Feb 28, 2010;
Well its Sunday and what a great week. Yesterday it was blue sky and heat! A very nice day on the Amalfi coast of Italy! We simply loved it!
As we do many days; yesterday we walked and walked. I think we covered every foot of town and if we missed one its sure to be covered when we come back. Good shoes are a must when holidaying in Europe and especially with Barb.
Tomorrow (Monday) morning we head off to (Rome) Roma! Looks like we will leave in the morning and take the train north to Napoli (Naples) and switch trains there for the one to Roma.
Weve been warned many times to be careful in Naples as people will want our belongings and jewellery. So we will make sure we stay where the people are and not let ourselves to get cornered anywhere. In Barcelona we had to watch out for the Gypsies but they were highly overrated.
The Hostel (Ulysses Deluxe) that we stayed in this week has been very nice. Like I said before its more like a 4 star hotel with wide halls, modern fixtures, breakfast area, marble and tile and nice brass and wood trim.
On Friday we will be coming back from our tour of Roma (by train?). and then we will take possession of our little apartment that we rented for 6 weeks. You can see it here at this link: www.SorrentoGardenApt.it
We rented the apartment because it is so much cheaper than a hostel or hotel. It saves us a minimum of $600 Euros a month from the cheap ones that we have found! Plus we can do our laundry there and it has a kitchen too which saves money and calories! The owners are a nice Italian family; Roberto, Anna Maria and their daughter Carla.
The other reason we rented this is because when Barb leaves to go back to Canada Jim (me) will have a place to call home. But who knows I might travel a bit to Greece or Sicily or something Im not sure yet.
This morning (Sunday) we had a great little breakfast and Barb's off to do laundry at the local laundry mat. No doubt she will have a story or two when she gets back. Like with our restaurants we try to go where the locals go and not so much the tourists. That way we get to meet people from the area and we get tips on what to do and what not to do and how to save money by shopping where they shop etc. After all our trip is about doing "Europe Through the Back Door" as Rick Steves calls it. This way you get to see the real thing and not the tourist thing. We often stay on the streets the locals stay on and try to stay away from the T Shirt and Bar/Tourist scene. We both want to meet and see the people for what they are really like. I think thats our favorite part of travelling.
Last night we went walking again - mostly to find a place for dinner and the 2 we had recommended to us were both closed? Some places like in Spain don't open after Siesta again until 8pm or so but I wasn't about to wait all night to eat. So we found another one that was a recommendation and ate an awesome Pizza there. As we were sitting in there eating we could tell it was getting a little busier outside. Well we had no idea!
When we got back outside the sidewalks weren't big enough t hold everyone!
They all come out at night with the parents and children and stroll! Now; I don't like crowds and line ups at all but this was fun. It looked like a busy New York street but the feel was much friendlier and more fun too.
People pushing baby strollers, others strolling arm in arm and every age from young to elderley.
It is neat to watch because our culture isnt like this and theirs is very family orientated just like the Spanish. On some streets the cars couldn't go down them any more because of all the people walking on them or standing in the middle and just visiting!
You would think that a parade had just ended and that everyone was going home but thats not the case. The shops are bustlingl Gelato, clothing and shoe shops everywhere. Add to that pizza, restaurants and bars. Most of them all open and ready to go after their siesta. Sorrento only has 20,000 people according to our reports but last night there must have been 40,000!
We finally got home and watched another rented movie from ITunes on line.
We've been able to keep in touch with our children quite well by using Skype.com on the computer and the good part is that its free. In fact I just finished talking with Hailey in Malaysia; so we had a nice chat today. Now I have to hunt down Steven and Natalie later on to see how they are.
If you know any one wanting to move to Victoria BC (Sooke) my cousin has her home up for sale as they are trying to downsize and buy a Townhome. This home is wonderful with all the right colors and layout. What a garden and yard! Wow! When one talks about location its about one house away from the Pacific ocean too - so if you know anyone I can give you her contact info; they are being more than fair with their price!
Today the weather looks to be pretty good again so we are hoping it will stay this way for a while. We deserve a break from the cold days (+6) and clouds. So the double digits like we have most days are very welcomed especially when near the ocean!
I hear Calgary has been warmer than us some days! They say the weather here in Europe is changing too and becoming more unpredictable.
I mentioned the other day that we had to cancel on Turkey as there was a Coop attempt there. Well I later found out the attack was in 2003 and they were just arresting the suspects now; so if we have my way we will still see some of Istanbul before or after Athens, Greece. Barb's not big on Istanbul so its up in the air. I like to bargain and barter so we'll see?
