Umbria Jazz Photo Diary

The first two weeks of July I was in Perugia, Italy, for the Umbria Jazz festival. Umbria Jazz 26 was held a week earlier than usual, because the organizers wanted to book Sting, who was available only on July 3rd. It was definitely worth it! Sting has performed in Perugia three times: in 1987, 2012 and 2026. I was there in 2012 as well and I have to say, Sting looked and sounded better than ever before!

Umbria Jazz 26 had a recordbreaking number of sold tickets... 46,000! There was an average of 20,000 visitors per day (for 10 days) who watched approximately 275 shows (28 shows per day, divided over 15 venues). Can you believe that? It's the biggest jazz festival in Italy and I will show you why. Perugia is a beautiful city, with stunning architecture. There are many -and I do mean many- good restaurants and bars. The local food is no nonsense, just how I like it! Pasta, pizza, veggies and salads, hamburgers... there is something to suit al tastes.

Umbria Jazz always knows how to please the crowds.... from big pop and rock stars at the Arena Santa Giuliana (their biggest venue) to "niche" jazz musicians at the Teatro Morlacchi and Sala Podiani... From jazz music for kids to the "swing stage" at Mercato Coperto, where people could dance to traditional jazz music... From jazz lunches and aperitivi at restaurant La Taverna and wine bar La Bottega del Vino to blues and rock and roll at the Giardini Carducci... it's just too much to mention.

Some of my favorite shows included Sting, Jon Batiste, Gilberto Gil, Zucchero, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Kenny Barron, Sugarpie and the Candymen (at La Bottega del Vino), Accordi Disaccordi and Ray Gelato (both at Giardini Carducci). Unfortunately I also missed several concerts that I really wanted to see... but that's just part of the deal when you're at a big music festival.

What I love most about Umbria Jazz is the people and the atmosphere. While Perugia is very crowded during Umbria Jazz, there are still places and moments to enjoy a romantic sunset, watching little kids dance to jazz music, an unexpected street artist who takes your breath away, connecting with old and new friends, dancing salsa and samba at the arena, sipping an Aperól Spritz while overlooking the Umbrian hills... 

Thank you Perugia and thank you Umbria Jazz!

Want to read more about Perugia and the Umbria Jazz festival? Please continue here:
Five things to do in Perugia
Holiday Season in Umbria
Ristorante La Taverna Perugia

Citytrip Valencia

Valencia... it seems like everybody is going there right now! I recently visited this beautiful Spanish city for the first time and I have to say "wow"! I absolutely loved the architecture, the museums, the cathedral, the (enormous) Turia garden, all the pretty squares, the beach and of course the people. 

Valencia has a very mediterranean vibe and laidback atmosphere. Especially the boho district "Ruzafa" gave me that holiday feeling. In certain streets it actually felt a bit like Cuba, with all the colorful houses, palm trees, artesan and vintage shops.

Talking about vintage shops... I found a true gem on Gran Via de las Germanies, "El Vestidor Vintage". This beautiful store specializes in luxury vintage. Items include dresses by Emilio Pucci, Balenciaga, Natan, shoes by Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and bags by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Loewe.

Besides vintage fashion, you can find all the big brands in Valencia: Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo (near the Poeta Querol street and the ceramics museum), Zara, Mango, H&M, Intimissimi and so on. The prettiest fashion store in Valencia, if you ask me, is Loewe. The store is located at the Plaza de la Reina, in a recently restored Art Nouveau building.

In case you're not a fashion lover... no worries! There is something to do for everyone. Art lovers should not miss the Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia, which has a large collection of paintings by local artist Joaquín Sorolla. Another favourite of mine is the ceramics museum, located inside a stunning building, Palacio del Marqués de dos Aguas. Even if you're not interested in ceramics, this museum is a must!

To get to know the city better, I would recommend taking a bicycle tour. You can explore all the major tourist attractions, as well as the Turia garden (a 9 kilometer long park) in a couple of hours. I went on a tour with Verrassend Valencia, a Dutch organisation, but there are many different ones. Most of them can be found in Ruzafa, in Carrer de Cuba.

And then I haven't even told you about all the bars and restaurants.... Valencia is definitely a place for foodies. From trying the local paella, to all the different tapas, from Horchata and Fartons to Argentinian pastries... it's hard to choose. You can start by going to the central market and try to conquer a spot at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena.

Another great place is the roof top bar Atenea Sky, overlooking the Plaza de Ayuntamiento. It's a very trendy place, with cocktails and DJs... so dress the part and order a "Agua de Valencia"! But beware, this drink has absolutely nothing to do with water... it's a (strong) cocktail made with orange juice, cava, vodka and gin.

Well, I guess you just have to take my word for it: Valencia is the place to be!

Photos taken at:
Atenea Sky https://ateneasky.com/en/
El Vestidor Vintage https://elvestidorvintage.com/
DDL Boutique https://www.ddlboutique.com/
Ceramics Museum https://www.cultura.gob.es/mnceramica/en/home.html
Marina Beach Club Valencia https://marinabeachclub.com/en/home/
Santo Pastel https://santopastel.es/
Loewe store https://www.loewe.com/eur/en/home
Museo de Bellas Artes Valencia https://museobellasartesvalencia.gva.es/va/
Verrassend Valencia https://www.verrassendvalencia.nl/

Blue Monday, Blue Happiness

It's Blue Monday again. Supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The holidays are over, you have spent al your money (on Christmas gifts), days are still short, the weather is cold, spring is still far away.... Who can blame you when you're feeling down?

While these things may or may not be influencing your state of mind, (real) despression is no joke... many people are struggling with despression every day. So please check in with your family and friends, to see if they're okay.

And on a lighter note, you have to realise that the concept of Blue Monday was invented by a PR agency (to sell vacations)! So instead of focusing on the negative part, I would like to give you some blue inspiration. Travel and fashion inspiration that is. The color blue always makes me happy, because it's the color of the sky and the ocean! Hopefully my photos can brighten up your day!

Photos taken in Capri, Ischia, Naples, Lisbon and The Hague

Blue blazer by Zara

Blue and gold bag by Yam Capri

Blue checkered bag by Mercedes Salazar 

Blue dress by Agua by Agua Bendita 

For more blue inspiration, check out one of my previous articles:

Happy Blue Monday 2025

I Looove Blue and White

Favorite Holiday Destinations Capri