imisstony.com

To recover from our Friday night of flamenco and pitchers at La Carboneria, my friends and I hopped a bus out of Sevilla to the beach in Huelva . We wandered around a bit, stopping by a beachfront cafe where we were witness to a chubby boy showering and peeing in public at what we believed to be too old an age. To 'cleanse' my brain of those images, we sat on the beach a bit and I tried not to stare at topless sunbathers. I guess it wasn't really staring as it was just having my eyes open. We'd somehow selected a spot with boobs in every direction.

Our last day in Spain was spent trying to stay out of the 100 degree heat. While Dan and Yasmin explored La Giralda, I took refuge in the shade, scribbling project notes into my notebook, listening to the chatter of backpackers, and watching the brides, tourists, gypsies, and pretty girls walk by.

I never did have my glass of tinto de verano but I was happy to fulfill cravings of tortilla Espana, horchata, and iberica. After munching on the last of many bocadillo sandwiches, it was off to England where we met 45 degree temperatures and rainy skies. Early the next morning, London bid me farewell with a sunnier day. The only 'cloud' was an hour sitting on the plane as we waited for Air Force One to land at Heathrow. The Americans groaned when we heard President Bush was the one keeping us from going home to Washington DC.


Holiday Road

Labels: England, Spain

Sevilla is beautiful but my brain can´t really focus on anything other than how I´m going to scramble to pay the bills when I get back. Hence my huge drive to get people to Digg my video contest entry. Big thanks to everyone who´s taken the time to support.

Good news is, I´ve already won a smaller prize. Hopefully, I´ll take the Digg prize and deal with some summer bills.

Bed time here in Spain though. Miss you.

Labels: Spain

Hey guys, I hope married life is agreeing with you. Congratulations again. I've been enjoying the photos and I regret not being there. But I've been thinking of you in Spain and I want to thank you for tapas my last night here and for the horchata and croissant breakfast the next day. I can't wait to come back and see this beautiful country again. Save up your dough Erica and get Anton to Sevilla!

Labels: Food, Spain, Videos

I just got back in from a long walk and tapas in Barcelona. Been feeling a bit bummed out this evening, despite the warm and lovely evening in the city. I've got this weird feeling of having a lot on my mind and nothing on my mind. Yes, confusing. It's probably the full moon.

While taking care of some flight updates and waiting for my flight from Tegel, I was thinking about all of the flying I've done. It's nowhere near as much as what business travelers do everyday but I like tallying up the travel stats. It makes me feel like I'm a jet setter or something.

Anyhow, I have been away from the states for 62 days. Over those two months, I've taken sixteen flights through thirteen countries (airlines include: Lufthansa, British Airways, EasyJet, RyanAir, Sky Europe, Transavia, Swiss Air, Click Air, Fly Niki, Germania, and Air Berlin). I've ridden on trams, buses, the underground metro, or on trains in those countries. I estimate walking around 35 to 50 miles per week. I've stayed in at least sixteen different hostels. I've slept two nights on trains and one in an airport. Yet, I have so far to go before I see you all again. Someone asked me a week ago whether I was homesick. I thought about it and realized that no, I wasn't. The other day I wondered why and I was thinking that maybe I was sick of home. But ever since my birthday came around, I have been missing the states a bit. I talked to a girl tonight who's moving to Los Angeles at the end of the summer. I must say, I miss that city. But what will I do? I had a lot of chats with Julian about filmmaking, life paths, and whatnot. I'm too sleepy to get into it right now and girls in short skirts keep walking through the hostel lounge. Much too distracting. I'm going to get some sleep. I'm only rambling now anyhow.

After a long and toilsome march, weary of the way, [the wanderer] drops into the nearest place of rest to become the most domestic of men... But soon the passive fit has passed away; again a paroxysm of ennui coming on by slow degrees, Viator loses appetite, he walks about his room all night, he yawns at conversations, and a book acts upon him as a narcotic. The man wants to wander, and he must do so, or he shall die.

-Sir Richard Burton, Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to El-Medinah and Meccah, 1855

Check out Azad's photoblog update. Since I won't be able to make it to Iran, he's been showing us that Life Goes On In Tehran.

Labels: Spain

My thoughts on Spain that I couldn't upload because the internet was too expensive in Switzerland...