Italy's boos (Prime Minister?) looks to be in trouble. On the news it looks like he is up on a bunch of fraud charges. Oh, ohhh. Seems like some cultures have a lot of under the table stuff happening.
I can not believe how nice the people (Italians) are here. If at anytime you have a question they will go out of their way to help you. In fact if they cant speak english some of them will go find someone who can interpret. They are really kind. Most of them are really emotional too! They speak as you know a lot with their hands and I would love to understand what some of them are saying during some of these conversations? Sometimes they get a little loud too? Not sure how that works yet?
Another place we will be checking out is Pompeii. Its not far away. There's another one too called Herculeum (sp) which is where Hercules was born before he met Popeye or who ever it was that he hung out with (bad joke).
At last I'd like to take a boat over to Crete and some of the Greek islands with the white buildings that weve all seen. I hope we can make it? Its going to be hard to fit it all in to both our budget and time table. The good thing is we are travelling off-season which saves a lot of money!
Im not sure but I think this Blog has a place where you can sign up to follow it. That way when there's a new entry/update (if you're interested?) it will send you an email to tell you to check in on us here.
Well thats it for now. It might be a while before we have wifi again as we don't know what we will or wont have when we get to Rome tomorrow? Worse case scenario is that we will be back online likely by Saturday (after we get back to Sorrento Friday night). if we don't have any internet in Rome. PS: Rome is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world - so we are told. We'll let you know our thoughts on that soon!
Ciao
Jim for Jim & Barb.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
ITALY! We made it! Feb 25 2010, JM
Well Ill try this again, my net connection crashed a minute ago after too much work into this blog!
We arrived in Sorrento last night about dinner time. We had left the day before last from Palma on the Island of Mallorca and had to stay the night in Barcelona to make connections to Sorrento. Once we landed in Naples or Napoli we took a bus from the airport to Sorrento.
France has some air controller strikes which is slowing down airports here also. Add to that a couple of other airlines are talking strike (British Air - Our favorite for transatlantic trips is one). Yikes.
The road traffic down here was horrendous plus add to the fact we were on a little tiny winding road in a big big bus. This little tiny winding road was on a cliff overlooking the ocean below in many cases. Formula One racing produces many a good Italian race car drivers and now I know why!
Cars and especially motorcycles and scooters will take all lives in hand to pass just one vehicle? They make crazy ambulance drivers in Spain look like little old ladies! After a while you sort of get used to it and I (in my mind) began cheering for our bus driver (who looked exactly like Telly Savalas in 1972) to just go ahead and hit them! It was un-real and I became the monster this same environment produces! I better not rent a car and especially no scooters for Jim and Barb in this area!
We got to our room and were hungary so went to our first "Real" Italian Restaurant. It was just like being in Bridgeland in Calgary but the Gnocci (sp - Pro: nokki) in Cochrane's Italian place is much better! Imagine that! We still had a good time but are getting scared that Italy is going to be much more $ (Euro's) than Spain was. Eating is a big part of our budget! Ouch!
After so many weeks of being away I have noted that my waistline is not shrinking like I had hoped. The sauces, pasts and breads might have something to do with this. I must, I must try to picnic instead of eat true authentic foods!
Just saw on the News last night Turkey tried for a Military Cuu (sp) so I think we might have to remove that from our list. Pity; I wanted to do the markets and beaches there!
This is the BEST tip I can give you for Europe.
Watch Rick Steeves on PBS. Rent his videos, sign them out of the Library and buy his books for every country you are going to visit. Then MAKE NOTES! It has saved us a ton of hassle, found us some of the best things the cities have to offer in a hurry and then saved us lots of money too!
www.RickSteves.com
For an example; in Sorrento we are in a Hostel.
Now I cant tell you how nervous I was when Barb first announced this too me. I wanted to risk climbing into a Cessna 172 and fly back to Cochrane or..... I had visions of people sleeping next to me that had "dreadlocks" and bugs that wanted to share my pillow.
But not the case. We have a place here that is much nicer than most of our hotels! Its beautiful. Tons of marble, spotless and a very large nice and newer room. A nice King bed and another single for a friends (joke). The bathroom is large and I would say this is a 3 to 4 star easy! All for $60E including breakfast for two!
