Monthly Archives: July 2012

  • Vampire of the night!

    July 4, 2012

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    Ibiza, Spain…NYC may be the city that never sleeps, but Spain redefines the late night club crawl! Here on Ibiza, nothing even starts going til 11 pm and it really kicks off at 3 am. Don’t expect to get much sleep…

    Centered mainly in Ibiza town, Beautiful people all party together…gay, straight, whatever all having a great time all night long! It takes some getting used to as there are some cultural differences. The Spanish are very passionate and tend to speak very closely…it seems very sexual to those not used to it, but soon you realize it’s just the way it is and there is no hidden meaning. The Spanish are very forward as well, so if they are interested in something more, they will make it very clear!

    So I am channelling my inner vampire and dancing until dawn under a full moon…this island doesn’t burn the midnight oil, it seems midnight is barely the beginning of the burn. A post-beach Disco nap is a must in order to go the distance!

    Sitting at an outdoor bar from 11:30 pm on, I was stimulated by a host of activities: masseurs roaming around offering free rubs, fireworks being set off from rooftops, parades of drag queens and models, friendly Spaniards & revelers, and a vibe of total fun!

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  • Viva Old & New!

    July 2, 2012

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    Seville, Spain…today I set out from our port of Cadiz to the beautiful city of Seville. Renfe trains are modern and clean and the ride was easy and comfortable.
    I am awestruck by the juxtaposition of modern futuristic architecture amongst buildings centuries old. Cutting edge work such as the spectacular Metropol Parasol (the world’s largest wooden structure) built so amazingly like a waffle in the sky to the Alamillo Bridge are set amongst the Cathedral of Sevilla housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the royal residence, Alcazar, built in the 10th Century by Muslim Kings.

    I am totally inspired by how seamlessly it all works together. I realize this is a great idea for fashion. People refer to style that is futuristic or weird as “Avant Garde”, but by mixing it together with classic or traditional pieces it really is not so weird or “out there”, rather it pays respect to the past and speaks to the need for the future!

    I suggest walking from Parasol to the Cathedral as the stroll through winding narrow cobblestone lanes allowed me to stumble across tiny shops selling the most amazing handmade scarves, jewelry, and couture gowns all made by Spanish artisans!

    Viva Espana and congrats on your big soccer win last night over Italy…you can feel the country’s pride everywhere today!20120702-141746.jpg20120702-141803.jpg20120702-141855.jpg

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  • Going nuts with Picasso!

    July 1, 2012

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    Malaga,Spain…A charming Andalusian town in southern Spain! The church bells toll loudly throughout the tiny streets on this picture perfect Sunday. It is so amazing how communities everywhere are centered around their faith, here it seems the entire town is congregated in church to pray!

    I am a fanatic for Spanish Almonds (almendras) or Marcona Almonds as you see in the US…here in Malaga they sell them on every corner…YUM! It’s a must (of course, a pitcher of Sangria pairs perfectly!)
    Boyhood home to Picasso, there is a small yet charming museum showcasing his work…for me, seeing how any artist’s mind work is the bigger thrill than the end result. I love seeing the sketches or studies that drove the creativity! I have been sketching for as long as I can remember and seeing a sketchbook from Pablo Picasso in this beautiful town just made my day…

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  • Hit by rough seas!

    July 1, 2012

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    Well not the water…but sometimes plans need to change! I never anticipated any part of this trip being part of any diplomatic or political issues…but it has become part of an international controversy.
    Morocco has decided to not allow us to enter their country. This is an Islamic country and they decided at the last minute they did not want to welcome a ship of gay men in!
    Well as I have said before, this is a journey to understand local customs and cultures…this culture has decided not to tolerate GAY men…yes this still exists in 2012!
    This doesn’t dampen anything, but rather reminds me how lucky I amto live in a part of the world where I am free to travel the globe and live as a fashionably gay man!
    Now enough of politics…Malaga, Spain here I come.