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Sure, you know Germany has pretzels and France has baguettes, but do you know how these carby delights came to be?

Puebla is rapidly recovering from the recent earthquake, and with new luxury hotels, historically famous cuisine, and a modern take on classic art, now is the moment to visit.

A 4-day road trip to land’s end shows an entirely enchanting side of Spain.

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Wandering Chef: Chris Shepherd in Puerto Rico

Biting into a Padrón pepper is like playing a game of Spanish roulette.

Seeking the wonderfully disorienting effect of travel, writer Taras Grescoe ventures to Budapest, where bewilderment ensues.

Where to eat the best tapas in Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, and San Sebastián—plus how to order them like the locals do.

Tomato fight, anyone?

Overview

Overview

Galicia is a province in the north west of the Iberian Peninsula. As we were traveling the roads in Galicia, I spotted marble structures with little crosses on their roof tops. I knew they could not be tombs as they were right in the middle of the owners’ gardens. (Though that is what they looked like to me). I remember thinking -This is what travel is all about...learning about new and different customs and cultures. When we stopped for lunch, I gently asked what these objects were and what was their purpose. I was told that they were granaries. The Spanish word is horreos. They were built on stilts and the grain was stored in them. The purpose of the granary and its stilts was to keep out moisture and, of course, animals and mice. I thought how clever these people were, so many decades ago, to figure out a unique method to outfox the critters and the damp. You know what they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. These granaries are a perfect example of that saying. In Galicia in recent years, one of the top 5 historical attractions is the granite granaries. As you travel through Galicia, see how many granaries you can locate in the farmer’s gardens. I learned another fascinating historical fact on my trip to Galicia...that the granaries were invented to protect food for the family. I just love to travel and learn.

About 79 km north of Santiago de Compostela you’ll find the fishing port and beach resort of Muxia on the Atlantic Costa de Morte ( Death Coast) in Galicia, Spain. The area is beautiful with stunning unspoiled beaches, their fishing industry, and a promenade that runs the full length of the town of Muxia. In the Summer the “percebeiros” risk life and limb to collect the popular sea delicacy of barnacles in the near-by untamed seas. In Muxia at the Cabo Tourinan you’ll find the round stone Muxia Lighthouse. This lighthouse sits at the very edge of the wild sea where waves crash upon the coast and its large boulders. Near-by sit the huge flat rocks that balance precariously on one another. Folklore reports that these are magical rocks and won’t slide into the sea. Tourists climb them and stand atop them to test the tale. I nervously stood on them near the wild seas and I’m still here! The area is also a migratory site as many birds migrate to this remote Cape every year. This Cape is actually the westernmost point in Europe although Finisterre is usually listed as such. I was fascinated by the wild atmosphere at the lighthouse - so different from the fishing harbor and the gorgeous quiet beaches. The beauty of Muxia is special with its huge boulders, lovely beaches, busy fishing industry, and stone lighthouse. This lighthouse is another historic and one of several protecting the seamen and the coast of Galicia, Spain. In Galicia? Stop and see the lighthouses.

When my husband and I traveled to Galicia, we visited friends in the fishing village of Camarinhas. The friends took us around town, and around Galicia to show off their beautiful countryside. After seeing the sardine factory, several great restaurants, the fishing harbor, the fleet, a couple of lighthouses, the balancing rocks, and the bobbin lace makers (who were sitting outside because of the gorgeous weather) we thanked our friends for their hospitality and said our good-byes. As we were leaving, I was presented with a beautiful set of linen lace pillow cases. I was told that all married couples must have these traditional cases. They were beautiful and I knew that they cost a fortune because I was looking over some as we spoke to the lacemakers! Our hosts told us they would be insulted if we did not take them with us as a gift. You can see the delicate threads on this beautiful case. I very proudly took the package and thanked our friends. One of the things I will always remember along with the friendly people in Camarinas is the sound of the lace bobbins clicking and clacking as the women worked their linen threads and turned their wooden bobbins. It was like music and I was fascinated as I looked on and watched this ancient art being performed.