"As the cover says, this is not a travel guide, but a travel journal. Don't be mistaken, though: It will provide you with just as much information on several parts of Portugal and Spain.

 

Instead of using the traditional (and exhausting) format of travel guides, where all pages are full of boxes and pictures and highlights and overwhelming information and what-not, the author does a great job of mixing historical research with personal experience and tips, while always dosing a great amount of humor, which makes the reading fluid and enjoyable. ​

 

At the end of it, the reader feels as he got to know just as much about the countries of Portugal and Spain as about Vien and her husband, Hermann, who I am pretty sure every reader would like to have as friends and travel companion for their next trip."