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The charming town of Hoi An is a traveller's dream destination....as dusk falls, the streets of this quaint town light up with a zillion lanterns!! You will see hordes of tourists flocking around the ancient town and strolling along the Thu Bon River, which runs through the heart of this town. The river becomes a floating tableau of colour as small boats lit with lanterns ferry tourists up and down the river, the shimmering shadows of their lanterns casting dancing luminous glows on the water. The old city of Hoi An is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site; its meticulously preserved architecture, showcasing influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures, will transport you back in time. Be prepared to stroll through the cobblestone streets of Hoi An, marvelling at the ancient buildings adorned with intricate carvings in the Old Town. The entire area is a pedestrian zone, you can laze around the river, stop by at eateries and marvel at the many shops selling souvenirs and trinkets. A not-to-miss attraction in Hoi An is the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge . The easiest way to reach the bridge is from the Old Town. Keep walking along Tran Phu Street for a few minutes, and you will see this beautiful piece of architecture. Here are a few handy tips to know about Hoi An There is a lot of debate about whether to stay in Hoi An or do it as a day trip. Let me give my verdict. Hoi An is about 27 kilometres from Da Nang, and it takes less than an hour to reach. Most people visit Hoi An as a day trip. However, if you have an extra day, staying overnight in Hoi An is a great idea for two reasons. One, most day tours from Da Nang leave early from Hoi An before the night market is fully lit up with lanterns, so you will miss the delightful lantern display and the joy of loitering around its Old Town at dusk. The best time to see the night market is between 6 and 8 pm when the streets are lit up with magical lanterns. Two, if you wish to take the Basket Boat ride, it is closer to Hoi An, and it is recommended early in the morning, as the temperature can become very hot during the day. Coming to the Coconut Forest early in the morning from Da Nang might be difficult since it's 30 km one way. We had read some very bad reviews about the Basket Boat ride, but still decided to give it a try. Luckily, it turned out to be quite an amazing experience. You can read about our basket boat ride experience here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/basket-boat-ride-in-hoi-an-vietnam Hoi An will captivate you, not just by its lantern-lit streets but also by its diverse culinary scene. Both sides of the river are lined with eateries, catering to every taste and budget. You can get amazing street food and drinks on the go! I'd like to mention here that, like all touristy places, Hoi An also has its share of tourist traps, like this river-facing restaurant, Lily's Irish Pub and Sports Bar, that we settled on. The online reviews and the location were excellent, and there was a live singer; essentially, there were enough trappings to ensnare all passersby. But the food was really bad and overpriced. The live music was intended to work as a bait, and it sure did! As you walk along the river, you will see souvenir shops laden with beautiful lanterns for sale, making it hard to resist the temptation to buy one. In fact, a single lantern can start at around 100,000 VND (approximately $4), giving travellers a chance to take home a piece of Hoi An’s charm. Don't forget to negotiate over the price; you might strike a good deal. A typical boat ride on the river averages around 250,000 VND (about $10). Shops around the night market close at 9 pm. The bustling town suddenly falls silent, and people begin walking back to their hotels. So, if you wish to have dinner plans, do so well in time. That's another reason why we had to settle for Lily's Irish Pub and Sports Bar; most other eateries had closed down by the time we were done with our stroll around town. Hoi An is a not-to-miss little wonder in Vietnam, made to cater to all your touristy whims...make sure to set aside some time to explore this town.

If you have 4 or more days in Barcelona, then a day trip to Port Aventura World Parks should feature in your itinerary. The amusement park is 85 km southwest of Barcelona, and the train journey takes about 3 hours. Buses take about 1.5 hours. Let me start by saying that when we planned a visit to Port Aventura, we came across a multitude of conflicting and, in some cases, very strong reviews about Port Aventura on a variety of online forums and its constant comparison with Disneyland and Disney World. We had also been to Disneyland Hong Kong just two years before this trip, so these reviews just ended up confusing us even more. I believe, if you've been to any Disneyland anywhere, then a comparison of any amusement park with the former is obvious due to its very family-friendly park image that we've all grown up with. Now, after having visited both of these parks, I think I can resolve this dilemma by trying to put things in perspective for you. Top 3 reasons why you should visit Park Aventura One, if you're itching for some real heavy-duty excitement, then go for it. The kind of adrenaline-pumping thrill you will get on some crazy rides like Shambhala, Dragon Khan and Hurakan Condor is priceless. Dragon Khan has 8 loops that swing you upside down so many times that I lost count after the second loop. By the end of our day, we'd been twisted, turned, sideways and upside down, made to travel to dizzying heights and then made to fall mercilessly! If this sounds exciting to you, then Park Aventura awaits you. Basically, these rides have really steep falls, and they're certainly not for the timid. But take your pick carefully so that you don't chicken out at the last moment just before the ride. But there are rides for families with young kids, too. The conventional teacup rides and small roller coasters will keep your young ones occupied. Two, The park is divided into 6 different theme areas - China, Polynesia, The Mediterranean, Sesamo Aventura, Mexico and the Far West. Each theme area has its own theme-based roller coasters. Walking up to the ride is part of the entertainment. For example, Shambhala is located in China. The theme is based on the mythical land called Shambhala that is now lost in the Himalayan Region. The way to board the roller coaster takes you through the theme-based area. Hurakan Condor in the theme area of Mexico is one of the most exciting rides in the park. As a sacrifice to God Hurakan, riders are taken to the top of the Aztec Tower. What awaits them there is 100 meters of free fall. Apart from the rides, there are many stunning performances too. So, research their website well, so as to make optimum use of your time in the park. Three, Park Aventura has great dining options that include a variety of cuisines, so you can enjoy a hearty meal on your day out. More on PortAventura World Parks - The park is divided into 3 zones, namely Port Aventura, Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land. - Research well before you go because going to all 3 zones in one day would not be possible. - Many combinations of tickets should suit your itinerary and your pocket. If you plan to stay there overnight, then you might want to buy tickets for all three since they are very different experiences. - Ferrari Land also offers some very exciting rides like Red Force. But if you are on a day trip, then it is wiser to choose just one of the three zones. In my opinion, clubbing even two of them is going to be very exhausting although there are ticket combos available for two zones together. - Please check their website for more details regarding tickets and packages. Although Park Aventura has not been portrayed as a fun park for kids, there are a lot of fun activities for them too. But those rides are limited. Some rides like Mine Train and Grand Canyon Rapids are okay for kids but they have a minimum height requirement. Please check their website for more details. https://www.portaventuraworld.com/en - If you're travelling with small kids and you're looking for their day out, then I think you can give this park a miss, especially if you have already been to Disneyland. And finally, the inevitable comparison with Disneyland.... Well, Disneyland is an overdose of cuteness. Their theme rides, the absolutely delightful parade, the overall ambience of the park, everything is cute. Their audience is kids along with their families. Port Aventura, on the other hand, is exhilarating. Their rides are cool. Their target audience is teenagers and youngsters raring to go the extra mile to get a shot of adrenaline. No wonder, my teenage boys couldn't stop raving about the thrilling rides they had at the park. To sum up, I would say, Disneyland exudes an old-world charm and warmth that I believe is impossible to replicate. Port Aventura, on the other hand, offers the new-age, high-octane thrill and excitement. So, make your choice! There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-simple-reasons-to-visit-spain-and-some-tips-if-you-do Want to see the Spanish capital? Find out about 3 days in Madrid https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/mad-about-madrid-3-days-in-the-spanish-capital Interested in bullfighting? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal Take a trip to Barcelona, Spain's most visited city. Read more about Barcelona https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-barcelona-spain-s-most-visited-city The absolutely not-to-miss city of Seville, Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/there-s-something-special-about-seville-3-days-in-the-lively-cultural-hub-of-spain Watching a Flamenco show in Seville https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco

One can easily spend a week in Barcelona, visiting its museums, art galleries, and beaches and seeing its architecture. You will be spoilt for choice in Barcelona for tourist attractions. A few things to remember if you're planning to visit Barcelona are - One, Barcelona is an expensive city. So planning your activities to optimise your stay is a good idea. - Two, there are all kinds of touristy attractions in Barcelona. Pick your type. If it's a family vacation and you have just 4 days, then my itinerary should cater to your taste. We covered 8 attractions in 3 days. On the last day, we went to Port Aventura for a day trip. - Three, Barcelona is a haven for watersport enthusiasts owing to its warm and calm Mediterranean waters. In case you wish to spend more time indulging in water sports, then you will need an additional day or swap any item from the list below to make time for your water adventure. In case you wish to do so, then it would be a difficult choice to make, but I'd say leave out CosmoCaixa. 3-Day itinerary with 8 Top Attractions in Barcelona Day One - Visit Park Güell - Football Club Barcelona Stadium Camp Nou - Barceloneta Beach Park Güell Most tourists to Barcelona start their trips with the famous church Sagrada Familia. But we were travelling with our two boys. So, the first stop was Park Güell, followed by the Football Club Barcelona Stadium, Camp Nou. Park Güell is a garden complex with a multitude of elements fused to make the work of art that it is today. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Works of Anton Gaudí. It is named after an entrepreneur, Güell, who commissioned the design of this park to Antoni Gaudí, an architect who is quite a household name in Spain since he also designed the iconic Sagrada Familia. My Tip is The park is an intriguing piece of architecture and is worth visiting. Entrance to the park is free, but you need to pay to see the museum and other buildings. Please check the Park Güell Official Website for more details. You need about 2 hours to see the entire park. Football Club Barcelona Stadium Camp Nou From Park Güell, you'll need about an hour to walk to Camp Nou. If you're a football fan, then this stadium needs no introduction. Our boys were thrilled by this outing to the 'temple' of football, as they call it. My Tip I didn't opt for the tour of the stadium; I have no interest in football. But if you are a keen fan, then you must opt for the Barca Stadium Tour and Camp Nou Experience Tours. These tours last about 1.5 to 2 hours and take you through the stadium, the changing rooms, the stands and into the fields. Our boys opted for the tour while we lounged in the cafeteria. There is a Megastore also for buying souvenirs. Barceloneta Beach It takes about an hour by train to reach Barceloneta Beach from Camp Nou. You can also walk through the city for 1.5 hours approx. to reach the beach if it's not too exhausting for you. My Tip Your trip to Barcelona will be incomplete without a trip to the Barceloneta beach. This is the most happening beach in the city. There are a host of amenities with excellent seafood options and a vibrant nightlife around the beach. Barcelona is a popular destination for a variety of water sports like kayaking, scuba, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing and many more on its beaches, and a host of operators are available for organising these tours. As I've mentioned earlier, if you want to do some water sports, then you will need more time for that. We reached the beach in the early evening and spent the rest of the day there. You can opt for the Segway tours, which are a great way to see the entire area. Day Two - Sagrada Familia - CosmoCaixa Barcelona - National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic Sagrada Familia This church is considered to be a masterpiece of the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí and is indeed a sight to behold. The impressive spires all around the outer facade lend an otherworldly charm to this timeless structure. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site despite the fact that it is unfinished; it has been under construction for over 140 years!! My Tip Entry to the church is paid, but on some special days, visitors are granted free access, for instance, for a mass on Sunday morning. Please check their official website for more details before visiting. https://sagradafamilia.org/en/ There are many types of conducted tours of the cathedral, with and without access to the towers. People with disabilities are allowed free access. The ticket will grant you entry into the basilica, but you will need a separate ticket for entry to the tower. The tours are worth your time; there are infinite intriguing details in the architecture of the church that are fun to know. Photography inside the cathedral is restricted. Try to reach early in the morning to beat the crowds. The entire outing should take about 3 hours. There are cafes on the street all around the church where you can grab a bite, drink coffee and watch the stunning architectural marvel in front of you. CosmoCaixa Barcelona CosmoCaixa is 5 km from Sagrada Familia. You can walk for an hour or take a train that takes about 30 minutes to reach. The science museum is a fun place for kids and adults alike. The museum showcases the workings of the universe and the human brain through interactive exhibits. The museum displays some temporary exhibitions too. Please check their website if you're looking for something specific. My Tip The museum is very informative and interactive. Many touch-and-learn displays are a hit with children. It should be a must-see if you're travelling with kids; otherwise, you can give it a miss. Spend your time on the beach instead. You'll need at least 3 hours to see the complete museum and fully comprehend what you're seeing! National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic The magnificent structure of the National Museum of Art looks like a palace with its massive dome and sprawling fountains in the front. Noteworthy is the fact that this huge palatial building was constructed as a venue to hold Spanish art exhibitions. You can reach the museum by train or bus, and also by cable car. The museum is 3 km away from Barcelona-Sants, the central train station and takes about 25 minutes to reach. For tourists, the best way is to go by the Montjuic cable car, which will take you directly to the top of the mountain and offer scenic views of the city en route. The famous Magic Fountain of Montjuic is located right in front of the complex. Very close to the museum, on the hilltop, is the Montjuic castle, an old military fortress. You can spend about 1 to 2 hours in the castle, then head back to Mirador del l'Alcalde, a viewing platform that offers beautiful vistas of the city of Barcelona. My Tip You should plan your outing in the evening since the fountains come alive only in the late evening at 8:00 p.m. Hundreds of people gather around the fountains to witness a spectacular show of music, light and water. The show lasts about 20 minutes and is held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The days and timings keep changing, kindly cross-check before leaving. The entire area is so lively and buzzing with activity that one should keep the latter part of the day for this activity only. Day Three - L' Aquarium Barcelona - La Ramblas and the Monument of Christopher Columbus L' Aquarium Barcelona Hailed as the Best Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world, you shouldn't miss this one! The most interesting part of the museum is the Flooded Forest, which displays the ecosystem of the Amazon through a 1000 sq. meter wide glasshouse. The different ecosystems of the world are displayed region-wise; the exhibit is not just beautiful to look at but also awe-inspiring and very informative. And the sharks, of course! Huge sharks go all around you in the glass aquarium, and I could hear people shrieking with delight. My Tip I would visit this museum even if I were not travelling with kids. To close the trip, there is a cafeteria and a souvenir shop with many cute things to buy. One can easily spend about 3 hours in the aquarium, and it'll be worth your time. La Ramblas and the Monument of Christopher Columbus This was our last evening in the city, since early next morning we had planned to go to La Aventura. And what better way to spend this evening than at the famous La Ramblas, a pedestrian street in Barcelona connecting Placa de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell? There is nothing spectacular about this street except that spending an evening at La Ramblas will give you an instant insight into the Spanish way of life. It's like the Champs Élysées of Paris. Just like your visit to Paris would be incomplete without visiting it, so it is with La Ramblas! My Tip This street is a must-see attraction in Barcelona!! There are shops, tapas bars, eateries, and the typical Spanish human statues that left me baffled in Madrid, too. One can see locals and tourists jostling with each other to get a piece of this street adventure. It's 1.2 km long, and one can walk down to Port Vell, where the Monument of Christopher Columbus is located. The monument is 60 meters tall and has a lift inside that takes you to the top for stunning views of the city all around. We spent the entire evening around La Ramblas, buying souvenirs and sampling local delicacies. Day Four Port Aventura Port Aventura is a theme park 92 km away from Barcelona. On the 4th and last day of our stay in Barcelona, we went to this adventure park. Port Aventura is best known for its adrenaline-pumping rides like the Shambhala and Dragon Khan. I have written about our experience at Port Aventura in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-portaventura-world-parks-from-barcelona-spain

