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Deciding that I did not want to jump into the Seine, I took a train from Paris to Nice and decided to test the different beaches along the French Riviera up until Monaco. What can I say? They all have the bluest water, the warmest sun, and very friendly locals.

We had experienced the epic Medina at night. However, you will never have experienced anything like this.

Once again, I let my feet walk the cobblestoned streets of a new city. This time, Brussels, Belgium. Yes, the fries were divine, the chocolate was succulent, and Manneken Pis was a hoot. I can assure that you will not stop looking up at the mountainous guildhalls and the captivating gothic towers and perhaps get a sore neck from it all. Once again, I have fallen in love with another remarkable city. 

First stop was a tiny shop that served the most delicious Moroccan RgaÏf-Msemen (also known as Moroccan square flat bread). Cooked to order we sat down ready to sample our first of many Moroccan street food vendors.

It was a long way up but well worth it. The Italian Dolomites are just a short trip away from Venice. I wore as many layers as I possibly could but still experienced a special kind of cold up there. I’m not complaining…The Dolomites have been on my bucket list for many years and they exceeded every expectation. These mountains lie on the Italian-Austrian 🇮🇹 🇦🇹 border and surround several manmade lakes like the Santa Caterina. They played an important role in World War I (The Italian army sought refuge in the caves from the weather when fighting the Austrians - but many still died due to extreme temperatures and winds). Despite the cold and terrifying edge-of-cliff driving, I would not change a thing about this adventure. I encourage anyone passing by Venice with a few hours to kill to take a Dolomite tour. But, remember ... even during the peak of summer, it will be extremely cold up there.

Sometimes fully immersing yourself in a city requires attempting to view it through the eyes of its inhabitants. In Andalusia, I explored the early medieval castles while imagining the Moorish invasions and life of a certain Spanish princess.