About Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith was born with an insatiable need to learn. His wife Nancy often refers to him as "Johnny 5" in reference to the robot in the movie "Short Circuit" who was obsessed with learning. Today after 38 years of working and overseeing Research and Development at a major software company he pursues topics of his own choosing. His thrust for knowledge spans a wide variety topics including traveling, history and a deep fascination for how and why things works the way they do.

Captivated by Granada, Spain

This is the sixth post in a 7-part series about our Spain adventure! After an incredible dive into the history of Córdoba and Seville, we headed further east into the mountains of Andalusia. Our destination was the spectacular city of Granada, a place where vibrant Spanish culture seamlessly blends with centuries of breathtaking Islamic history. We spent a couple of days exploring its labyrinthine neighborhoods, sampling the local flavors, and visiting the world-famous Alhambra. [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:44:55-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Málaga, Spain: Coastal Charm and Cliffside Wonders

Welcome to the seventh post in our 7-part series about our Spain adventure! After an incredible time soaking in the history of Granada, we packed up and headed south toward the coast. This segment focuses on our unforgettable stay in Málaga, a vibrant port city full of surprises, and our journey into the breathtaking mountain villages nearby. Spain Road Trip Overview Day 1: Granada to Málaga & A Taste of the City The [...]

By |2026-07-06T12:30:48-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Córdoba and Seville, Spain: Exploring Andalusian Wonders

This is Part 5 of our grand, 7-part Spain journey. After a spectacular time in Madrid, we headed south into the heart of Andalusia. Our destination was the historic city of Córdoba for a multi-day deep dive into its Roman and Moorish past, including a brilliant excursion into the vibrant streets of Seville. Day 1: Roman Roots and Islamic Splendor Córdoba Train Station Our adventure began at Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station, where [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:49:01-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Postcard from Madrid: 5 Days of Culture, Castles, and World-Class Tapas

This is the fourth post of our 7-part series about our Spain adventure!  If you are planning a trip to central Spain, there is no better way to do it than using the vibrant capital of Madrid as your anchor. We recently spent five incredible days exploring the bustling grand avenues of Madrid while using Spain's fantastic rail system to take unforgettable day trips to historic regions like Toledo, Segovia and Ávila. From 300-year-old restaurants [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:40:32-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Barcelona Spain: Three Days of History, Streets, and Side Trips

This is the third post in a 7-part series about our Spain adventure!  We were fortunate to be traveling with our friends Brigid & Tom in Barcelona, which is located in the Catalonia region of Spain.    Barcelona was the final port stop on a multi-country cruise - and it's here that we start our own train & road trip in Spain. Day 1 – Barcelona & Montserrat Hotel España We based ourselves [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:38:26-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Valencia Spain: An Adventure to Sagunto

This is the second post in a 7-part series about our Spain adventure!  Once again, this was a port stop on a multi-country cruise.  This segment focuses on our time in Valencia and our journey to the nearby city of Sagunto. A Day of Architecture, History, and Hidden Rivers Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences Our first stop of the day was the City of Arts and Sciences, where we spent a long [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:35:28-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|0 Comments

Cádiz Spain: An Adventure to Jerez

This is the first post in a 7-part series about our Spain adventure!  We were fortunate to be traveling with our friends Brigid & Tom in this general area of Andalusia.  Cádiz was a port stop on a multi-country cruise. Spain Road Trip Overview Cádiz to Jerez del la Frontera Cádiz was the first city we stopped in on our three-week Spain adventure. We spent the early part of the morning traveling inland [...]

By |2026-07-06T13:33:31-05:00July 6, 2026|Europe, Spain|3 Comments

Part VI — Brazil: The Final Stretch North

Overview This is part 6 of a 6-part series which covers the Brazil portion of our 54-day journey.  Our trip took us through Central America and then down the west coast of South America to Antarctica before ending in Brazil. The Complete Series can be found here: Part I — Central America & the Panama Canal: The Journey Begins Part II -- Across Ecuador & Peru: Markets, Monasteries, and Lost Civilizations Part III [...]

By |2026-03-02T14:47:34-05:00March 2, 2026|Brazil, South America|Comments Off on Part VI — Brazil: The Final Stretch North

Part V – Uruguay: Beach Resorts and Wineries

Overview This is part 5 of a 6-part series which covers the Uruguay portion of our 54-day journey.  Our trip took us through Central America and then down the west coast of South America to Antarctica before ending in Brazil. The Complete Series can be found here: Part I — Central America & the Panama Canal: The Journey Begins Part II -- Across Ecuador & Peru: Markets, Monasteries, and Lost Civilizations Part III [...]

By |2026-03-02T14:21:53-05:00March 2, 2026|South America, Uruguay|0 Comments

Part IV — Argentina, The Falkland Islands & Antarctica: To the End of the World

Overview This is part 4 of a 6-part series which covers the Argentina, Antarctica and Falkland Islands portion of our 54-day journey.  Our trip took us through Central America and then down the west coast of South America to Antarctica before ending in Brazil.   The Complete Series can be found here: Part I — Central America & the Panama Canal: The Journey Begins Part II - Across Ecuador & Peru: Markets, Monasteries, [...]

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