The beautiful city of Seville in Spain has much to offer to eager tourists looking for architectural marvels and historical wonders. World-renowned Alcazar Castle complex, breathtaking Plaza de Espana, the largest manmade wooden structure in the world, Metropol Parasol with its awe-inspiring mushroom roof, Seville Cathedral, the cobbled streets in the old Spanish medieval town of Barrio Santa Cruz and much more. After the morning and afternoon well spent roaming around the beautiful city, there can be no better way to close the day than with an evening at a Flamenco dance show. That is exactly what we did, only to realise at the end of the show that our trip to Spain would have been incomplete without a visit to one of the ‘Tablaos’ that hosts the show. Flamenco dance shows are held nightly, with numerous show options to choose from, but with hordes of tourists thronging the city each year, having reservations in advance would be ideal, and tickets can be bought online too. After checking out reviews and comments, we made our reservations at the ' Casa de la Memoria '. The venue is a small, typical Sevillian courtyard house with a very unassuming setting situated in the heart of the Historic Centre of Seville. Inside is a cosy theatre and a small stage. There is a certain warmth about the place that is very welcoming. The seat numbers are not fixed, so reaching a bit early for the show and grabbing your favourite seats is a good idea. As we near show time, people start pouring in. I notice that the stage is very simple; no curtains, no props, just a chair in the corner. We occupy our seats and wait with anticipation for the show to begin. A small stage for a mammoth performance! I’d done some ‘touristy’ reading about Flamenco before leaving. That way one is prepared for what to expect, what to wear and how to go about the evening. Flamenco is a high-energy dance form with both Western and Eastern influences. The dance is mostly solo in a small setting, and the costumes are elegant, though not very elaborate. What can keep you hooked to the performance are the mesmerising footsteps of the dancer and the vivid expressions on her face. Five minutes into the performance, I knew this was going to be special. The show begins with instrumental guitar music to set the tone for the evening. And what a recital! The guitarist is then accompanied by a male Andalusian singer whose full-throated, high-pitched singing along with the rhythmic clapping of his hands in sync with the guitar, sends ripples of joyous applause through the small, select audience. The sound of the guitar, the energetic clapping of hands and the clarity of his voice are magical. But the best is yet to come with the entry of a female dancer on the stage. Her attire is a layered red dress with her hair tied neatly into a bun with minimal make-up. With her entry, four elements are being synchronised simultaneously: guitar notes, claps, the singer’s voice and the dancer’s footsteps. The dancer completely takes over the stage, so to speak. Her movements are so energetic that it feels as if she’ll leap off the small stage. The audience’s eyes move from one performer to the next, lapping it all up as if in a trance. The intensity of the dance goes a notch higher as the dancer swirls her red skirt around to reveal her dancing shoes tapping to the beat of the singer’s claps. The dancer and the singer keep exchanging looks off and on throughout the performance to match the pace and rhythm. The powerfully athletic, deft feminine movements of the dancer are beautiful. It feels as if she is daring the singer to match his wits with her passion. Her dignified poise and dancing prowess are a treat to watch. She swirls all around on the stage, making it impossible for anyone to blink for fear of missing her vigorous moves. There is a certain amount of sensuality in her movements, but what stands out is the sheer energy of her body. It is with this energy and grace that the performance comes to a close. The presentation is enthralling yet intense, entertaining yet focused. To maintain a certain decorum inside the theatre, patrons are not allowed to click pictures during the performance. I am glad for it; otherwise, at times, the essence of an experience is lost in clicking pictures. However, towards the end of the show, an announcement is made allowing for pictures and videos. My camera is out in a jiffy as I try to capture the spirit of the evening with my lens. There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-simple-reasons-to-visit-spain-and-some-tips-if-you-do

A vacation to Spain would be incomplete without a trip to Seville, the capital of the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia. The city is a surprise package with its narrow, cobbled streets and buildings that are a curious mix of Jewish, Moorish and Christian architecture that weave a web of magic for anyone who sets eyes on them. The entire city can be covered on foot since most of the touristy attractions are within walking distance of each other. Besides, you wouldn't want to miss the hidden architectural gems in every nook and corner of the city. A horse-drawn carriage is also a fun way to go on a 40-minute round trip to the historic area. View of Metrosol Parasol from afar We had 3 days to see this city with many attractions. Ideally, one should spend more time in Seville, savouring the sights and soaking in its wonders, but for most of us, touristy places have to be covered in tightly packed itineraries. So, I have picked the 10 Must-See Attractions in Seville that can be fitted into a 3-day itinerary. I have divided them into day-by-day itineraries as we saw them, but you can re-arrange the order depending on the amount of time you spend seeing each attraction. Most of these attractions are located in the Old Town within walking distance of each other. Day One 1. Royal Alcazar of Seville, the royal palace of Seville 2. Seville Cathedral and La Giralda 3. Archivo General de Indias 4. Plaza de Espana, the stunning Spanish Square and Maria Luisa Park Day Two 5. Metropol Parasol 6. Torre del Oro 7. Iglesia del Salvador, the Savior Church 8. Plaza Nueva and Ayuntamiento, Seville City Hall Day Three 9. Triana Neighbourhood and the Guadalquivir River 10. Watch a Flamenco show The Royal Alcazar You can start your Seville outing with a visit to the Historic Centre of Seville in the Old Town, one of the largest historic districts in Europe. Spread over 4 km, it houses the three World-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely Royal Alcazar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, and the Archivo General de Indias. The Royal Alcazar is an absolute must-see attraction. In Spain, Alcazar is a name given to any palace or fortress that belongs to the time of the Moorish invasions. Keep aside at least 2 to 2.5 hours to see this UNESCO-listed site and a masterpiece of Moorish architecture*. The Palace, with its beautiful rooms, especially the Hall of the Kings, with its opulent interiors, offers an interesting insight into the indulgent lifestyle of the royalty. You should opt for a guided tour even if you're not a big history buff to make the whole experience of seeing the palace enjoyable. My Tip To visit the Real Alcazar, buy online tickets beforehand. There are massive queues lined up for entry into the palace. Try to reach at 9:30 when the palace opens for tourists. Please check their website to check for Opening hours before planning a visit. Also, on some days, entry to the palace is free. https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/ Please do remember to start your Alcazar tour from the past, that is, from the times of the Moors, into the new gardens and not the other way around. Otherwise, the palace can be a bit confusing, especially for tourists like us who have little knowledge of Spanish history. In case you've bought combined tickets for the Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral, then remember there is a dress code for entering the cathedral. Exposed shoulders and legs are not allowed. Seville Cathedral and La Giralda After spending the first half of Day One in The Royal Alcazar, we headed to the Seville Cathedral. The cathedral is about half a kilometre away from the palace in the historic town. Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it is home to a very impressive collection of artworks in Spain. You will need at least an hour or a little more to walk through the cathedral. Things to see in the cathedral are the Tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Royal Chapel and the Treasure Room. La Giralda, the 104-meter-high tower, is the minaret of the cathedral visible from a long way off. You can walk up to the tower which does not have a staircase but a slope to walk on. This was done to ride up the tower on horseback. I believe one gets nice views of the city all around, but we did not venture into the tower. We were exhausted from our visit to the palace in the first half of the day. My Tip I would say from experience that although visiting Real Alcazar and the Cathedral on the same day sounds like the sensible thing to do since they are close by, you should plan to do it on two separate days. The idea is to beat the crowds by starting on these two outings first thing in the morning. Plus, there is so much walking involved that it's not enjoyable anymore after a while if you do them together. Archivo General de Indias This building lies very close to the Cathedral. Honestly, it was just rows and columns of books, beautiful marble staircases and some stunning halls. It's a beautiful structure, so as a tourist just taking pictures would suffice. You go inside only if you're seriously into Spanish history. Entry is free. My Tip I mean no offence, but this place was quite boring. We stepped inside and stepped right back out to make better utilisation of our limited time in Seville. Plaza de Espana This awe-inspiring semi-circular plaza was built in the year 1929 as part of the Ibero-American Exposition. The plaza was showcased as a centrepiece of this large-scale international fair to display the industrial and cultural achievements of Spain. These days, the plaza has been adapted to house various government agencies. Everything about Plaza de España spells grandeur. The structure brings together the Renaissance and Moorish Revival Architecture. The entire outer facade has ceramic tiles in bright colours that lend a magnetic appeal to this structure. The plaza is a delight to watch with its colourful, vibrant facade, colonnades and a huge fountain in the centre. There are footbridges and canals, a moat surrounding the main structure, and the entire building has 48 alcoves, each of which represents a Spanish province. Tourists can hire rowing boats and sail around in the moat. Entry to the plaza is free. The plaza is situated in Maria Luisa Park, spread over a sprawling 50,000 square feet. The park is as delightful as the plaza. There are small ponds, palm trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. My Tip In  the late afternoon, we hired a horse carriage from the Old Town for a round trip around the old city, including a stop at the spectacular Plaza de Espana. If you want to walk, it takes less than 20 minutes on foot from the Seville Cathedral. Entry into the plaza is free. The ride was not too expensive, it was fun and informative. Our carriage driver, who also served as a tour guide, provided us with interesting insights into the plaza's history. Day Two Metropol Parasol Winding our way through the narrow streets of Seville, we suddenly came face to face with this mammoth structure right in front of us that claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It is located in the Plaza de la Encarnación in the Old Quarter of Seville. While reading about parasols, I discovered that they were first made in Egypt to provide sunshades to royals and nobles. In Seville, the parasol offers some great photo opportunities. It has a look-out deck or the viewpoint on the top that can be reached via an elevator to get beautiful views of the city. My Tip The Parasol is unique from whichever angle you see it. The views from the plaza level are amazing and you can see the entire structure and its formation. If you want