The Weekend Rambler

Camping in Teton

August 10, 2019

I’ve teamed up once again with Ivana of Black Hummus Diaries in a fresh Chicken Fried scramble of Americana adventure.

This time, we tackle Grand Teton and the illustrious Yellowstone National Park.

But first; some baby goats from our trip up to Colorado’s Mt. Evans.

I visited Grand Teton and Yellowstone for the first time three summers ago. I was traveling with my rural country farm friend from Denmark, and I wanted to give him the biggest and baddest that America had to offer. This was his first time out of Europe, so whatever I showed had to be good. I had to choose between the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, both equally amazing but both in opposite directions. Alas, America can hardly even fit into America, and there is never enough time to see everything that our wanderlusting souls desire.

I had mixed feelings on Yellowstone after visiting. It’s the land of all superlatives, a land embodying the fire and steam of the country it sits snuggly in. As a result, Yellowstone felt a bit like the Disneyland of National Parks. Filled parking lots, busses of tourists, angry Southern mothers smoking cheap cigarettes while slathering their albino children in SPF as they would a turkey in butter. It all looked a bit too familiar to a family redneck vacation to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

But the question arose when Ivana came for a visit this July. Where to go, what to do with so little time? I thought back on my travels several years ago and decided that Teton and Yellowstone deserved another crack. This time, we would try to do it a bit more off the radar. With that, we were out and onto I-25 for the long stretch into the wind streaked prairies of Wyoming.

Wyoming is the perfect American highway experience: a black barracuda barreling on dust-pressed straights hunting for a cheese-filled parrot fish down a rusty coral reef. The sumptuous moist of an over-excited Eisenhower cuts through dust long trod upon by wiser souls than I.

(Photo cred to Ivana)

The barracuda arrives upon a rainy Teton. Grand Teton was and still is one of my favorite National Parks in America. It is far less touristy than Yellowstone and still offers undeveloped places to camp away from the crowds. When I came here three years ago, we camped off the road in a relatively unknown area with a perfect view of Pachamama’s salaciousness. This is still, in my opinion, the best place to camp. I hesitate to say where it is for fear of crowding, but true campers will know that the best place to camp is in the shadow beneath the mount.

Here as well, is the best place for some long exposure experiments accompanied by a bottle of Whiskey.

Grand Teton does have some fantastic hikes, but summer they can be a bit crowded. We took the loop around Two Ocean Lake and Emma Matilda Lake and only saw a few other solitude seekers.

(photocreds to Ivana)

I like using Grand Teton as a base because the camping is free (if you know where to look) and it’s just an hour from Yellowstone and thirty minutes from grocery stores and civilization in Jackson.

As well, the views are always spectacular.

We eventually make it to Old Faithful for the classic bit of Yellowstone tourism.

Of course, this part is pretty Disneylandy. But a walk along to the other nearby geyser’s is less touristy and perhaps (dare I say) more interesting. Here is Castle Geyser, which goes off far less reliably and goes for a good twenty minutes.

(Ivana photocreds)

Along with the many lakes and lagoons and bubbling muck, we encountered a beautiful gorge and waterfall along the less-traveled eastern side part of the park. Here they have the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, well worth a visit.

Yellowstone has a bit of everything, and it certainly can be done in a way that satisfies the solitude seeker. Mainly because it’s huge. This time, I left Yellowstone a lot happier than I did the first time. Yes, it was still crowded but I managed it a lot better this time around. Next, I want to visit in Winter or Fall for snowy bison and even steamier geysers.

America’s too big to take in one go. Ivana unfortunately only came for two weeks, and we only saw Yellowstone and a good 1/10 of Colorado. I can not imagine seeing all of this beautiful country, but I am glad to have experienced all that I have so far. There is still so much to see for all of us, so get out and get rambling!

Thank you all for reading! I hope that you see the beauty of this crazy place one day. As always, feel free to comment if somethings on your mind and like if you had a good time while you were here. Thanks!
Essential Apps for the Modern Backpackers (and Travelers in General)

July 5, 2019

(Updated 12/14/2023)

In my five years of backpacking and wandering, my trusty smartphone has been a constant companion, making my life a heck of a lot easier. At home, I embrace minimalism with an old clunker brick phone, but let’s face it: Smartphones have transformed us into both spoiled and better-equipped travelers. While I use my phone sparingly during travels, here are my top 5 favorite apps for those moments when it becomes needed.

