Ruins of a long lost palace, as well as the remains of Royal Stables, have been discovered during the ongoing construction of a tunnel in downtown Madrid. This remarkable find has captivated archaeologists and historians alike, shedding light on the rich history of the area.
The strongest blizzard in a long time has hit Madrid strong. The Spanish capital hasn’t seen this amount of snow since 1963. Even though we’re stuck at home, have no garbage collection service and we’ve got a global pandemic on the loose, there was much happiness on the streets today.
An ancient brothel, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the site where St. Paul penned his gospel, and the burial place of St. John—these ruins hold an extraordinary tapestry of history waiting to be uncovered.
Rediscovered by Europeans in the 18th century, Göreme has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Once used as a necropolis by the Romans, it became a significant Christian hub during the early Middle Ages. This small city is one of many towns in Cappadocia, central Turkey, where entire communities were carved into the region's iconic fairy chimney rock formations.
If you ever find yourself in South Korea, make sure to visit Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) in Busan, the country’s largest seafood market. Here, you can buy seafood as fresh as it gets—and better yet, you can eat it on the spot. Simply pick your fish, and it will be prepared for you in true authentic Korean style, making it a must-experience for any food lover.
"Madrid is home to countless historical sites, and among them is Sobrino de Botín—the oldest restaurant in the world, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. While other establishments may claim to be older, Botín stands apart for one key reason: since its founding in 1725, it has never closed its doors, changed locations, or altered its name. This unbroken legacy makes it a true culinary treasure of Madrid."
In Vieux Lyon, the historic heart of the French city, lies Europe’s second-largest Renaissance district—surpassed only by Venice. Nestled alongside the river Saône is the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon, home to its remarkable astronomical clock, a masterpiece of medieval engineering and artistry.
September 2018.
It has been one week since we arrived in the Near Eastern lands. We now find ourselves in the Valley of Göreme, nestled within the heart of Cappadocia. Inspired by Dr. Samuel Ferguson’s legendary five-week African expedition of 1863, we seek to uncover the mysteries of this ancient region—its caves, its homes, and the lives of those who once thrived here.
The hub of Istanbul's tourist attractions is Sultanahmet Square. On one side stands the iconic Hagia Sophia, on the other, the majestic Blue Mosque, with the ancient Hippodrome nestled nearby—all just a short walk from the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Yet, what often goes unnoticed—and I myself missed it on my first visit—is a hidden gem right next to Hagia Sophia: the Basilica Cistern, an underground forest of Roman columns waiting to be discovered.
Every autumn, Madrid’s bustling streets transform into an extraordinary spectacle as thousands of sheep flood the city during the annual Trashumance Festival. This centuries-old tradition sees shepherds and their flocks traverse the capital, reclaiming ancient migration routes through the urban landscape. In this post, I capture the vibrant mix of history, culture, and unexpected pastoral charm that defines this unique event, where the modern cityscape collides with Spain’s rural heritage in the most delightful way.
I've been waiting two decades to see Buffalo Tom in concert ever since I was introduced to them by a former bandmate, who is probably their actual #1 fan. Kitchen Door was the first cover song we ever recorded, on a 4-track tape recorder. The band broke up, we went different ways, but I kept Buffalo Tom in my Walkman, then Discman, then MiniDisc player, then iPod, then iPhone, and now Spotify.
I visited the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located in Turkey. While the site itself holds a fascinating glimpse into history, many of the statues that once adorned this ancient marvel now reside in the British Museum.
In Spain, summer is a time of vibrant fiestas, where cities, towns, and villages celebrate their patron saints with unique traditions. Madrid marks the occasion with open-air concerts and film screenings, while Andalusia might host carnivals complete with food stalls and fashion shows. However, Buñol takes the spotlight with La Tomatina, a legendary tomato fight that turns its streets into rivers of red, blending chaos, culture, and fun in a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Attending a wedding in Bodrum, Turkey, was a feast for the senses and a celebration of cultures. Although it wasn’t a strictly traditional Muslim ceremony, the event seamlessly wove modern Turkish customs with a rich tapestry of local traditions. With international guests adding a global flavor, the wedding became a vibrant, multicultural affair. From heartfelt rituals to the lively energy on the dance floor, every moment captured the essence of a Turkish wedding: joy, emotion, and a profound sense of togetherness.
