Kwei Quartey, MD, blogs about African writing and literature, African mysteries, being a Ghanaian-American writer, travel to Africa and beyond, human rights, politics, popular culture, and medicine.

A Morning in Oviedo In Oviedo one morning, a boy of sixteen or seventeen walked past me, taking long drags on a cigarette. For him, it was ordinary. For me, it was a mix of resentment over exposure to secondhand smoke and dismay that someone so young was likely already addicted to cigarettes. To be blunt, Spain has a massive, epidemic-sized smoking problem. Smoking is everywhere. Coming from the US, you realize it within the first few hours. I witnessed a young mother puffin

Exploring the Covadonga Lakes: Nature's Hidden Gem in Northern Spain Introduction The Covadonga Lakes in northern Spain are more than just a scenic stop—they’re a geological record. Set high in the Picos de Europa mountains, these lakes were carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Today, the area draws visitors for its layered history: the battle that began the Reconquista, the basilica built into the landscape, and the stark white limestone that frames every view. Mount

The Camino Primitivo Begins in Oviedo Walking through Oviedo, you’ll notice bronze scallop shells set into the pavement. These markers...

Oviedo’s Unique Character: The Skyline Without Skyscrapers Oviedo doesn’t need glass towers to impress. Strict urban planning laws keep the skyline low and human-scaled. This ensures uninterrupted views of Mount Naranco. This commitment to balance between architecture and nature is part of what makes Oviedo’s unique character stand out in Spain. Avenida de Galicia, Oviedo Oviedo’s Unique Character: A City of Statues More than one hundred statues grace Oviedo’s streets. From

Living in Oviedo, Spain: The Pros Oviedo’s architecture, statues & fountains Short version: elegant, human-scaled buildings—and a...

A Visit to the Policía Nacional HQ Yesterday morning, I found myself at the Policía Nacional HQ in Oviedo. Don't worry; it was just for...

San Francisco Park, Oviedo Next Step in Oviedo Travel Once I woke up on day two, I had two priorities: to wander and observe, and to find...

T4 at Madrid-Barajas Airport Terminal 4 at Madrid–Barajas isn’t just striking—it’s designed to calm. The wave-like bamboo ceiling,...

I’m jumping on for a quick update about my move to Oviedo, España. Last week was stressful as I moved into temporary lodgings at an Airbnb. My lease at my Pasadena apartment had come to an end. Booking an Airbnb—what I'm calling an "Airbnb shuffle"—is always a bit of a gamble. Unfortunately, my first choice was not great. It had an unwelcoming appearance outside. Peeling, bile-colored paint When the Photos Lie Inside wasn’t much better. The cramped quarters looked nothing lik