1: Maps.me

Google Maps is fantastic, but it’s only as reliable as your data or Wi-Fi connection. And if you’re like me, buying a local SIM and dealing with the cost and network provider rigamarole make Google Maps useless.

Enter Maps.me, a lifesaver when I was hitchiking through Greece, exploring a Norwegian fjord, and subway hopping the Beijing Metro with limited connectivity. Simply download the regional map before your journey, and this offline app has rescued me countless times when navigating the wilderness or figuring out which direction to hitch a ride.

While lacking Google Maps’ public transport advice, Maps.me added a subway layer a few years back. It’s quickly become a daily go-to for my weekend rambles.

2: Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is my go-to app for meeting incredible people during my travels. While well known for its ability to connect you with locals and maybe even stay on their couch, the app stands out with its “Hangouts” and “Events” sections. I’ve joined free tours, pub crawls, language lessons, and hikes, enhancing my solo travel with socialization and education.

Use Hangouts cautiously; it connects you with other users for impromptu meetups. A lot of people tend to use Couchsurfing like a dating app these days, so do vet these strangers carefully and go with your gut if things ever feel off. Despite the occasional uncomfortable situation, it’s a blessing to overcome loneliness in a new city and gain unique local perspectives.

Check out the story with this photo here.

3: Skyscanner

Endless debates exist over the best flight app—Kayak, Momondo, or Skyscanner. The truth? They’re all good, but Skyscanner shines for flexible backpackers in my opinion. While the app isn’t as robust as the website, it excels in finding the cheapest flights for those unsure about their next destination.

Whether leaving on a specific date or planning a month-long trip, Skyscanner’s flexibility options reveal the cheapest flights and destinations, making it a favorite for budget-conscious and open-minded travelers. I’ve taken plenty of $1.25 RyanAir flights to Poland on a whim. So if you have some free time and don’t mind weird connections, Skyscanner is the way to go.

Story from this photo here.

4: Yr.no and MyRadar

Yr.no, a Norwegian forecasting service, provides accurate real-time and future weather forecasts. Though I prefer checking outside, Yr.no is my reliable backup. MyRadar is ideal for anticipating travel plans, offering live radar and information on natural disasters, and providing peace of mind and insights into local weather patterns.

5: Spendee

Spendee turns managing your budget into an aesthetically pleasing and somewhat enjoyable experience. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers, allowing easy tracking of expenses in various currencies. You can even link your bank information for a comprehensive overview, though privacy considerations may vary.

This is me looking at my bank account. Read the story behind the photo here.

Honorable Mentions

This is actually from a steamy train in Azerbaijan, but it fit the context so suck it up.

Google Translate

Google Translate’s evolving technology enables spoken translations into multiple languages, downloadable for offline use. Ideal for lost moments or hitchhiking adventures, it’s a valuable tool in countries where language barriers can pose challenges, like Albania, China, and Georgia.

More about Georgia here.

These apps have been my reliable companions across the globe. I hope they enhance your travel experiences. If I missed any gems, please share your recommendations in the comments. Keep rambling!
Malta, Off the Beaten Path

June 28, 2019

Alright, I have been holding off the construction of this post for way too long. Yes, I had a thesis to write. But I won’t beat around the bush when I say Malta’s not my favorite, and I probably won’t be back. This is not because I did not enjoy Malta, but just because I feel that ten days was enough for me.

But is Malta a bad place to visit? Absolutely not. It’s a beautifully tiny Mediterranean island with a quirky culture and language all its own. The island is filled with stark sandy buildings, and it is nearly impossible to be too far from a stunning turquoise sea. You can’t go wrong with that mixture. However, Malta being a tiny sunny island in the Mediterranean, it attracts a lot of tourism. On an island of only around 95 sq miles (246 sq km), this makes for an island tighter than a Walmart parking lot on Black Friday. While the island is crowded, it offers some of the oldest buildings in human existence, along with a long beautiful history and some equally lovely locals.