Twenty-four-year old welder Antonio Caparrós breaks into tears while he hugs friends and relatives in a storage room with two gigantic, intricate, and beautiful statues and another few dozen sweaty men. He confesses that he has been released from a physical and emotional burden after having carried, along with another 39 men and for nearly five hours, a 1.1 ton statue of a Pieta, the depiction of a dying Jesus Christ in his mother’s arms.
Kyoto is arguably Japan’s most historically significant city. For over a thousand years, it served as the country’s imperial capital, shaping the culture, traditions, and history of Japan. But Kyoto’s legacy doesn’t stop there—it’s also the birthplace of Nintendo and, by extension, none other than Super Mario himself. Yes, I’m a Nintendo fan, and visiting the city that gave life to one of the most iconic gaming companies felt like a pilgrimage.
In just eight hours, I got a whirlwind taste of the charm and beauty of Portugal. Landing in Lisbon, I explored the city’s iconic cobblestone streets, soaked in the vibrant atmosphere, and indulged in some of the local culinary delights—yes, I’m talking about pastéis de nata. From the stunning views of the city from atop its famous hills to the intricate details of its historic architecture, every corner seemed to tell a story. With limited time, I couldn’t see everything, but this brief visit left me with a lasting impression of Portugal’s unique blend of history, culture, and hospitality—and a strong desire to return for a deeper dive.
On the foothills of the Himalayas there is this tiny Chinese village called Baisha. It is one of the oldest in the region, having its roots in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and home to the Naxi people. With its cobblestone streets, fresh air, and ancient constructions, you can almost feel as a fly on the wall watching this traditional Chinese town.
Sihanoukville is a coastal city in Cambodia. It's the third largest after Siem Reap and the capital Phnom Penh. Just like so many other cities in the country, it is full of small villages where people live in wooden shacks. Just beside the road, only a few meters from the beach, I found this group of houses.
Southeast Asia is known for its lengthy rainy seasons. And when it rains, it RAINS. During the monsoon season, water pours for about half an hour at a time, but the volume is enough to flood everything. Days usually start with a beautiful blue sky, the suddenly turns to an apocalyptic gray. You barely have time to find shelter and hell breaks loose.
Siem Reap is probably the most touristic city in Cambodia. There are several markets with little trinkets and cheap t-shirts where foreigners flock to get souvenirs. This is not one of them. This is an authentic Cambodian market, off the tourist path, where no one speaks English and all you can get are groceries and a hair cut.
Cambodia is a poor country. A lot of what I saw in this Southeast-Asian country was very similar to what I'm used to back home in Brazil. The similarities are amazing, starting with the vegetation, the climate and the way people live. If I didn't know I was in Cambodia, just looking at the landscape, I'd say I'm somewhere in the Brazilian Mata Atlântica.
In the center of Angkor Thom, capital of King Jayavaraman VII is the Bayon temple. It was the official state temple of the king and was built in the 12th or 13th century. The building's trademark are the hundreds of faces found on several towers. Nobody knows exactly how many there were originally. It is estimated that there were about 50 towers, added at various points in time, and today only 37 survive.
Five Hours in a Balloon: Journeys and Discoveries of Cappadocia by Two Journalists
September 2018.
It has been one week since we arrived in the Near Eastern lands. We now find ourselves in the Valley of Göreme, nestled within the heart of Cappadocia. Inspired by Dr. Samuel Ferguson’s legendary five-week African expedition of 1863, we seek to uncover the mysteries of this ancient region—its caves, its homes, and the lives of those who once thrived here.
St.Valentine’s bones are in Madrid. It’s funny that so many people consider the anniversary of the beheading of a man the most romantic day of the year.