Things I Like About Seville

Everything!  I like EVERYTHING about Seville.  It has a slower pace--a take it as it comes attitude.  It has a history of conflict and power. It has beautiful architecture.  It has great food.  It has friendly people.  Well, here...take a look for yourself:

 

Beautiful ceramic shop in Triana district.

 

Adorable restaurant in the Santa Cruz district.  Couldn't you see yourself spending an afternoon here?

 

Streets lined with orange trees.  I'm told that when the orange blossoms bloom in spring, the entire town smells of oranges.  Fabulous!

 

A pool under the castle.  Supposedly, one of the queens (I don't remember which one) bathed here every day.

There's so much more, but you'll just have to wait for future posts!!

Things I Like About Avila

It always seems like you have to look a little harder for Spain's history when visiting cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Then you arrive in Avila and you are suddenly reminded, yes, there really was a medieval Spain!  I like...

The city walls surrounding the city.

 

The gateways to astonishing views.

 

The enormous birds' nests atop every chimney and bell tower.  (I'm dying to know the bird that builds a nest this size!!)