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It’s 4:00 am, and my flight departs at 6:45 am. 

What a familiar feeling. 

Traveling has become a common experience for everyone these days, and we all feel that excitement before setting off to explore a new destination on our amazing planet. As the great Italian writer and poet Cesare Pavese wrote, “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and lose sight of the familiar comforts of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things - air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine it to be.” Sometimes, we seek to embrace this vulnerability and experience it firsthand.

I felt particularly thrilled about my upcoming destination.

Since meeting my partner and even after welcoming our first and only child, we’ve been inseparable adventurers, traveling extensively across the globe and nurturing our shared love for travel. 

But this time, I’m embarking on a solo adventure.

My destination is Porto, Portugal, where I’ll begin my transformative pilgrimage journey to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This 280-km trek will undoubtedly change the course of my life.

Finally, I have the opportunity, even if just for one day, to explore the captivating Portuguese city of Porto. I’ve heard countless tales from fellow travelers and friends about how truly unique this place is. Now, I have the opportunity to explore its wonders myself.

My first stop is Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé. It is a historical landmark that has witnessed various architectural styles throughout the centuries, from its original Romanesque design to the influences of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. This blend of architectural influences reflects the city’s rich history. The cathedral’s expansive terrace provides a breathtaking view of the city. It’s here that I’ll obtain my pilgrim passport. In this document, I will gather stamps from every albergue, hostel, or hotel I stay in during my pilgrimage and eventually earn the diploma for completing this long journey.

As I wander through the medieval part of town, I’m enchanted by its well-preserved charm. The narrow cobblestone streets, a testament to the town’s rich history, invite me to stroll. The echoes of the bustling promenade edging the Douro River, lined with vendors and lively restaurants, transport me to Porto’s glorious past as one of Europe’s most important harbors. It’s a joy to be part of this living history.

One of the most magnificent sights awaits in the Jardins dos Palácio de Crystal. As the sun begins to set, casting long shades and silhouettes, it paints a breathtaking scene of Ponte da Arrábida and the distant Atlantic Ocean. The gardens offer grassy terraces where people gather to enjoy the stunning view and for other events and festivities. It’s a testament to how Porto surprises and delights at every turn.

A few kilometers west of the gardens lies another fascinating spot that attracts people like ants to sugar—the Jardim do Morro. Perched on the hillside of Serra do Pilar, opposite Porto’s historic center, it offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Douro River and the city skyline. This garden holds historical significance as part of Porto’s defense system during various historical conflicts. Today, its elevated location and unobstructed vistas make it the perfect place to witness mesmerizing sunsets over the river. Therefore, travelers and tourists come to Jardim do Morro in the evening to capture the magical hues of the setting sun.

To reach this prominent garden, one has to cross the iconic Luís I Bridge. Designed by Théophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustav Eiffel (the renowned engineer behind the Eiffel Tower), this bridge began construction in 1881 and was completed in 1886. Back then, it boasted the longest iron arch span in the world, measuring 172 meters. The bridge consists of two decks—one for the metro line (Line D), pedestrians on the upper deck, and another for road traffic below. The upper deck treats you to stunning panoramic views of the Douro River and the city of Porto, connecting it with Vila Nova de Gaia. It serves as a vital transportation link between these two neighboring cities.

By this time, I felt delighted and suddenly fired up by all the surprising spots I had experienced. One of the places that I cherished the most was the central station, known as São Bento Station, which can be found in the heart of Porto’s historic center. The train station was built on the grounds of the former Benedictine São Bento Monastery, dating back to the 16th century. The construction started in 1900 and ended in 1916.

Within the station’s architecture, you can still catch glimpses of the original monastery, including a Gothic chapel. The station showcases a unique blend of Fine Art Style (Beaux-Arts), combining French classicism and Portuguese decorative arts elements. Its ornate façades, intricate azulejo tilework, and grand entrance hall create a truly captivating atmosphere.

