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9 Reasons to Fall in Love with Florence Alabama

by Betsi and Jim Hill March 18, 2019

by Betsi and Jim Hill March 18, 2019

Perched on the banks of the Tennessee River is an area of the delta called Muscle Shoals. Many have said that the river gives the area its soul. The area…

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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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