It was a long but immersive two weeks through French Canada. By the end of our whirlwind weekend in NYC, our feet had logged plenty of miles and our eyes had taken in a feast of sights. Megan had checked off most of her must-sees — and even squeezed in a few unexpected gems. AfterContinue reading “Oui Survived! Tales from the French Side”
Author Archives: janeinspain.blog
Heading Home with a Stop in NYC
After days of adventures, we were both feeling ready to start making our way back home. There’s one more stop on the route — New York City — a vibrant mosaic of culture, ambition and resilience … the city that never sleeps. After many hours in the car, we landed at a hotel near theContinue reading “Heading Home with a Stop in NYC”
Twilight Charm in Old Quebec
Warm summer evenings were made for exploring Old Québec’s lively nightlife and hidden gems. Onhwa’ Lumina is an enchanting night‑walk experience located just north of Quebec City. It’s a nighttime trail where light, sound, and storytelling celebrate Huron-Wendat culture. It blends tradition with technology, drawing you into a rhythmic, immersive journey through nature and heritage. AncestralContinue reading “Twilight Charm in Old Quebec”
Canada: Beyond Quebec City
We loved our time in Québec City, but the surrounding region offers plenty more to discover. To explore both shores of the St. Lawrence, we hopped on the Québec-Lévis ferry for a quick 10-minute ride across the river. The crossing offers stunning views of Château Frontenac, Old Québec, and the waterway itself. On the LévisContinue reading “Canada: Beyond Quebec City”
Bienvenue à Québec!
The drive from Montreal to Quebec City is about three hours. Halfway is a charming little town called Trois-Rivières — the perfect stopping point for stretching legs and coffee. As the name suggests, the city sits at the mouth of the Saint‑Maurice River, which splits into three channels before joining the St. Lawrence, creating theContinue reading “Bienvenue à Québec!”
Montreal: The French Side of Canada
Montreal is a vibrant, stylish, and culturally rich city — a bilingual blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Located in the province of Quebec, it’s the second-largest city in Canada and the cultural heart of French-speaking Canada. Montreal’s street art scene is one of the most vibrant and respected in the world — bold,Continue reading “Montreal: The French Side of Canada”
Ottawa: From the Hill to the Grill
While in Canada, it only makes sense to visit Ottawa — Canada’s capital and seat of its federal government. Ottawa is a city where stately government buildings meet vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and natural beauty. Located in eastern Ontario on the banks of the Ottawa River, it sits right on the border with Quebec, blendingContinue reading “Ottawa: From the Hill to the Grill”
A Taste of Toronto
Our accommodations were tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood in North York — close enough to downtown Toronto for easy access, yet far enough to enjoy some quiet and calm. We took the subway into downtown and our first stop was the St. Lawrence Market. It is one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks and aContinue reading “A Taste of Toronto”
Oh Hi! Oh!
I’ve never knitted a thing in my life. But I’ve seen Megan’s posts about how relaxing it can be, and I’ve always been a little curious. What better opportunity to learn than on this road trip? With plenty of time, long stretches of open road, and good company, it felt like the perfect moment. OurContinue reading “Oh Hi! Oh!”
Bonjour Canada!
Heading north for a Canadian adventure! I flew into Cincinnati, am now road-tripping through Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City — with a little NYC detour on the way back to Ohio. My partner-in-crime is my niece Megan, an English teacher from Cincinnati who’s determined to unleash her French language skills on our Canadian neighbors.Continue reading “Bonjour Canada!”
Time to Go Home
26 April 2025 After such a full and exhilarating week, we were all ready to head home. Theresa and I — who began our journey in Lisbon, made our way to Santiago, and then continued on to the Canary Islands — had been traveling for a month. Kyle joined us just before Santiago, while QuinnContinue reading “Time to Go Home”
A Last Taste of the Canaries
25 April 2025 Today’s adventure led us to a hidden gem: a French restaurant tucked away in the breathtaking Anaga mountain range. We had originally planned to spend the afternoon at Mount Teide, but the scenic drive to the tiny hamlet of Taborno changed everything. The journey itself was so stunning — and the villageContinue reading “A Last Taste of the Canaries”
Exploring Gran Canaria: Cars, Cliffs, Caves
24 April 2025 Today was our day to explore the island of Gran Canaria. The ferry port was just a stone’s throw from where we were staying — in fact, we had been watching the ferries coming and going from our balcony throughout the week. Despite its proximity, reaching the terminal by car proved surprisinglyContinue reading “Exploring Gran Canaria: Cars, Cliffs, Caves”
Santa Cruz: A Day to Relax, Ride or Roast
23 April 2025 This morning, we all lounged around a little longer than usual, awakening to clear blue skies and warm sunlight streaming through the windows. Quinn and Emily made a delightful breakfast of ensalada de fritos con queso fresco — layers of creamy cheese drizzled with honey and topped with fresh, seasonal fruit —Continue reading “Santa Cruz: A Day to Relax, Ride or Roast”
La Gomera: Where Cliffs Meet Clouds
22 April 2025 La Gomera is one of the smaller islands in the Canaries. It has rugged volcanic mountains, lush greenery, and deep ravines. The island has a mystical feel — it’s much quieter and less touristy than Tenerife or Gran Canaria. It is also where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1492 to stock up beforeContinue reading “La Gomera: Where Cliffs Meet Clouds”
Exploring the African Market and La Leguna
Our first stop was the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África which offers a rich and authentic glimpse into the heart of Tenerife which is affectionately known as La Recova. La Recova comes from the old Spanish word “recova,” which originally referred to a marketplace where poultry and farm products were sold. When the marketContinue reading “Exploring the African Market and La Leguna”
A Relaxing Easter in the Canary Islands
Just off the coast of Africa but proudly Spanish, the Canary Islands are seven slices of sunshine, volcanoes, and beachy bliss — all with their own personality. Technically, the Canary Islands belong to Spain but they are closer to Morocco. Also, the name Canary actually comes from the Latin, meaning “Islands of the Dogs” notContinue reading “A Relaxing Easter in the Canary Islands”
Holy Week, Holy Wow!
Santiago’s Grand Camino Finale The ending point of our Camino Portugués is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This magnificent cathedral is the traditional final destination for all routes of the Camino de Santiago, as it is believed to be the burial site of Saint James the Greater, one of Jesus’s apostles.Continue reading “Holy Week, Holy Wow!”
No Peppers in Padron! 😳
Padrón peppers (pementos de Padrón) are a beloved Galician tapa with a fun twist—most are mild, but now and then, you’ll get one with a surprise kick of heat. They were brought to Galicia from the Americas by Franciscan monks in the 16th century. Today, they’re grown locally and hold Protected Designation of Origin status.Continue reading “No Peppers in Padron! 😳”
Stepping through the Heart of Galicia
We started the day in Vigo, making our way through several quaint villages enroute to Santiago. VIGO: We were looking for a breakfast spot and stumbled into what can only be described as an animal farm-themed fever dream call La Cuca. I’m not sure why any restaurateur would sacrifice so much seating to larger-than-life farmContinue reading “Stepping through the Heart of Galicia”
Jane in Spain 