One of the highlights of São Bento Train Station is its magnificent azulejo tile panels adorning the interior. These stunning blue and white ceramic tiles portray historic scenes, landscapes, and cultural moments from Portuguese history. The mastermind behind these remarkable artworks is the renowned Portuguese artist Jorge Colaço. He spent more than ten years carefully designing these complex tiles with great attention to detail.

Colaço’s artistic expertise extended beyond the train station. He also designed numerous decorative tile panels, showcasing his talent for creating compelling patterns, floral motifs, and geometric designs. These beautiful panels adorned public and private spaces throughout Portugal, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s artistic heritage.

After a long day of exploring this fascinating and entertaining city, it was time to prepare for the longest walk I had ever done: El Camino Portuguese—The Coastal Route.

People’s kindness

During my trip to Vietnam with my family, I was amazed by the locals’ kindness and hospitality towards us. We received a warm welcome everywhere we went, and our five-year-old son’s curly hair attracted a lot of attention, leading to some beautiful moments with the locals. They showed genuine interest in our needs, making us feel at home.

One example of this manifested while visiting the Red Dunes in Mui Ne, a laidback coastal town in the souther-easter side of the country. Harshly climbing a steep dune I got approached by a young man, who was flying his drone, catching aerial videos of the surreal landscape we were both enjoying. He showed me some of his clips of remarkable sceneries he visited on his motorbike road trip and even recommended some interesting spots for us to visit. We naturally felt connected. I introduced him to my family, and he felt like inviting us to drink coconut water, and insisted on paying for it, feeling a certain affinity of some sort we decided to exchange contact information before we split. 

FOOD

As a chef, I was excited to visit Vietnam—a country renowned for its exquisite cuisine.

 Street food is the norm, is everywhere, and is delicious. 

On our journey throughout the country, we visited different food markets, tasted the most varied dishes, and were delighted by the sights and smells overwhelmingly stimulating all our senses.

Vietnamese indulge for hours sitting on low benches and chairs just on the side of busy roads to eat at “quán ăn” or “cửa hàng ăn,” which respectively translate to “eating place” or “food shop.”

These food establishments are numerous and of varied sizes and shapes, found in big cities as in small villages.

Some of the most popular dishes are Pho (noodle soup), Banh Xeo (savory pancake), Cha Gio (spring rolls), Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli or rice noodles) and Banh Mi sandwiches, a popular Vietnamese variety of sandwiches sharing a common ingredient from a European country, the french´s baguette, a reminiscent of the colonial era. 

All these dishes represent the Vietnamese iconic street food culture and are a must-try for any visitor to the country.

Vietnamese food culture seduced us, it granted us the privilege of tasting some dishes of a cuisine loved and known throughout the world firsthand. It also allowed me to dip into a wealth of knowledge regarding different ingredient combinations.

 A valuable source of inspiration.

Natural Wonders

There is an image that brings to mind Vietnam more than others, that image represents Halong Bay, a remarkable wonder of the natural world. Those who have witnessed this otherwordly landscape, have surely felt a sense of wonder and amazement.

I also eagerly cultivated the exciting chance to explore Son Doong Cave, the World’s Largest. 

Discovered in 1990 by Ho Khan, a jungle man from the nearby town. Astonished the whole world with its measures, boasting 9 km in length and a volume of 38.5 million cubic meters, in my eyes, established itself as something so primordial that a nature lover like myself wouldn´t want to miss. >But unfortunately, I did…:(

I consider Son Doong Cave a natural wonder that deserves a visit, despite the long journey and challenges it presents. For those who are adventurous at heart, it could become the greatest adventure of a lifetime, rewarding those who dare to witness one of the most stunning natural wonders the Planet has to offer.

Superlatives are not being misused when talking about Vietnam’s geological diversity and the surprises it might hold for its next destination. On the car ride to the town of Ninh Bính, the scenery transformed from vast plain fields to high jagged limestone mountains, like watching Ha Long Bay from the land instead of a boat on the sea. As it was our first time visiting Ninh Bính, we were stunned by its beauty. The monumental temples, numerous elegant pagodas, and a long boat tour while admiring Mother Earth’s beauty in Tam Coc or Trang An left us in a contemplative state, unveiling inner calm and a sense of peace. 