to save time, you can avoid going to the top. Although, you do get nice views from the top but nothing spectacular. Torre del Oro About a 20-minute walk away from Metropol Parasol is Torre del Oro. The tower was constructed as a watchtower along a canal close to the river Guadalquivir. Now, there is a Naval Museum on the first floor of the tower. The exhibits are nicely displayed with interesting information. You can also climb up the 200-odd wooden steps to reach the top of the tower to get beautiful vistas of the city. My Tip If you've seen the city views from the top of the Parasol or La Giralda, then skip this one. I always reiterate the point that while travelling, one needs to conserve one's energy, especially in a place as hot as Seville. Iglesia del Salvador, the Saviour Church This beautiful Roman Catholic church with its baroque architecture is surely worth a visit. It's painted bright pink on the outside, so you cannot miss it. Remember, your ticket to the Seville Cathedral is valid in this church as well, so just keep it secure. You can use this ticket on any day, as we used it the next day. The interiors of the church are rich with exquisite craftsmanship and design. Tall windows with stained glass and a very colourful altar endow the church with a lot of grandeur. We spent about an hour inside before heading to our next stop. My Tip This small church is beautiful from the inside. Also, it will give you a chance to take a refreshing break from the summer sun. Plaza Nueva and Ayuntamiento, Seville City Hall Very close to Iglesia del Salvador is Ayuntamiento, Seville City Hall, which faces the Plaza Nueva. We had seen this square the previous day while walking around it, but today we decided to spend some time around it. The impressive Town Hall building has the faces of some important historical figures engraved on its walls if you look closely. A grand statue of King Fernando III is situated right in the centre of the plaza. There are artisan shops and tapas bars everywhere. My Tip This area comes alive in the evening. We decided to spend the remaining part of the day here since the next evening we were planning to watch a Flamenco show. So, this was, in a way, our last evening in Seville. And we were happy we did so. There were street singers, tourists and locals everywhere, eating and making merry. Day Three Triana Neighbourhood and the Guadalquivir River After 2 days of intense sightseeing of monuments, we wanted to get a feel of the city on our last day. We wandered around from the Old Town, walked through Santa Cruz and the Jewish Quarter with its narrow lanes and headed to the Puente de San Telmo bridge across the Guadalquivir River. It's about 30 minutes of leisurely walking. One can get beautiful views of the Triana Neighbourhood from here. We walked back, seeing the beautiful sights of the Old Town again. My Tip Puente de San Telmo is a functional bridge; nothing very romantic about it. But the views from the bridge are nice! Besides, it's a good way to see the entire city. Flamenco In the evening, we went to see the stupendous Flamenco Show at the 'Casa de la Memoria'. Read on to learn more about our Flamenco experience on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco While in Seville, you can catch the bullfight at Plaza de Toros, the largest bullfighting arena in Spain. We skipped it since we had already seen this gory spectacle in Madrid. And believe me, watching it once in a lifetime is enough! You can read about our Bullfighting experience by clicking the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal Our last day in Seville was also our last day in Spain. We missed watching the mystifying Alhambra Palace in Granada, although Granada is just about 3 hours by road from Seville. I guess that calls for another trip to this beautiful country! And there is more than one reason to go back to Spain. Read more about our Spain vacation by clicking on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-simple-reasons-to-visit-spain-and-some-tips-if-you-do

A vacation to Spain can throw open a plethora of must-do-activities for you, visiting iconic monuments like Alhambra and the famous Roman Catholic Church The La Sagrada Familia, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the country, seeing the sun-kissed beaches, tasting the divine ‘Sangria’, making a trip to the football hubs of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, spending one full day at the crazily adventurous La Aventura amusement park, watching a show of the mesmerizing Flamenco dance and last but not the least going to the bullring in Madrid. While planning our vacation to Spain, this last bit about the bullfight was just one of the many attractions featured in our itinerary. I was really excited about watching the flamenco show in Seville, while my boys had set their hearts on going to the bullfight in Madrid. We had designated a half day for this ‘sightseeing’ and made an online reservation well in advance. There are very few countries in the world that permit bullfighting, and Spain is one of the frontrunners in this sport. There was no way that we would miss such an outing, especially with our two grown-up boys around who were desperate to see some real gore-and-blood sport. You know how boys are! Entrance to the Bullfight Arena, Madrid - Plaza de Toros The venue for bullfighting is the bullring in Madrid, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, or ‘Las Ventas’ as it is popularly known. We reached a bit early and were quite surprised to see hordes of people already flocking near the gate of the arena, waiting to enter. There were hardly any tourists to be seen; one can always make out tourists from the local people by the lost look of anticipation on the former’s faces. Visitors looked like regulars to the arena since none of them was taking any pictures or buying souvenirs. Finally, the gates opened, and we were thrilled to get seats with a front view of the entrance where all the action was going to take place. The huge arena started to fill up with thousands of people pouring in. The bullring in Madrid has a seating capacity of 25,000 people, and in no time we were scrambling for our seats. The arena was full to the brim in no time... The interesting part is that all kinds of people could be seen. We had a young Spaniard sitting on our right who looked like some school teacher to me, calm demeanour, and casually sipping on his drink. An elderly couple, sounding more like Brits on a tour of Spain, was also waiting for the show to begin. In the front row was a group of middle-aged men who appeared to have come straight out of some cowboy movie of the ’70s, with all of them donning hats, smoking cigars and wearing tight-waisted jackets. The stage is now set for the action to unfold. The performance begins with an ‘entourage’ entering the arena, comprising horsemen, a Matador conspicuously attired and holding a magenta and gold cape, who appears to be the group leader. They go around the arena in a circle as if to acknowledge the guests or inspect the arena. The colourful 'Entourage' entering the arena, amidst cheers from the crowd! I get busy clicking pictures and making videos of the act. We are so excited to be a part of this traditional ritual of Spain. There is a sound of the bugle and there we have a bull running into the ring. The matador is perhaps trying to gauge the ferocity of the bull, he waves the cape towards him and runs around to create some drama! The bull charging at the cape swung by the matador The colourful, elaborate costumes, the energy and agility of the matador, combined with his prowess in handling the bull and his effortless yet careful demeanour on the ground, is enthralling. There is a lot of hooting and cheering all around. No wonder these matadors are so popular in this part of the world. They are nothing short of movie stars and enjoy a huge fan following. It appears as if there is a sudden rush of adrenaline in the arena. We also cheer on and wait in anticipation for what comes next. In a split second, the matador turns away, and the man on horseback or ‘Picador’ comes up from behind the bull and stabs a barbed stick viciously in the neck of the bull. The sudden spurt of blood from the fresh wound on the neck of the bull is unnerving and my camera falls from my hands into my lap. The bull weakened by the constant stabbing looks around haplessly for help that doesn't seem to come! There are 3 banderilleros on the ground and each one tries to stab the bull with their barbed sticks on its shoulder. They are trying to agitate the bull and also weaken it. The sight is so ghastly that I’ve lost my interest already, just 15 minutes into the show. The man on horseback stabs again with his lance and injures the bull once again. Call it sheer ignorance, but nothing could’ve prepared me for such violence. In the meantime, the matador is trying to put on a display for the cheering crowds. I can’t deny that he was incredibly graceful with his movements and manoeuvres with the cape. He goes around the bull and tries to stab it with his banderilla. The movements are fake and are done only to create a theatrical effect, but the blood and the wounds on the bull’s back are real, I tell myself. I brace myself to see what’s more to come. The bull is getting angrier by the moment, and the crowd is going into a frenzy, shouting slogans like ‘mata…lo..mata lo’, meaning kill it in Spanish, as we later learnt. The cow-boy look-alikes sitting in our front row are in their full element. They are shouting and jeering. I look at the teacher-like guy sitting next to us, who looked so quiet earlier and now looks possessed by something. He’s shouting at the top of his voice. As if in response to these demands by the crowd, the matador suddenly turns and, with a sharp twist of the sword, pierces the bull’s heart and kills it. There is an uproar of approval in the arena all around. The scene is so gory that I cringe and look away. When I look up, I’m shocked to see people standing and cheering in the stands and waving white handkerchiefs in appreciation of the matador’s feat. Later, we learnt that the white handkerchief is waved to urge the presiding chief to award the matador with an ear of the dead bull as a souvenir. We all look at each other, and my sons, who were so eager to come for this spectacle look equally perturbed. The first thought that crosses my mind when looking at them is ‘God, I’m really grateful’. Seeing my children behave like maniacs in the face of such violence, along with the other thousands of people, would’ve broken my heart. My younger son looks at me, imploring me to leave. As we nudge each other to get