These are the types of little treasures that Rick Steeves shares with you and we are so greatful. Like our last place in Santa Ponsa. It was directly on the water of the Med in a Bay. You could not beat the location. The place was older and I didn't understand the German being spoken but they all liked my last name (Messner). That room was the "do not have children room" complete with the best shower Ive had in ages and twin single beds. All for $34 E a night with free internet!
Across the street go for breakfast or lunch at ARKLES! A great British cafe.
As you can imagine just about anywhere in Europe you can spend at least as much as downtown Toronto or Montreal and that's just the start! In fact due to weather and logistics plus money we are saving London for last. But we've found a sweetheart hotel of a deal there too.
So far we have stayed in an apartment, Boutique hotel rooms owned by families and now a Hostel! What's next? Barb would like to try Bed & Breakfasts and Agri-tourist places (Farms) but we would need a car for them.
PRICES
One has to always check on prices anywhere you go as they can vary widely for the same thing. Most of our rooms have varied from $34E to $60 or $70E. Meals from a couple or $3E each (Tappas in Spain = snacks) to $20+ per person.
Remember the Euro is worth more than the Canadian dollar! We rented a car in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca for about $12 a day! Another time we rented one from the Palma airport for about $34 a day but when you added the rest on that they didn't advertise when we rented online it was more like $70+ a day! Plus they provided a full tank of diesel for a huge fee, then added another $10 cause it was diesel and wanted it back empty which was impossible! We do know how to have fun don't we!
Most cars here are diesel and almost all are very small.
The only big ones are from Mercedes or the odd Ford Mustang! I even saw a Corvette one day. But usually they are like Peugeouts (sp), Fiat, Citroen, Smart Cars (2 and 4 door versions) and Renaults. Very small for a very good reason - parking and roads. Nothing is big here, nothing is wide here, some of the roads are only wide enough for a Roman Cart and thats because they were the ones who built the roads and we are still using them!
If you don't know how to use a traffic circle - learn before you get here or walk! Most drivers here are practising for the upcoming Formula One race in Barcelona, Im sure of it! Still haven't seen an accident yet thou. You become very defensive while driving here but very agrressive too!
I have to hand it to Barb she has done ALL of the driving. We keep our marriage together this way. I read the map and tell her when and where to turn and she drives. We are both happier this way and after 26 wonderful years together we have learned what to do to stay together!
We are currently on what they call the Amalfi coast in Italy which is supposed to be breathtaking. IN a day or two we will check it all out. We have to go to Rome on Tuesday for 4-5 days. So will get it done before then. We are also very close to Pompeii so will try and check that out too.
Near the end of March Barb will be going back to Canada for 3 weeks.
I would like to stay in Italy so will be watching for good affordable accomadations, near the ocean and some flavorable Callamari. Im hoping I am close here.
I can see it now; get up in the mornings, shower and shave then take my Lap Top to my favorite corner cafe and sit on the sidewalk to have my Americano and breakfast while checking my email and making up stories for you to read (joking). But something like that would be nice.
We are not ones for "touristas" so I would like to stay somewhere where its just locals for the most part and just melt in with the locals, make some friends with them and have some fun most likely at my expense! Chinqua Terri (sp) is an area Id like to try and do this in while Barb is away but its still a little chilly there. Its up by France on the Italian Rivierera. (sp)
The weather is a little warmer here in Sorrento. Seems about 16 next to the Med. A little rainy still and the locals here say thats not normal either. Im wondering if thats the favorite saying each year for the Spanish and Italians when meeting a Canadian? But rain is ok too, we like it better than snow and there really hasn't been that much.
We have a few things going on in life besides our trip which have been interesting and its sometimes hard not being at home to be closer. Nothing bad just stuff so we will see. We are approaching the end of our second month soon so time is starting to fly. I can almost say with certainty now that we wont get to see as much as we had hoped. In fact part of me is thankful for that. I like to lay back and relax. Barb on the other hand is a major tourist. Like her shopping habits (some of you know what I mean). Its amazing though as I havent lost 30 lbs!
She is definetely go go. I don't want to see everything. I just like to enjoy what's around and lay in the sun in a comfy chair and a good cup of Java. Speaking of java it won't be the same coming home. Garth! If you haven't sold that Java machine yet I might be interested. Man our coffees don't have near the character these ones do and I have been converted big time. Just for you Paul: A Venti Cafe Con Leche would be good but a regular Americano is awesome too! Gerry you know what I mean! One has to experience it.
I don't miss winter and I really don't miss Canada (yet, I know I will soon).
I do miss our children and our friends. I miss my work a bit too.
