Europe

Los Alamos: A Horseback Destination to Remember

A horseback holiday in Los Alamos? Sign me up. Los Alamos is a European wonderland in the heart of Spain and an exotic, fun-filled destination. Everything from the moment I arrived exceeded my expectations.

I was greeted at the airport by John, our host, who made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. John helped show us around, and with a potential language barrier, John made it a lot easier to feel comfortable when arriving to our villa.

The aroma of cheese and bread filled the air as I walked into the villa, with brunch already prepared for me.

When we walked into the villa, it felt surreal. The floor plan was open, so you can see the dining room table, sofa, television and windows all from the entrance. Reclining sofas greeted us as we walked through the kitchen to get a drink.

There was a wide selection of drinks available, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

When I stepped outside, I was greeted by the gardens and a pool, which I took full advantage of on a near daily basis. The villa was impressive, but I am on a riding holiday, so I was more interested in the horses than the villa itself.

Kevin, the horse manager, did a wonderful job at matching us up with horses that met our riding skill. A sense of confidence is felt when you saddle up on a horse that “fits” you well. Los Alamos horses are on trails almost every day, and these fit horses are used to riders coming in and taking control. Cross breeds and thoroughbreds were available, and experienced riders can opt for the more challenging horses that aren’t afraid to push the rider’s skills to the limit.

A week of riding on the perfect steed was as perfect as it sounds. Horses need a rest, and I was accompanied on my rides by three beautiful horses: Blaze, Star and Jack. Well-trained and polite, I venture to say that the horses in Los Alamos provide more than enough incentive to come back and ride again.

Riding up the rolling hills of El Campo was spectacular, with the ability to see cattle tracks and ancient roads. The hamlet of San Ambrosia was equally as breathtaking, with the area remaining untouched. It’s like riding into the past where humans, pavement and buildings didn’t scatter every city.

Galloping through the natural park is a surreal experience, with every corner providing something new and exciting to explore. Cantering on the beach or going up the firebreaks took my breath away.

The beaches of Cape Trafalgar allow horseback riding twice a week, and the thrill of your steed cantering on the sand is an indescribable experience. When the sun peaks above the horizon, the day riding to match the tides begins.

The horses tend to fill with vigor as they reach the beach, and when the steeds reach the water’s edge, their skills are on display. Riding along the beach to start the day off is a great way to ready yourself for the adventure ahead.

Cantering down the beach with the wind brushing by me was one of my favorite riding experiences.

And then I have to mention the delightful food at Los Alamos. Chicken kebabs, fish, omelets, pork and a variety of other home cooked dishes were served. Local bars provide simple, local delights that are both affordable and tasty.

Los Alamos is one of the most highly sought, most rebooked European destination, and it’s hard not to fall in love with everything, from the food to the horses and the sandy beaches.

We throughly enjoyed our stay, we are now looking to book another horse riding holiday in North America. I would love to have my own horses and find temporary horse stalls for rent and explore everything North America has to offer from the saddle.

Dublin

The Sights and Tastes of Dublin

Known for its pints and opinionated people, Dublin is a city you can’t help but fall in love with – and fall in love we did. After a weekend stay in the Fair City last month, we came close to unpacking and staying a while. Sure, we hit every spot on the usual beaten path, but at the end of it all, we found that this colorful city is a treasure trove of delightful sights, many of which we had never even heard of.

What to See

There’s so much to see and do in Dublin that we couldn’t possibly fit everything into a weekend trip. But we did manage to hit some of the best spots on the beaten and off-beaten paths.

Not surprisingly, we started our trek with a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, a must-see for every visitor. If the complimentary pint isn’t enough to draw you in, then the 360-degree views at the Gravity Bar will. The interactive tour takes you through the history of this iconic brand.

If you’re in the mood for something a little livelier, head to the medieval Temple Bar district for a true Irish bar experience.

Next on the list is Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816, which crosses the Liffey. The Four Courts building is nearby on Inns Quay, where the main courts of Ireland can be found. The Christ Church Cathedral, which dates back to 1038, is a short walk from the bridge, and a must-see for lovers of history and architecture.

Speaking of history, don’t miss a visit to Trinity College, where you’ll find the Book of Kells in the college’s famous library. The tome was transcribed by Celtic monks back in 800 AD.

