Bordeaux

playground-earth-bordeauxday4citystreets

Situated on the Garonne river, Bordeaux is the epicenter of the famed wine growing region and a fascinating city to discover by tram on foot or by river taxi.

Pico Do Vara Hike

Playground Earth | Pico do Vara Summit

Exceptional weather beckoned us to summit Pico da Vara, the highest mountain on the island of Sao Miguel

Garden party at Furnas Lake

Playground Earth | Garden Party Furnas Lake Forest

Today we had the good fortune to spend the afternoon with our hosts, the Camara family, along with some of their family and friends and enjoy a garden party at Furnas Lake

Mata-Jardim Jose Do Canto

playground earth matajardine entrace

For months the Mata-Jardim Gardens have been closed due to COVID19. We had the chance to enjoy this Valley of the Ferns and waterfall totally alone.

Fishing at Peixaria Almeida

Playground Earth | Peixaria Almeida

Peixaria Almeida fishmarket, on the north shore of the island, is a fish lover’s dream. Once we discovered it we became weekly regulars!

Herdade do Ananas Stay

Playground Earth | Herdade do Anan?s Hotel

Herdade do Ananas boutique hotel just outside Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel. Our stay on a pineapple plantation!

The Romeiros of Sao Miguel

Playground Earth | Azores | The Romeiros of Sao Miguel

Here on the island of Sao Miguel, 900 miles off the coast of Portugal, the pilgrims are known as Romeiros and their centuries-old legacy is rooted in an all-consuming faith.

Serendipi-Tea

Playground Earth | Sao Miguel | Tea Fields

First stop was the overlook at Salto do Cavalo. The second-highest peak on the island.

Our stay at Troy’s Barn

Playground Earth Stay at Troy's Barn

Staying in a barn may not be everybody’s cup of tea. Even if it is in England.

However, staying in a renovated sheep barn that has been converted into a cozy studio with a large, comfortable bed, full kitchen, bathroom with a shower and tub might just change your mind.

Victoria the Umbrella Lady

Playground Earth | Spain | Virginia the Umbrella Lady

Victoria, an energetic, passionate woman nearing her 80?s runs a small market kiosk in Santiago de Compostela keeping an old world craft alive.

Spain’s Cies Islands

Playground Earth | Cies Islands, Spain

Spain’s Cies Islands are the Vigo estuary’s greatest treasure and an amazing national marine-terrestrial park. They are also one of the country’s most beautiful places for hiking, camping, sailing, diving, and swimming.

Bilbao

Playground Earth | Bilbao

Our time spent in Bilbao and the surrounding region was just the prolonged stay we had been looking for. It allowed us to fully experience this beautiful land with its mix of natural wonders, culture, and culinary traditions, along with the gregarious and friendly people of Bilbao and the Basque countryside.

Belfast

Playground Earth Travel Destination | Belfast | City Hall

On a bright, sunny morning we departed Glasgow, took a bus to the port city of Cairnryan and boarded a ferry for the two-and-a-half hour journey to Belfast, Ireland.

We Landed in the Azores

Playground Earth | Azores | We Landed

The weather report promised a nice sunny day and our 2-hour flight from Porto was smooth and pleasant. However, once we We Landed in the Azores the sky turned gray and stormy.

Paiva River Walk

Playground Earth | Hikes & Walks | Paiva River Walk

Designed in dialogue with nature, morphology and panoramic views the Paiva River Walk was a worthy adventure!

Appreciating the Caledonian Canal

Playground Earth Travel | Appreciating the Caledonian Canal

Our time spent experiencing the Caledonian Canal gave us a greater understanding and appreciation for why it is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest waterway engineering projects ever accomplished.

Biarritz

Playground Earth | Biarritz France

While it can’t compare to the French Riviera, Biarritz is certainly one of the hipper towns in France. Here, surfers and day trippers wearing flip-flops and Patagonia jackets comfortably mingle with fashionistas in their espadrilles and designer floral scarves.

Howth Cliff Walk

Playground Earth l Howth l Ribbon of Silver

Howth Cliff Walk. Gentle clifftop hiking route overlooking a landmark lighthouse & bays, beaches & mountains.

Discovering Sprout & Co.

Sprout & Co.

While spending time in Dublin, Ireland we discovered Sprout & Co., a farm to bowl (and wrap) chain that farms, and supplies, their own produce.