I've really enjoyed my time in Spain. It's a country living on a different pace, eager to have a good time and to enjoy life. It's rich in history and in a people who support and preserve artwork. And it's just plain pretty. I'll remember the energy of Barcelona the first night I arrived. The peacefulness of San Sebastian by the beach. The busy streets of Madrid where people always seemed to be out in processions for God, for a cause, or for their football team. Sevilla, where getting lost is such a joy you almost don't want to find your destination. Granada, the hideaway in the hills where you find yourself never wanting to leave. Valencia, a seaside city rich in culture and paella! I'm definitely going to have to return. You could spend your life here and never stop discovering incredible things.

Labels: Spain

Hola. Dark hair pulled back, loose wisps dancing in the breeze. Long, alluring lashes. Crimson lips. Look her right in the eye. You got it. She sees you. Don't look away, she thinks she's caught you. Tell her everything with your gaze. Let your eyes convince her that you could make her feel again. Keep looking. You're not staring, you're letting her know that there's safety in your arms. A few seconds feel like hours. Hold steady. She knows how you want her. But she can't handle it, she looks away.

On to the next.

Labels: Spain

I took a walk along the beach today. I had enough sun on my hike so no lying around for me. I came across this restaurant right on the sand called O Pollo. Thanks to Donovan, Joanna, and Taro of the UC Berkeley Device Group, I had me a nice dinner of gazpacho, fries, 1/2 Chicken, bread, and beverage. Hope you guys are discovering some amazing things to benefit this amazing planet. Send me some of them wafers... I need dessert.

Labels: Food, Spain, Videos

After a sweaty trek to the new hostel on the beach (I really need to burn half of my luggage) I had a sweaty hike to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral. It was pretty cool to see a cathedral in the middle of construction. One artist's vision still being brought to fruition even after his death. If they come close to finishing it in my lifetime, I may have to come back for another visit. From there, I took another sweaty hike to see the exterior of Casa Mila La Pedrera (couldn't convince myself to drop 8 Euros to see the roof which is supposed to be interesting) on my way to Park Guell. That was quite a sight. The entrance was like Gaudi Disneyland. Mosaics, funny fountains, columns and curves. It's 15 acres of Gaudi's design for a private park (now public). If I was wearing shorts, packing sandwiches, and holding hands with a Spanish girl, it would have been lovely. Instead, I walked around for a bit, peeked in Gaudi's house, and continued to sweat the long way back to the metro. I did pick up a huge bottle of horchata. Mmm. Though I just realized that in Spain, it's made with Chufa or tigernuts, a recipe stemming from the Muslim occupation of Valencia.

By then, I had enough of my Gaudi walking tour and headed to the hostel for a shower and a nap. Pretty nice day. (hey, you guys do realize that you can click these little photos and make 'em bigger right?)

Labels: Spain

Can you find my extra Missing Pieces and Love Blind DVDs? They should be in one of the boxes by the window. Probably one of the boxes on the left. The Missing Pieces DVD has a photo of me on it. Love Blind is in a plastic, see-thru envelope with the eyes of a ghost on it. If you can, send a copy of each to Anthonette and send a copy of each to the London address. I'll call you about that one if Charley hasn't given you the address. Global priority shipping should be cheap.

Sorry folks... time zones... couldn't call my mum at 1am. I'm trying to get some film ideas brewing. In the meantime, I'm still shopping around my past work. I keep handing out my card that says "filmmaker" but I haven't been making any. Feels weird. I'm thinking about making different cards for Anthonette to bring to me in Rome.

Did I ever mention how I left my big backpack in Barcelona while I traveled the rest of Spain? This bag had two items I missed- Tylenol and nail clippers. My nails grew really uncomfortably long. You'd never imagine being so pleased to trim your nails but I was. Typing feels less abrasive now.

I just read an article on Yahoo that says Moscow is ranked as the most expensive city in the world again. Super. I'll be using FeedTony sponsors heavily me thinks.

I was discussing FeedTony with my brother and he thinks that it may be giving people the impression that I've been living lavishly. The truth is, I don't really post about the less than fabulous meals I eat regularly. In Spain, I've been eating a lot of tortillas which is a potato and egg type omelet thing. You can find them all over the place and they're very difficult to make badly so it's pretty consistently tasty and filling.

While I travel, I find some sort of cheap item that I subsist on (Subway sandwich in Ireland, paninos in France, beer in Barcelona...) and I splurge on a nice meal if I can find one, it's not always easy. FeedTony makes me feel a bit guilty sometimes but as long as the donor and the donee are happy, why not right? While I'm at it, let me just say thanks to those of you who've been helping me out so I can have more options while I travel. It's nice to have breathing room in the budget for cheap flights I find on AirNinja.com.

