Wendy, Associate Home Editor

I recently traveled to Spain for nine days. I visited Madrid, Toledo, Jaen, Granada, Nijar, Cartagona, Valencia, Tarragona and Barcelona. Despite cloudy weather and some rain nearly everyday, I walked each city’s maze-like streets to discover historic architecture and remote cafes. I set a goal before I left to walk at least five miles per day since I average about two and a half miles on a daily basis in New York, but I actually ended up walking a lot more. I didn’t want to miss any of the non-touristy gems, so I found myself forgoing the convenience of cabs and tour buses to journey on foot. I had a great tour book that offered a walking tour in every town I stopped in, and I took full advantage of these. Of course, I rewarded myself with a few guilty pleasures. I found a delicious café tucked away on a tiny street in Madrid where they served piping hot churros (a Spanish donut) with a cup of melted chocolate for dipping. It was heavenly, so I indulged in a heaping serving, then walked it off.