up, thinking that this is the end of that day’s event, we discover that there’s more to come. Another bull enters the arena, and the drill is repeated all over again. Then yet again and again and again. This drill is repeated five times over, five bulls are killed, and the ‘revelry’ in the ring is like nothing I have ever seen before. We just want to get out of this madness, but there are people everywhere with not an inch of space to move. So, we wait for this ‘sporty’ ordeal to finally get over. Did we like the sport? Was it a sport at all? Five armed men on foot and horseback tried to overpower a bull not just by force but by deception. The spurt of blood oozing out of the necks of those innocent animals who can feel the pain but have no words to express it. If we believe that animals too have souls and that they can relate to love and emotions as well, then I’m sure the poor hapless bull could very well relate to the 25,000-odd people jeering at it and rejoicing in its death. Can anything be more inhuman than this? There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-simple-reasons-to-visit-spain-and-some-tips-if-you-do Want to see the Spanish capital? Click on the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/mad-about-madrid-3-days-in-the-spanish-capital Take a trip to Barcelona, Spain's most visited city. Read more about Barcelona https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-barcelona-spain-s-most-visited-city I have written about our experience at Port Aventura in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-portaventura-world-parks-from-barcelona-spain The absolutely not-to-miss city of Seville, Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/there-s-something-special-about-seville-3-days-in-the-lively-cultural-hub-of-spain Watching a Flamenco show in Seville https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco

The Spanish capital is an exciting city from the word go! We had all of 72 hours at our disposal in Madrid, and there was a lot of ground to cover. There were 10 attractions in all that we wanted to see. I've divided these attractions into a 3-day itinerary. The Top 10 not-to-miss attractions are 1. Palacio Real or the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Changing of the Guard 2. El Retiro Park 3. Paseo del Prado 4. Plaza Mayor 5. Puerta del Sol 6. Mercado San Miguel 7. Puerta del Alcala 8. Plaza de Cibeles 9. Monumento A Los Refugiados 10. Parterre del Retiro Day 1 in Madrid Royal Palace of Madrid We started with the Royal Palace of Madrid, or the 'Palacio Real' as it's called, the stunning white square building made in Baroque style architecture around a large courtyard. Baroque architecture is synonymous with opulent, theatrical-style buildings with intricate stonework. The Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest in Europe based on its floor size, spread over an area of about 1450000 square feet. The palace is open all days of the week; summer and winter timings are different. Entry to the palace is not free; your ticket will depend on whether you do a self-guided tour or a conducted tour. My Tip This is one of the largest palaces in the world with over 3000 rooms! If you decide to explore the interior of the palace, then be prepared to walk a lot and designate at least 2 to 3 hours to see the palace. We did not have the time to explore it from the inside. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace except in some designated areas. My word of advice is that if you've seen other famous palaces around the world, like the Palace of Versailles or royal palaces in Copenhagen or Sweden, or if you're planning to see the Real Alcazar in Seville, then you can miss this one. The ornate exteriors of the palace are enough to make your jaw drop! There is a Changing of the Guard daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays unless otherwise notified. The ceremony is always fun to watch as the crowds queue up well before time to grab a good viewing spot to watch the event. El Retiro Park It's a 30-minute walk from the Royal Palace to the park through the beautiful city of Madrid. The landscaped park in the centre of the city is massive. Entry to the park is free. It has around 15000 trees, statues of Spanish royalty, a lake, a glass building called the Crystal Palace and a Rose Garden. One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours in the park, rowing on the lake and seeing the beautiful city go by from the quiet of the park. My Tip We spent the 2nd half of the day at El Retiro Park. It was very serene. Must-do! Paseo del Prado Very close to El Retiro Park, just about a 6 to 7-minute walk, is the famous historical boulevard Paseo del Prado. The boulevard is considered to be an oasis in the midst of the city with very old trees. The entire area from Paseo del Prado to El Retiro Park and some adjoining areas has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Landscape of Light. This houses some of Spain's most prominent institutions, and walking along this green boulevard is a delightful experience. The three famous museums of Madrid, Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional are also located here, and the area is called the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid. It's a good idea to take a conducted tour of the historical gardens, which will give you some very interesting insights into the history of these gardens and why they were developed. Many tour options are available, including walking tours, tuk-tuk tours, and electric bike tours, among others. Please check their website for more details. My Tip If you wish to explore the museums, then the conducted tours take about 7 hours to cover all three museums. We were travelling with our 2 boys, visiting a museum was last on their wish list. But this certainly is doable in a 3-day itinerary since you have the entire second half of the day available. Day 2 in Madrid Plaza Mayor In the morning, we decided to spend some time at the Plaza Mayor. Our apartment building, aptly called 'Plaza Mayor Apartment', was situated right on the famous plaza. The statue of Philip III at Plaza Mayor My Tip The plaza is always bustling with crowds, and this is the best place to begin your walk across the beautiful Central Square of Madrid. There are hordes of tourists everywhere and some curiously dressed human statues and street performers. There are small eateries or Tapas, as they're called, all around where you can grab a bite, all the while soaking in the magic of Madrid. At the end of the square, there is a Plaza Mayor Tourist Information Center for your assistance. Just a 5-minute walk away is the Puerta del Sol. Puerta del Sol Puerta del Sol is a public square in Madrid that has the famous Kilometer Zero, a small stone slab that marks the geographical centre of Madrid and even Spain. It also has the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree representing the Madrid coat of arms. My Tip It is the most famous point for photo ops. You will find crowds thronging in this area at any time of the day. Plaza de Toros The second half of the day was assigned to go to Plaza de Toros, the bullfight arena in Madrid. The place was swarming with people, surprisingly most of them looked like locals, I barely saw any tourists there. One can always spot tourists by the look of inquisitiveness around them. A lot can be said about this place and the event that takes place here, the bullfight. I have written about this in a separate blog. Not everyone has the stomach to watch the Bullfight with all its blood and gore! Read on for our bullfight experience in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal Day 3 in Madrid This was our last day in Madrid, and we wanted to explore this beautiful city on foot. Mercado San Miguel We decided to start our day with a trip to the food market very close to Plaza Mayor. We wanted to sample some delicacies at this world-renowned gourmet one-stop shop for Spanish cuisine. The impressive outer structure is a major tourist attraction, inside there are fruit and vegetable stands alongside the local Tapas. We went early in the morning to beat the crowds, the market gets extremely crowded during the day and even more in the evening. Also, we wanted to first explore the stalls because we were not sure what to eat. After much deliberation, we tried seafood Paella, some exotic ham and cheese, fresh fruits, fried anchovies and the amazing red wine Sangria! Puerta del Alcala This beautiful monument is about a 30-minute walk from Mercado San Miguel. The monument is beautiful with its intricate carvings and impressive archways. We spent about 30 minutes around the monument before heading to the next attraction. Plaza de Cibeles Photo courtesy - " Plaza de Cibeles y Oficina de Correos, Madrid " by MrT HK is licensed under CC BY 2.0 . From Puerta del Alcala, we walked another 4 minutes to Plaza de Cibeles, a plaza square with the absolutely riveting structure of Cybele Palace that now serves as the city hall. The area around the plaza is very crowded at all times. The pictures I took did not do justice to the beauty of this structure. So, I took this photo from a photo gallery. Don't miss the statue of Goddess Cybele on a chariot in front of the plaza. Monumento A Los Refugiados Just 3 to 4 minutes away from Plaza de Cibeles, this monument is dedicated to refugees and attempts to depict their plight. It's a strange-looking piece of art showing some men sitting on the top of a wall trying to run away or sneak in. Honestly, I couldn't make much of it, although it's made quite artistically. Parterre del Retiro This beautiful French-style garden lies within the Retiro Park on the west side. Parterre del Retiro, with its ornamentally landscaped greens, is absolutely delightful, and the serenity of the park amid a bustling city is worth the effort of walking to it. By the end of this walking tour, we had experienced Madrid and its people and seen its many stunning architectural marvels alongside vast verdant greens right in the heart of the city. A lot of day trips can be taken from Madrid. If you have an extra day, then the medieval city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 30 minutes away. It's famous for its monuments that display a deep influence of Jewish, Christian and Arab architecture. El Escorial, the historic residence of the King of Spain, is located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, 45 km away from Madrid. This is a famous landmark and attracts a lot of crowds. Although I think fitting in these 2 places would be impossible in a 3-day trip. It was the last evening of our trip to Madrid. We decided to spend the evening at Plaza Mayor. One can't have enough of the vibe of this charming Spanish District. Early the next morning, we boarded the train to Barcelona for our next Spanish adventure! There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/10-simple-reasons-to-visit-spain-and-some-tips-if-you-do Interested in bullfighting? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal Take a trip to Barcelona, Spain's most visited city. Read more about Barcelona https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-barcelona-spain-s-most-visited-city I have written about our experience at Port Aventura in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-portaventura-world-parks-from-barcelona-spain The absolutely not-to-miss city of Seville, Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/there-s-something-special-about-seville-3-days-in-the-lively-cultural-hub-of-spain Watching a Flamenco show in Seville https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco

Why visit Spain? Spain has a whopping 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the third country in the world with so many heritage sites! So, while planning your Spain vacation, remember to look them up. Let me enumerate 10 solid reasons for anyone with a bent for travel to visit Spain... 1. Spain is warm, vibrant and lively The country has a rustic charm that is different from other European countries. The typical Spanish vibe is hard to miss and even harder to describe! 2. Spaniards are warm, relaxed people On our first day in Madrid, which was a working day, I didn't see people hustling to work. Everyone seemed to be a bit laid back and walking merrily to work or wherever they were headed. I found this very different from most cosmopolitan cities, where morning rush hour can be maddening with people practically stomping on each other to get to work on time. They are friendly towards tourists too, and most can speak basic English. If they can't, they still attempt to help you. Our landlady in Madrid could not speak English, so she went to great lengths to ensure that we understood what she was trying to convey via a Translator App on her phone. She could not use the App properly. My son helped her with the App, and she, in turn, helped us with the instructions in English. 3. Amazing architecture Spain was one of the most powerful empires till the 18th century. The entire country has some interesting architecture that is an amalgamation of many historical periods, combined with modern contemporary structures. Just travelling around the country, one can see a mix of Gothic-style*, Renaissance and modern structures, all co-existing together beautifully. How can one forget the awe-inspiring Real Alcazar and Alhambra? Even in cities, alongside modern structures, there are a lot of colonial homes. It can be an interesting stay if you plan to live in a rented colonial home. All such houses have windows opening into a central courtyard. One can easily peep into the house on the opposite side. Although that should not be your reason to travel to Spain! Our house in Seville, with the window opening into the courtyard 4. Spain offers some seriously finger-licking food There are Tapas Bars everywhere; these bars serve small portions of food as a snack with a drink. The best thing about Tapas is that you get to taste a large variety of dishes owing to the small portion size. Spaniards 'Tapear', which means they do tapas bar-hopping and try various dishes. This is so integral to the culture of Spain. And Spaniards love their eating time; they are boisterous around food. And Spanish cuisine grows on you. It's made with simple ingredients with very bold flavours. Much like my native Indian cuisine. 5. Spaniards are not just warm, they're entertaining too! Throughout the country, especially in Madrid, roads are full of street performers and a whole lot of human statues dressed as interesting characters to get tips from local passersby. I have seen this in many places, but not as much as here in Spain. They do all sorts of gravity-defying stunts that are a delight to watch. A walk around the city can be as entertaining as sightseeing. 6. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a traveller's delight Paseo del Prado Boulevard and El Retiro Park are beautiful green spaces in the heart of a very modern metropolis. The entire area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 and is called The Landscape of Light. El Rastro, one of the world's oldest flea markets, is a shopper's paradise. It has wares ranging from clothes, leather goods, and books to memorabilia and so much more. Hordes of locals and tourists throng the market that is set up every Sunday and on public holidays. If you like exploring artworks and visiting museums, then Madrid has the Golden Triangle, comprising 3 main museums: the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía. Want to visit Madrid? Learn more by clicking on the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/mad-about-madrid-3-days-in-the-spanish-capital 7. Not to forget Barcelona with its beaches and the famous football clubs, and of course, Sagrada Familia It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to travel from Madrid by train. The city has lots to offer tourists through architecture, scenic locales, the famous football club FCB, beaches and the Sagrada Familia. If you have an extra day or two, then PortAventura World Parks, the amusement park 85 km away from Barcelona, offers unparalleled adventure and amusement. 8. And while in Spain, how can you miss out on Seville, the capital of the Spanish Autonomous Community of Andalusia? I have been to over 100 cities worldwide, but Seville remains my all-time favourite. Its cobbled streets and the famous Real Alcazar, which is steeped in history and preserved in sync with some awe-inspiring modern structures like the Metropol Parasol, are stunning. And not to forget the riveting Plaza de España. There is a historical anecdote at every nook and corner of this picturesque city. Remember, the beautiful Alhambra Palace in Granada is just a 3-hour drive from Seville. So, if you have time, then this palace is not to miss. 9. Spain is synonymous with Flamenco, the foot-tapping dance recital performances at Tablao A flamenco performance is mesmerising, to say the least. While in Spain, this is one attraction that you should not miss. Flamenco shows are held in many cities across Spain. Watching a Flamenco show in Seville was the highlight of our trip to Spain. Read more about Flamenco in the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco 10. And lastly, Spain has the infamous bullfight arenas Not everyone has the stomach to watch the Bullfight! But if you have the guts to see this gory spectacle, then Madrid is the place for it! The most popular one is in Madrid, called Las Ventas. Apart from that, it is held in Tordesillas, Ronda and Seville. In some places, it has been banned or is in the process of being toned down to make it less gory. Read on for our bullfight experience in the link below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal I will give you the 5 important tips for your Spain vacation... 1. If you want to start your vacation in the capital of Madrid, then the best time to visit this landlocked city is in spring and fall. Winters and summers can be extreme for outdoor activities. Spain is warmer than the rest of Europe, but even if you're going in summer, carry some very light woollens. It can get a bit windy and cold at night, especially in Madrid. We went to Spain in May, which is considered very pleasant, but we had to buy light sweaters the day we landed in Madrid. 2. Beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist-heavy areas in Madrid and Barcelona. More so, when travelling in metros and buses. Pickpockets normally travel in gangs on crowded trains and try to surround you from all sides, creating some confusion before flicking your wallet. We had a rough encounter in Barcelona on the train. A woman passenger, standing right next to my husband, would deliberately push herself forward toward him every time the train jolted to start or stop. We were saved by the timely intervention of a local traveller who signalled to us to watch out for this woman. When she realised that we knew, she quickly got off the train; otherwise, my husband would have lost his wallet. 3. Despite the menace of pickpockets, you should still carry some cash, especially if you're planning to go outside of main urban touristy areas or anywhere off the beaten track to make payments at small restaurants and kiosks. 4. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Spain. But in Barcelona, owing to its coastal location, the water tasted really odd. It did not make us ill, but we decided to rely on bottled water for the remaining days. 5. Barcelona is expensive compared to other Spanish cities, so plan your vacation judiciously. 3 days would be ideal for exploring the city. You might have to add an extra day if you want to explore its many water sports in the calm Mediterranean waters. Also, as I mentioned earlier, if you want to go to Port Aventura, then an extra day would be needed. Only about 3 hours away from Seville is the city of Granada, known for the beautiful Alhambra Palace. It would be a shame to miss seeing this stunning palace and fortress. So, you should plan a day trip from Seville to visit Granada. So, gear up and plan an enthralling vacation to Spain! There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain Want to see the Spanish capital? Find out about 3 days in Madrid https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/mad-about-madrid-3-days-in-the-spanish-capital Interested in bullfighting? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bullfighting-in-madrid-gut-wrenching-sport-or-sporty-ordeal Take a trip to Barcelona, Spain's most visited city. Read more about Barcelona https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-barcelona-spain-s-most-visited-city I have written about our experience at Port Aventura in the link below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-thrilling-day-trip-to-portaventura-world-parks-from-barcelona-spain The absolutely not-to-miss city of Seville, Spain https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/there-s-something-special-about-seville-3-days-in-the-lively-cultural-hub-of-spain Watching a Flamenco show in Seville https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spain-seville-and-flamenco * Gothic architecture is characterised by grandeur in the form of tall structures with flying buttresses and pointed arches. The ceilings are decorated with ornate designs.