So here, I will present my best alternatives to the usual Maltese beach holiday. Valletta is nearly unavoidable, as its a fantastic city to visit. Stay in Valletta for a day or two soaking up the tan streets and ornate Templar churches. Visit the old capital, Mdina, for a day trip to stroll through historic streets. After those two cities, hit the roads and get out in the country.

Getting Around

If you can, do rent a car. It’s fairly affordable and will make for a great adventure. Traffic is horrendous around Valletta, but out in the country, the roads are pretty nice and easy to navigate.

If a car rental is out of the option, the islands have an extensive and well-serviced bus route that can get you wherever you may need to go.

While I did not hitchhike, I have heard good things about Malta. The locals are friendly and most speak English, so hitchhiking will not be a problem.

Around Malta Island

Malta consists of three main islands. Malta is the biggest, followed by Gozo and little baby Comino. Malta is the most densely populated and touristic, but there are still spots where the rambling soul can beat the crowds.

Ruins

South of Valletta along the coast sits two of the oldest buildings in human history, the temple ruins of Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim. Both are protected by UNESCO, and thought to be built between 3600-3200 BCE. That’s a good 1000 years before the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Surprisingly, the temples were fairly devoid of tourists when I visited. All of the tourists were occupied in the streets of Valletta or on the sandy beaches, making time for curious beings to explore the oldest buildings in humanity.

Let me say, they alone are well worth coming to Malta for. The shape of the temples is oddly comforting and organic, and while only ruins remain it is still possible to feel the immensity of the temples that once loomed over these hills. Round shaped rooms and tall sandstone walls protect you from the heavy winds continually rolling over the treeless island. A somber and calm sense washes over those that enter, and one feels strangely at home in this alien environment. My photos can not capture the oddly womb-like feeling of being in these temples. But screw it, go see it for yourself.

Blue Grotto

This is a touristy one because it was on Game of Thrones or something. It’s a pretty cool grotto carved into the rocks from centuries of erosion and ocean. But it’s only a few kilometers away from the temple ruins, so why not stop by for a selfie and some fresh strawberries from an old man. This is also a popular spot for divers, who come to enjoy clear blue waters and exciting rock formations.

Ancient Bones

South East of Valletta is an old cave and ice age graveyard called Għar Dalam. Over the past century, skeletons from hundreds of ancient elephants, hippos, rhinos, and many more have been excavated. Not many people come here, but it’s pretty interesting to see the bones of an ancient baby pygmy elephant.

Combine this with a trip to Marsaxlokk, a fishing town popular with Maltese locals for the abundance of tasty restaurants. We visited on a weekday and the town was packed with locals dining al fresco by the coast. While you will not see many tourists, you will get an opportunity to listen to Malta’s endemic music genre, Għana.

It’s improvised and mostly screeched by drunk dads who just chowed down on half a tuna and can no longer control the volume of their voice. But, its a unique look at a type of music you certainly will not be listening to back home.

East of Marsaxlokk is St. Peter’s pool, a great little grotto dug from the sea into the smooth sandstone. It’s not necessarily off the beaten path, but there are some nice places to relax and get some sun next to the sea.

Head North to Marsascala, another fishing town along the coast which offers a much more laid back vibe to watch blue boats bob up and down over a coffee.

Gozo

Homer described Gozo in The Odyssey as being the home of Calypso, the nymph who held Odysseus as a blissful sexually pleased hostage for fifteen years. Edward Lear, an English proponent of nonsense poetry and limericks described Gozo as “pomskizillious and gromphiberous”.

Your Weekend Rambler will describe Gozo as a picturesque Martian landscape to rent a house with a pool to get wine drunk and stuffed on delicious fresh goat cheese in.

A quick bypass of the North of Malta Island takes you to the ferry station in Ċirkewwa. Here, ferries for Gozo and Comino run on a pretty regular basis throughout the season. The ferry only takes about 20 minutes, and by the time you reach the other side in Gozo, you are in a completely different Malta. Fewer tourists, less packed, and a much larger expanse of farmland rather than the cityscape. Gozo is the place to be for the tourist that needs a break. Gozo is definitely best explored by car, as the roads are a lot more choppy and rural.

