Galicia: Spain's Hidden Gem of Witchcraft and Wizardry

To See is to Believe…

Galicia may not have a place on your list of upcoming destinations, but in a country still working through its identity crisis (Madrid wanting to be London, Barcelona just wanting to be alone), the autonomous region in North-West Spain has managed to carve out its own little niche as the land that time forgot. Relying upon its wedding to traditions of superstition and witchcraft to attract tourists, the region is able to differentiate itself from the rest of the country and it’s only a matter of time before it starts to pay off. Here’s why the region why Galicia may well be one of the most underrated destinations in Europe in 2017!
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The seafront town of Caion bathed in sunset

First off, let’s sort out that empty stomach!

Let’s face it, travelling on an empty stomach is not only undesirable, it may as well be impossible. Luckily, Galicia has you covered. It’s location along the Costa da Morte (coastline of death) may sound ominous but we like to think that it is your hunger that is being killed rather than the countless shipwrecks the rocky coast is famous for… totally makes us feel more at ease when jumping into the sea. It is here, in the most reclusive region of Spain that you will experience the true Spanish cuisine as restaurants such as the famous O Fogar do Santiso near Santiago serve up culinary delights such as octopus cooked in the traditional style of this maritime state. The only thing you may struggle with is saving space for desert!

Just a castle on an island in a bay

Liquid courage anyone?

I mean, what kind of holiday isn’t paired with a healthy glass (or three) of a local drink? With a rich history of wine production in the Rias Baixas, Galicia has you covered, all you have to do is decide white or red? If however wine is not to your fancy, be sure to take a swig of the locally produced orujo, a herbal liquor usually served after lunch to get you ready for the afternoon’s activities.

The land of witchcraft and wizardry

Hogwarts may be where they learn their craft, but Galicia is definitely where witches go to perform their spells! This superstition is perhaps best observed at the burning of the queimada, an alcoholic drink set on fire in a clay cauldron whilst a centuries’ old incantation is sung over it, calling for the drink to rid the recipients of the devil that threatens them… Think Macbeth, but with people videoing it on their camera-phones. Interestingly, this obsession with superstition, witches and owls goes hand-in-hand with the fervent religious sentiment in the region in which every village has their own Church, Saints’ holidays and Catholic practices. It is this blend of the two that makes the Gallego culture uniquely fascinating!

Wander-Lust

With a blend of both small cities (La Coruna, Vigo) and rural villages, it is perhaps no surprise then that Galicia is perfect for a small escape from the realities of a stressful life. However, while its water-filled forest areas such as Verdes and volcanic spa pools in Ourense (we promise not all of the water is from the rain!) are perfect for taking a relaxing hike in, it is in the Camino de Santiago that the region has attracted worldwide attention. Through the promise of good food, great wine and a true escape from reality, El Camino (the world’s 3^rd largest pilgrimage) attracts thousands of walkers every year to its romantic Cathedral where locals profess to have the remains of St. James buried. With various starting points that can make the route last anywhere from 5 to 35 days, the Camino de Santiago is the ultimate form of escapism, forcing walkers to live off the generosity of others in communal hostels and what can be attained in cafés along the way.

Bring your dancing shoes!

Great so you’ve had your fill of nature and food for the day and just want to dance… Perfect. Forget those dingy bars and clubs that you’re used to because Galicia in the summer has an ace up its sleeve. Throughout the summer months, every village has its own little party to celebrate the passage of time, bringing in a live band or two and an open-air bar designed specifically to get both locals and visitors dancing. Arrive around midnight to get a hang of the Latin flavour as well as a few early drinks in before jumping in. With many fiestas lasting until late morning the next day, it may be an idea to pick up some churros for breakfast before moving on!

The finishing line of the Camino de Santiago

My Fairytale Drive: Why You Should Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands in 2017

“Scotland. A Spirit of Its Own”

That’s the phrase that the Scottish tourist board have gone for and, to be honest, they could not have been more accurate. Blending a unique landscape with a ‘frontier’ feel brings forth a sense of adventure more akin to a fairytale than a nation in the United Kingdom. Even Scotland’s cities, embracing its cobbled streets, winding alleyways, and historical moments – both positive and otherwise – makes wandering around constantly interesting. With this in mind, and with 2017 now just around the corner, we thought we’d highlight why a road trip around Scotland should be one of your resolutions for the coming year!

