Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[pbiflyer]

Mucho Gracias. This is valuable info, and we are budget conscious by nature. We are always happy with accommodations that are simply clean and comfortable, nothing fancy. With Alhambra a "pretty quick train ride" away, this sounds like a winner. I'm going to read up more about what already looks like the best place for a short trip. We'll skip the bullfighting but authentic flamenco (we've saw some in Charlottesville once) is absolutely amazing. As you correctly mentioned, Columbus' remains are allegedly there. Other sites include some in South America. Not only did the guy not know where he was sailing, he's not sure where he is.

For the short stay, I would second Sevilla. And if you are there on a Sunday, it is the day families stroll about and enjoy the outdoors. Have a fresh squeezed OJ (and maybe a shot of vodka )
The Alhambra is amazing.
And yes, there is no easy way to get from Lisbon to Spain by train.
I would also check out Barcelona, great place just to hang out and there are some affordable hotels that aren't on the water.
Lisbon is awesome and while they are in other cities as well these days, the Time Out market is a pretty cool place to eat and drink (albeit, expensive compared to the rest of the city). Also a ferry ride across the river to Cacilhas to grab a bite gives you another aspect of the city and life.

[tower912]

Leelanau peninsula for a week.    Hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, dune climbing, kayaking, winery/brewery tours, sunsets over Lake Michigan......



aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh

[BM1090]

I highly recommend Seville. The Cathedral is amazing (Columbus' remains are allegedly there), Barrio Santa Cruz, bullfighting, flamenco dancing (not the super touristy stuff), Pretty quick train ride to the Alhambra.

A very inexpensive hotel, right in the center of Seville (right next to the Cathedral) is the Hotel Dona Maria.

Depends what you're interested in, but I second Seville if you're looking for a nice city to wind down at the end of the trip. There's not a ton to do, but enough for 2-3 days. The locals were incredibly friendly.

[4everwarriors]

Yeah, da folks in CO ar hi 'nough already, aina?

[Uncle Rico]

Yeah, da folks in CO ar hi 'nough already, aina?

Pot is a gateway drug

[Hards Alumni]

Pot is a gateway drug

A gateway to a great time!

[🏀]

Leelanau peninsula for a week.    Hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, dune climbing, kayaking, winery/brewery tours, sunsets over Lake Michigan......



aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Sugarfoot Saloon still dishing out those burritos?

[tower912]

Not there yet.   A week away.


Though it looks like a 'no'.
https://www.leelanauticker.com/news/sugarfoot-saloon-long-loved-local-hangout-in-cedar-has-sold/

[🏀]

Not there yet.   A week away.


Though it looks like a 'no'.
https://www.leelanauticker.com/news/sugarfoot-saloon-long-loved-local-hangout-in-cedar-has-sold/

Bummer. Karen was a gem too.

[Babybluejeans]

We are going to be in Portugal for 11 days and Sintra is included in our itinerary. The 2-3 additional days will be in Spain.

I just did almost this identical itin a few weeks ago. Except flew into Madrid, did a quick hop from Madrid to Faro, then drove around Portugal. Highly suggest flying between Spain and Portugal.

As for where to go in Spain, this is the perfect time of year to go to San Sebastián in the Basque country. Think of a mini-Paris on the beach, sprinkled with Spanish culture and some of the best meals you'll ever eat. And/or go run with the bulls in Pamplona—did that a few years ago and it was spectacular.

[Scoop Snoop]

Thanks Muggsy, Lawdog, Hards Alumni and Babybluejeans for your suggestions. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

[MuggsyB]

Thanks Muggsy, Lawdog, Hards Alumni and Babybluejeans for your suggestions. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

Have a great trip Scoop Snoop!  I'm sure I don't have to remind you to snag some Paella. 

[lawdog77]

Have a great trip Scoop Snoop!  I'm sure I don't have to remind you to snag some Paella.

Socarrat!!! Possibly the best thing in the world to eat. A side order of pata negra. Try to make it to La hosteria del Laurel for some orange wine. Don Juan's hangout.

https://www.hosteriadellaurel.com/

[MuggsyB]

Socarrat!!! Possibly the best thing in the world to eat. A side order of pata negra. Try to make it to La hosteria del Laurel for some orange wine. Don Juan's hangout.

https://www.hosteriadellaurel.com/

That crust on their rice is beyond words.  Superb food overall in Spain.  I was young when I was there and didn't have much coin but still felt I was eating prime-time cuisine at every meal.  They have some garlic soup that was absolutely out of this world.  I know it's made with smoked paprika and some egg yolk.  The basket of homemade croutons they served with this soup (at some joint in Madrid) were absolutely ridiculous.  I could live on that soup.  Need to figure out what it was and find a recipe. 