The red and white dunes of Mui Ne, a bustling beachside town located in the southern-eastern part of the country, hold unique features due to their changing shapes and positions depending on the season and wind direction. The combination of both types of dunes in close proximity is rare, and the contrast between them creates a striking visual effect. The dunes are also home to a unique ecosystem of plants and animals adapted to the desert environment. While not as popular as other natural wonders in Vietnam, the dunes of Mui Ne are still worth a visit for those interested in witnessing a unique environmental feature.

Hoi An

As we embarked on our first visit to Vietnam, we chose the charming city of Hoi An as our starting point. Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, our hotel provided a breathtaking view of the ancient town, which transformed into a vibrant and colorful spectacle every evening. A sensory feast for all the senses, to soak up and surrender as much as one possibly can. A whole worthy experience.

The city of Hoi An is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of international and local cuisine, ranging from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. As we strolled along the Bach Dang riverside road market, we were transported back in time, admiring the stunning architecture of the old town, while noiseless boats sailed by the canal, and decorative lanterns started to illuminate the streets welcoming our first vibrant sunset in Vietnam.

We even ventured to rent bikes and navigate the intricate madness of Vietnamese urban traffic, which eventually transformed into an elegant dance, flowing at its own pace. However, what we enjoyed the most as a family in Hoi An was the beach. With roughly 7 kilometers of coastline in Hoi An out of the total length of Vietnam’s coastline of 3,260 kilometers, we relished in long walks, refreshing swims, and indulged in the delicious fish-based delicacies of the local cuisine.

Hoi An left an indelible impression on us, and we hold a special place in our hearts for this captivating town. Its unique charm and attraction make it challenging for visitors to depart.

Beaches

When studying the geography of Southeast Asia, one cannot help but marvel at the length of Vietnam’s coastline. Stretching over 3,260 kilometers, from the northern border with China to the southern border with Cambodia, it is one of the longest coastlines in the region. This unique environment boasts diverse features, including long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, lagoons, bays, and deltas. Along the coast is a plethora of biodiverse islands and archipelagos, such as the famous Ha Long Bay.

The Vietnamese coastline is also characterized by the presence of mangrove forests, which protect the coastal area from erosion and provide habitats for various marine and terrestrial species. During our journey through the country, we had the opportunity to visit some of the coastal areas. We enjoyed exploring vibrant fishing villages and basking in the sunshine on sandy beaches. We also took a plunge into the crystalline waters of Phu Quoc Island, located at the southern tip of Vietnam, famous for its abundant starfish. Additionally, we visited Cat Ba Island, situated in the heart of Ha Long Bay, where we sailed through floating villages and met with the friendly locals, concluding the last days of our stay in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a country that I wholeheartedly recommend to those seeking a laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking natural sceneries, and delicious cuisine. This unique combination is sure to leave an indelible imprint on one’s memory for years to come.

Sicily is an island shaped by millions of years of transforming forces. Water and Fire are two elements found everywhere. From the sea to the mountains and from one side of the island to the other, a unique landscape unfolds. Sicily’s typical features consist of a peculiar combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage that make it unique in Europe. 

There are myriad reasons why this island holds such allure, from its inviting climate to its warm-hearted people and its strategic geographical position. Yet, the rich, vibrant history truly sets Sicily apart. A cradle of ancient civilization since time immemorial, it was here that the Ancient Greeks flourished, leaving an indelible mark that even the Roman conquest in the first century BC could not erase. 

Sicily is a place unlike any other, offering plenty of unique experiences. It is not just a destination, but an essential part of the Mediterranean and Italy’s history, culture, and natural beauty. This island attracts visitors with its seductive features, promising unforgettable memories and a world of discovery.

A land filled with contrast, sunny beaches, and flavors dishes

The scenery is breathtaking and awe-inspiring across this land, rewarding travelers with a compelling journey back to a place where time stood still. 

Sicily is undoubtedly one of the best places I’ve been in my life. I left a part of my heart in the land forged by the healing power of water and the destructive, transformative power of fire.