Well, our budget and our own preferences have confined us to enjoy Spain pretty much in Barcelona.
We´ve decided it was too much travel to venture to central Spain and Northen Spain.
Essentially we have exhausted as much of Spain as we like and we´re pretty much on the end of the ´romantic idealism´of European travel. The good things is we´ve absorbed and experienced as much of Spain too fully appreciate it, but at the same time we found out something about ourselves...we would just be as happy in Montana in a elegant, rustic log cabin or in Yosemite.
The trip has been rich and rewarding, but M and I are very much rural people and the most enjoyable trip of Spain is our visit to a monastery high in the mountains of Spain. The traffic, pollution and graffiti in Barcelona is something we can do without but the electric night life, and the culture is just as great, but not something so great we would want to move here. All in all, we´ve enjoyed our trip so far, but are looking forward to coming home. We miss family, friends and that´s what really matters, but we do have each other and had a good time of bonding and increasing our relationship as husband and wife.
Salud!
WE are safe and sound too....
Oct 30, 2007
Oct 25, 2007
Wed at Barcelona
Michele and I are sitting in a nice hotel that is not ours and writing in this blog to fill everyone in on what´s going on.
Some highlights
The computer is a valuable source for booking information, and we seriously regret not bringing it. Information is power and having more info is certainly empowering. The computer can translate alot of stuff for you and make great hotel reservations when needed.
CLEAN AIR...NOT!!! We really are astounded by the air quality...everyone smokes and the pollution is certainly not regulated.
THE GOOD HIGHLIGHTS
The cathedrals are nothing short of amazing! We were blown away and got some great video as your personal Spain tour guides.
The food has been pretty good, and we got good variety.
The city itself is full of life in Barcelona, but for Salou it feels like anytown beach USA.
The city of Barcelona is relatively safe and the walking points of interest is vast. Michele and I covered so much area a local asked, YOU ARE WALKING BACK WHERE?
And finally, Michele almost got hit by a bus...side swiped to the back to my horror...but thankfully God was there to pull her head out! I was sick to my stomach, but absolutely grateful that she´s ok. I guess we will have to watch over her like a four year old for now. hee hee.
We miss friends and family..learning Spanish....eating well...missing good organic veggies...but otherwise having a good time with each other.
We will have plenty of good video footage when we start editing.
Some highlights
The computer is a valuable source for booking information, and we seriously regret not bringing it. Information is power and having more info is certainly empowering. The computer can translate alot of stuff for you and make great hotel reservations when needed.
CLEAN AIR...NOT!!! We really are astounded by the air quality...everyone smokes and the pollution is certainly not regulated.
THE GOOD HIGHLIGHTS
The cathedrals are nothing short of amazing! We were blown away and got some great video as your personal Spain tour guides.
The food has been pretty good, and we got good variety.
The city itself is full of life in Barcelona, but for Salou it feels like anytown beach USA.
The city of Barcelona is relatively safe and the walking points of interest is vast. Michele and I covered so much area a local asked, YOU ARE WALKING BACK WHERE?
And finally, Michele almost got hit by a bus...side swiped to the back to my horror...but thankfully God was there to pull her head out! I was sick to my stomach, but absolutely grateful that she´s ok. I guess we will have to watch over her like a four year old for now. hee hee.
We miss friends and family..learning Spanish....eating well...missing good organic veggies...but otherwise having a good time with each other.
We will have plenty of good video footage when we start editing.
Oct 24, 2007
communicating with me
The best way to communicate with me is through this blog.
Just leave a comment and I´ll read it and reply accordingly.
It´s our third day and we don´t regret biting the bullet for a good stay in this hotel Colon near the most beautiful cathedral i´ve seen.
Just leave a comment and I´ll read it and reply accordingly.
It´s our third day and we don´t regret biting the bullet for a good stay in this hotel Colon near the most beautiful cathedral i´ve seen.
Oct 23, 2007
Spain
Ok first entry of blog into Spain.
