Lisbon's Belém is breathtakingly beautiful, with its seamless blend of azure skies and seas, and the omnipresent scent of egg tarts. It ignited within me the desire to settle here upon my very first visit. However, Belém has more to offer than just its charm. Delving into its splendid maritime past, the once-dominant seafaring legacy, is indeed the purpose for many a traveler's journey here.
The first mosque I ever visited in my life was actually a cathedral!
While traveling in southern Spain, braised oxtail (Rabo de Toro) quickly became my favorite dish. It was a culinary delight so heavenly that I could indulge in it repeatedly without ever growing tired! With one bite, the rich flavor spreads from the gelatinous texture of the oxtail, providing an unforgettable and smooth sensation.
Churros with a thick, rich chocolate sauce, known as "Churros con Chocolate," are a beloved breakfast in Spain. Every morning, locals gather outdoors to enjoy their churros, turning breakfast into a social gathering with neighbors.
Originating from Valencia, Lladró represents the epitome of luxurious porcelain artistry, and it ranks as Spain's third-largest luxury brand. I had the opportunity to see a pair of Lladró porcelain figurines at a friend's home once, and I was completely captivated by their lifelike expressions and the sleek, glossy finish of the figures. When I discovered that the Lladró Museum was located in Valencia, I knew it was a must-visit destination on my journey!
Figueras, a town located north of Barcelona, is famed as the birthplace of the renowned artist Salvador Dalí. It is here that the Dalí Theatre-Museum stands as an embodiment of the artist's distinctive style.
Park Güell, occupying roughly 17 hectares, serves as a vibrant showcase of the creative brilliance of architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet. The park is a fruitful collaboration between the artist and the investor.
In Siem Reap, we would ride bicycles or take tuk-tuks to visit the Angkor temples every day. Whenever we passed by Angkor Wat, we would see locals enjoying picnics in groups. Following their example, my friends and I went to the local market. We bought some grilled meat, roasted bananas, fruits, and snacks. Then, we headed to a large grassy area to experience the casual atmosphere.
Although the aerial palace is named a "palace," it is not actually a royal palace. Instead, it was constructed alongside the royal palace and serves as the Shiva Temple. In comparison to other structures, this seemingly unassuming temple is, in fact, the predecessor of Angkor Wat, preserving elements such as Mount Meru, a central tower, gateways, and more. To get a close-up view, we must be prepared to overcome challenges!
Today, I climbed two mountains, and one of them was to visit the underwater carvings at a height of 1500 meters above sea level. These carvings are located at the source of the Siem Reap River - Kbal Spean. It takes approximately 1 hour by car from Siem Reap city center and then about 40 minutes of hiking along a mountain trail to reach there.