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Confetti Travel Cafe
Celebrate Travel, Culture, Connection
Category:

Asia

  • AsiaInternationalInternational Destinations

    Get to Know Hoi An, Vietnam

    by Karem Hossen May 24, 2021
    by Karem Hossen May 24, 2021

    Some places carry with them an aura of historical significance and Hoi An is definitely one of them. Located in the coastal area of Vietnam, Hoi An was popular for…

  • AsiaInternationalInternational Destinations

    5 Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

    by Kim Aroon November 27, 2020
    by Kim Aroon November 27, 2020

    Thailand’s capitol city, Bangkok, is in my opinion, the most terrific spot to visit in Southeast Asia. Every traveler going to Thailand should not skip this glorious city. On the…

  • Art & CultureAsiaInternationalInternational DestinationsStaying There

    7 Best Places in Japan for Freelance Writers

    by Diana Nadim Adjadj November 16, 2020
    by Diana Nadim Adjadj November 16, 2020

    Why not take advantage of the flexibility and freedom that being a freelance writer provides? Freelance writers  are some of the lucky ones who can travel around the world and…

  • Africa/Middle EastAsiaEuropeFor the HomeInternational DestinationsMexico/Central America/CarribeanTravel & LifestyleTravel Gear & Gifts

    How to Travel the World Using Fragrance

    by Lamia Rochdi October 14, 2020
    by Lamia Rochdi October 14, 2020

    Unable to travel right now ? Travel the world using fragrance. Right now, Coronavirus-related restrictions are making international travel difficult. Many natural-born explorers are finding themselves in the unusual position…

  • AsiaInternationalInternational Destinations

    What to Know About Traveling in the Philippines

    by Aigerim Berzinya May 11, 2020
    by Aigerim Berzinya May 11, 2020

    There is no doubt about it. The Philippines is one of the most beautiful places you can go to in this lifetime. In addition to its beauty, it is also…

  • AsiaFood & DrinkFood And DrinkInternational Destinations

    Visiting the Philippines: the Best Filipino Dishes

    by Emmanuel Domingo January 16, 2020
    by Emmanuel Domingo January 16, 2020

    The Philippines is filled with unique and lovely riches: one of the best should be the food! Filipino dishes are delicious as can be — salty, savory, sweet, sour—name them…

  • AsiaAt the BarFood & DrinkFood And DrinkInternational DestinationsOn The Town

    Etiquette Guide: How to Dine at a Japanese Restaurant

    by Rimsha Ather October 30, 2019
    by Rimsha Ather October 30, 2019

    For most of us out there, food is a source of unbounded pleasure. It’s a holistic experience, uniting humanity in an elementary way. That is why we ‘gastronomes’ try our…

  • AsiaFood & DrinkInternationalInternational DestinationsOn The Town

    Top Ten Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

    by Rae Oliver October 21, 2019
    by Rae Oliver October 21, 2019

    In recent years Vietnam has become a bucket list travel destination for a whole host of travelers, from penny-pinching solo backpackers to families looking for a holiday alternative to Disney…

  • AsiaInternationalInternational Destinations

    Visit These Breathtaking Destinations in the Philippines

    by Joshua Albern July 15, 2019
    by Joshua Albern July 15, 2019

    When you start planning a vacation with the desire to see breathtaking places, many will pop up into your mind. But, there is this country that has it all, from…

  • AsiaInternationalInternational DestinationsOutdoorsStaying There

    Kheerganga: Camping in the Himalayas

    by Mark Bennett May 13, 2019
    by Mark Bennett May 13, 2019

    Camping in the Himalayas had been on my list for so long, and I finally got a chance to go for a trek in these mighty mountains. The Himalayas is…

