10. Alicante, Spain
Something about Alicante, Spain will always have you coming back for more. I spent the summer of 2007 in Valencia, Spain and went to a different city or country every weekend (it’s so easy to travel around Europe once you’re already there). Alicante was just a short 2-hour train ride on the Alicante Tram which is similar to Amtrak in the U.S. This city is on the harbor and is so scenic. I fell in love with the seafood, laid back culture and the diversity of the people in this town. The Mediterranean Sea was so alluring but it was too cold for me. I only dipped my foot in the water and decided to make a U-turn back to my beach towel. If you ever make it to Spain don’t forget to make a stop in Alicante!
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico
When I made my way to San Juan, Puerto Rico with a group of friends I was ecstatic. At the time I was still living in Florida so it was nothing but a quick 2.5 hour plane ride on Spirit Airlines (don’t ever fly with them…Spirit Airlines frustrates me). I had minimal expectations and no itinerary which I think is the best way to travel. We were greeted with bright sunbeams, piña coladas and Spanish food galore. The most enjoyable part about this trip was the love that Puerto Ricans have for their country. I never seen so much pride in my life. While there I made my way to the Bacardi Rum Factory, a ride on the banana boat and a trip the Rain Forest. My favorite part was the nightlife in Old San Juan. Spanish men can dance ALL night long. I found myself trying to hide in the corner just to give my feet a break.
8. Freeport, Bahamas
I may be biased because most of my family is from Nassau, Bahamas, but honestly there is NO island like this one. When I hear people talk about the Bahamas they are usually referring to Nassau and the luxurious Atlantis. However, Freeport definitely should not be overlooked. This place is so beautiful that every picture you take will look like a postcard. Step away from your resort and make it your duty to hang out with the locals. The best part of this girls' trip taken during summer 2006 was attending the local fish fry and partying with the people from Freeport. Don’t forget to try a Bahamian staple: Goombay punch and conch (whether its conch fritters, stew conch or conch salad) you’ll be missing out on life if you don’t try it.
7. Memphis, Tennessee
My first time in Memphis, Tennessee was for a family reunion and it defines the real South. From the heat that nearly knocked me out, to the hospitality and of course the Southern accents. Our first stop from the airport was straight to Neely’s Bar-B-Que downtown and that was the best decision ever! I had a post on Facebook asking: "Who has the best BBQ - Texas or Tennessee?". Memphis won that competition hands down! Memphis is also a great city for music lovers especially those who LOVE live music like me. The most moving part of this trip had to be my visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. The Lorriane Motel is a part of this museum yet it is also where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was taken from us too soon.
6. Rome, Italy
As soon I stepped off Ryanair I was treated like royalty. It’s not a myth that they really do LOVE brown girls in Italy. I can’t lie, the 5 star treatment did add to the experience but that was not the only thing. This was the city that made me fall in love with architecture. The Colosseum is mesmerizing in pictures but even more amazing in person. I used my non-existent Spanish to muster up a few Italian words (Many Italians also speak Spanish) and tried to immerse myself in this culture that loves food, the arts and relaxing just as much as I did.
Part 2 coming soon….
Are any of these cities on your list? If not what is your favorite city?
No comments:
Post a Comment