(This article first appeared on Rakbo in January 2017, go check em out!)

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Mood Skye-high on the islands

The Starting Point:

Boasting an almost-unheard of number of artisan café’s and shops alongside historical features like Edinburgh Castle and natural sites such as Arthur’s Seat (the volcano [yes… VOLCANO] just outside the city-centre), the walking city of Edinburgh is the perfect starting point for your adventure! For those wanting to get straight to the highlands the bridge over the Firth of Forth is the easiest way to dreamland while those with more time can follow the road north to Stirling and spend a day traipsing around castles.

With sights like these around every corner its a miracle you drive far at all!

It’s Pretty…

When tv shows such as Outlander as well as scenes from Harry Potter and James Bond are filmed on Scottish moors, you know you’re in for an aesthetic treat and you won’t be disappointed. From the ‘Fairy Pools’ on the Isle of Skye to the small seaside cove at Pitlochry, the natural undisturbed landscape of the Scottish Highlands will make you run the batteries out on your camera as you ceaselessly try to put what you can see onto film.

Boat trip anyone?

… Like Really Pretty

Like too much pretty to put under one heading. Honestly, the reason we suggest this as a road trip is not just the freedom to travel on your own time rather than a public transport schedule (which is shocking up there by the way –  just a heads up), but it is the fact that every time you drive up another Col, through another mountain range, alongside another loch or even turn a bend, you are going to be begging the driver to stop to be able to properly appreciate the view.

Even our morning runs were interrupted by photo opportunities!

Culture and History

Now if you are able to tear your eyes away from the pretty natural landscapes, you may just be able to spot some unique Highland culture and history. As a nation of people keen to emphasize their separateness from England (just read their tourist slogan again) both now and historically, Scotland has managed to maintain its unique culture and language (albeit to a lesser extent) and there is nowhere better to see this than the Highlands. From the Gaelic place-names sharing space on road-signs with their English counterparts to kilts, castles and even reports of a monster living in Loch Ness, Scotland has it all to keep you both puzzled and engrossed throughout your trip. Throw in a Highland-cow sighting and you’ve successfully completed the Scottish ‘bingo’.

Would you believe that this is the capitol city?

Escape to Freedom:

With the focus on nature, it is therefore no surprise that, in the Highlands, you are in an almost constant state of being alone. The relative scarcity of towns on the narrow winding roads leads you to feel as though you are quite literally separate from civilization a feeling propelled by the rarity with which you will be able to get any form of phone signal let alone 4g! While not ideal for everyone in this Instagram-dominated world, the ability to switch off for a week and slip into the fairytale-esque setting is a rare blessing nowadays!

 

Castles on castles on castles! We love it!

Got any other tips or tricks for traveling through Scotland? Get in touch!

The January Sales.. It's Time to Treat Yo'Self!

Back to normality? Pfft, not without these goodies!

So, with December coming to a close over the weekend, the January sales are well and truly underway. This means that, not only has a new excuse arisen to treat yourselves (as if we needed another!), but that it is also time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions and what destinations they will take you to! With that in mind we thought that we would give you a rundown of 5 travel goodies to pick-up this sale season!

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Not even a gloomy Hangzhou sky could ruin your holiday with these in your bag! 

4-Way USB Charger

Let's face it, we would be lost without our gadgets. While travellers of years passed would have panicked as they realised their only map had just been torn to shreds in their rucksack, our generation reserve that kind of reaction for when the warning, 5% battery left* notification pops up on our phones. This is especially troubling while abroad as, not only are our phones both a map and a source of information, but there is often a worrying scarcity of plugs to charge them at. This is where this little gem comes in. Having bought one for the Camino de Santiago where there is usually about 1 socket for every 15 people, it has quickly become my go-to charger, allowing me to charge up to 4 things at once through its various inputs and hey, don't need all 4? Offer one up to a fellow traveller and save them the heart attack the next day!

