Life update: I moved from Miami to Tokyo. And I must say, there’s something so refreshing about going to a brand new place. I am only here for three months but I have no clue where I’ll be next. I read somewhere that what we all really want in life is to travel and to love. The latter is partly left to chance, which is what makes it so special…but that’s a whole different story. However, for some of us, travel will always be a choice—a priority we make or forego. Travel gives us insight—the further we go away and…
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It all started with one hot summer in New York. Nick Brown, the globetrotting entrepreneur, was in search of the authentic rope-soled shoes he used to sport during his summers along the Spanish coast. After struggling to find an affordable pair in the city, he took matters into his own hands— and in 2010, Soludos was born. Espadrilles are currently having a moment in the fashion world, but it’s brands like Soludos that have taken these cute little jute-wrapped shoes and hit the ground running. Soludos gets creative with vivid colors, eclectic styles, and globally sourced textiles. They have introduced…
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When you think of the Basque Country, prominent Spanish cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Pamplona most likely come to mind. But what many don’t realize is that the Basque community extends beyond Spanish borders. Straddling the Spanish/French boundary lies an untrodden area that is proudly known as the Basque Country—made up of 7 provinces, with 3 of them nestled in the southwest of France. While the Basque provinces may not all share the same nationality, they do share a singular identity and strong sense of pride. The Basques are courteous and agreeable and have a trustworthy bearing. Their…
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This past March my family and I set off on a weeklong road trip through northern Spain. While most trips are all about the destination, this one was all about the stops along the way. This was a rather last minute trip—booked 5 weeks in advance. I have an aunt and cousin that live in Valencia, Spain. I met them for the first time 5 years ago and had only seen them a few brief times during their visits to the States. Luckily, they were able to get the week off as well, so we made a little family retreat…
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The whimsical trees dancing alongside the buildings and cobblestoned streets are plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. The stone-faced buildings with wooden facades and flower-potted balconies make it feel like the town's frozen in time, unstirred by the rest of the world. But there is more to this rural town than meets the eye. Steering slightly off the beaten path, we discovered an enchanting village delivering that authentic Spanish experience so many people crave. ...and also wine. Lots of wine.
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What was not to love? There was a sweet synergy between the food and the people. The design experience was just as good as the hotel experience. The family’s passion for their culture, cuisine and community— contagious. Echaurren felt like home.
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We were staying at Hotel Gastronómico Echaurren, a family-run hotel steeped in its rich history and tradition. It is located opposite a beautiful restored church, Santa Maria Maggiore, in the historic town square of Ezcaray.