I have a hard time staying still... doing nothing constructive so having a long holiday with me is tough on Barb cause I just have more time to think about work then I want to implement things too. So I apologize up front Barb; it may only get worse? On the other hand part of me wants to retire or slow down I just don't think I know how? Maybe this trip will help?
The climate and lifestyle of the Med is very similar to Victoria and the Island on our west coast. Mostly in ways of climate. Some days Victoria has been warmer! But not many! Getting news on the Olympics is not easy in Spain. I miss that. Im hoping for more in Italy as we have BBC right now which helps, but only a bit as they don't talk about Canada. Im thankful for my lap top and blackberry. Barb has her Ipod. That way we can get some news and communicate. I would be lost without that!
Well thats it for now, I might have to go for my Siesta as I try to do what the locals do and its already noon.
Don't forget we are 8 hours in front of you. Until we get to Rome we don't have internet in our room again - just down in the lobby.
IN Rome it might be more of the same. We are going to meet some people we met in Santa Ponsa (Mallorca Island) from a church who are going over there (Rome) to tour Rome's historical places. They invited us to join them (no fee other than our regular costs) so we said yes! They are very nice, a few of them are from the good ole USA and the tour leader is from Italy and lived in Roma for 5 years. I cant wait to see what she will show us! A great opportunity. I think we go there next Tuesday and come home (I mean leave) the following Saturday?
Im not sure at this point if we will be going back to Sorrento or somewhere else on the coast? Perhaps a bit farther south to Sicily as the Mafia will be sure to welcome us down there too - I hope!
Oops, one more thing. A problem we are facing now is language. We were starting to get fairly good with Spainish and now we are in Italy trying to change and I keep using Spanish by accident! I hope thy have a sense of humour here!
Sorry for spelling mistakes there's no spell check and its hard to type sitting here like this!
PICTURES
We add them to FaceBook.
Im working on trying to use Picassa or Flicker instead. Will let you know!
Don't forget we have Skype (skype.com) to chat like on a phone thru computers. If you have it ring us up at Jim.Messner - the trouble is that we have to be in the Lobby on line at the time so leave a message if we dont answer. Remember; 8am your time is 4pm our time.
COPY THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO SEE WHERE WE ARE NOW. (Link below).
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ricksteves.com/images/italy/amalfi.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/amalfi.htm&usg=__kz1AbQDNlLg71Tw30YCYsaYfmps=&h=224&w=350&sz=33&hl=en&start=3&sig2=A3tD-nkPRDE7HokHlvSd7w&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=SGf8CjiFnIYRbM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bitaly%2Bamalfi%2Bcoast%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=YGaGS9zlGIuL_AaWhdHNDw
Also:
You should sign up to this if you want to read the stories; if you do then I think it notifies you when we add one and you don't have to keep checking?
Chow or Ciao but not Adios!
Jim
We arrived in Sorrento last night about dinner time. We had left the day before last from Palma on the Island of Mallorca and had to stay the night in Barcelona to make connections to Sorrento. Once we landed in Naples or Napoli we took a bus from the airport to Sorrento.
Barb inside the walls of the Spanish Royal Palace in Santa Cruz, Seville, Spain
Seville Spain is rated as one of the top three cities in Europe to see!
We agree!
France has some air controller strikes which is slowing down airports here also. Add to that a couple of other airlines are talking strike (British Air - Our favorite for transatlantic trips is one). Yikes.
The road traffic down here was horrendous plus add to the fact we were on a little tiny winding road in a big big bus. This little tiny winding road was on a cliff overlooking the ocean below in many cases. Formula One racing produces many a good Italian race car drivers and now I know why!
Cars and especially motorcycles and scooters will take all lives in hand to pass just one vehicle? They make crazy ambulance drivers in Spain look like little old ladies! After a while you sort of get used to it and I (in my mind) began cheering for our bus driver (who looked exactly like Telly Savalas in 1972) to just go ahead and hit them! It was un-real and I became the monster this same environment produces! I better not rent a car and especially no scooters for Jim and Barb in this area!
We got to our room and were hungary so went to our first "Real" Italian Restaurant. It was just like being in Bridgeland in Calgary but the Gnocci (sp - Pro: nokki) in Cochrane's Italian place is much better! Imagine that! We still had a good time but are getting scared that Italy is going to be much more $ (Euro's) than Spain was. Eating is a big part of our budget! Ouch!
After so many weeks of being away I have noted that my waistline is not shrinking like I had hoped. The sauces, pasts and breads might have something to do with this. I must, I must try to picnic instead of eat true authentic foods!