Michele and I first don´t like the train system or the bus schedules.
Why? Beccause no one keeps to the schedule. Everything is pretty much ´tomrrow´ and if you´re not quick to adapt to the Spanish schedule you will be hosed.
Our first day was all travel. We left at 5, stayed on the runway for one hour and then it was a 10 hour flight and another 3 hour bus ride to the time share. The timeshare was not I expected. It was really apartments...and in Spain it would be considered spacious and luxury. In the United States it would be Motel 6.
The next day, on Tuesday...Michele and I decided to bite the bullet and head down to Barcelona .. a 3 hour busride. NOTE TO SELF....if you can book things as close to the airport city as much as possible. For us...it wasn´t the case. We decided to stay because we were so late into Barcelona ... we didn´t think it was worth it to head back to Salou.
This was the closest. The Barcelona Cathedral was one of the sights we wanted to see, and we were NOT disappointed. The 1200 medival architecture was magnificent. I was astounded truly at the heigh and majestic architecture.
That very night, we bit the bullet and decided to stay in Barcelona. No tooth brush, no change of clothes...just what we had and our clothes. Talk about sponaniety. It was Barcelona Colon. Yes, the name is correct...named after the organ in your system, but the annunciation and the meaning is probably no what the Spanish thinks.
After the visit to the Cathedral we headed down to the local nightlife and had dinner outdoors. We had the classic dish of tapas, paella and some roasted chicken.
Quick overview and impression of Spain.
! Very much like any ordinary country until you hit the archiecture and food.
! Felt very safe...even when we walked down same neighborhoods that was less than desirable.
! Graffiti is very much everywhere. It´s not entirely a ´clean´ city, but it is full of culture and life.
! If you don´t know Spanish, be prepared to be fustrated. The Spainish drivers and clerks are not overly friendly...even when we tried our darnest to speak it.
! The accomodations and spaces here are less than US standards. We got on an elevator that would have brought out fear in any person. The elevator was about 6 feet wide and 6 feet tall. And it click and clacked with cables almost to break feel.
! The cars are small and people consider traffic laws a ´suggestion´ than the law.
ONE LAST NOTE ... for my friend who said they have internet everywhere...it really dpeends. On a massive city like Barcelona...yes. Small towns like Salou..no.
That´s my entry...and this time already cost 15 bucks for one night of digital life.
We´re safe and my wife is happy.
Michele and I first don´t like the train system or the bus schedules.
Why? Beccause no one keeps to the schedule. Everything is pretty much ´tomrrow´ and if you´re not quick to adapt to the Spanish schedule you will be hosed.
Our first day was all travel. We left at 5, stayed on the runway for one hour and then it was a 10 hour flight and another 3 hour bus ride to the time share. The timeshare was not I expected. It was really apartments...and in Spain it would be considered spacious and luxury. In the United States it would be Motel 6.
The next day, on Tuesday...Michele and I decided to bite the bullet and head down to Barcelona .. a 3 hour busride. NOTE TO SELF....if you can book things as close to the airport city as much as possible. For us...it wasn´t the case. We decided to stay because we were so late into Barcelona ... we didn´t think it was worth it to head back to Salou.
This was the closest. The Barcelona Cathedral was one of the sights we wanted to see, and we were NOT disappointed. The 1200 medival architecture was magnificent. I was astounded truly at the heigh and majestic architecture.
That very night, we bit the bullet and decided to stay in Barcelona. No tooth brush, no change of clothes...just what we had and our clothes. Talk about sponaniety. It was Barcelona Colon. Yes, the name is correct...named after the organ in your system, but the annunciation and the meaning is probably no what the Spanish thinks.
After the visit to the Cathedral we headed down to the local nightlife and had dinner outdoors. We had the classic dish of tapas, paella and some roasted chicken.
Quick overview and impression of Spain.
! Very much like any ordinary country until you hit the archiecture and food.
! Felt very safe...even when we walked down same neighborhoods that was less than desirable.