One can explore the little towns of Xlendi, Marsalforn, and Victoria for a taste of civilization.

Another stop worth taking is the ruin of Ġgantija, another temple dating back to 3600 BCE. The temple is much like those on Malta Island, but the surroundings are more pastoral. The views of the vast green countryside from the temple are also worth the experience.

Nature wise, there are salt pans up North where locals have been harvesting sea salt for centuries.

The Azure Window, which was also in Game of Thrones, has unfortunately collapsed. But there is still a lot of unspoiled coastlines worth exploring. Another spot worth stopping for a walk is near the cliffs of Ta’ Cenc, a vast expanse of beautiful sandstone cliffs hanging above the cyan abiss.

At the end of the day, Gozo is really the best place to unwind and read a book with the beverage of your choice. It is well worth a few days of quiet and (relatively) tourist free exploration.

The Maltese

The Maltese are a quirky bunch of Meditteraneans. They have had to serve under tourists for centuries. Since Minoan and Peloponnesian traders used its ports to trade a nifty new metal called ‘Bronze’. They have been ruled by angry looking celibate Knights who were kicked out of Jerusalem after the crusades. They have seen tourists since Malta became a stop on the Grand Tour of Europe back when the Bourgeoisie were painting blurry pictures of lakes in Paris and smoking Opium from ivory pipes. They have lived under the rule of the British and taken many a siege from the enemies of the Crown. This being the case, the locals are weathered and adapted to visitors from all walks of life. Many are fluent in English, and all can offer a helpful smile with whatever question you may throw at them.

While waiting in line for the ferry, I unknowingly yet rudely cut in front of the car behind me in a bout of confusion (the signs didn’t make any sense). The woman in the car behind me jumped out of her car, and my mind imagined her taking out a hammer and blowing out my window, dragging me out of the car by my ear and throwing me into the turquoise sea. Instead, she knocked on my window and sternly advised me to “please, wait your turn in the queue next time” before returning to her car. Such politeness from my horrendous etiquette.

Malta is a weird island with a culture and language that is still trying to define itself. It is well worth the visit for its sunny coasts, ancient temples, and lovely people. It is also a country which can be experienced quite sufficiently in about two weeks. Malta is crowded and hot, but there is a lot to do off-the-beaten path, and I hope you will be able to enjoy it.

Thank you all for reading, as always. I apologize for posting this so late, as I was just finalizing my degree. Now that I am a full graduate, I hope to be sending out new great content as soon as possible! Please like and subscribe, and leave a comment with whatever feedback you gorgeous humans are feeling.
Aalborg: Where to Go and What to Do

March 22, 2019

If you are a wanderlusty little boy like me, then chances are you keep up to date with the over-saturated world of travel-related journalism. National Geographic, Condé Nast, Lonely Planet, and countless others have been helping fellow rambling souls unravel the globe for decades. New York Times is one of my particular favorites, but their most recent “52 Places to Go in 2019” gave me a bit of a hiccup. Puerto Rico: Great. Panama: Gorgeous. Munich: Cultural. Aalborg: …

EXCUSE ME??

I had to do a double take, spit out my coffee, and take another sip just so I could spit it out again in disbelief. No way could the third biggest Danish town, the town I have called home since 2016, be ranked Numero 8, above The Azores and Mexico for top destinations of 2019.

After reading that article, I went for a little walk around town. Aalborgenser’s seem to walk around looking only at the ground, not aware of the beauty of the city. Some of the buildings are quite old and beautiful. I noticed an elderly Chinese couple shuffling around, delighted by the quaint architecture. And I thought to myself, “How’d they get here?”

I suppose Aalborg is a pretty cool city. I am unsure if it could rank above The Azores, but it certainly is one of the coolest towns in Denmark. Aalborg has a good soul, and a good little pinch of grunge. Aalborg is like the Seattle of Denmark, with a lot of post-industrial architecture and a beating core of punk and dirt. It even has its own lil Space Needle. (Aalborg is actually called the “Paris of the North” but I think that’s a whole lotta bahooky, it should definitely be renamed to the “Seattle of Europe” so hush up.)