I think it's Sopa de Ajo. 

[lawdog77]

That crust on their rice is beyond words.  Superb food overall in Spain.  I was young when I was there and didn't have much coin but still felt I was eating prime-time cuisine at every meal.  They have some garlic soup that was absolutely out of this world.  I know it's made with smoked paprika and some egg yolk.  The basket of homemade croutons they served with this soup (at some joint in Madrid) were absolutely ridiculous.  I could live on that soup.  Need to figure out what it was and find a recipe. 

Some people think the French are the star chefs in Europe. They are sorely mistaken. Viva Espana!

[Ardmore Mug]

Muggsy, I have that Authentic Spanish Garlic soup recipe.  Ill have to dig it up for you...    I got when my wife and I were in Spain. She was in the MU Madrid Program, and spent 1 year there.  We go back and see her "sponsor" family.   Ill let u know when i find it ! ! ! 

[MuggsyB]

Some people think the French are the star chefs in Europe. They are sorely mistaken. Viva Espana!

I've been very fortunate to travel quite a bit.  Nothing against the French but I'm with you.  I didn't have a single meal that wasn't excellent in Spain.  Now, I have since gone to Italy and Greece and had more money to splurge.  I had a number of insanely good food experiences in both of these countries .  Nothing crazy fancy but the local cuisine in various spots was spectacular, especially seafood based courses.  All that said?  My greatest food experiences have been in Asia but part of that is personal preference and that I've been there more often. 

[MuggsyB]

Muggsy, I have that Authentic Spanish Garlic soup recipe.  Ill have to dig it up for you...    I got when my wife and I were in Spain. She was in the MU Madrid Program, and spent 1 year there.  We go back and see her "sponsor" family.   Ill let u know when i find it ! ! ! 

Ty!!  I remember it's honestly very simple ingredients.  I appreciate any recipe you might have!

[pbiflyer]

I've been very fortunate to travel quite a bit.  Nothing against the French but I'm with you.  I didn't have a single meal that wasn't excellent in Spain.  Now, I have since gone to Italy and Greece and had more money to splurge.  I had a number of insanely good food experiences in both of these countries .  Nothing crazy fancy but the local cuisine in various spots was spectacular, especially seafood based courses.  All that said?  My greatest food experiences have been in Asia but part of that is personal preference and that I've been there more often. 

We just got back from a trip that included 9 days in Paris. I like the food in Spain better as well.
While in Portugal, have some peri peri chicken, the cherry liquor and of course,  pasteis de belem. And while in Belem, visit all the museums. Worth the time. Also, lots of places to sit and drink by the river.

[MuggsyB]

We just got back from a trip that included 9 days in Paris. I like the food in Spain better as well.
While in Portugal, have some peri peri chicken, the cherry liquor and of course,  pasteis de belem. And while in Belem, visit all the museums. Worth the time. Also, lots of places to sit and drink by the river.

Ahhh.....yes.  The piri-piri chicken.  Great call pbiflyer.  MIstakenly people think Nando's and South Africa invented the dish.  I'm not a big Sardine guy but they supped to be fantastic in Portugal.

[Scoop Snoop]

We just got back from a trip that included 9 days in Paris. I like the food in Spain better as well.
While in Portugal, have some peri peri chicken, the cherry liquor and of course,  pasteis de belem. And while in Belem, visit all the museums. Worth the time. Also, lots of places to sit and drink by the river.

Thanks! I will definitely try the peri peri chicken.

[Babybluejeans]

Ahhh.....yes.  The piri-piri chicken.  Great call pbiflyer.  MIstakenly people think Nando's and South Africa invented the dish.  I'm not a big Sardine guy but they supped to be fantastic in Portugal.

DO NOT MISS THE SARDINES. So salty, so good. And a stop by A Ginjinha, a little stand in Lisbon helmed by an old Portuguese man, for a taste of the cherry liquor is a must. Get it with the cherry in it.

[pbiflyer]

DO NOT MISS THE SARDINES. So salty, so good. And a stop by A Ginjinha, a little stand in Lisbon helmed by an old Portuguese man, for a taste of the cherry liquor is a must. Get it with the cherry in it.

Yep, you can get the drink almost anywhere, but that little place is a must!

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Returned from Europe on Saturday.  Flight was only 30 minutes late leaving Amsterdam. 
But JFK- quickly deboarded and through immigration in 5-10 minutes. Jeez, then had to wait 1h 45m for my luggage to come out.  Crazy

[🏀]

Grand Rapids for golf next week.

What does anyone have for everything else? Dinner, breakfast, Detroit style, breweries etc

Thanks for the recs.