I'm switching hostels right now and moving over to the SeaPoint by the beach. Today, if it doesn't rain again, I'm hoping to tour a bunch of Antoni Gaudi sites around Barcelona. Maybe I'll even snap some photos.

Here's some google mapping that I've been messing around with on Wayfaring.com: Round the World

Labels: Spain

I noticed something the other day. I've grown increasingly more comfortable being by myself. I think I reached a point where I realized that I am severely on my own. I come to a city and I never know whether I'll meet anyone, I never know who I'll 'click' with and want to meet.

Entering my eighth week of travel, I've finally become comfortable with myself.

== Heh, I had to stop writing this blog about solitude because I started to talk to some people in the hostel about their European travels... go figure. Continue this thought later==

Chatting with Azad, I was thinking: "I hope I can give back to the world as much as it's given me." I think that would be extraordinary.

Labels: Spain

First of all, I can't tell you how gleeful I've been reading all of these comments. It's exciting. I wish my own writing could match the passion and eloquence that of my AMAZING friends and family. Thank you guys, you make this exciting day even better.

I have to tell you quickly about my last day in Valencia and how everything went from a bit blah to non-stop smiles. Let's see. I think I caught up on rest and travel bookings in the afternoon before I went off to attend the Cinema Jove International Film Festival. I didn't have anything screening there myself but I thought it'd be great to check out their short film program and support my fellow filmmakers.

I ended up watching two shorts programs at the Edificio Rialto down the street from my hostel. Great films. My favorites were LA LECON DE GUITRARE (The Guitar Lesson) by Martin Rit, France. A charming film about a guy finding passion. I watched a kind of funny one that made me think of my friend Dan Lee. Dan, look into AVERY'S GNOME by John Driftmier, Canada. It's shot like it was done in the eighties or something and has some fun gnome puppetry.

The second program was filled with gems. KONIEC LATA (The End of Summer) was a nice Polish film by Karolina Bielawska but what it really did was make me reminisce about a film Kirk Diaz worked on back in the day called Summer's End. Never finished but played a part in keeping us creative. HERFRA TIL MANEN (To the Moon) by Katja Eyde Jacobsen, Norway was a moving short about two young brothers getting into trouble in the middle of a snowy nowhere. Familial bonds always get my heart swelling. The Spanish film by Jose Manuel Carrasco, PADAM, was exceptional. A nice balance of humor, heart, and social consciousness with a dating service as the premise. Genius. SECURITY was a great German short by Lars Henning that also wowed me with its simplicity and irony. And finally, THREE TOWERS by Emily Harris and Yoni Bentovim was a different perspective on 9/11. It made me remember how much sympathy the world had for the US after the World Trade Center was destroyed. It kills me that in just a few short years, sympathy has turned into hatred. Which leads me to the rest of the evening...

Back at the hostel I met a few American chemical engineers who were traveling in Spain together. They invited me to join them for dinner so I suggested a paella at El Rall since I hadn't had one yet (I tried the night before but there was a two person minimum for paella there...argh). It was delicious. Freshly made and full of seafood. I was having such a great time, I passed the bill on to my friend MB (You rock!) to make it perfect.

With an awesome meal in our stomachs, we were ready to continue the fun, except we ran into this tall dude who asked us, "Americans?" We said yes, expecting some sort of pleasant exchange. Instead he started ripping into us. He called us despicable. He said he was Irish and muttered something about Guantanamo. We were all a bit stunned. Unfortunately, we were all walking down the same alley so we were essentially following him. He kept muttering hateful things and every now and then he'd pull some change out of his pocket and toss it at us. Chucking a 5-cent euro he shouted, "This is for your President!" A few steps later another 5-cent piece falls at my feet, "This is for your vice-president!" He reaches into his pocket again. This time a 10-cent coin rolls under a car. "This is for your human rights!" We didn't know how to respond. He was obviously drunk and we weren't about to provoke him. Finally, he reaches in one more time and grunts as he flings a 2-Euro piece at us. I picked that one up since he didn't indicate who or what that one was for.

Complete buzz kill. For the rest of the evening we agreed that we were from Canadian (except for Oscar who's from Columbia). We kept walking around a bit and ended up watching some football fans raving by a fountain (similar to the scene in Madrid a week back) before having some drinks and telling stories late into the night.