With RyanAir, you can now officially get from Aalborg to London cheaper than you can get from Aalborg to Copenhagen. For any of you wishing to come to the Great North Jutland, let me try and give you my best tips on what you can do with your time up here. So without further ado, let me clean up the spit-coffee from the floor and give some goddamn advice on the Number 8 city to visit this year.

For the City Strollers

Wander around town as much as possible. Start around the symbolic Budolfi Cathedral and head East towards Ålgade to soak up the main shopping street (although it’s identical to every other shopping street in Denmark). Around there and Vor Frue Kirke, there are some little old-time houses that give the town a cute vibe. This is the cities “Old Town”, complete with cobblestones and quirky houses.

To continue your rambling, head towards the fjord and walk West until you get to the docks. Here (if it’s sunny,) you can enjoy the sun and watch the sailboats wizz along the Limfjord.

Continue West along the fjord, and eventually, you will end up in the little fishing town Fjordbyen. The collection of old fishing villages and retired hippies is reminiscent of Christiania in Copenhagen but on a much cuter and less drug-centered scale. Bring some food for a picnic, or head over to the Kulturhus to enjoy Aalborg’s cheapest coffee or a beer with some fisherman. If you plan on sitting inside, do wear clothes that you don’t mind getting drenched in pipe smoke.

Aalborg is a small town, and very easily walkable. Enjoy a good wander and explore as much as possible.

For the Street Art Aficionado

This goes in hand with the wanderers, because Aalborg has a great street art scene. Check out this guide to the city’s many murals adorning random walls across the town. Or better yet, explore on your own and find some treasures.

For the Drinkers

If you are a binge drinker or just want to stop in for a pint or few, Aalborg has all of your drinking needs covered.

Feel like getting drunk with the students of Aalborg? Feel like experiencing one of Europe’s youngest alcohol abusing communities? Well, stop on down Aalborg’s enigmatic and infamous Jomfru Ane Gade, a street long collection of clubs and bars open at all times for your debaucherous pleasure. There are chill bars, beer bongs, bumpshi clubs and everything in between.

Alrighty tired of Jomfru Ane Gade? Me too. Head to one of Aalborg’s many chill bars for a pint. Smoking is allowed in most bars, so bring a change of clothes if you don’t want to smell like an ashtray. Here are my favorite smokey chill bars:

Susan Himmelblå: Vesterbro 83, 9000 Aalborg

Smede Kroen: Niels Ebbesens Gade 19, 9000 Aalborg

Munken: Absalonsgade 29, 9000 Aalborg

Cafe Alpha: Jens Bangs Gade 8, 9000 Aalborg

Promenaden: Poul Paghs Gade 18, 9000 Aalborg

Feeling like a bit of a classier pint? Head to The Wharf at Borgergade 16 to taste a wide range of delicious beers.

Want to play board games and enjoy a tasty beer? Head to Basement Beer Bar at Løkkegade 18 or Dice n Drinks at Sankelmarksgade 15.

Cocktails? Check out Cafe Vesterå V4 at Vesterå 4.

Drinking is a big part of Danish culture so get out there and put that liver to use.

For the Music Lovers

For the Underground Music lovers, there is really only one place to go in town. 1000Fryd is a local Culture house showcasing many local and foreign acts from all walks of musical life. Shows are usually Thursdays to Saturdays, but there are often free movie events on Wednesdays and Sundays and art galleries throughout, so check out the website to see what is happening when you arrive. Come on Tuesdays for 35kr all-you-can-eat vegan dinners. You may even see me there.

If nothing at 1000Fryd is piquing your interest, check out the Student House for more varied acts. The venue is much larger, so they often accommodate big acts from around the world.

For some Acoustic, Classical, and Jazz vibes, check out Huset to see the rotating collection.

For the Artists

Kunsten is Aalborg’s local art museum, with a rotating and regular collection. Mainly contemporary in nature, a walk through Kunsten is always a good activity for a rainy day.

If it is nice, head towards the Aalborg Tårnet for views over the city and a walk through a lovely forest. Best in Spring when everything is in a flourishing bloom.

