We left Combaillaux early and headed west, leaving the limestone valleys of Hérault behind. The change that followed was subtle rather than dramatic. Vineyards and low hills did not disappear, but the land began…

After two days immersed in the wetlands of the Camargue, the shift inland was immediate and noticeable. We left Aigues-Mortes behind and drove north toward Combaillaux, trading open marshes and wide horizons for vineyards,…

I’ve written about the Azores many times before. My mother is from the island of São Miguel, and we’re incredibly lucky to have a family home there, a place that has anchored countless summers…

After a full day exploring Arles, we left the city behind and headed south into the Camargue. Breakfast was at our accommodation, followed by the familiar routine of packing up, preparing a simple lunch,…

After a full first day arriving in Occitanie and exploring Nîmes, we woke up in Arles, ready for a slower but no less layered day. While Arles is often grouped mentally with Occitanie, it…

We had been living in Barcelona since November, and by early spring the idea of a road trip had begun to take shape. Having access to a car made it feel easy in a…

After several days immersed in Kyoto’s temples and neighbourhoods, we decided to take a short day trip to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. Just under an hour away by train, Nara offers a remarkable…

After two days exploring Higashiyama (both the Northern and Southern areas), we dedicated our next day in Kyoto to the western hills. Arashiyama and the Sagano area offer a very different side of the…

After spending a quiet day exploring the temples and gardens of Northern Higashiyama, we turned our attention south to another side of Kyoto. While the northern district felt secluded and contemplative, Southern Higashiyama revealed…

After two lively days in Osaka, we picked up our luggage from the hotel, took the train from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, and then took a short taxi to our hotel. Kyoto immediately…