November Travels

This November, like never before I got to travel twice and spend two weeks away - one in Mijas, Spain and one back home in Bals, Romania. They were two very different trips but both very meaningful and full of joy, an emotional whirlwind as I travelled from the charming, sunlit streets of Mijas, Spain, back to London for a week and then onto the familiar embrace of my hometown in Romania. These two destinations couldn’t be more different, yet both left me with unforgettable memories, so bear with me while I take you on a journey through my November travels.

Mijas: Where Whitewashed Walls Meet the Blue Skies
Nestled in the hills of southern Spain on Costa del Sol, Mijas is the kind of postcard-perfect town that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a fairy tale, where every corner seems to be frozen in time, but filled with laughter and local goodies in the colourful shops. 
This was trip number 4 to this idyllic place - the village of Fuengirola. We just feel like home here and keep on coming back as it is the perfect location.
The architecture here is beautiful, with whitewashed houses clinging to cobbled streets, vibrant flower pots dotting the walls, and the scent of the Mediterranean Sea following you everywhere you go. You can get lost on the streets of Mijas or enjoy a long walk on the Fuengirola sea promenade while stopping by at the numerous Spanish restaurants and bars for food and drinks. 
Oh, the food - rich Spanish coffee paired with churros dunked in thick, velvety chocolate and tapas—patatas bravas, fresh fish, paella, the Spanish flan, sangria and the local beer! Each dish felt like a warm hug for my taste buds.
We decided to go and visit Ronda this time, a very old and picturesque city located on a cliffside up in the mountains of Malaga. Such a beautiful old town, with Spanish architecture at its finest and filled with so much history. We walked the beautiful parks and visited the famous Bull ring, taking in the breath-taking views from the bridge. What a gorgeous day! 
It was a holiday to remember and we came back rested and happy that we get to experience this beautiful place over and over again. 

Romania: Homecoming to Bals, Olt

After a week in London, I flew alone to Romania, where late autumn was in full swing. This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about reconnecting with family, solving ID issues and spending some time while working remotely, with mum and dad. 
Coming home always brings a mix of emotions. The familiarity of it all—the streets I’ve walked a thousand times, the smell of my mom’s cooking wafting through the door, and the warmth of my dad’s stories—has a way of grounding me.
Romanian cuisine deserves its own standing ovation. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of chicken soup, followed by meatballs and mash, and for dessert - my mom's tiramisu (one of my favourites) reminding me why nothing beats home cooking.
The city of Bals may not have the glamour of a tourist hotspot, but its charm lies in its simplicity. The chilly November air was scented with wood smoke, and there was an almost tangible anticipation for Christmas. Markets were gearing up with stalls selling handmade crafts, traditional Romanian sweets, and colourful ornaments. I got to visit the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe in Craiova, with my family and I was totally blown away of how beautiful everything is. The food and mulled wine were outstanding too. Loved all the décor and music, the streets of the fair were full of Christmas decorations and fairy lights creating the most perfect and biggest fair I have seen in a long time. Well done Craiova! 
And then it was that feeling of being surrounded by my roots, I went to visit my grandma's house and all the memories of my childhood ruched in reminding me of what a beautiful upbringing I had. There was a deep comfort in sitting at the kitchen table with my parents, my sister, my niece and my cousins and aunt sipping țuică (plum brandy) and laughing over old family stories.
I managed to have a perfect week away while being able to work remotely and getting my ID sorted. The perfect end to a year of amazing travels.
I am looking forward to more journeys next year that will fill our bellies with delicious food, our hearts with joy, and our cameras with too many photos.