If you’re a lover of art, play a game of scavenger hunting to find all of the city’s statues – there are plenty. They have nicknames, too, like the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street, which is known affectionately as “The Tart with the Cart” or the “Dolly with the Trolley” (we much prefer the second name, personally).

Visitors looking to escape the sights and sounds of the city for a while should stop by the Huguenot cemetery, known as one of the most poetic sites in Dublin. The cemetery dates back to 1693 and is dedicated to the Huguenot family, a group of French Protestants who fled France to escape religious persecution.

Where to Eat

Dublin’s dining scene is remarkably diverse. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Irish fare, curry or sushi, you’ll find it all in the heart of the city.

For a great cup of coffee, head to The Bald Barista, a quirky new cafe that serves up more than just coffee. For a quick bite to eat, The Bald Barista offers a wide range of sandwiches and breakfast items.

The Pig’s Ear is a popular joint that has earned a Michelin gourmand bib. The Hairy Lemon Café is a great choice for a hot bowl of Irish stew.

For dessert, head over to The Queen of Tarts or Butlers Chocolates for a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Rome

Even though my visit to Rome was some years ago, it’s a city that left a lasting and favorable impression. At the time I felt as if it wasn’t necessary to see any other part of Italy; however, perhaps this assessment is unfair because the country is delightful in many ways. But, I digress. Rome is, for all intents and purposes, an outdoor museum. There are reminders around every corner that this was the center of an immense and powerful empire. I didn’t speak Italian beyond the basics of “yes,” “no,” “please,” and “thank you” but Rome is a place where it doesn’t take too long to find the big attractions and the locals are helpful!

First, I went to the ornate Trevi Fountain. Naturally, I wasn’t alone when I got there. The crowds only thinned out either very early in the morning or late at night. The spot where the fountain now stands was the end point of an aqueduct, and these structures were vital to the ancient Romans. As the story goes, throwing a coin into the fountain while your back is turned means a return to Rome. No wonder so many people stop to visit. For me, that hasn’t happened yet but there’s lots of time!

The Vatican is in a walled enclave inside Rome but is a separate state. I joined throngs of tourists to marvel at Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. There was a series of long corridors to pass through with impressive artwork on the ceilings before reaching the central chamber. Then, the most important moment arrived and I looked up. The first instinct was to grab my camera. Alas, no photography was allowed.

I learned about the bloodier side of Roman history upon visiting the Colosseum. Built by slaves, the elliptical-shaped Colosseum is the attraction that screams: “Welcome to the show!” Roman citizens didn’t have to pay to enter the Colosseum and the contests kept them glued to their seats. The gladiator spectacles were the Super Bowl games of the time. The Romans were cruel to the people they conquered and to each other, so what could slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war expect when they were forced to fight? I was impressed with the Colosseum but shuddered at the same time. Even though ancient Roman society had positive aspects, it was barbaric and unmerciful.

London

London is so tourist friendly it’s no wonder the city was chosen to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. I like London so much because many of the city’s top museums are free to explore, and this isn’t the case where I come from. I’ve been a history buff for as long as I can remember so I can revel in all the familiar landmarks: Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace.

What is the best place from which to begin a tour of London? First of all, get acquainted with the Tube, or the “subway” as North Americans like to call an underground rail system. Take note, however, that the word “subway” in the UK means pedestrian underpass. All underground lines are color-coded, and the system is divided into six zones. All of the stuff worth seeing in London is concentrated in Zone 1, so getting around won’t be difficult at all. An Oyster card saves money in the long run.

I would say that Trafalgar Square is an excellent place to start a walking tour of central London. This square was named after the naval battle on October 21, 1805 that cost Horatio Nelson his life. Walk north of Trafalgar Square and soak up lots of history at the National Portrait Gallery. To beat the crowds visit early in the morning on any day of the week. The good news is that the gallery is free! That meant I would have more money to shop and eat and in London these activities aren’t exactly cheap.

The Imperial War Museum is off the radar for many visitors, but I consider it to be one of the best in the city. It’s smaller, quieter, and free. This always puts a smile on my face. There are some great exhibits in here, including a sobering reminder of the Nazi persecution of European Jews from 1933 to 1945. It’s not a coincidence that this exhibit is on the museum’s top floor, out of sight of younger children who aren’t quite ready to see the horrors of the past.

Okay, enough about museums. There is so much more to London. Hyde Park is the place for an afternoon stroll. Reflect on everything you’ve seen while having a relaxing lunch at the Serpentine Café.