The Travel Chica

Live Simple. Consume Less. Experience More.

PHOTOS: A Sunday in Madrid

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I had the opportunity to teach a Professional Scrum Master course in Madrid, so I took the opportunity to arrive a day early, walk 20,000 steps, and enjoy the grand architecture of this city. Photography:  A Sunday in Madrid

PHOTOS: Barcelona – Appreciate the Details and Personality

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During my week in Barcelona, I was amazed by the variety and grandeur of the architecture.   The beauty of Barcelona goes beyond the building facades.  There is a lot to notice in the details of the architecture and personal touches.  (Yes, the pickpockets are one reason.)  The more enjoyable reason is to appreciate the details and […]

PHOTOS: Barcelona Architecture Beyond Gaudí

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During my week in Barcelona, I walked and walked and walked. I varied my routes in order to experience different streets because I quickly saw that the architecture is one of the most spectacular things about Barcelona.  The styles are varied and somehow all make sense in this dynamic and beautiful city.  People may come here for Gaudí (and yes, Gaudí is incredible), […]

Experiencing Gaudí: Casa Vicens

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During my week in Barcelona, I experienced La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, and Casa Vicens.  I paid the entry fees for the first two and just enjoyed the exterior of the latter.  Note that the exterior of Casa Batlló was covered in scaffolding during my trip, which is why it’s not included here. In this […]

Experiencing Gaudí: La Sagrada Familia

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The work of famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí is more of an experience than something to simply look at.   When I first caught a glimpse of La Sagrada Familia in the distance, I felt like my body was filling up with a childlike wonder and awe. How could a man conceive of something so bizarre and gorgeous, intricate […]

5 Things I Love About Barcelona

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One of the things I love about my work is that I get to travel.  When an event in Barcelona came up, of course I decided to arrive a week early to have time to properly explore this city on foot and at my own pace.  I hit the tourist sights (which really do live […]

Oaxaca, Mexico: Colorful, Historical, Alive

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My favorite thing to do in Oaxaca, Mexico was wander the streets, trying to experience every colorful building, every scenic view, every interesting shop or restaurant.  This is a bustling city, but the pedestrians and traffic do not feel overwhelming, especially when there is so many interesting sights to take in. What makes this city so special (and a […]

The Picturesque Canals of Ghent

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When I was choosing a city within a short train ride from Amsterdam where I could balance exploring and relaxing for a week, many suggestions were made.  What sold me on Ghent is that it has the charm and picturesque canals of the famous Bruges, but it’s a “real city” where people live and work […]

PHOTOS: Wandering Ghent

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I love to give myself enough time to explore a city on foot, wandering a bit aimlessly, seeing both the main attractions as well as where the locals live, work, and play.   Ghent has made my list of best cities to wander.  It’s not too big, so you can cover a lot of ground walking.  […]