Can you imagine not having enough battery to take shots of sights like these?

Spotify Premium

Okay so you've got your gadgets charged up, now all you have to do is survivor that bus/ train/ plane ride, and here's where Spotify comes in. With the removal of ads and the ability to download playlists to your phone to be able to be played offline, not only guarantees to brighten up your journeys, but allows you to brighten up any day by providing the soundtrack to your adventure. Get bored of your songs? That's fine, just check in at a Wi-Fi hotspot and download a tonne more. Just try not to get too distracted and nearly miss your flight (we are urm totally not speaking from experience…).

Artwork works best with good company

Foldable raincoat

We all love to think that our travels are going to contain nothing but sunshine but, well unfortunately, rain is a bit of a thing. Despite this however we here at latte wanderer often forgot to pack a raincoat, opting to hope for the best than prepare for the worst (well that and we could just never find the space in our bag after fitting that second fancy shirt, just in case…). That was until we picked up one of these raincoats. Thin enough to fold into any space in your bag yet waterproof enough to protect you from the rain, coats such as these are sure to keep you out and about while the weather stands against you.

Not even the rain can keep you away

Quick-dry towel

As with the USB charger, this one is relevant to everyone as, no matter where you’re staying, you can always do with a towel. After all, according to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “a towel is the most important item a Hitchhiker can carry” (wow, we feel old right now)! However, unlike their cumbersome equivalents, these towels are both lightweight and able to fit into any small gap that may exist in your bags. Add to that their uncanny ability to dry in a matter of minutes and you have a perfect companion for any hiking trip or holiday where you may be taking your own!

Skyroam

Okay so with the towel, raincoat, charger and Spotify sorted you are now ready to go on an adventure. You’re prepared for poor weather, limited accommodation and troubling days which leaves only one thing... going online. While we love the feeling of checking out of reality while away from home, there are moments where an internet connection is needed (and not just to make friends jealous with your Instagram pictures)! With public Wi-Fi often tough to find and usually unreliable, Skyroam is a viable alternative. With pricing around $8 for a 24hr day-pass that provides an unlimited and secure internet connection, Skyroam promises to keep you connected throughout your journey as and when you need it.

Some pictures you just want to share ASAP

The Empire Coffee Building: Your Guide to New York's Coffee Scene

It's a Caffeine State of Mind

Boasting a mean roast and a vast number of independent artisanal coffee stores, New Yorkers are spoilt for choice when it comes to topping-up their caffeine fix. So, with that in mind, we eschewed the main streets and the shining Starbucks signs (because of course we would) and headed out in search of good coffee. Here we go, below is our top 5 coffee shops in New York City.

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Reunion's qualities go beyond its coffee

Homecoming: 107 Franklin St, Brooklyn

Part flower shop, part coffeehouse, Homecoming is a unique spot in Williamsburg to get your coffee fix. Despite its minimal seating (just a couple of seats at the front and an outside area for when the sun is shining), Homecoming’s tasty coffee and quirky vibe makes it a great spot to take a quick break from your meandering of the artsy Williamsburg streets.

                TRY: Taking the setting in mind, it’s no surprise that the flowery flavour extends to the menu, with the chai latte and hibiscus doughnut topping our list of recommendations!

Coffee with a side of flowers

Greecologies: 379 Broome Street, New York

Located just across Brooklyn Bridge in the Italian area of town, Greecologies is a coffee-stop with a difference in that it specialises in on-site made yogurt. Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, Greecologies is able to combine a modern interior design with good coffee and a unique snack to coax yourself through your day (if the comfy seats and wifi doesn’t distract you first)!

                TRY: Their modern-made yogurt with banana slices, cocoa nips, sesame seeds and honey is to die for.