! Graffiti is very much everywhere. It´s not entirely a ´clean´ city, but it is full of culture and life.
! If you don´t know Spanish, be prepared to be fustrated. The Spainish drivers and clerks are not overly friendly...even when we tried our darnest to speak it.
! The accomodations and spaces here are less than US standards. We got on an elevator that would have brought out fear in any person. The elevator was about 6 feet wide and 6 feet tall. And it click and clacked with cables almost to break feel.
! The cars are small and people consider traffic laws a ´suggestion´ than the law.
ONE LAST NOTE ... for my friend who said they have internet everywhere...it really dpeends. On a massive city like Barcelona...yes. Small towns like Salou..no.
That´s my entry...and this time already cost 15 bucks for one night of digital life.
We´re safe and my wife is happy.
Oct 19, 2007
Pre-Spain
Well two more days.
Spain.
First time overseas. First time in Europe.
And...I'm not packed. Michele and I only have a vague skeletal structure of where we're going.
The Basque terrorists called off their truce and a bomb went off in a car in politician's vehicle two weeks ago.
No one was killed. I got inside track information that the terrorism carried out there is not like Al Queda.
They actually call to warn people, the cause of the Basque would not be helped if innocent people died.
Am I worried? Not really. There's no State Department warnings to U.S. citizens and my inside track sources in Spain said no worries. Will I keep my eyes and ears open? You betcha. Talking to my ex-paramiltary friends I've picked up a few tips to catch suspicious people and activities. I've read criminal activity before it happened a few times in my life...so being alert will keep us ok.
The one thing that worries is the warning of pick-pocketing and my wife and I've been reviewing briefly some 'partnering look out scenarios'. We will visit only one area where picket pocketing will put on us on alert. Other than that most of the cities are old and very laid back.
The general consensus and dossier reports I've read is Spain is very safe overall. You'll have more danger in Chicago than Spain. :O) The food! The people.
The only worries is our language grasp...we suck. LOL.
**
Extra luggage - yeh we will plan to bring up some goodies from Spain for our families.
What an adventure this will be!
Spain.
First time overseas. First time in Europe.
And...I'm not packed. Michele and I only have a vague skeletal structure of where we're going.
The Basque terrorists called off their truce and a bomb went off in a car in politician's vehicle two weeks ago.
No one was killed. I got inside track information that the terrorism carried out there is not like Al Queda.
They actually call to warn people, the cause of the Basque would not be helped if innocent people died.
Am I worried? Not really. There's no State Department warnings to U.S. citizens and my inside track sources in Spain said no worries. Will I keep my eyes and ears open? You betcha. Talking to my ex-paramiltary friends I've picked up a few tips to catch suspicious people and activities. I've read criminal activity before it happened a few times in my life...so being alert will keep us ok.
The one thing that worries is the warning of pick-pocketing and my wife and I've been reviewing briefly some 'partnering look out scenarios'. We will visit only one area where picket pocketing will put on us on alert. Other than that most of the cities are old and very laid back.
The general consensus and dossier reports I've read is Spain is very safe overall. You'll have more danger in Chicago than Spain. :O) The food! The people.
The only worries is our language grasp...we suck. LOL.
**
Extra luggage - yeh we will plan to bring up some goodies from Spain for our families.
What an adventure this will be!
Oct 14, 2007
Ok Laura
I had my friend Laura ask me to throw up more pics lately.
Yeh, sorry - been busy, I will get some pics and such when we come back from Spain.
We have a digital camera and I've been letting it collect dust too much.
Thanks for the good reminder Laura!
Yeh, sorry - been busy, I will get some pics and such when we come back from Spain.
We have a digital camera and I've been letting it collect dust too much.
Thanks for the good reminder Laura!
Happy Birthday Gregory
Well Michele and I came back for Gregory's birthday in Rockford. It was a good thing to be with family and celebrating his birthday.
Gregory is now AT&T honcho of making sure four stores stays on top, and loves his job. Wishing you a good one big guy.
