This sunrise shot was taken by Nicole early one morning in late November. We slept in our van near the beach on New Zealand’s South Island. She woke up early to wait for the sun to rise. Me? I was asleep.
Today’s Monday’ Escape takes you to Vejer de la Frontera – one of the most beautiful, yet forlorn, towns on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos in Southern Spain.
The old, whitewashed village (save for the iron gates along the walls and the exotic flowers snaking up buildings) is known for having the highest suicide rate of any municipality in Spain, but the atun a la plancha (grilled tuna) from nearby Barbate can bring you back to life. The town can be a little, well, dead during the afternoon siesta hours, so it’s suited for hiking the hills and visiting the ruins of the old Moorish castle after a quick lunch in Bar Navarro (C/Juan Bueno, 8).
The best views of the countryside and Mediterranen are seen from the casco antiguo, starting from Plaza de Espana and snaking up the old city ramparts. From here, you can see the Cabo de Trafalgar, where the British Royal Navy defeated Napolean’s fleet in 1805. The wind, said to be the reason for so many suicides, can turn chilly, so dress in layers. The pace slows down even more at night, so it’s best to stay Cadiz for a bit more nightlife.
Not to be missed at the excellent beaches (and fresh seafood!) of Conil de la Frontera and Zahara de los Atunes, each a 20-minute ride in either direction.
Thanks to Catt Gaa from Sunshine and Siestas for providing today’s Monday Escape. Cat is an expat who currently teaches English in Sevilla. Read Part 1 and Part 2 of my interviews with Cat about her experiences teaching English in Spain.
Would you like to see your pictures featured on Backpackingmatt’s Monday Escape? Email me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com
New Zealand’s Bridal Veil Falls are located on the North Island’s west coast in the Waikato Region. At 55 meters high (180 feet), they are often regarded as being the most spectacular waterfalls on the North Island. It’s a beautiful area of New Zealand, with vast expanses of green, rolling hills.
While the Huka Falls near Taupo are impressive for the sheer volume of water that gets pushed through such a narrow opening, I don’t think they can compete with the views of the Bridal Veil Falls. They’re very easily accessible, yet chances are they won’t be overrun by tourists like the Huka Falls in Taupo.
You can get to the falls by driving about 15 minutes from Raglan – a quaint, seaside, surf town. Once you arrive at the car park, a quick ten minute walk through native bush brings you to the top of the falls. The path takes you through dense bush filled with New Zealand ferns. You’re separated from the lip of the falls by only a small, wooden fence and can feel the cool mist blowing off the rushing water. There are excellent views down the entire length of the falls.
From here, you have the option of continuing to the base of the falls. A ten minute walk down a steep set of stairs brings you to the pool at the base. If the sun is right, you’re guaranteed some great rainbow pictures in the waterfall’s mist (it wasn’t right for me!).
The Maori name for the falls is Waireinga. This means, “water of the underworld.” As the water plummets off the hard, basalt rock lip, it lands in a pool of sandstone which has been slowly eroded over time. The water then disappears into the thick bush.
There are no public transport options from Raglan to get you to the falls. If you’re traveling without a car, I imagine hitching wouldn’t be a problem. From what I’ve heard, it’s not a problem anywhere in New Zealand – especially near a surf community such as Raglan. It’s a quick, half day trip and well worth your time.
Franz Josef Glacier is 12 kilometers long and found on New Zealand’s West Coast (South Island). It’s the world’s fastest moving glacier – moving at speeds of up to one meter per day. Big Franz Glacier is located only 300 meters above sea level and is surrounded near its base by temperate rainforest.
It’s a fascinating sight, as this photo hopefully shows.
You have a number of different options if you want to see the glacier.
I took the photo featured here from the summit of Alex Knob. This 4,249 foot peak can be reached in about four hours. The trail head leaves from just outside of the village.
It’s a challenging walk, but you’re afforded superb views of the glacier, the surrounding mountains, and the Tasman Sea – so long as you go on a clear day. The earlier you start, the better your chances of reaching the summit before the afternoon clouds roll in.
Do you have a photo and a brief write-up you’d like featured on Backpackingmatt’s Monday Escape? Email me at matt (at) backpackingmatt (dot) com. I’ll gladly post your photo with a link back to your blog. Cheers!
On my interrail trip across Europe in 2008, I decided to begin my journey across the continent in Amsterdam. Amsterdam was a ‘must see’ for me and should be for any backpacker.
Considering its location, Amsterdam is a logical place to start your interrail trip. You can head south to France via Belgium, or you can head east to Germany. Whichever path you decide to take, Amsterdam is beautiful city and well worth a couple days of your time.
Amsterdam is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North.’ It’s full of picturesque canals, 17th Century cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, famed coffeeshops, and terrific museums. And, well, prostitutes. With decriminalized drugs and legalized prostitution, Amsterdam undoubtedly has quite the reputation among backpackers. But if you visit Amsterdam and walk away only knowing the Red Light District and a couple of coffee shops, you’ve missed out.
Don’t miss …
Find more more Amsterdam pictures here.
Backpacking Matt 
