One of Andalusia’s jewels is about 1 hour and 40 mins away from Madrid by high-speed train. Cordoba’s splendid past blends perfectly with its modern present. Cordoba was the capital of the Muslim Empire in Spain and although many centuries have passed since, it still remains the most Arab city of Andalusia with all of…
Author: Teizeen Haji
48 hours in Madrid
Hola de España! (* and apart from another 5 words or so, this Kenyan’s Spanish is at it’s limit!) Madrid is one of my top city escapes, simply because every street has something modern and traditional at the same time. Elegance just trickles down the facades of perfectly maintained architecture, culture seeps under your skin…
The Floating Piers
Earlier this year, I was floating away on one of the most magnificent art installations of the year. The Floating Piers on Lago D’Iseo, Italy (* and I got the opportunity to see it! – and walk on it! – and sit on it! – and jump on it!) For 16 days, between the 18th…
Chale Island
Isolated 600 meters away from the main land on the south coast of Kenya and 4 degrees south of the equator is Chale Island; a charming, romantic and exotic paradise (* and I mean paradise – heart shaped eyes!). Our trip started with a charter flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Ukunda, south coast…
Zanzibar
Aahhh Zanzibar … I couldn’t help but be swept off my feet by your shimmering turquoise sea, powder white sand, exotic spices, largely untouched land and memorable fishing villages (*dreamyyyy) A unique and magical destination, it is one of the top African places to visit and also the birth place of my maternal grandfather (*I…
Stromboli
Stromboli is a place of legends and approaching the island was intimidating to say the least (*we were all left with our mouths wide open). Smoke gushing out of the active volcano and random mini eruptions (that occur several times a day) could be seen from afar and onboard, everyone gasped in unison at the…
Panarea
Panarea is perhaps the most dramatically beautiful of all the islands (*no joke). Its crystal clear water, abundant sea-life, fantastic flora, gourmet restaurants, buzzy euro nightlife, haute shopping have made it a popular destination for Italy’s elegant, fashionably dressed, but understated elite (*high class and high heels!). The best way to explore the island is…
Excursion
The next morning started bright and early and while having breakfast, we decided on a whim to go on a day excursion to other islands (*since we were already there right?!) Panarea and Stromboli … Here we come! The hotel staff were more than happy to give us various options and opinions on how we…
Lipari
And our journey continues (*don’t you just love those holidays that seem both short and long at the same time?!) … We could barely contain our excitement as we took an early morning train to Milazzo (*still yawning) and directly on to the ferry for Lipari. An hour (*and about 3 espressos) later and we…
Cefalù
Next stop on our amazing Sicilian adventure was Cefalù (*the train ride along the northern coastline was simply divine). Wedged between mountains and coastline, the serene town of Cefalù is small but popular for its sandy beaches, traditional restaurants, and vibrant nightlife scene. Cobblestone narrow streets, ancient architecture, palm trees, salty air and friendly locals…
karibu 