My summer getaway by Jane Mercer

Fyleverket, the secret lake

2024-09-29 09:13:19 UTC

Kenny took me in his car, he told me we were going for a ride but didn't tell me where. The road narrowed, turning into a dirt track, and after 15 minutes, we reached a sort of cul de sac where we parked. He took me by the hand thru a canopy of trees until we reached a hidden lake named Fyleverket, an old sand stone open-pit mine filled with water to turn it into a lake. I was told that not many people knows about it so its uniqueness, the deep blue color of its waters and the quietness remained untouched and I recall feeling relaxed, enjoying the serenity that emanated from it.

Logronyo, the gastronomic city

2024-09-30 14:55:50 UTC

Due to the absence of the third competitor of the Economy Tournament, I could enjoy the views of Logronyo, the capital of La Rioja. My experience in there was rather contradictory, as the weather did not please us. My “team” was ubicated near the centre of the city, which drived us to visit its bustling but homely land. However, we could not go much further because of the rain that persisted in the city the three days we were there.

As the purpose of the travel was the National Economy Tournament, its government celebrated a dinner. That day, not only they prepared small and few plates, but they did not take in mind the allergic students. As one of the allergic students there, I had to go outside while it was raining to buy something to eat, which was shocking because they were supposedly prepared to have an alternative for them as we had to fill out an allergic form before we arrived at Logronyo. It turned out that the government was aware of it, but the catering they contracted did not know it at all.

Anyway, besides this experience and the weather it was an enjoyable trip.

The Fiddler on the Roof

2024-10-01 17:04:17 UTC

This past summer, my family and I visited the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park to watch The Fiddler on the Roof. It was a perfect evening, with a soft breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers. As we settled into our seats, the park was alive with activity—locals and tourists mingling, friends gathering for a drink, and couples strolling by, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

The performance was mesmerizing, with the music filling the open sky. Songs like “Tradition” had the crowd tapping their feet, while the energy of all the cast made the night unforgettable.

It wasn’t just about the musical—we've always loved theatre. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of Regent's Park made it even better.

The Atarazanas Market in Málaga

2024-10-08 07:16:32 UTC

My husband and I visited Málaga in September. The City of Arts, as Málaga is known nowadays, fulfilled our expectations. Its city centre is just the right size. Its most famous landmarks are within walking distance. The city offers plenty of entertainment. Not only can you visit the port, la Farola, its beautiful beaches, famous landmarks, and the significant number of essential museums it holds, but you can also enjoy this magnificent city's lively way of life.

The Atarazanas Market is where you can appreciate it at its peak. Fortunately, tourism hasn’t changed it yet. Just enter through the magnificent Nazarí door, and all your senses impact simultaneously. The inherent bustle of a central market. The voice of loquacious vendors offering their eye-catching products. Little stalls, one pressed to the next, full of all the regional food products you can think about. The different smells push you from one part of the market to another, not strong enough to offend but to appreciate the differences. You can taste the products you have just seen, especially the delicious seafood, in the bars attached to the market.

Mediterranean life at its best.