Greecologies' yogurt is worth a visit on its own

Reunion: 544 Union Avenue, Brooklyn

Also in Williamsburg, Reunion is a caffeine pit-stop that may just convince you to stay for a meal. With a fantastic aesthetic, Reunion’s menu takes inspiration from the owners’ Israeli-roots to offer an interesting selection of food to go along with your coffee. With its friendly staff and cosy atmosphere, a quick visit may well be enough to turn this Union Avenue staple into a regular trip!

                TRY: For the caffeine-needy, their chai latte is fantastic but if you have some free time, you can’t go wrong with their falafel starter!

Reunion, the perfect combo of food and caffeine

Brooklyn Roasting Company: 25 Jay Street, Brooklyn

They may be all over the place (well, in a few different locations across the city at least), but their home will always be Jay Street. Roasting a selection of small-batch beans from acros the world, Brooklyn Roasting Company’s fairtrade and organic coffee is brewed on site within view of their grinding machines. With a stable wifi connection as well as a good selection of pastries, a juice-bar and a book store on-site (not to mention the exposed-brick interior), this is a coffee shop you could easily spend all day in working on whatever you need done and not even notice the hours roll by! Need to stretch your legs? With the water-front park just across the street, this is the ideal space to park-up all day.

                TRY: Have a sweet-tooth? Their maple shay surely won’t disappoint.

That vintage aesthetic had us purring!

Absolute Coffee: 327 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn

Staying in Brooklyn, Absolute Coffee is a neighborhood favorite. Easily reached on the A and C metro line, this cute coffee stop may soon become a regular journey. Brewing a wide range of unique roasts, Absolute is perfect for people looking for a good coffee to see them through their morning tasks. For the more adventurous visitor, the store also carries maps of Brooklyn’s different districts, outlining the city’s independent stores, restaurants, and services, making this a fantastic starting point for an exploration-filled day!

                TRY: Take a look-see at what they’re brewing that day and consider a filter coffee to get you on your way.

Absolute-ly ready for an adventure!

Why an Airbnb may be the way forward on your next trip

 Searching for accommodation for your next holiday?

So you’ve booked your flights, next step? Accommodation. Targeting a combination of tourists and business-travelers, hotels are undoubtedly the easiest and most luxurious way to travel, but personally, unless a resort holiday is what you want, we would book an Airbnb over a hotel 90% of the time. Yes, there is a little more research that needs to go into booking an Airbnb over a hotel (pictures, location, reviews of the property as well as reviews of the host themselves) but, staying in one can be so much more rewarding than staying in a conventional hotel and, for around the same price as a hostel, should definitely be strongly considered whatever your budget. 

Here’s why…

Location:

The general consensus is that hotels are dominant in ‘tourist’ areas, but what if you don’t want to be surrounded by tourist amenities? With a wealth of options that span the entirety of the city (spots in Mexico City range from city-centre flats to out of town villas), Airbnb properties ensure that you are never too far from anything you want to see. The fact that these are houses owned by locals also means that you have a higher likelihood of finding a bed on your more remote travels, something never more clearly seen than in the Scottish Highlands where a brief look in the area surrounding Smoo Cave shows a solitary SYHA hostel that seems to be fully booked from now until eternity or several close Airbnb options.

Think this dog fancies a game of fetch?

Price:

Now of course there are going to be luxury apartments on Airbnb in every city that are comparable to the prices of hotels, but in general it is fairly clear that prices on Airbnb are much more reasonable than their hotel counterparts. Take Edinburgh for example. A single night in the ‘cheap’ Ibis hotel in the city centre ranges between £65 to £130 for a room while an Airbnb would set you back £70 for an entire flat, fitting 4 guests. Add to that the convenience of having full access to amenities (a host in Memphis provided unlimited ice-tea in the fridge among other things) and a kitchen and the choice becomes obvious! Not only is this great as it saves you some pennies in your pocket, but it also frees up a lot more cash for you to spend throughout your holiday on the things that actually matter, the experiences!

 

Where better to relax under the stars than this High Desert House in California?

