Trip planning resources

I've been looking around for hotels to stay in Barcelona and Valencia. The resource I most often go to on the web is www.tripadvisor.com I love the fact that real people write the reviews, give advice in their forum, make lists of things to do, etc. I myself have made contributions to that site. But I'm still undecided on where to stay. I definitely want a place that has wi-fi capabilities since I will be bringing my laptop along and it should be near available transportation. So many wonderful places to choose but my budget will decide.

Then I looked at the map and saw how close Barcelona was to the border of France. I have a friend who lives in Perpignan and I just found out it is about 2 1/2 hours away from Barcelona. Now another choice must be added to the list. Should I dare risk driving the roadway of Spain and head up to Perpignan. I would love to visit and see her again. Plus a chance to visit the South of France. However I am a bit apprehensive of driving in a foreign country. The good news is that in Spain they drive on the same side as we do here in the States. But to drive alone by myself with a GPS system is a scary task and yet I do thrive on the challenge it presents to me.

Another choice on my plate is how to get to Valencia from Barcelona. Should I go via train, bus or fly. Then I saw that you can take a ferry from Barcelona to Majorca and then from Majorca to Valencia. Oh the many choices that travel affords you!

New year, new plans

I love the thought of a whole new year. The days stretched out before you with possibilities and pages in the book of your life still unwritten. Each year in our family it is a tradition to pick a verse to claim for the new year. We also write up goals that we want to accomplish in the upcoming year instead of New Year's resolutions. So this year one of my goals was to get another stamp on my passport from a country I have never visited before. OF course that began the craziness of picking where I want to go. Isn't it wonderful that the world is so small all you need is to jump on a plane and you'll soon be in another country? It isn't like back in the days of yore when you would have to take practically everything you own on a journey just across the States. Now all it takes is 5 hours on a plane and you can go from the West Coast to the East Coast.

So which country have I chosen for my next adventure you make ask? I actually chose two countries this time. I plan to go to Lisbon, Portugal and then head off to Barcelona and Valencia, Spain sometime this Fall/Winter. Who will go with me you may ask next? Well it will be me, myself and I. Oh! And Sebastien, my ever faithful traveling companion that can easily squish into a suitcase or backpack. =) IF any of my other friends would like to join me they can. Why there? Perhaps that is your next question. After seeing "Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown" and her eating this wonderful custard pastry dish. I knew Portugal was one of the places I must visit! Then on another travel channel show they were showing Europe's Largest Aquarium and how the aquarium go the fishes from all over the world. They had these two white beluga whales that they transported across the Atlantic Ocean and I knew that I wanted to visit this place. Europe's Largest Aquarium is located in Valencia, Spain. I did a little bit more research and found out that the Spanish dish "paella" originated in the same region. So how could I resist the lure of food and fish all in the same place? I could not! And as for Barcelona...well what is there not to want to go there? The city is lively, full of art, architecture, food and history. Between the Gaudi work's of art and a great tapas scene, there is so much to be discovered in this Spanish Metropolis.

So now that I have chosen the next destination for my world travels, it is time to get down to work. Going on a trip for me means plenty of paper footwork, research and learning. Not only do I have to study the history and culture of the place, but I want to learn the language. At least enough of the language to get by on my own and manage to keep safe, so I must get some books and CD's on how to speak Portuguese and Spanish.