The History of the Church in Europe is quite interesting.
In fact its a major part of her history!
Just saw on the News last night Turkey tried for a Military Cuu (sp) so I think we might have to remove that from our list. Pity; I wanted to do the markets and beaches there!
This is the BEST tip I can give you for Europe.
Watch Rick Steeves on PBS. Rent his videos, sign them out of the Library and buy his books for every country you are going to visit. Then MAKE NOTES! It has saved us a ton of hassle, found us some of the best things the cities have to offer in a hurry and then saved us lots of money too!
www.RickSteves.com
For an example; in Sorrento we are in a Hostel.
Now I cant tell you how nervous I was when Barb first announced this too me. I wanted to risk climbing into a Cessna 172 and fly back to Cochrane or..... I had visions of people sleeping next to me that had "dreadlocks" and bugs that wanted to share my pillow.
But not the case. We have a place here that is much nicer than most of our hotels! Its beautiful. Tons of marble, spotless and a very large nice and newer room. A nice King bed and another single for a friends (joke). The bathroom is large and I would say this is a 3 to 4 star easy! All for $60E including breakfast for two!
These are the types of little treasures that Rick Steeves shares with you and we are so greatful. Like our last place in Santa Ponsa. It was directly on the water of the Med in a Bay. You could not beat the location. The place was older and I didn't understand the German being spoken but they all liked my last name (Messner). That room was the "do not have children room" complete with the best shower Ive had in ages and twin single beds. All for $34 E a night with free internet!
Across the street go for breakfast or lunch at ARKLES! A great British cafe.
As you can imagine just about anywhere in Europe you can spend at least as much as downtown Toronto or Montreal and that's just the start! In fact due to weather and logistics plus money we are saving London for last. But we've found a sweetheart hotel of a deal there too.
The Islands on the right called Mallorca is where we started (Palma and Santa Ponsa).
Then we spent a week in Barcelona and then another week in Seville near the bottom of Spain.
So far we have stayed in an apartment, Boutique hotel rooms owned by families and now a Hostel! What's next? Barb would like to try Bed & Breakfasts and Agri-tourist places (Farms) but we would need a car for them.
PRICES
One has to always check on prices anywhere you go as they can vary widely for the same thing. Most of our rooms have varied from $34E to $60 or $70E. Meals from a couple or $3E each (Tappas in Spain = snacks) to $20+ per person.
Remember the Euro is worth more than the Canadian dollar! We rented a car in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca for about $12 a day! Another time we rented one from the Palma airport for about $34 a day but when you added the rest on that they didn't advertise when we rented online it was more like $70+ a day! Plus they provided a full tank of diesel for a huge fee, then added another $10 cause it was diesel and wanted it back empty which was impossible! We do know how to have fun don't we!
Most cars here are diesel and almost all are very small.
The only big ones are from Mercedes or the odd Ford Mustang! I even saw a Corvette one day. But usually they are like Peugeouts (sp), Fiat, Citroen, Smart Cars (2 and 4 door versions) and Renaults. Very small for a very good reason - parking and roads. Nothing is big here, nothing is wide here, some of the roads are only wide enough for a Roman Cart and thats because they were the ones who built the roads and we are still using them!
If you don't know how to use a traffic circle - learn before you get here or walk! Most drivers here are practising for the upcoming Formula One race in Barcelona, Im sure of it! Still haven't seen an accident yet thou. You become very defensive while driving here but very agrressive too!
I have to hand it to Barb she has done ALL of the driving. We keep our marriage together this way. I read the map and tell her when and where to turn and she drives. We are both happier this way and after 26 wonderful years together we have learned what to do to stay together!
Barb and one of our rental cars. She's a great Pilot!
We are currently on what they call the Amalfi coast in Italy which is supposed to be breathtaking. IN a day or two we will check it all out. We have to go to Rome on Tuesday for 4-5 days. So will get it done before then. We are also very close to Pompeii so will try and check that out too.
Near the end of March Barb will be going back to Canada for 3 weeks.
I would like to stay in Italy so will be watching for good affordable accomadations, near the ocean and some flavorable Callamari. Im hoping I am close here.
Cheers!
No Habla Espainiol, Por Favor - La Quinta Non!
I can see it now; get up in the mornings, shower and shave then take my Lap Top to my favorite corner cafe and sit on the sidewalk to have my Americano and breakfast while checking my email and making up stories for you to read (joking). But something like that would be nice.
