The journal
The R&J Journal
From Palm Springs to the Danube and back — where to eat, what to see, and what's actually worth the trip. A decade of notes from two people who can't sit still.
Featured · Adventures
What a European River Cruise Is Actually Like
Budapest to Vienna and every sleepy village in between. What it costs, what to pack, whether the excursions are worth it, and why we'd step back on board tomorrow — the honest rundown after a week drifting down the Danube.
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City Guides
48 Hours in Budapest
The thermal baths, the ruin bars, and the Parliament glowing over the Danube at dusk. How to see the best of Hungary's grand capital in a single weekend.
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Architecture
Imperial Vienna: The Hofburg & Beyond
Habsburg grandeur around every corner, coffee houses that haven't changed in a century, and the palace that ruled an empire. A walking guide to Austria's regal heart.
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Eat & Drink
Málaga After Dark
Rooftop bars, late-night tapas, and the best sunset on the Costa del Sol. Where to eat and drink in southern Spain's most underrated city.
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Insider Tips
The Best View in Barcelona
Skip the crowds at Park Güell. The cable car up Montjuïc hands you the whole city, the sea, and the Sagrada Família's spires all in one frame.
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Adventures
Barcelona's Hilltop Castle
The old fortress guarding the harbor, the gardens on the climb up, and why Montjuïc is the half-day most visitors skip — and absolutely shouldn't.
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Architecture
Inside the Royal Palace of Madrid
Gilded ceilings, marble halls, and more gold leaf than one monarchy could ever need. A look inside Europe's largest working royal palace.
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Adventures
A Castle Road Trip Through Ireland
Medieval ruins, impossibly green hills, and a rental car on the wrong side of the road. The route we drove and the stops worth every detour.
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City Guides
A Rainy Day in Madrid
When the sky opens over the Spanish capital: palaces, tapas bars, and three of the world's greatest art museums, all within an easy walk.
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Our current partners.
The restaurants, tour companies, and gear we recommend — because we actually use them. Some of these links are affiliate; all of them are honest.
Restaurant
Cheeky's
Palm Canyon Dr.
Restaurant
Workshop Kitchen
Uptown Design District
Adventure
PS Aerial Tramway
To 8,500 ft
Adventure
Joshua Tree Tours
Half-day guided
Wellness
Two Bunch Palms
Historic mineral spa
Drink
Bootlegger Tiki
Palm Canyon
Gear
REI Co-op
Desert gear picks
Book Tours
Viator
Curated day trips
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Or call us — Jim 612-716-4002 · Rod 651-329-9172