Spaces & Places
Seneca has long been my happy place – one of my favorite weekend getaways for traditional rock climbing. With winter temps still chasing us into March, I knew that it wasn’t quite the time yet to be on the sharp end of a rope 20 feet up from my last gear placement. I considered other … Read more
Spaces & Places
In Northern Virginia, the blissful season of summer often turns into heavy, hot days that leave me feeling limp from the heat as I scurry inside to escape its oppressiveness. I had only been back in town for a few weeks since my Portugal trip, and I was already starting to miss the cooler temps … Read more
Spaces & Places
I spent a week in Madeira, and it was a phenomenal experience. Here are 10 fun things to do when you visit the island!
The volcanic rock is broken down by the water into fine, dark sand. It’s fun to look at, walk on, and play with. The beach … Read more
Spaces & Places
“One of the best trails I have ever done.”
“Stunning views!”
“Worth getting up early for.”
“Definitely a gem.”
As I scrolled through the AllTrails comments for the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, I was somewhat skeptical. Many times I have found that other peoples’ opinions on a hike don’t actually match the … Read more
Spaces & Places
As an avid rock climber, I frequently enjoy assailing rock. Red rock, granite rock, tall rocks, and short rocks. Although the descent often involves a rappel or two, the primary goal is to move upward.
Canyoning (at least in Madeira) is about moving down – it’s the opposite, the yin to rock-climbing’s yang.
In … Read more
Spaces & Places
Never before in my life did I dream that I would take a wicker basket toboggan ride down the steep streets of an island town. It never crossed my mind that perhaps someone might have a full-time job building woven sleds with greased up rudders for the sole purpose of hurtling oneself down an incline, … Read more
Spaces & Places
Most people hear the word Madeira and think of the fortified wine rather than its namesake volcanic island located off the coast of Africa. As my plane prepared for touchdown, I looked out the window, immediately spotting the rugged beauty of the coast – dark volcanic rock, dramatic cliffs, and a land swept by brushstrokes … Read more
Spaces & Places
Magical.
Intriguing.
Whimsical.
Pena Palace sits high atop a hill, proudly displaying its vivid colors and eclectic décor in true Romanticism style. As I walked up to the gates of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, I was astounded by the unconventional beauty of the palace itself, surrounded by the rich forest landscape in the Sintra … Read more
Spaces & Places
Not all cities are created equal.
If you’ve traveled at all, you will note that cities are like people in that they have varying characteristics, personalities, and quirks. The culture of a city goes beyond the city planning or physical attributes such as architecture and street layout; it is closely connected to its inhabits … Read more
Spaces & Places
My left foot gradually started to slide down the slick embankment, so I made a quick shuffle and hopped onto a rock in the middle of the mucky path.
Only it wasn’t a rock.
It was a rock-shaped clump of mud.
I sighed internally as I watched my foot squelch into the mire, resigning myself … Read more