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You can’t visit Cordoba, Spain without seeing th You can’t visit Cordoba, Spain without seeing the Mezquita of Cordoba. This mosque-cathedral was first built in 785 as a mosque. Over the years, it was added on to and completed in the 16th century. By then it was a Catholic cathedral. But the building remains one of the architectural highlights of Islamic/Moorish religious architecture. The sweeping high ceilings, the intense red and white colors, the marble columns… it’s a incredible site.
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#mosque #cordoba #córdoba #visitspain🇪🇸 #mosqueofcordoba #mosqueofcórdoba #womantraveler #solotraveller #moorisharchitecture #moorishhistory
When we were coming up with our itinerary, Cordoba When we were coming up with our itinerary, Cordoba was a must-see. The Romans conquered the city in 206 BCE. Eight hundred years later, those crazy Visigoths took over. Then the Moors ruled from the 8th century to the 11th century. One of Cordoba’s library held 400k books. The intellectual achievements were outstanding during this time. During this time, Moors, Christian ms and Jews lived well together. (Not always so down the line, of course.) In 1236, Spanish King Ferdinand conquered. The city became a major center from which Spain sent out fleets, including Columbus’. 
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So. Yes! Cordoba! I was here only a few days but packed a lot in.
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A trip to see the Madinat Al-Zahra, or the Medina Azahara, was wonderful. It’s a short bus ride out to the foothills just outside of the city. The caliph Abd at-Rahman built this summer pleasure palace (which also held some political advantages. No surprise there, right?) The build started in 936. The history is really interesting and the site has been carefully excavated and about 10% is restored enough and available for visitors.
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This site is a must-see on any visit to Cordoba IMO.
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#cordobaespaña  #córdoba #cordobaspain #madinat #madinatalzahra #medina #medinaazahara #andalucía #andalucia #andalucia_photos #spain🇪🇸 #visitspainofficial #visitspain🇪🇸 #historical #unescoworldheritage #unescoworldheritage #unescoworldheritagesite #ancientcities #muslimspain
Also in Sevilla …the Metropol Parasol, known loc Also in Sevilla …the Metropol Parasol, known locally as Setas de Sevilla or Las Setas —basically the “Mushrooms of Seville.” What a structure and what a fun place to walk around day or night. 
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It claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world and it’s a fascinating thing. There are photos and info about the construction, of course, but really it’s just a fun place to be in a fun and active, vibrant part of town. 
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Your ticket gets you in twice over 24 hours. So I got to see it in the day and again at night when it’s all lit up and rotating colors.
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And it’s open until 12:30 at night, so you MIGHT be able to enjoy dinner before you go! Lol! 

(I’m saying this because I totally got into eating later and yet it’s crazy to see all the restaurants open and people eating full dinners outside past midnight! It’s wonderful.)
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#sevilla #sevillespain #séville #lassetas #lassetasdesevilla #setasdesevilla #metrapolparasol #womentravelers #confettitravel
Seville!!! The Real Alcazar … built 1350-1369 b Seville!!!

