Planes, Castles, Tapas, and a Reality Check: My Whirlwind Trip Through the UK, Ireland, Spain, Morocco, and Portugal Oct 17-Nov 5

Like all great adventures, this trip started with good intentions, a well-planned itinerary, and the blissful ignorance of thinking travel delays wouldn’t happen to me.

Exeter, Bath & Some Very Free-Range Sheep

First stop: Exeter, UK, where I visited my sister and soaked up the charming university-town vibes. From there, we set off on a proper English countryside tour—first to Bath, where we did my best impression of a Roman aristocrat at the ancient Roman Baths (minus the togas and questionable sanitation). Then, it was on to Stonehenge, because what’s a UK trip without paying homage to a prehistoric rock formation?

But the real adventure? A national park full of sheep and cows casually roaming the hills like they owned the place. Honestly, they probably do. Watching them frolic (or, in the cows’ case, lazily meander) was unexpectedly delightful.

The Accidental Irish Detour: Castles & Guinness in Dublin

Things were going smoothly—until I got stuck on a layover in Dublin. At first, I was annoyed. Two whole days before I could make it to Spain?! But when life gives you delays, you make the most of it. So I did what any stranded traveler would do: castle-hopped.

From the medieval grandeur of Dublin Castle to the stunning gardens of Malahide Castle, I got my fair share of turrets and tales of Irish nobility. And of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without indulging in a proper pint of Guinness—which, I must say, tastes significantly better on its home turf.

Seville & Cordoba: Tapas, Flamenco, and a Cathedral with Many Identities

Finally, I made it to Seville, Spain, where my friends had already settled in, probably wondering if I had abandoned the trip altogether. Together, we explored the Royal Alcázar, which is basically what would happen if Game of Thrones and fairy tales had an architectural baby. The Seville Cathedral was equally breathtaking, home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb and enough intricate details to make your head spin.

We also made a side trip to Córdoba, where we visited the Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture that left us in awe. Picture a grand mosque-turned-cathedral with soaring arches, intricate mosaics, and a history lesson woven into every brick.

Of course, no trip to Spain is complete without food, and we indulged in tapas galore and all the sangria I could handle. To top it off, we watched an intense flamenco performance, where dancers stomped with the passion of someone trying to kill a particularly persistent cockroach.

Marrakech: The Shock, The Beauty, and The Reality Check

Next up: Marrakech, Morocco. Now, in my mind, I had envisioned something out of a Hollywood movie—ornate palaces, lavish markets, and a mystical air of Arabian Nights charm. The reality? A city cloaked in one single shade of adobe red, where poverty and luxury existed side by side.

Yes, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square was buzzing with life, with snake charmers, street vendors, and merchants selling everything from spices to questionable "designer" handbags. But the sheer contrast between the glamorous riads (traditional Moroccan homes turned boutique hotels) and the everyday struggles of locals was hard to ignore.

The highlight? A trip into the Atlas Mountains, where the earthquake’s impact was still visible in the damaged villages. We had an unforgettable hike through the countryside and enjoyed a home-cooked meal on a local family’s rooftop, soaking in the breathtaking views.

Lisbon: Art, Culture, and My Culinary Debut

The grand finale of the trip was Lisbon, Portugal—and let me tell you, this city stole my heart. It had an effortlessly cool, artsy vibe, with colorful tiles, vibrant street art, and stunning hilltop views at every turn.

Here, I did something new: I took a Portuguese cooking class! Under the guidance of a patient (and slightly amused) local chef, I learned how to make the famous bacalhau à brás, a traditional salt cod dish. Between chopping, frying, and attempting to plate it like a pro, I somehow managed to create something edible. And delicious, if I do say so myself.

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Final Thoughts: A Journey of Unexpected Turns

This trip had everything—majestic castles, spontaneous detours, culinary delights, and a reality check on the complexities of the world. From the sheep-strewn hills of England to the artistic charm of Lisbon, each stop left its own mark.

Sure, I lost two days in Dublin. Sure, Marrakech wasn’t quite the fantasy I imagined. But that’s the beauty of travel—you don’t just see places, you experience them, in all their raw, unfiltered glory.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have had it any other way.