By 4am I had to be up to catch a train. It was surely a memorable evening.

Labels: Food, Spain

First day in Valencia was a bit of a drag. Starting off the day hungry and exhausted didn't make things easy. It's a nice city architecturally. There's a very 'seaside' feel to parts of it. I spent most of my day popping into Horchaterias for a soothing cold rice drink while I tried to think about responding to these gnarly commments. By the end of the day, I realized that all of this anonymous posting makes it sort of pointless to respond. I never really know who I'm talking to or who's posing as who. In this sort of flame war, people start getting silly, attacking each other's grammar. (Above, I was even trying to figure out whether I was supposed to use "whom" somewhere... but I can't be bothered right now to review my English skills when I'm desperately trying to figure out how to order food properly in Spanish)

So the beginning of the day, worn out and moody from hunger, I kept thinking of ways to explain my trip again but I've already done that. Then I wanted to discuss my thoughts about the future since some mystery dude from my old college dorm seems to lose sleep over it. I'll get into it a bit since I seem to be in the rambling mood.

I started this trip with a life savings and zero debt. When I end this trip, I will most likely have some debt. Face it, it's the American way, baby. But I think of this debt as a college loan. I'm gaining knowledge and experience from this trip that I haven't even realized yet. I get excited some days while I'm lost in a foreign city because at some point, I will unlearn what I've learned so to speak.

When I return to the states, I believe I have options. I will deal with my debt as I've dealt with it before. Work. Simple as that. What I will do, I have no idea. You see, I am scheduled to return in 2008. I have absolutely no idea where my life will lead me.

==at this point the other half of this blog was lost due to connection problems==

The missing part of this blog really got into some dark area so maybe it wasn´t meant to be shared. The gist of it was that I had at one point, just over a year ago, wanted to conform to what society dictated was the ´right´ path. I watched as friends got the better jobs, a spouse, and a dog in the yard. I envied it. I decided that´s what I wanted too and I was never so excited in my life to finally know what I wanted. But the powers above said it wasn´t meant to be. And I was crushed. Crushed to the point where I didn´t think life was worth continuing.

Thank goodness my passion was reignited because since then, I´ve seen Honolulu, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Paris, London, Cologne, Havana, Dublin, Edinburgh, Krakow, Prague, Amsterdam, and currently, Spain! This is the dream coming true. I´m livin´ it man! I am truly blessed. It´s an amazing planet on which we live. Don´t forget that. We all have some part to play in it. It´s overwhelming. I´m overwhelmed. This is my time to get a grasp of some of it.

I´m sorry for rambling so much but I carry this in my head all day and it weighs on my shoulders. I hope that this can still be a safe place to unload some of it.

Labels: Spain

It was a bit sad to leave Granada. There was such a nice vibe there and the Rambutan Guesthouse was a peaceful place to just sit and reflect. It was another great city to get lost in, weaving through centuries old cobble-stoned streets.

I slept uncomfortably on the night train to Valencia. I made it here at 5am which was much too early to check into my hostel. I killed five hours walking around town. The sun was coming up and the street lights shut down as I rested my feet on random park benches. I would have slept in a park if there weren´t so many mosquitos hungry for me. I found my way to the beach but wished that the lounge chairs weren´t locked up. I actually fell asleep sitting with my head on my knees. I woke up and saw a Spanish lady staring at me, amused. I also kept seeing dudes who looked like they had finished a night of partying and decided to jump into the water nude.

After a sleepy metro ride back to the hostel, I slept in their common room for two hours in such a twisted position my internal organs feel like they´ve shifted.

I´ve just hopped on to the internet and I´ve been reading the comments section. I thought things were going to quiet down but everyone seems so passionate. I have to thank my friends and family for their kind words and thoughts. I got a little teary eyed here. I think food is in order to get my head back on straight. I spotted a horchata joint down the street. I think I´ll have a glass and mull over some of these things.

Labels: Spain, Videos

Visited La Alhambra this morning. Pretty amazing. I'm finding that I'm on some sort of palace and garden kick lately. I wandered around alone so I got the audio tour to figure out what I was actually looking at. Below is a YouTube video to give you a taste of what my days are like, visiting cultural sites. Not terribly exciting but beats workin´ in my office. Tonight, I'm hopping a night train to Valencia. Tomorrow, paella. ::drool::

Labels: Spain, Videos

Had a great time out with the crew from the Rambutan Guesthouse. Everyone says Granada has cheap/great tapas and it's true. Buy a drink, get a delicious tapa. How can you go wrong? People also say once you come here, you stay longer than you expect. I´m making my escape before I become a gypsy.