The Real Alcazar … built 1350-1369 by Spanish King Pedro I. (Who I was able to learn so much more about in Madrid.) It was built on the site of a Moorish alcazar, but the “new” build took so much of Moorish design concepts.
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It’s stunning. And the gardens have become one of my top-top favorites. (And yes, spoiler, I have now visited the Alhambra in Granada.)
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#sevillespain #sevilla #sevillaspain #realalcazardesevilla #realalcazar #gardenstagram #gardeninspirations #instatravel #confettitravel
You know going out for flamenco had to be on our t You know going out for flamenco had to be on our to-see list in Spain. Where to go can be a big decision; there are many options, from the big theater shows, to dinner and a show venues, to small neighborhood clubs, to happening upon some dancing the street. 
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We had what sounded like wonderful recommendation from a shopkeeper we spent some time with (more later, I hope) for a bar very close to where we were staying. Alas, closed on the two nights we had left in Sevilla. 
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So we ended up at Tablao Flamenco Las Setas. And it was wonderful.
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#sevilla #sevillespain🇪🇸 #flamencodancer #flamencodancers #flamencoguitar #sevilleflamenco @tablaoflamencolassetas #tablao #tablaoflamenco #flamencoshow #womantraveler #músico #confettitravel
So very much to share about our time in Sevilla! I So very much to share about our time in Sevilla! I’m in love! But first—where we stayed. Love the San Lorenzo neighborhood and strolling and enjoying tapas and bebidas on and off Alameda de Hércules. Great energy and put my Spanish skills (and lack thereof) through some paces. Walked everywhere here and throughout Centro, Santa Cruz and beyond.
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Our stay at Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana was perfect. Yes, please, a glass of cava as you check in is always nice.
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🥂
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 @hotelsacristia #sevillanas #sevillahoy #spaintravels #womantraveler #boutiquehotels #travelspain🇪🇸
A light lunch of octopus , yet another wonderful v A light lunch of octopus , yet another wonderful version of pork, and a salmon and egg salad. At an. Great outdoor cafe, Robles Laredo in #sevilla 
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#robleslorado #seville #sevillahoy #spain #pulpo #octopus #spanishfood #spanishcuisine #eatwell #travelwell #confettitravel  #comidaespanola #comidaespañola
Boa noite de Carvoeiro! ✨. #portugal🇵🇹 #ca Boa noite de Carvoeiro!
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#portugal🇵🇹 #carvoeira #atthebeach #beachsunsets #algarveportugal #algarvecoast #algarvetourism #praia #praiadecarvoeiro
Walking makes you hungry! Yet another fabulous mea Walking makes you hungry! Yet another fabulous meal, this time lunch, at Restaurante Rocha Mar. I still haven’t had a number of Portuguese dishes I need to have (including some Italian versions I grew up with, like SARDINES!) But I really had a taste for pasta and my carbonara did not disappoint.
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And as always, throughout this trip, our hosts have been incredibly gracious, conversational and just so pleasant.
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#rochamar #italianfood #alfanzina #portugal🇵🇹 #algarveportugal #algarvecoast #algarverestaurants #confettitravel #portuguesefood #eatwelllivewell
Explored on foot yesterday and today, mostly walki Explored on foot yesterday and today, mostly walking the rock rims and inland trails just above. Of course, we’d seen these same cliffs from the water the day before. Walking from #carvoeiro to #benegil really isn’t that far. But when you meander the trails and walk up and down the road formations (where safe and possible!) and stop  to cool off by dipping into the water … it made for a wonderful, sun-kissed day! !
☀️.
#portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #algarveportugal #algarvecoast #algarvetourism #takeahike #walkwalk #confettitravel #cliffside #cliffwalk
More loveliness, grace and historical interest fro More loveliness, grace and historical interest from the Convento de São Paulo.
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#portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #alentejo #alentejolovers #portugesetiles @hotelconventosaopaulo #historichotels #visitportugal #visitalentejo #uniquehotels #bestplacestovisit #alentejo #confettitravel #womentravelers #historic
Yet another fabulous dinner in Portugal! Arroz de Yet another fabulous dinner in Portugal! Arroz de Marisco at a Casa do Pao in Carvoeiro served the wonderful stewpot of seafood rice. Our dish for two included sooo much crab, including four crab claws and “knuckles, buff shrimp, little shrimp, mussels and oh! The broth and rice. Salads musta and of course, olives and bread. We had an espresso and their little ice cream treat, and took home what will be lunch.
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Truly, we’ve yet to have a meal that wasn’t delicious or service that wasn’t pleasant, friendly and skilled.
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#portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #carvoeiro #algarveportugal #portuguesefood #portugesecuisine #seafood #seafoodlovers #arrozdemarisco #acasadopao #acasadopão #confettitravel
When you’re in Portugal’s Algarve, you MUST ge When you’re in Portugal’s Algarve, you MUST get out on the water and see the caves. Our little group of eight had a wonder hour and a half tour up the coast. We went in and out of caves, got too all the trails above the caves we hope to hike tomorrow, and enjoyed the cool breeze and warm sun! Our caption and guide helped make it a fun trip.
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Nice job, @carvoeirocaves !
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#boatride #algarveportugal #carvoeiro #caves #beachcaves #portugal #bytheocean #atlantic #atlanticocean🌊 #beaches #beachtown
