Collage showing song and dance groups performing in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

Discovering Traditional Basque Song and Dance in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Sometimes I get really lucky in my travels and stumble across unexpected town celebrations such as this one in Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain’s Basque region. I don’t know what the occasion was, but several of the city’s cultural groups turned out around the city’s historic district to perform traditional songs and dance. Afterward, one group appeared outside a bar to entertain patrons. What a special treat. It’s worth watching the video to the end.

Taco Bell building and Ben eating a burrito.

My McDonald’s Moment

Sometimes it’s just a craving for familiar food, other times it’s a desire to dine without having to translate menus or the demands of waiters or bartenders speaking a foreign language. See what brought me to this moment of weakness.

Vitoria-Gasteiz Market Day

Market day is cheap entertainment. Stand back and watch the fish mongers skillfully fillet fish, sample cheeses and watch people make their selections of fresh produce. I love it!

Drinking Like a Spaniard

Join me on an underground tour of a medieval bodega in Aranda de Duero and see what it’s like to drink from a porrón for the first time.

Santiago de Compostela

The weather was better suited for frogs, the food was exceptional and wandering the streets was surreal.

León — A Pilgrim’s Respite and Gothic Grandeur

Layover along the Camino de Santiago leads to architectural finds and savory finger food.

Ávila’s Wonderful Medieval Wall

Ávila has one of the best preserved and fully intact city fortress walls I’ve seen anywhere. Click through to learn about the city’s Medieval walls and see additional photos.

The Paseo — A Leisurely Stroll with Family & Friends

The Spanish paseo is a great way to spend time with family and friends while exploring the city.

Charanga Band Celebration

Residents of San Esteban de Gormaz dress up in even-numbered years on the last weekend in October to parade through the streets with bands from around the country.

My Grip-and-Grin Moment With Spain’s Prime Minister

“Want to meet the prime minister?” That’s an offer one doesn’t hear every day. I got an opportunity to meet Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, at a Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) rally in Soria, Spain. Read about my grip-and-grin moment with the PM.