What if the worst architectural fail of a city became the best thing that ever happened to its tourism? That’s Pisa in a nutshell. Italy’s famous Leaning Tower of Pisa has become the city’s identity thanks to a miscalculation on the architect’s part. The tower was built on a poor foundation on a soft soil and over time, it…
Tag: UNESCO
Unesco World Heritage Sites
Japan: Nara’s Famous Residents
One of the cities that struck me most in Japan was its first capital, Nara. Sure, I love all of the other better known cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto but I found Nara’s underrated appeal raw and unique. I don’t think a lot of people outside Asia know about this old treasure and I haven’t…
Guimarães: Portugal’s Birthplace
I went to Guimarães because it was suggested by a couple of friendly people I met when I was in Aveiro. One of them was Joanna, an engineer from Lisbon and a University of Coimbra graduate, who was in Aveiro for work. I was staring at the big world map plastered on the wall behind her, covered…
Coimbra: Portugal’s Gem
Coimbra is my favorite city in Portugal. It was my love for old towns that led me there, combined with my fascination of extraordinary libraries. Yes, I’m a big nerd! I knew little about this city other than the renowned Joanina Library and its historical old town but when I started to do research and look up photos, I…
The Other Side of Ibiza
I went to Ibiza by myself. In October. For one night. Who does that? Initially, Ibiza was not in my plans knowing I will be Spain after the summer. I mean, why would you go to Ibiza during off-season? The whole point of going there is to experience its global part scene. But I could not…
Road Trip To Andorra
The small country of Andorra is smacked in the middle of the Pyrenees Mountains bordered by France and Spain. It was a good day trip destination from Barcelona and the scenic two and a half hour drive was worth it. My friends and I drove to Andorra after spending a couple of hours in Montserrat….