Incredible, memorable dinner at O Ermita, the Conv Incredible, memorable dinner at O Ermita, the Convento de São Paulo’s fine dining restaurant.
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Our server, Jorge Roberto, and restaurant #sommelier Fabio Nico orchestrated a magnificent meal, complete with perfect wine pairings. And as was one of my goals, I learned quite a bit about Alentejo wines.
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Like the rest of this historic monastery, the restaurant is a must on your visit to this region of Portugal!
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@hotelconventosaopaulo #portugal #portugesefood #alentejo #alentejowines #portuguesewines #foodie #memorabletrip #confettitravel
From Arriolos, we went in search of the megalitico From Arriolos, we went in search of the megaliticos dos Almendres. We didn’t find much on these sites, but it’s the largest megalithic monument in the Iberian peninsula. It also said it was one of the oldest of humanities monuments in Europe. These are about 7500 years old. This is at the time when homeo sapiens first started staying put, making homes, and farming.
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As it turns out, there’s a network of sites in this area, in other parts of Portugal, and actually quite a few in Spain, Italy, etc. But by far Portugal has the most and supposedly the oldest.
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I’ll have more to say about this because it was so fascinating, but enjoy a peek!
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#megaliths #portugal #visitportugal #prehistory #prehistoric #almendres #evora #évora #evoraportugal #prehistoriclife #recinto
My stay at the Convent of São Paulo in the Alente My stay at the Convent of São Paulo in the Alentejo region of Portugal is one to remember and will always be one of the most unique and special places in which I’ve stayed!
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This is a family owned property. There are 2,400 acres, and the property encompasses the monastery and a working farm, with cork trees, olives, citrus and livestock. There are hiking trails and two swimming pools and tennis courts.
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The property was purchased in 1993. But was built initially in 1182. Yes; 1182. The property was added on in 1400, 1578, and 1796. Quite a bit is known about the history and it’s fascinating. 
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There are some 50k blue and white tiles, and some of the makers were well know for their craft. The floors are stone and tile. There is extensive marble from nearby Estremoz. I stayed in one of the monk’s rooms.
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But wait, trust me there’s more! 😉
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@hotelconventosaopaulo #historichotels #visitportugal #visitalentejo #uniquehotels #bestplacestovisit #alentejo #confettitravel #womentravelers #historic
Great dinner tonight at Liberty Kitchen, an Italia Great dinner tonight at Liberty Kitchen, an Italian restaurant in Lisbon’s Sao Mamede, not far off the Avenida da Liberdade. Michelin star Chef Silvio Armani delivered two luscious pasta dishes. A tagliatelle veal ragu for companion and a fresh seafood cavatelli pasta for me. Olives, wonderful fresh house ground, house-made fresh bread, crackers and pasta. Wine and espresso and all this after snacking out day through Lisbon’s Belem barrio. A wonderful last day in #lisboa . So much more to share ne so much fun!
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#lisbon #lisbonportugal #lisbonfood @liberta.kitchen #portuguesefood #italianfoodinportugal #confettitravel #justgoodfood #pastapasta #pastalover #visitlisboa #visitlisbon
Arrive early for a gallery opening g? No problem! Arrive early for a gallery opening g? No problem! Time for a #cake and #coffee break!
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#coffeelover @arasdasara #chocolatecake #lisbon #lisboaportugal #portuguesefood #confettitravel  #dessert #dessertbreak #coffeebreaks #espressohit #espressodoble #barrioalto
One of our earliest dinners, but we were hungry fo One of our earliest dinners, but we were hungry for a lighter meal when we returned by train to Lisbon after a full day in Sintra!
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Just across the Rosario train station, we bee-lined 😉 to Pinoquio, a lovely seafood restaurant.
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The jar of hot oil? The tip came from someone the table over — and then we noticed how popular it was!
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And by the way; every meal should include a good crusty bread and olives!
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#vegetablepaella #seafoodsoup #vinhotinto #tinto #crustybread #olives #lisbonfood #portuguesefood @pinoquiolisboa
Another day of burning shoe leather—many many st Another day of burning shoe leather—many many steps just exploring the colorful and vibrant city of Lisboa! Metro passes includes fares on trains, buses , the trans and the funiculars, also known as the Ascensors. Just blocks from our hotel, we ride up to Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alacantara. The park allowed us sweeping views of sone of the same views we saw from Castelo de Sao Jorge — but from the other side!!
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Another beautiful day. From the funicular and the park, we took the tram, hopping on, hopping off and just wandering.
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The hills in Lisbon are for REAL! The perfect excuse for coffee and cake or pastry stops, IMO!
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#lisbon #lisboa #trams #lisbonportugal #funicular #ascensor #ascensorgloria #walkwalkwalk #visitportugal

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Nancy Zaffaro loves to travel and explore, write and take photos. At home and away, she enjoys hearing people’s stories and feels at home just about anywhere. Learn more about Nancy and the rest of CTC's contributors.

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  • Home
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