Labels: Spain, Videos

Manash, I hope you are in great spirits. I wish I could be back by the pool, celebrating our birthdays right now. I did think of you last night as I dined at Meson Cinco Jotas in Sevilla with the lovely Amanda. It was the best meal I´ve had in Spain so far. Delicious cuts of Iberian ham. Tender, full of juicy flavor. Served with a side of potatoes, peppers, and carmelized onions. Amanda had a yummy stew of pork and cauliflower. And as you requested, a bottle of red wine and a big smile. We stopped by Pando Restaurantes for coffee and talked the night away. Take care boss. Another year wiser...

Labels: Food, Spain

After a wonderful evening in Sevilla, I sort of reluctantly hopped a train to Granada. After a sweaty hike up a hill, I found myself at a cozy hostel with an amazing view of the Alhambra. I´m hoping to check that out tomorrow but tonight, I will seek out music, tapas, and people.

Labels: Spain

Gia, Bill, I hope you are doing well. I got a little lost in Sevilla yesterday, which I've been doing just about everytime I go out here, and decided to stop into a little restaurant for a Tortilla Sevilla which is basically a potato omelet type thing. I ordered a bowl of gazpacho (cold tomato based soup) to start. I didn't imagine it was going to be such a big bowl. And then my combo plate came out. The tortilla was large but it also came with a side of other potatoes smothered in sauces as well as a breaded chicken Viceroy. An insane amount of food. Half way through it I thought about asking for a box but I knew that wasn't going to go well with the bar man who didn't seem to speak English. So I plowed on through it.

I kept thinking that this was going to fuel my walk to the cathedral (I made it today, see below) but what it did was put me into a well deserved siesta the rest of the afternoon. Thanks again for contributing to FeedTony.com I'll see you in Vegas next year!

Labels: Food, Spain, Videos

Hey Pranee, you workin' yet? Miss you and miss SD. For lunch in Madrid a few days ago, I stopped by a cafe called Faborit and had a tasty tuna and egg sandwich with a fresh squeezed Orange/Lemon juice. They had free Wifi which was outstanding as I always seem to be in the need of a good connection. After my art stroll through the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, I went to El Brilliante for a calamari sandwich and a horchata. I was totally craving horchata. I stood at the bar and munched while watching these two old men race back and forth making coffee and pouring drinks.

It was a little out of place to take photos of my food so here's a photo of my new haircut. It's funny, just about every time I've gone to get a haircut (in the States as well as uh, Spain) the person comments "so much hair!" This woman, who somehow figured out that I wanted a number 2 on the sides and short on top, was snipping away furiously and said, "Mucho pele!" I laughed out loud. Anyway, thanks for feeding me PY!

Labels: Food, Spain, Videos

Shari and SCOTT are the ones to thank for feeding me with a Pizza de Lux (thin crust pizza with mushroom, iberian ham, and fresh basil) and a bowl of cheddar croquetas. It was a large meal that took me an hour to finish but I had lots of time to think about dreams before I went down to the Prado museum to see some amazing art including Diego Velazquez' "Las Meninas", which many people say is possibly the best painting in the Western world.

...sorry Scott...

Labels: Food, Spain, Videos

(Thanks cous) I think I'm going to stick around Spain and head to Granada and on to Valencia (also a coast city) before heading back to Barcelona.

I've been taking it very easy in Sevilla. After a nice long walk, getting lost around some amazing streets, I went with some people from the hostel to the very touristy but free La Carboneria to listen to some Flamenco (the place was jam packed with college girls). It was a decent show. My new friend from Rio, Andre, and I wandered the streets late at night trying to hunt down food. On a Monday night after midnight it's not so easy. We settled on buying salami and a baguette to make sandwiches.

I noticed I've developed bags under my eyes again. So after an outrageously large lunch (Thanks Gia and Bill!), I just napped the rest of my afternoon away. Time to head out.

Why are these YouTube videos not working?

Labels: Spain

They say the best way to explore this city is to just get lost. What a place to get lost. Cool little streets that lead to cool buildings and lush parks. The light today...incredible. Prettiest place in Spain so far, by far. I smiled a lot today, just walkin' along.



