Maartje

Maartje's enthusiasm and curiosity knows no bounds. She loves museums, nature, food, walking, architecture, history, animals. Writing and photography is a big passion and she has been writing about cooking, minimalism, food, hotspots and travel for many years. Above all, she has a special place in her heart for castles, royal jewels and ancient Egypt. Maartje gave up her job as a lawyer to bring more balance to her life: less work and more life. Besides to The Orange Backpack, she works as a legal entrepreneur.

Recent Posts

Tirana’s attractions are diverse, ranging from a colossal pyramid to dual cathedrals, cutting-edge architecture, museums devoted to its communist past, and much more. The Albanian capital certainly earns its label as unique, and it’s clear that visitors either completely dislike the city or are thoroughly enchanted by

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When people think of Portugal, regions like the Algarve or Northern Portugal often steal the spotlight. Central Portugal, on the other hand, might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it absolutely should be. This diverse and enchanting region is home to some of the

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Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro draws countless visitors eager to explore its canals and glide through the water on its vibrant, gondola-like moliceiros. But let’s set that record straight—apart from its waterways, Aveiro has little in common with its famous Italian counterpart in our opinion. If

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Braga is a city brimming with remarkable attractions, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to its impressive array of churches, a sanctuary, and a magnificent cathedral. It’s no wonder this northern Portuguese city is often called the ‘Rome of Portugal’ or the ‘City of Churches.’ With one of

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Bilbao’s attractions certainly include the renowned Guggenheim Museum, but there’s more to this city than meets the eye. With a historic center filled with medieval buildings, a magnificent theater, modern architecture, and much more, Bilbao has evolved from a once-dull industrial town to a vibrant tourist hotspot

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Mondoñedo is a charming city in Northern Spain, whose historical grandeur and city status largely stem from its majestic cathedral. Despite its small size, the cathedral stands as a monumental structure that almost seems out of place in this quaint locale. We included Mondoñedo in our Northern

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