Two Delightful Weeks

Just yesterday, I dropped my little boy off for his first day of kindergarten. But I blinked, and now he’s a senior in college.

Like many, our little family has had a rough few years, so this was a good time for an adventure. My son Thomas and his girlfriend Zoe attend Austin College, a small liberal arts school in Sherman, Texas. Every year, Austin College offers a JanTerm to its students, and international travel during JanTerm is strongly encouraged. Last year, Thomas went to Japan while Zoe ventured to Argentina.

Barcelona
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

Now Thomas and Zoe are seniors, and they’ve completed their JanTerm requirements. So I decided we would have our own JanTerm trip (except with no assignments to hand in!). After reading about several friends’ and acquaintances’ adventures in Spain and Portugal, we decided to explore the Iberian Peninsula. After researching various destinations and working with a travel agent, we created an itinerary that took us to eight cities over two delightful weeks.

Each city we chose offered fantastic views, food, museums, walking, cathedrals, palaces, walking, and the friendliest people. Did I mention walking? Lots of walking. Uphill. On cobblestones. My most important suggestion if you go to Spain and Portugal is to invest in a GOOD pair of shoes. There is so much to experience in these beautiful countries. You don’t want to miss anything because your feet hurt.

We began our informal JanTerm in Barcelona. There is much to explore in this gorgeous city. Of course, Barcelona is home to the famous Sagrada Família, and it did not disappoint. This uniquely beautiful cathedral was designed by the genius Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Five generations have watched the progress since building began in 1882, and 142 years later, construction continues. Gaudi incorporated Late Gothic and modernist designs into his masterwork and was inspired by nature. Soaring towers, dazzling stained glass, imposing doors, and detailed facades are almost more than one can take in. While in Barcelona, you should also visit the Museu Picasso.

Granada
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

Our next stop was Madrid. We enjoyed the Prado Museum and strolling through Parque de El Retiro. A friend suggested a day trip from Madrid to Toledo, which turned out to be one of our favorite days. The best way to get around Spain and Portugal is to take a train, and Toledo is a short train ride from Madrid. The ancient city is dramatically situated above a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo and was once the capital of Spain. Known as the City of Three Cultures, Toledo is a place where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities coexisted peacefully for centuries. We enjoyed touring the cathedral, exploring the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and walking through the Jewish Quarter. Be sure to have lunch at La Orza, a beautiful restaurant with delicious Castilian fare.

After Madrid, we headed to Granada, one of the most important cities in Moorish Spain. The walk to the Alhambra, one of the most famous monuments of Islamic Spanish architecture, is not for the faint of heart, but the views from the ramparts alone are worth the hike.

Seville
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin

Continuing through Andalusia, we next went to Seville. Our hotel was close to Iglesia de Santa Cruz, and walking through the vast Plaza de España was a highlight. Seville’s most famous export is the Seville orange, which is essential for the production of English marmalade and French perfumes. But don’t eat one out of hand; they’re bitter!

We ended the trip in Portugal. After touring the utterly delightful Lisbon, we headed to Porto, one of our very favorite stops. We celebrated Thomas’ 22^nd birthday here with a fantastic seafood dinner. A visit to Livraria Lello was a real treat. There’s a reason it’s known as the most beautiful bookstore in the world! Founded in 1906 and restored in 2016, the building features sweeping staircases and endless bookshelves. J.K. Rowling supposedly drew inspiration here for Hogwart’s library, and it has a definite Harry Potter vibe.

Our two weeks flew by, and we highly recommend visiting these two countries, which are filled with so much history, culture, and natural beauty. The food is delectable – so much cheese, tapas, jamón, and seafood! The architecture is not to be missed. When planning your next trip, consider Spain and Portugal. Zoe, Thomas, and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed!

Granada
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Jolin