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rss The Lowdown by Marion Wise.

Marion Wise In 2004, I graduated from UCLA with a degree in English. When I studied abroad in Alcala de Henares, Spain (through the University of California's Education Abroad Program) in fall, 2002 and when I traveled in Europe in summer, 2004, I found that I wanted to share the experiences I had and the lessons I learned with others who also enjoy traveling. I also write to remember, to savor those experiences and remind myself of the lessons I learned.

The Lowdown on Alcala, Spain

October 1st, 2005

Alcala, Culture, General Info

Small Town Spanish Culture in Alcala

Families, young people, and elderly couples stroll leisurely up and down the packed street, not heading anywhere in particular, just enjoying the company of loved ones and relishing in the cool evenin..

The Lowdown on Madrid, Spain

December 2nd, 2002

Madrid, Culture, Sports

Futbol in Spain

It was Saturday night and the bars were packed at 9 p.m...

November 22nd, 2002

Madrid, Culture

Un Pais Precioso

Visiting Spain is like visiting many small countries wrapped up into one. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people, interesting food, amazing art, and many fascinating places to visit...

November 22nd, 2002

Madrid, Culture, Living Abroad, Study Abroad

Four Months Too Short

I have only one month left in this precious country, and I honestly don’t know what I will do when I have to leave. I know this for sure: I will not want to leave...

November 9th, 2002

Madrid, Food and Drink

Scrumptious Spanish Sweets.

The sweet smell of waffles and chocolate floats your way, teasing and taunting you until I feel forced to enter the pastelería to try a gofrey...

October 21st, 2002

Madrid, Culture, Living Abroad

Learning Spanish Abroad.

My eyes are fixed intently on the coach addressing our team, and I can only hope that I don’t look like I have a blank stare on my face, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I do.

"Concentrate...

October 5th, 2002

Madrid, Culture

The Spanish Way of Life.

This is it. This is Spanish life in Alcalá de Henares, an historic city 35 kilometers east of Madrid...

September 29th, 2002

Madrid, Sports

Racing the Clock.

Two police officers speed down the street, blue lights flashing on the front of their motorcycles. Not far behind is a cyclist, donning sunglasses as he races against the clock...

The Lowdown on Pyrenees, France

October 1st, 2005

Pyrenees, Culture, Festivals and Events, Sports

Invigorating and Awe Inspiring.

St. Lary Soulan is a small town (village really) situated deep in the French Pyrenees, almost on the Spanish border. Although it's not easily accessible by public transportation, the town is packed...

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Travel goodies for your trip

Some Featured Cities

Urban Lowdown writers are there, now, writing about cities around the world with an insight printed guidebooks can't match.

  • Cernosice, Czech Republic
  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Malmo, Sweden
  • Glasgow, Scotland
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