YouTube Greeting

Labels: Spain, Videos

The other day I was thinking a lot about dreams as I sat and had lunch at VIPS in Madrid. First, there was the dream I'd had at night. I had returned to the States and for some reason I was showing my brother an RV that I had apparently bought before going on my round the world trip. I think I'd bought it to do a cross-country trip. I was telling my brother that I'd probably sell it now that I was in heavy debt from the world trip. Plus, it hadn't even been used. The sewage tank was still clean. I even had to remind him not to take a dump in the bathroom. And then my brother's wife came in to inspect the RV. Seems that she was some sort of police officer. She asked me for the dimensions of the vehicle. Odd. That's the kind of dream I have when revellers are screaming out on the street in the middle of the night.

Then there are my life dreams. I realized that I've been pretty successful at making some major dreams come true in my life. Working for Disney. Traveling to foreign countries. The thing is, the timing's always seemed to be off and dreams in reality are too tied to reality to resemble the experience you imagined in your head years prior. Years. It takes time for things to come into fruition. I never know when opportunities will arise and I never know when I'll be moved enough to seize them. But I'm a patient young man.

And of course, there are my countless daydreams. I don't know how else I'd get through the day without them daydreams.

I'm in Sevilla now. Kinda sleepy. Soon I'll go hunting for food and go get lost in the city. Tonight, me and some hostel mates will catch some Flamenco dancing. Brilliant.

Labels: Spain

On the way to the Spanish Royal Palace yesterday, I ran into a pack of boisterous naked people bike riding down the street. I've seen more nudity in Spain in one week than I have in one year in the States (not including in the movies and Lindsey Lohan photos). I'm not sure why they were naked or what they were supporting. I was just disappointed that there were more men than women. [I've since found out that it was World Naked Bike Ride Day to support bike riding instead of driving. They were also trying to make people aware of the dangers in Madrid for bicyclists due to the lack of bike lanes]

The palace was nice. I'm finding that old palaces and castles really get my imagination going. I start to imagine all of the royal functions and 'basic' life that went on in these fanciful structures over history. Palaces are the only places where certain types of furniture look elegant and grand (though not so comfortable). In the States, similar pieces just look gaudy and out of place.

I made it to the Reina Sofia Museum to see Picasso's Guernica, some nice Dali pieces, and a bunch of modern art that I didn't understand. In the newer wing, there was a great exhibition of kinetic art pieces that were entertaining.

The evening started out quiet. Although I do like the vibe and life in Madrid, it just hasn't pulled me in. I haven't met anyone to show me the nightlife. (Though I met more cute French-Canadians... unfortunately they were on their way out) Just walking the streets, I admired the verve of the Spanish people... I guess Europeans in general. They've got this great environment and the infrastructure to be social. I feel like it's too easy to stay cooped up in the States. Here, you jump on a train, show up to these historic plazas, meet your friends, and choose from a hundred places to hang out.

It's not so bad being alone. I've been trying to let the environment feed my imagination. Slowly, scenarios start to form in my brain. It's encouraging. I'm thinking story structure will follow.

On my way back to the hostel I exited the Banco de Espana metro station and found a raucous crowd of Real Madrid fans gathered at the Plaza de Cibeles. They waved flags and cheered and shouted at passing cars which honked the same eight beats in response. I'm not quite sure what was going on or why Plaza de Cibeles was the gathering place but I'm glad they weren't naked.

Labels: Spain

Just saying hello. I have some blogs that I haven´t uploaded yet but I´m waiting to get to some free wifi in Seville. Hopping on a train in an hour. Had a lot on my mind these last couple of days.

I´ve also been eating up FeedTony.com contributions right and left. Thank you´s will be going out to Pranee, Shari, and John as soon as I can get my multimedia magic up. Last night I stayed in a MUCH better hostel called Huespuedes Bahia Madrid. Juan runs the joint and gave me a private room. I realized that I haven´t had a private room since maybe Colchester. You don´t really think about how nice it is to have your own space until you´ve been without your own space for weeks. No creeping in ninja-like as to not wake the girl in the bunk above you. No having to dress somewhere else as to hide your hairiness from the girl in the bunk across from you. No having to wear clothes when you sleep at night. Okay, I didn´t sleep nude but you get the picture. You didn´t really picture that did you?