There is also a free rotating gallery on the upper floor of Nordkraft, and they also have free coffee to enjoy the art with. You can also take the elevator to the “Viewing platform” and get a great view of the whole city.

For the History Buffs

In Nørresundby, the town on the other side of the fjord, there is a stunning Viking burial called Lindholm Høje. It is one of the best preserved and largest Viking burials in the World. Come in the sun for the warmth or come on a foggy day for a Lord-of-the-Ringsy kind of feel.

There is also a secret museum in front of the Salling Department store on Ålgade. What may look like a glass box is actually an elevator to an underground Franciscan Monastery from the 1200’s. There is no staff to the museum, and the entry fee is 40kr which you pay to operate the elevator. I just went for the first time last weekend, and I must say it was pretty cool and spooky! Well worth the visit if you are in the neighborhood.

To Escape it All

Head to Nørresundby and go West along the fjord. Eventually, you will reach a little grassy area along the fjord with a lovely bike path. Keep going, and you will come upon some shelters where you can light a campfire and enjoy as long as you wish.

For the Day Tripper’s

Aalborg is the gateway to North Jutland. The best day trips from Aalborg are into the depths of the Danish countryside. Head to Løkken to view one of the largest dunes of Europe. This trip is better if you have a car, however.

If you do not have a car, consider taking the bus to Blokhus. This is a cute town by the sea, where you can enjoy the sunset and grab an ice cream or a beer. Likewise, you can take a pretty quick bus to Hals on the East Coast for a cute small town experience.

If you are a surfer, I hear good things about Klitmøller, nicknamed “Cold Hawaii”. This is a bit more of a weekend trip than a day trip, as it will take about 2+ hours and two buses to get to, but you will be rewarded with some great waves (hopefully)!

Another popular day trip is to Skagen, the tip of Denmark. The town is a former turn of the century art colony, so it has a great art museum and cute houses everywhere. Getting there is a bit nonsense and involves switching trains in Hjørring or Frederikshavn. But it is a pretty cute town, and you can see the point where two oceans collide on the very tip of Denmark.

Where to Stay

Denmark, in general, is still lagging in terms of budget accommodation. There is a Hostel/Campground on the outskirts of town near Fjordbyen, but it is not cheap by any means. The best bet for budget travelers is to head to Couchsurfing. There are tons of good hosts (including me) who would love to show you around town. If not, Airbnb is a good alternative.

I hope this was an okay guide to some of the highlights to the Number 8 destination to visit this year. I am not sure if it compares to The Azores, but Aalborg is a pretty special town. It does have a heart and soul, and it worth visiting to get a “real” Danish experience. For any gaps that need filling, please head to Visit Aalborg to make your trip perfect. As well, feel free to comment if you would like some more specific advice. So hop on your bike and I hope to welcome you soon!

As always, thank you for reading! Please like, comment, and subscribe if you feel and we’ll have more rambles for you soon!
Southern Spain Day-Trips

March 17, 2019

Fresh from Morocco (Begin the journey here), we had three days to enjoy the warm, ever sunny coast of Southern Spain. We are staying at Aunt Katka’s place in Marbella, so our obvious starting point is right out the front door.

Marbella is a bit of a plastic town, recently developed to accommodate the boom of foreign investors wanting property along the Andalucian Coast. This is good and bad. The good being a ten-minute walk to the Coast, which is pretty special.

It is warmer along the coast than it was in the Moroccan desert, and pasty tourists from all over the Northern countries redden in the sun. The coast is crowded with fake tans and boob jobs, accents varying from Russian to British, and bathing suits ranging from Calvin Klein to Sauvage. Not my scene. We walk along and eventually stop for a pumpkin seed and beer break with a view of Marbella’s enigmatic mountain “La Concha”.

But underneath the glitz and fake glamour, there is a truly beautiful quaint old town with lush gardens and cobbled streets.

We are still tired from a messed up sleep schedule from the Moroccan road trip, so we relax the rest of the day away in the sun drinking beers and barbecuing with the family.

The next day, we wake up a bit too late and head on a road trip with Ivana’s father Patrick, and her Uncle, Roman. The destination: Tarifa, the most Southern point in Mainland Europe.