It's a good idea to keep one day of your entire trip to Switzerland to see the beautiful city of Bern, the capital city. Why Bern? Most travel itineraries to Switzerland centre around nature and landscapes, high mountain peaks and hikes, scenic train rides, boat cruises on lakes and more. So, a visit to the old town of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, can add another interesting dimension to your trip. It's a fun outing for kids, too, since the symbol of Bern is the Bear, and there is a small bear park right in the heart of the city centre. Lucerne to Bern... It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Bern from Lucerne. We planned it as a half-day trip after visiting the Transport Museum in Lucerne. The Aare River runs through the city, and you can walk along the river. But with kids, this was tough, so we boarded a tram. Trams connect one end of the city to the other. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then this travel is included in the ticket. Trams go over bridges, around scenic locales of the Aare River and to the Old Town too. Things to do in Bern in one day Zytglogge Clock Tower The clock tower stands tall at 54 meters right in the centre of the Old Town. There are hordes of tourists thronging the area to hear the clock tower give its signature strike of the hour. Kids and adults alike stand enraptured by this performance. There was a concert going on when we were visiting, lending a very lively air to the place. There is a conducted tour inside the clock tower that involves climbing 130 steps. We gave that a miss. But if you can, then I believe the steps take you to a high terrace from where one can see as far as the peaks of the Bernese Oberland on a clear day. Bear Pit and Bear Park This is one of the most unusual attractions that I've ever come across in any city. A bear pit with huge bears roaming around right in the heart of a bustling city. If you're travelling with kids, then do not let them miss out on this fun thing. One can see bears from over a secure fence. It's within walking distance of the Old Town. There is a bear park also nearby. Entry is free. There is a sculpture of a bear walking the tightrope in front of the entrance to the park, which is really beautiful. Walk along the River Aare and Old Town The old town offers ample walking arcades. I believe that Bern has the longest covered shopping promenade in all of Europe. Along the river, you will also find rows of quaint houses with red roofs, lending a very medieval character to the city. The beautiful olive green and gold coloured Parliament Building is also located in the Old Town. To sum up, a day trip to Bern will give you a rare insight into the culture of Switzerland and its medieval past. Your kids will be thrilled with the Clock Tower and the Bear Pit. So, well worth a visit! Travelling with kids to Switzerland? For more fun tips and things to remember, click on the links below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/planning-a-family-vacation-with-kids-to-europe-go-switzerland 1. Day trip to Mount Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-pilatus 2. Tobogganing at Mt. Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/tobogganing-at-mt-pilatus-switzerland-the-world-s-longest-summer-toboggan-run 3. Day trip to Brienz and Interlaken https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-brienz-and-interlaken 4. Day trip to Jungfraujoch https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-jungfraujoch 5. Day trip to Titlis https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-titlis 6. Day trip to Lugano and Swiss Miniature https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-lugano-and-the-swiss-miniature

Lugano lies in the far south of Switzerland in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. The city lies along the massive Lake Lugano. If you're travelling with kids, then your vacation to Switzerland will be incomplete without a visit to this region. There is a scenic train, the Gotthard Panorama Express, connecting the north and south of Switzerland, which combines a boat and train journey. Lugano was last on our trip. We had done enough scenic routes, both on boats and trains, so we skipped this scenic train and settled for the regular train journey, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach from Lucerne. Like the rest of Switzerland, Lugano is also extremely beautiful. Ideally, one should plan to stay here for a few days; although a day trip was also quite gratifying. It has the wondrous Lake Lugano, the iconic mountain peak Monte San Salvatore, cathedrals and beautiful churches and the insanely cute, Swiss Miniature Park. One can walk along the lake promenade, enjoying the views of the peaks across the shore. Swiss Miniature We planned to start our day trip with a visit to the Swiss Miniature. All of Switzerland's major landmarks, 130, to be precise, have been built here on a scale of 1:25. There are miniature train engines that run along small railway lines that are almost 3.5 kilometres long. Mini-funiculars and mini-cars are shown running on small roads and are made to perfection. The detailing that has gone into making these miniatures is awe-inspiring. My Tip If you're travelling with kids, then don't give this one a miss. You'll need about 2.5 hours to see the park. As I've mentioned earlier, Lugano was last on our trip. My kids went into a frenzy trying to identify the miniatures of all the famous landmarks that we had seen in the last few days. There is a small boating pond in the park for very small kids and a small toy train for a joyride through the park. Everything about this park was so endearing that missing it would be a shame if you have small kids travelling with you. Lake Lugano We spent a good 3 hours in the park and then went to Lake Lugano. There is a beautiful waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the lake. There are jetties along the shore of the lake for daily excursions by paddle boats and steamers. We hired one such paddle boat for 4 people. The boat was hilariously slow and difficult to paddle, but the views all around were stunning. One can see the famous Monte San Salvatore from the lake. There is a 12-minute funicular to the top with 360-degree views of the city of Lugano. We had no time left for it, but if you have time, then it's worth the effort. Walking through the city and eating Piadine Lugano is warmer than the rest of Switzerland. Walking through the city was a very pleasing experience. While in Lugano, you must try their famous Piadine. Piadine is similar to a taco, just thicker. It can be eaten with a variety of fillings and is easily available in any roadside eatery. So, you can have it on the go. This was our last day in Switzerland, and it ended on a high note, especially for our kids. Travelling with kids to Switzerland? For more fun tips and things to remember, click on the links below - https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/planning-a-family-vacation-with-kids-to-europe-go-switzerland 1. Day trip to Mount Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-pilatus 2. Tobogganing at Mt. Pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/tobogganing-at-mt-pilatus-switzerland-the-world-s-longest-summer-toboggan-run 3. Day trip to Brienz and Interlaken https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-brienz-and-interlaken 4. Day trip to Jungfraujoch https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-jungfraujoch 5. Day trip to Titlis https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-titlis 6. Day trip to Bern https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-bern

Switzerland is a 'Tourist wonderland'. It has an abundance of natural beauty that has been harnessed and laid out on a platter for tourists to savour. If you want to make a family trip to Europe, then travelling to Switzerland is your best bet! Reason? Switzerland boasts excellent infrastructure around every tourist attraction, making your visit comfortable and memorable. In this blog, my focus is on trips/tours/activities that can be done if you are travelling with kids. Check out my blog for more details about our trip to the cities of Geneva, Zermatt and Lucerne https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-weeks-in-switzerland-a-traveller-s-dream-holiday-destination 5 prominent highlights of the country that can make your travel a memorable experience Reliable and efficient transport system The Swiss transport system is very efficient; there are buses, trams, local trains and regional trains connecting all cities and points of tourist interest. All these modes of transport are very well linked with connecting buses, trams and boats to most attractions, which makes travelling for tourists, especially with kids, quite easy. You will always find signage in English, too, along with the local official language. There are good facilities for people with disabilities, too. Funiculars aplenty Some funiculars take you to dizzying heights in no time, so no biking or hiking is needed if you have kids in tow. Gondolas and cable cars connect to scenic high mountain peaks. People with special needs are also looked after well, with provisions for prams and wheelchairs at most places. However, my advice is to check for facilities at individual places. Fun activities galore Along with natural beauty, there are fun activities every step of the way, like the Swiss Miniature Park in Lugano, the Bear Park in Bern, Tobogganing at Mount Pilatus and Kids' trains at so many places. Your kids will love these outings. Swiss Travel Pass The best part about travelling around Switzerland is the Swiss Travel Pass, which offers a multitude of options for hassle-free travel. This is an important travel accessory that can make your travel around the country really comfortable. There is the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, Swiss 1-day Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare card, Saver Day Pass and Family Pass. This might appear like an advertisement for Travel Passes, but if you have one, you can get into any train, tram, bus, ferry, or boat. These passes can