Mini Travel Log: Lake Maggiore, Italy

Lake Maggiore is a very charming place just north of Milan in Italy. The Barromean islands and islets on the lake is so beautiful that you will fall in love with this place at first sight. Beautiful small little towns and villages dot the landscape around the lake, surrounded by the beautiful snow mountains of the Alps. I took a boat ride from the small little town Stresa; which is easily accessible by trains from Milan. Unfortunately because of winter period, few of the Barromean islands were closed to tourists for restoration works on the castle and gardens. I could only admire the beauty from far on the boat. I will definitely return again during summer to enjoy the full attractions of this place.

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Mini Travel Log: Barcelona, Spain

During winter in Barcelona, many tours and excursions were shut down. So I spent my time in the city; re-tracing the steps I took 5 years ago during my backpacking trip in Spain. Barcelona was the first Europe city that I stepped my foot on. During that time, I had limited time and rushed through everything; skipping many hidden jewels in the city. This time, I had all the luxury to slowly explore and enjoy the magnificent architectures around this city. With no crowd this time, I finally managed to step my foot into the famous church of Sagrada Familia. This church was constructed a century ago and yet to be finished. Although more than 100 years old, the interior totally looked light years ahead and alien to me. Initially I thought I have stepped into an alien spaceship. The rest of my days in Barcelona were spent visiting other Gaudi masterpieces like the Casa Battlo, walking by the beach, visiting the grand Barcelona Cathedral and also the Poble de Espanyol (Spanish village).

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Related link: The Summer Catalunya Tour
Related link: Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville