Category Archives: Spain

  • Baby, you’re a Firework!

    July 6, 2012

    4 Comments

    I made it…Pamplona!
    Well after quite an adventure, the bus pulled in to Pamplona and I admit I got a little sappy…I cried
    a bit! I just couldn’t believe I got here and I never thought I would ever be in Pamplona. A rush full of all the emotions that this trip holds came over me. Travel is so special to me and the world has so much to experience and this is one of those infamous ones!

    Well, this town is over run with people EVERYWHERE…this is not just a running of the bulls but a 9 day festival named the San Fermin Festival. The streets are flooded with people dressed in white with red scarves cleverly tied at their necks and soaked in red wine that they pour on each other! I mean this is an over-the-top party, the likes of which I have never seen! A crazy mix of drunk & drenched revelers and a riot of free spirited fun.

    People are camping in parks, using outdoor bathrooms, and passed out in the streets just in order to be part of it all. I saw people from every corner of the world as well as every generation. The Spanish are so captivated by this age old fiesta that it’s telecast 24 hours a day on National TV.

    I strolled around to get acquainted and got off pretty unscathed…I got hit with a few slices of Sangria fruit and had sticky shoes, but not a drop of wine spilled on me, even though I was offered my fair share!

    I bought my mandatory white and red gear and headed out for a spectacular late night fireworks display…what a show!!!

    I will say it again, the Spanish do know how to PARTY! Tomorrow is the big day…The Running of the Bulls.

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  • Running to the Bulls!

    July 6, 2012

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    I arrived back in Barcelona and I must admit I am officially out of my element! No concierge, No guidebook, Nada! Today I am heading to Pamplona to watch the infamous running of the bulls (I don’t plan to get chased by them).

    I couldn’t be more excited, but I am gonna need a huge dose of positive travel karma in order to get me there! No chauffeur or red carpet treatment on this trip…this journey to see an event I have dreamed of experiencing is becoming daunting, even for an experienced traveller like myself. The trains are all full, the hotels are all full, and most of the viewing spots along the run are taken!

    I have learned that staying strong and not giving up is key when traveling…ask, do not be shy, try every angle, and most importantly forge on!

    I am not nearly as calm as sound, I was swearing up and down that confusing Barcelona Sants train station going from window to window until I figured out a way to get to Pamplona. The Catalan language is so hard to understand and finding an English speaker is very elusive! So here I go; I believe I found a 1 star hostel (yikes!), I am taking a train to Zaragoza and hopefully a bus onwards from there, and I think I even secured a tiny spot on a miniature balcony overlooking the running of the bulls.

    Pamplona here I come…I think I already stared down a few bulls in my effort to get there and not sure what the rest of the route will hold! I may just be fool hardy enough to put on all white, tie on a red neck scarf, and run with those damn bulls if I am lucky enough to ever get there!

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  • Lost in Space!

    July 5, 2012

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    Today is a big WOW! I am strolling thru what looks like Mars or some sci-fi set for a futuristic movie feeling like somehow I have been transported into OuterSpace. I am not lost, rather I found the nirvana of modern and forward thinking architecture in of all places, Valencia, Spain!

    I am walking around having to pick my jaw off the floor at every turn…I am at the site of Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias (the city of arts & sciences) not far from the old town center of Valencia. Museums can be boring, but not here!
    Creativity is king…we can do anything with imagination. Spain is a testament to this and this country has sparked so much inspiration with it’s blend of old & new! This is beyond sightseeing, this is a religious experience for anyone creative or anyone who appreciates creativity.

    Architecture so perfect and symmetrical yet like nothing you have ever seen! Whitewashed and glowing under the intense sun, there is something to see at every angle.

    Rent a bike and enjoy a ride around this amazing complex labryinth of curves and angles. Duck under arches and pillars and test some of the acoustic wonders this place holds!

    I loved the kids playing in inflatable balls in one of the lagoons.

    Valencia is the birth place of Paella, but I will remember this place for opening my eyes to so many design possibilities!

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  • Playing the markets!

    July 5, 2012

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    My first stop in any city, no matter where in the world, is the local market. Anyone who has travelled with me has experienced this pilgrimage! It’s not about food (though I love sampling food of any kind!), it’s about soaking in the local flavor…the regional delicacies,the aromas, and seeing how residents live.

    Today I am in Valencia,Spain and my first stop is Mercat Central (Central Market)! I just love it!
    Local women shopping for today’s meals, men sipping strong coffee, vendors hawking local finds, and tourists alike in this gorgeous Gothic style market. The home to the famous orange, there is so much more to see, hear, and smell here…

    You can get no better sense of a place than spending a morning in the local market.

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  • My day in the sun!

    July 4, 2012

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    After a late night and much needed sleeping in, the beach in Ibiza was calling my name…
    Arriving in town around noon, I dont recognize it from last night…hardly awake, shops and restaurants are just starting to open for the day. You really need to get on a whole other time here!

    A quick trip from town, Es Cavallet beach (or “playa” in Spanish) is the hip spot to chill. Blue water, soft sand, more gorgeous people (many nude!), and lots of sangria or cervezas(beer)! I am loving the parmesan spread, fresh bread, and delicious olives as I sip away at my Sangria looking out at the clear blue water with yachts pulling into harbor in the distance.
    Gorgeous people frolicking in the sand add to the already gorgeous view!

    There are beach chairs and umbrellas available and a restaurant serving up cold drinks and good food.

    Aww…the good life in Espana!

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  • 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

    2 Comments

    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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