save money and time if you plan to go around city-hopping. A lot of museums and attractions offer discounts with the travel pass. Please check all the latest offers and discounts before your journey. We opted for the Swiss Travel Pass Flex. This pass allows you to pick a specific number of days of travel on dates of your choice. This makes perfect sense with kids since you might want some days of relaxation between excursions. Scenic Trains Many scenic trains run through the countryside and stunning locales offering panoramic views like the Glacier Express, Gornergrat Bahn, Golden Pass Line, Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, and Luzern Interlaken Express, among others. They offer tour packages that one should explore before embarking on a Switzerland vacation. My 5 Personal Tips that might prove helpful if you're planning to visit Switzerland... - Must go for the Swiss Pass. That is the ideal way to travel in Switzerland. No need to validate the pass every time you travel, so just hop into the transport of your choice and you're good to go! - Switzerland offers a variety of attractions, both natural and manmade. It's best to make a wish-list of things you want to see, depending on the number of days and your budget, since there is a plethora of activities to choose from. - Kids get bored with seeing natural beauty only, so your itinerary should include some fun activities for them too. Two things that you should not miss if you have kids with you are, One, Swiss Miniature in Lugano Two, the Transport Museum in Lucerne. Both of these are adorable attractions. We, as grown-ups, could barely contain our excitement. - If you have time, travelling from the north to the south of Switzerland will give you a taste of 3 distinctly different cultures. In Geneva, the spoken language is French, in Lucerne, most people speak Swiss German, and if you travel south, then in Lugano, the language and culture are distinctly Italian. These three different regions will add three different flavours to your trip. - Scenic Trains are wonderful but expensive. So, planning on which one to opt for, depending on the destination of your choice, is important. Check the official website of Switzerland Tourism for more details and offers. https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/ is the official website for Switzerland tourism. There are additional discounts for families with kids; at times, kids can even travel for free! So, look out for offers before making your bookings. Learn about more touristy destinations in Switzerland by clicking on the links below https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/2-weeks-in-switzerland-a-traveller-s-dream-holiday-destination 6 Not-to-miss day trips from Lucerne https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-pilatus https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/tobogganing-at-mt-pilatus-switzerland-the-world-s-longest-summer-toboggan-run https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-brienz-and-interlaken https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-jungfraujoch https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-mount-titlis https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-bern https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/6-not-to-miss-day-trips-from-lucerne-switzerland-lugano-and-the-swiss-miniature

The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, thanks to the numerous experiences it offers to its visitors. From vibrant cultural hotspots like Danang and Hoi An to the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Vietnam has it all. What makes this eclectic mix of attractions even more attractive is that Vietnam offers all of this and more at very competitive prices compared to other popular tourist destinations in Europe or elsewhere. We spent 12 days in Vietnam, travelling the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I'll be sharing my experiences with you of this beautiful, diverse country in the blogs that will follow. But first: My Top Ten Tips for your Vietnam trip... Weather patterns in Vietnam can be very diverse. Hanoi is located in Northern Vietnam, so winters can be cold. The best time to visit Hanoi is from August to October, when the days are pleasant and dry. Ho Chi Minh, on the other hand, lies in the south and enjoys a tropical climate. It's either hot and dry or hot and rainy. We visited in April, Hanoi was cold, Danang in Central Vietnam was pleasant, and Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam was hot and dry. Most of us perceive Vietnam as a warm, tropical country, but when planning your trip, it's essential to consider the diverse weather patterns. Upon landing in Hanoi, we discovered that the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. And we were not alone; there were hordes of tourists buying jackets from local shops to beat the cold. Carry cash wherever possible. One day into our visit to Vietnam, we discovered that the best mode of payment is through the local currency, VND (Vietnamese Dong), especially in local markets and for purchasing small items. You will see numerous exchange counters, but these are primarily found in big cities. This brings us to another crucial point. If you're carrying USD, then remember to carry only the relatively new currency notes. Coming from India, we were holding the older notes of USD, and many exchange counters refused to accept them. Ultimately, we had to exchange them at a lower price than the current rate. Be mindful of the exchange rate from your currency to VND The exchange rate of 1.00 USD mostly hovers close to 25,000.00 VND. This can make conversion a bit tricky at times. We took a very short rickshaw ride on our first day in Hanoi and paid in VND. However, due to a lack of clarity in the conversion rate, we ended up paying over $10 for such a short trip. So, working out the conversion math beforehand is a good idea. Haggling in the local market. There is a lot of haggling in the local markets. The quoted price of the jackets we bought in Hanoi was double what we paid in the end. A lot of back-and-forth and haggling was involved. The people are friendly towards tourists, despite the haggling and all. Also, when you opt for guided tours, the outlets and factories they take you to charge higher prices than the regular shops, mostly. We opted for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. En route, we were taken to a factory outlet selling souvenirs. The prices of souvenirs were way higher than similar ones elsewhere. Use your discretion before you make any purchases from thick touristy spots. Vietnam offers various types of visas to individuals from different nationalities. Be sure of what the visa requirements of your country are. The E-Visa option is available for most nationalities; just be sure that you pick the right one. Indians need a visa to enter Vietnam; they can opt for an e-visa or a visa on arrival. For travelling within the country, flights are the best option, although at times, they tend to get delayed or rescheduled. You should be prepared for such eventualities. We were lucky we did not face any such inconvenience, but I have heard accounts of people who were stranded at airports with flight delays. As I've mentioned earlier, Vietnam is a busy tourist destination. If you wish to join any specific tour or do any activity, please make bookings in advance for it. There are day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, overnight cruises for Halong Bay, and the famous Water Puppet Show, among many others. All these bookings should be made beforehand. The most popular outing from Danang is a day trip to Ba Na Hills. While it's not mandatory to make any pre-booking for that, it's better to book in advance so that you can avoid the long queues upon arrival and also ensure that you get entry on the day of your choice. At times, especially on weekends, tickets might get sold out owing to massive crowds. Unlike Europe, running tap water is not suitable for drinking. Do not drink water from bathroom taps. Only drink bottled water. The same rule applies to street food. Vietnam is a haven for street food, but look for hygienic outlets. Additionally, if you prefer your coffee and tea with milk, be aware that milk sachets are often unavailable in hotels in many locations. You will have to buy milk packs or sachets. The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese; however, English is spoken and understood quite well. You will not have any problem communicating in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, although we did come across cab drivers who couldn't speak English. For that, they typically rely on Google Translate. Big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are crowded. Traffic and pollution can be bad, especially on the weekends, leading to congestion. While planning any outing, keep extra time in hand and a face mask too. Our Vietnam itinerary was as follows Fly to Hanoi - 3 nights in Hanoi, including a day-trip to Ninh Binh Please click on the links below to read more about Hanoi and Ninh Binh https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-hanoi-the-capital-of-vietnam https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-ninh-binh-from-hanoi Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise Terminal by road - Overnight Cruise Please click on the link below to read more about our Halong Bay Cruise experience https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/cruise-on-halong-bay-vietnam Cruise Terminal to Hanoi Airport for flight to Da Nang - 2 nights in Da Nang Please click on the link below to read more about our trip to Da Nang https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/3-days-in-charming-da-nang-vietnam Da Nang to Hoi An - Overnight at Hoi An Please click on the link below to read more about Hoi An https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/hoi-an-the-lantern-city-in-vietnam Hoi An back to Da Nang - Overnight at Da Nang Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City - 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/the-perfect-3-day-itinerary-in-ho-chi-minh-city