What day is it anyway? (Can you believe this is my 104th blog?) Okay, I´m just rambling now so maybe I´ll head to the train station.

Labels: Spain

I've just uploaded some snapshots of San Sebastian and the Bullfight in Madrid to the imisstony Picasa Gallery.

Labels: Spain

Had a weird train ride this afternoon. I was reading a New Yorker article about Paul McCartney and the Beatles. I´m always in awe of talented artists. I started to think about how I fantasize a little too much about being some amazing artist. Perhaps that´s part of the reason for wandering the planet for inspiration. I started to lament about what I´m actually good at in life. I´m proud of the work I´ve done but I don´t know if I will be able to reach the heights of greatness of those I admire. So much turmoil for a quiet train ride through the countryside. I think food and sleep deprivation was making me moody.

I made it to Madrid and checked into one of the worst hostels yet, Huespedes Amanda II. At least it´s near the art museums I´ll be checking out tomorrow. I went over to the Plaza de Toros thinking maybe I could score a ticket to a bullfight this weekend. I ended up grabbing a cheap ticket for a fight this afternoon. I know this will upset some people but it was a cultural experience I had to see for myself. Since I kind of spontaneously ended up going, I didn´t have time to research what would happen there. It seemed pretty pointless and cruel. I would have regretted going if I hadn´t met this super cute Brazilian girl with very pretty green eyes. By the sixth killing of a bull, I was a bit desensitized to the whole thing.

Wiki's Bullfighting Article



YouTube

Speaking of beautiful girls, I saw a ridiculously beautiful Spanish girl on the metro on the way to the fight. Unfortunately, she got off a few stops before me. Twas not meant to be.

Haven´t really met anyone in Madrid yet to check out the nightlife that came so highly recommended. So I´m going to rest up and do some gallery hopping tomorrow. Picasso´s Guernica is supposed to be incredible.

Labels: Spain, Videos

San Sebastian, a beautiful little seaside city in Northern Spain. It´s been a nice time. I regret not being able to make it out to Bilbao to see another Gehry building in person (and the art inside it) but on a trip like this, things will be missed.

Had the second worse meal in Spain tonight. Had no idea what I was ordering but what arrived was basically french fries, bow tie pasta with tomato sauce comparable to Chef Boyardee, three hot dogs, and two strips of bacon. I immediately thought of my old Filipino roommate, Tristan, for some reason. The meal served its purpose though, filled me up. But it was too weird and unsatisfying to charge to my feedtony.com account.

P.S.- Hahaha, I posted that photo on the ´large´ setting by mistake. Maybe it´s a sign. By the way, they actually installed an antenna in his finger and on his back that you can´t see in this photo. No respect I tell ya.

I´m heading to bed a bit early tonight (midnight) and hopping an early train to Madrid tomorrow. Three nights there and on to Sevilla. I´m searching for a good paella in this country, if you have any tips, comment me.

Labels: Spain

My new friends from the Ongi Etorri hostel and I went to snack on pintxos at the different bars in parte vieja. You walk into these places and the bar is lined up with plates of different finger foods, hot and cold. I tried peppers stuffed with crab, seafood salads topped with salmon, cheese balls, tortillas (sort of a potato omelet), and grilled lamb kebabs. It's a fun way to try different sorts of dishes and visit a lot of bars with different vibes and crowds.

Thank you Holly, for making it easier on my wallet. Hop on a plane, let's go check out some art in Bilbao!

Labels: Food, Spain

Had a pretty full day in San Sebastian on Wednesday. I joined my roommates at the hostel, Cal, Hugh, & Maile, for a walk up Monte Urgull to see this big statue of Christ and the Castillo de la Mota. We took in some amazing views of the city and bay.

I joined Cal and Maile for some lounging on Playa de la Zurrida. We found out immediately that people have no problems with going topless on the beach in Spain (unfortunately, old men have no problems going bottomless either... eesh). I spent a couple of hours out there admiring the 'scenery' and checking out the surfers fighting for waves. After getting pretty cooked out there without sunscreen (I will never learn) I took off on my own to walk over to the big beaches on the other side of parte vieja. Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, were nice enough but the crowds were progressively older and less topless.

