Tradition dictates—time to write up my year of travel. I did it, it’s done, and yes, it’s being published a couple of days late. Not everything went great, but here’s a representative sample. Looking forward to more in 2025.
Start to the Year in Ibiza
Where else would you want to start the year? By now, it’s almost tradition to pack in some Christmas hiking in the Med. Having circled the whole island, it’s now a question of repeat or dive into specialty hikes. That’s just what we did.
First, a walk to Port de Ses Caletes, perhaps the most beautiful of Ibiza’s B-side coves on the north side. Then, a wild, wonderful hike near Santa Agnès, ticking off two spots we missed last time: Corrals d’en Guillem and the wild descent to Ses Balandres, aided by a rope. Adventure, check.
Barcelona, Encore
We had fun in Barcelona—again. The plan? A rock show. The reality? Far more culture and sightseeing than last time. We hit the National Art Museum, soaking up its wonderful Catalan Romanesque art. Then a morning wander through the Gothic Quarter, topped off by a visit to the delightful Museu d’Història de Barcelona.
Oh, and watching the Descendents live? Long overdue.
Siargao and Dinagat, Philippines
This was a long-awaited trip. My 2018 visit to the Philippines was a landmark, and I couldn’t wait to dive back in—this time with K. joining the turquoise-water fun.
The trip had its ups and downs (plenty of beauty, some ugliness—always man-made), but months later, I can’t help but smile when I think about Siargao and Dinagat. Island hopping to jaw-dropping views. Cool restaurants on Siargao. Dinagat felt like uncharted terrain, with locals giggling during every interaction.
Oh, and karaoke with tanduay and Coke at Jelmar’s “resort”? Weird and wonderful—a night I won’t forget.
Malapascua
Now, for a lowlight. Malapascua, Philippines. Not great, not worth the hype, not the right moment. The “charm” of unpaved streets, locals selling tours and trinkets. “A local island,” they call it.
Too small for my post-Dinagat state of mind. Sure, there was beauty—North Beach, sunsets from Kokay’s, food at the market. It kind of grows on you. Just not enough on me.
Walking Gredos
After the tropical heat of the Philippines, it felt good to hit the mountains. With little wiggle room after moving houses in late August, I went for a short proximity trip to Gredos mountains with the kids.
Now, you know Gredos and I don’t always see eye to eye (too rocky, not forested enough), but this time was fun. Long hikes followed by refreshing swims in mountain creeks.
Oh, and Cinco Lagunas—five mountain tarns—might just be the most spectacular terrain in central Spain.
Vienna
Vienna in May. A slightly disappointing trip. Maybe not the best time for me. Still, I enjoyed the schnitzel, the art, the running—and watching tourists line up for the “must-sees.”
What stood out? A morning speed hike around Kahlenberg, a suburban hill with lovely stadtwanderwegen, vineyards, and views of the Danube. Oh and, getting in for free to Schloss Belvedere, bien sûr!
Hong Kong Blitz
Another favorite city, no doubt. I couldn’t wait to share it with K.
We booked an overnight stay at a solid hotel in Mongkok with stellar views. Thank God we did, because those two days were hectic. Highlights? Glorious dim sum in Central, the inescapable Symphony of Lights, sneaker shopping on Sneaker Street, and hyperventilating after a walk through the infamous Chungking Mansions.
We’ll be back.
Istanbul: You Made It to My Top Three
After an extended Easter trip and a quick July layover, I can say with confidence: Istanbul has made it to my Olympus of city escapes, alongside Bangkok and Berlin.
I have written about the place here and here.
So many layers of history. Such diverse architecture. And the water. From Euro-hip to Asian-traditional, Istanbul delivers the kind of cultural diversity you rarely see—each neighborhood like its own world.
Traveling Home
My last, and maybe best, travel moment of 2024? Coming home—to my newly purchased apartment in Tres Cantos.
This was a short but intense trip: house-hunting, mortgage-wrangling, renovating, clearing, moving, and—you can imagine the rest. Pretty happy throughout the process, and even happier now, sipping a cold one with nighttime views.
To life.
B-Side Travels 