Hola todos!
This trip started out truly unlike any other on this blog: in an airport lounge. (Oooh, aaah…) With all of my work travel, I’m now United Gold, meaning that I can access Star Alliance partner lounges for free. So when I got to the Newark airport and through security in the international terminal (surprisingly drama- and stress-free, I am pleased to announce), I was able to get into the Lufthansa lounge. Pre-gaming my flight with some snackies and a glass of wine? Don’t mind if I do! (As it turns out, my affection is easily bought.)
But let’s back up: yes, I’m in an airport; yes, a passport is involved; and no, no one is surprised.
It has been too long since I’ve crossed the Atlantic (Over a year! The horror.) and I desperately need a vacation—to get out my routines and do something everything differently; to slow down and yet move more; to detox from tech unless it’s a museum audioguide (or this blog, of course!); to sip an espresso on the corner of a cobblestone street with the smoke of a European cigarette wafting from a nearby table.
So, what’s the itin?
Two weeks in southern Spain: enjoying the warmth of the coast and the people; touring cities with beautiful architecture reflecting the region’s fascinating history; and exploring a culture through its food and drink.
I studied Spanish language, history, and culture for nearly a decade—I listened to so many lectures on the Moorish occupation and read so much about the Reconquista. It’s been on my list for so long to actually see the places that I have heard so much about. Now, we’ll get to explore them together!
We start in Málaga, where we’ll get some beach time and good seafood. Then, we’ll move inland, hitting up Granada, Cordoba, and Sevilla, where we’ll eat tapas and tour mosques-turned-cathedrals and walk 20,000 steps a day. And we’ll end back in Málaga for some concluding restful days (more beach—duh).
Any special guests?
Of course—the ‘rents are coming along! I was literally minutes away from pressing “confirm” on my flight purchase when I got a text from my mom not-so-subtly inviting herself and my dad along on whatever adventure I had cooking. We travel well together, so letting them tag along was a no-brainer.
So grab a glass of Rioja, scoop of paella, or plate of jamón ibérico, and join me in Andalucía. ¡Vámonos!
Besos,
Tina the Exploradora