Labels: Spain

I'm staying in a nice hostel called Ongi Etorri, in the Parte Vieja section of San Sebastian. Parte vieja must mean 'party all night' because things don't really get going 'til late around here. People fill little bars eating pintxos (tapas of seafood, cured meats, small sandwiches, etc.) and drinking kenyas of beer. They socialize with friends and move on to the next place. People of all ages, eating and laughing. It was a nice energy. Though, the first night here, I found it much too foreign and intimidating. I still can't figure out why I'm so afraid to go into a place and eat. I don't speak their language. They may not speak mine. But we're both there for a purpose- them to sell me food, me to eat it. Somehow, we're going to figure out how to meet each other's objectives. Though I may end up with a stomach full of, well, deer stomach but I'll have learned something.

I went to the Plaza de Gipuzkoa to sit and think for a while about conquering my biggest fear: People. I have to figure out what makes me such a spaz sometimes.

Labels: Spain

Not sure how I made it to the top bunk, but thank goodness I did.

Charley, you send that DVD? Current never got it. Very important. Email me.

As for the rest of you, have fun in the comments section. I need more sleep.

Labels: Spain

Took a long train ride through the Spanish countryside and arrived safely in San Sebastian. It´s 10pm and I have some exploring to do. Free internet at the hostel. Hopefully I´ll take some new photos for ya.

Labels: Spain

I've spent the last few hours in the hostel doing travel planning for the next few weeks. I'm going to hop a train to San Sebastian tomorrow morning for a few days. Then I think I'll make my way to Madrid and Seville. But as always, everything's up in the air. A note to anyone planning to find me in Europe, I will now be heading to Rome on June 30. I'll probably slide my other arrival dates in Greece and India by a week. Stay tuned.

Labels: Spain

Mornin'. Okay, it's actually 6pm in Spain but I've totally lost track. I woke up early this morning to hike out to a consulate in Barcelona. It was a very confusing experience where I was trying to complete a transaction where two languages were spoken, neither of which I knew a lick of. But paperwork and money exchanged hands and in two weeks, I may take a little birthday detour somewhere unexpected.

Back at the hostel, I met a Canadian named Katrina who was telling me about her trek through the Greek isles. We took a walk down La Rambla and had the worst meal of both of our journeys. It wasn't bad as in sickening, just bad as in "we paid how much for this? But the people watching, attempted theft**, and ridiculously large mug of 'juice' made it enjoyable.

I haven't done too much exploring in Barcelona so far. I've basically stuck around the big street that leads to the ocean called La Rambla. Full of tourists. But very beautiful ones at that. I wasn't sure if I would find a place with cuter girls than Paris but alas, Barcelona has provided. The tourists, the locals... my goodness, heaven.

For the second time on my trio I've encountered a pair of girls who look like want-a-be models and insist on having model-like photo shoots in front of old buildings and things. I'm not complaining. It's just odd. I actually wonder if they are models and this is how models go on holiday, non-stop posing in different cities.

I'm only booked in this hostel, the Centric Point which a fantastic hostel by the way, until tomorrow morning. So I either have to figure out where to stay tomorrow night or figure out how to move on to San Sebastian (I have to fly out of Barcelona so I'm thinking that I will see some other cities in Spain first and spend more time exploring Barcelona when I come back for my next flight). There's so much of Spain to see and I clearly haven't given myself enough time here. If I had the money, I'd spend a few months here and probably come home with a wife. Maybe it's a good thing to keep moving along.

Did I mention all of the trouble I've had with plastic lately? I thought I had lost my Visa card today. (Reception had forgotten to give it to me in all of the check-in commotion) It didn't worry me so much but when you have no mailing address. These things are an unnecessary inconvenience. Let's see. 6:30pm... Barcelona. What to do? Let's go see what the beach looks like.

**So we were sitting at the Brazil cafe on La Rambla when our waiter started yelling at this woman to leave. She was sitting on a potted plant next to our table. We didn't know what was going on until he walked over and told my friend to pick her backpack up and place it on the chair. The woman denied that she was going to steal the backpack and the waiter caused a bit of a commotion but it was clear that she was only sitting there to swipe the bag. I wondered if we'd have even noticed. The waiter apologized for the shouting and told us that he sees it all of the time. We thanked him for lookin' out. As you walk around town, you notice a lot of people wear their backpacks in front of them. I guess the pickpocketing is pretty rampant here. Fortunately, there's nothing in my pockets to take. Even if you reach in real deep, you probably won't find anything. ::sad face:: j/k kids.

Labels: Spain

I am here. It is great. Love the vibe of this city. Huge line of people waiting to use the Internet behind me. Gotta run.

Labels: Spain