Only an hour and a halfish from Marbella, Tarifa has some lovely views of Africa and a less fake touristy environment. We sat along the coast watching the Atlantic, enjoying the perfect breeze.

Just like Marbella, Tarifa has a cute little old town with locals eating tapas and drinking wine, little squares with flea markets, and cobbled streets.

Uncle Roman is still a bit tired from Morocco. You’ll be home soon, bud.

It’s been a lovely time wandering around in Tarifa, and I wish I could stay in the paradise of Spain forever. I know that soon I will be back in Denmark where it is cold and windy, so I try and soak up as much sun as possible.

We hop back in the car and head towards a bucket list location of mine: Gibraltar. I have a fascination with the little countries of the world, like Brunei, Hong Kong, and Macau. Obviously, I had to visit Gibraltar to see what was going on in Englands little stronghold in the Mediterranean. A quick drive from Tarifa, we parked the car on the Spanish border and walked through the border. I was expecting a whole procedure, as is usually the case when entering the United Kingdom. But the border procedure was merely flashing your passport to the police while walking through the border and then entering on the other side. Easy.

The weird part then came when we had to cross an active runway to get into the country. Real estate is a bit of an issue on the Rock, so the airport is also the marker for the border.

The architecture was most certainly Spanish, but Irish pubs sat and Union Jacks flew abundantly. Gibraltans speak with a very interesting accent, not quite British and not quite Spanish but somewhere in between. We wandered down the main street to buy some absurdly cheap tax-free liquor and cigars for later use. Gibraltar is quiet and cute, with not much going on aside from some locals drinking beers in the warm sun.

We walked to the outskirts, where there were only apartments and locals sunbathing, to get a spot along the coast. We were welcomed by the most ‘British’ public safety sign, perhaps ever.

Hemingway translation: “Enter at your own risk”.

Here we sat for quite a while, eating peanuts and oranges, sipping on Scotch, and puffing on Cuban cigars while writing postcards. Paradise.

Gibraltar’s is an interesting stop for a few hours, and we did not even make it to the “touristy” destinations of the city. Well worth the journey and unraveling in this odd land. We stopped in the pub for a pint before hitting the road back to Marbella.

The next day was another bucket list destination for me, in the form of seeing the beautiful Alhambra Palace of Granada. Few destinations are more special in Europe, representing the border to a time when the lines between the West and East were heavily blurred. A two-hour drive from Marbella, we made the journey and arrived in Granada in time for a Jamon Serrano sandwich and coffee before entering the palace.

Despite a large number of tourists, the palace has a calm and enclosed feeling. It feels completely isolated from the outside world. I can understand why the Sultans chose this spot to set up camp, with beautiful weather and surrounding mountains.

The palace itself is a masterpiece of elaborate craftsmanship that makes all who enter feel at peace. Water gargles quietly from the mouths of fountains, and the hushed chatter of tourists passing by makes one feel the desire to stay a while and contemplate those who once called this palace home.

I love the geometry of Islamic art, and I am sure I will never tire of the perfect patterns adorning mosques across the Muslim world.

The town of Granada itself is relaxed and youthful, with a University nearby tailoring to the Andalucian youth of the region. The town is quaint and easy to get lost in, but the privilege to do so is one worth taking.

We stop for a quick beer and peanuts to get back on the road. Ivana and I have an early flight the next morning and have thus chosen to spend the night at the airport. This entire trip has been a whirlwind of exotic sunshine and smells, from the early morning drives into Morocco to the rides through the Sahara. I feel grateful to have been able to experience such amazing places and to have had the privilege to experience the vastness of the silent Sahara. A trip of only ten days felt like a month, and every moment was pleasant and fulfilling to the spirit. I found a bit of paradise in Spain and Morocco that I will soon miss as soon as the Danish winds freeze me to the bone, and I am sure I will already crave the ability to be back on the road seeing this beautiful planet we call home.

Thank you for joining me on this ride through Morocco and Spain. I will be up and running with some new posts soon and hope to write a bit more about this enigmatic Denmark that I am currently calling home. Please like, subscribe and comment if you feel, and I hope to see you again soon. Thank you again!