**
On the other front Michele and I can't believe we're going to Spain soon. Next weekend we'll be back in Rockford to be catching a plane to Europe. It's my first time out of the country and overseas, and Michele's second.
Europe always facinated me for this fact: culture. It has history and some significance in the scheme of Western civilization. William Durant's epic volume of history of Western Civilization was something I always use to pick up and read. History in this context: history runs in cycles and we never learn from it's lessons. Even in our own lives we don't learn from the past.
I don't think I'm smartest person, but I do know what thing: you'll be a whole lot better off if you just cut down on repeating the mistakes that other people make.
Gregory is now AT&T honcho of making sure four stores stays on top, and loves his job. Wishing you a good one big guy.
**
On the other front Michele and I can't believe we're going to Spain soon. Next weekend we'll be back in Rockford to be catching a plane to Europe. It's my first time out of the country and overseas, and Michele's second.
Europe always facinated me for this fact: culture. It has history and some significance in the scheme of Western civilization. William Durant's epic volume of history of Western Civilization was something I always use to pick up and read. History in this context: history runs in cycles and we never learn from it's lessons. Even in our own lives we don't learn from the past.
I don't think I'm smartest person, but I do know what thing: you'll be a whole lot better off if you just cut down on repeating the mistakes that other people make.
Oct 8, 2007
Coming together and learning
Marriage has always been a blessing, but the reality of it is that it does require the adjustments of a fine machine.
That adjustment is character and God's direction in your life. No doubt about it: your marriage requires you to stretch yourself and THINK OF THE OTHER person before yourself.
In one instant I asked M to do all the research and plan our trip to Spain. I literally just 'dumped' it on her.
She was fustrated and didn't know where to start, and we talked a little, but I needed to take a break and listen to her, and later I felt God's prompting, "You dumped it on her, and she feels stressed. Go assure you, push her to learn, but you have to be sensitive to what's she's been adjusting to: a new schedule, new place...".
I had to go and ask M for forgivness and assure her we're 'in it together'. I also encouraged her "I believe you can do so much more."
Fit perfectly with a devotion I got about BUILDING UP.
Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.
Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don?t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, ?You?ll never change!?
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· ?You can do it? vs. ?You?re hopeless?
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. ?Strings attached? love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· ?He?s a child of God? vs. ?He?s a problem to be dealt with?
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?
That adjustment is character and God's direction in your life. No doubt about it: your marriage requires you to stretch yourself and THINK OF THE OTHER person before yourself.
In one instant I asked M to do all the research and plan our trip to Spain. I literally just 'dumped' it on her.
She was fustrated and didn't know where to start, and we talked a little, but I needed to take a break and listen to her, and later I felt God's prompting, "You dumped it on her, and she feels stressed. Go assure you, push her to learn, but you have to be sensitive to what's she's been adjusting to: a new schedule, new place...".
I had to go and ask M for forgivness and assure her we're 'in it together'. I also encouraged her "I believe you can do so much more."
Fit perfectly with a devotion I got about BUILDING UP.
Paul, the Blind Man of Damascus Road, refers to this special power when he’s speaking of his role as an apostle. He said the power and authority that emerged from Christ’s spirit within him was given to him to build others up, and that it should never be used to tear others down.
Greet people with the positive vs. Open with the negative
· Point out what is right vs. Magnify what is wrong
· Expect excellence vs. Expect perfection
· Listen intently vs. Don?t listen at all
· See the individual vs. See the stereotype
· Applaud positive changes vs. Say, ?You?ll never change!?
· Acceptance vs. Rejection
· Respect vs. Ridicule
· Apology vs. Blame
· Forgive vs. Shame
· ?You can do it? vs. ?You?re hopeless?
· Promises kept vs. Promises broken
· Unconditional love vs. ?Strings attached? love
· God interprets circumstances vs. Fear interprets circumstances
· Point toward things above vs. Point toward problems
· ?He?s a child of God? vs. ?He?s a problem to be dealt with?
You have great power; how will you handle the responsibility?