Expertise:

So this one will change depending on if you’re renting out an entire flat or just a room, but the expertise of your host cannot be ignored, after all they’re locals in the place your visiting! While all hotels will have a concierge service/ office staff there to assist you with your questions, you’ll rarely find them recommending anything different to the guides designed for tourists. Your Airbnb host? They’re experts in where the locals go. Best coffee shop to relax in? They’ve been there. Non-tourist bars? They drink there. A bipartisan opinion on an attraction? They’re your best bet. It is often when you go off the beaten path that you discover the heart and soul of the city and who best to show you the way than someone who is an active part of the local culture.

Dairsie Castle is where you go to live out your Game of Thrones fantasies?

Uniqueness:

Don’t get me wrong, there are some beautiful hotels around the world, but unless you are showing me the Hilton in Hawaii (it has penguins in the foyer, it wins in everything), they all kind of look and feel the same: glass structures with floor upon floor of corridor, each housing countless near-identical rooms, there’s just no character to them. That is where Airbnb steps in. Aye, many may be standard apartments but look beyond those and you’ll find yourself with the opportunity of staying inside a campsite in the desert, a cave-dwelling used in Pirates of the Caribbean, a dog-shaped house and even a Scottish castle… How many people can say that they’ve slept in a medieval castle?! 

This house is literally all you ever wanted as a kid...

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Lost is Fun

- Wander Lost -

What can I say? I'm a person who loses things: from USB sticks to house keys, headphone cables to Oyster Cards (for all of you Londoners out there, you're not the only ones) and travel itineraries. Yet, unlike the other items on the list, I’ve always found that the lack of a concrete plan leads to a much more thrilling adventure, to the point that I now make a conscious plan to not micro-manage my trips.

We’ve all been there, your bags are packed (mentally at least), you’ve yelp’d all of the foodie attractions, 500px’d best the snap locations and written all over your printed-out landmark sheets from TripAdvisor. The only thing missing? Some time to sit-back and take it all in.

All too often abroad I see other travellers running circles around me, rushing from attraction to attraction to tick it off their list, battling wind and rain to ‘complete’ the city, too focused on seeing everything to enjoy it. My advice? Lose the itinerary, get yourself lost, wander, randomly engage with locals.

As someone who loves coffee I often find myself attracted to the various cute coffee shops a city has to offer, preferring to indulge in a session of people-watching and chatting to the barista about his/her favourite spots in the city over charging about in the rain.

I find that people forget that about travelling, that the vibe of the location is just as central to the culture as the architecture. Don’t get me wrong, each city has its must-sees: London has Big Ben, New York contains the Statue of Liberty and no visit to Barcelona is complete without a cheeky picture in front of the Sagrada Familia, but, beyond that, you could fill a two week vacation at each  location and not see every attraction on your TripAdvisor list so remember to relax, take a break, don’t just charge through the cobbled streets of Barcelona’s Old Town taking pictures just to be able to say you were there, sit down at one of the bars along the road and order a jug of sangria, the science museum will still be standing tomorrow.

I’m generally terrible at taking my own advice, but upon returning from a recent visit to China, it struck me as to how different my trip would have been had I forced myself to go through with all of the activities I’d researched. By slowing down and spend more time communicating with the locals I was able to take part in a traditional tea ceremony at a tea plantation (rather than it just be a picture stop-off before moving on), get filmed for a Chinese docu-series in a temple up a hill (still not entirely sure how that one came about) and, by just getting lost instead of micro-managing, was able to find the hidden gems glossed over by tourists.

Love your experience, not just the break

This is the phrase that I’d want to leave y’all with at the end of the first post. Love your experience. A holiday isn’t just about getting away from school or work, it’s a stress-free adventure. Remember to come back to the real world with more than pictures of pretty scenes in your camera, but with a smile having genuinely loved it.

Thanks for reading my first post (things will improve I promise). We at Latte.Wanderer have some fun plans for future articles including our upcoming ‘Visit Like a Local’ series of city guides based on recommendations of attractions, restaurants and experiences from people who live in the city!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (“latte.wanderer”) and we’ll post on there when the next post is up and tag us in any travel photos you think should be featured!

Until next time, I'm off to grab a coffee..