We are not ones for "touristas" so I would like to stay somewhere where its just locals for the most part and just melt in with the locals, make some friends with them and have some fun most likely at my expense! Chinqua Terri (sp) is an area Id like to try and do this in while Barb is away but its still a little chilly there. Its up by France on the Italian Rivierera. (sp)
The weather is a little warmer here in Sorrento. Seems about 16 next to the Med. A little rainy still and the locals here say thats not normal either. Im wondering if thats the favorite saying each year for the Spanish and Italians when meeting a Canadian? But rain is ok too, we like it better than snow and there really hasn't been that much.
We have a few things going on in life besides our trip which have been interesting and its sometimes hard not being at home to be closer. Nothing bad just stuff so we will see. We are approaching the end of our second month soon so time is starting to fly. I can almost say with certainty now that we wont get to see as much as we had hoped. In fact part of me is thankful for that. I like to lay back and relax. Barb on the other hand is a major tourist. Like her shopping habits (some of you know what I mean). Its amazing though as I havent lost 30 lbs!
She is definetely go go. I don't want to see everything. I just like to enjoy what's around and lay in the sun in a comfy chair and a good cup of Java. Speaking of java it won't be the same coming home. Garth! If you haven't sold that Java machine yet I might be interested. Man our coffees don't have near the character these ones do and I have been converted big time. Just for you Paul: A Venti Cafe Con Leche would be good but a regular Americano is awesome too! Gerry you know what I mean! One has to experience it.
I don't miss winter and I really don't miss Canada (yet, I know I will soon).
I do miss our children and our friends. I miss my work a bit too.
We MISS ALL of YOU!
I have a hard time staying still... doing nothing constructive so having a long holiday with me is tough on Barb cause I just have more time to think about work then I want to implement things too. So I apologize up front Barb; it may only get worse? On the other hand part of me wants to retire or slow down I just don't think I know how? Maybe this trip will help?
Another evening walking in Spain
Well thats it for now, I might have to go for my Siesta as I try to do what the locals do and its already noon.
Don't forget we are 8 hours in front of you. Until we get to Rome we don't have internet in our room again - just down in the lobby.
IN Rome it might be more of the same. We are going to meet some people we met in Santa Ponsa (Mallorca Island) from a church who are going over there (Rome) to tour Rome's historical places. They invited us to join them (no fee other than our regular costs) so we said yes! They are very nice, a few of them are from the good ole USA and the tour leader is from Italy and lived in Roma for 5 years. I cant wait to see what she will show us! A great opportunity. I think we go there next Tuesday and come home (I mean leave) the following Saturday?
Im not sure at this point if we will be going back to Sorrento or somewhere else on the coast? Perhaps a bit farther south to Sicily as the Mafia will be sure to welcome us down there too - I hope!
Oops, one more thing. A problem we are facing now is language. We were starting to get fairly good with Spainish and now we are in Italy trying to change and I keep using Spanish by accident! I hope thy have a sense of humour here!
Sorry for spelling mistakes there's no spell check and its hard to type sitting here like this!
PICTURES
We add them to FaceBook.
Im working on trying to use Picassa or Flicker instead. Will let you know!
A Street in Santa Cruz - Seville, Spain
Don't forget we have Skype (skype.com) to chat like on a phone thru computers. If you have it ring us up at Jim.Messner - the trouble is that we have to be in the Lobby on line at the time so leave a message if we dont answer. Remember; 8am your time is 4pm our time.
COPY THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER TO SEE WHERE WE ARE NOW. (Link below).
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ricksteves.com/images/italy/amalfi.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/amalfi.htm&usg=__kz1AbQDNlLg71Tw30YCYsaYfmps=&h=224&w=350&sz=33&hl=en&start=3&sig2=A3tD-nkPRDE7HokHlvSd7w&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=SGf8CjiFnIYRbM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmap%2Bof%2Bitaly%2Bamalfi%2Bcoast%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=YGaGS9zlGIuL_AaWhdHNDw
We are staying in Sorrento right now. See Pompeii nearby and Mount Vesuvius.
Napoli is aka Naples.
Next week we go by train north to Rome (Roma).
Also:
You should sign up to this if you want to read the stories; if you do then I think it notifies you when we add one and you don't have to keep checking?
Chow or Ciao but not Adios!
Jim
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Feb 21, 2010 Sunday - Santa Ponsa Mallorca
By Jim.
Well I should have listened to my better concious and spent more time on the balcony of our room here. We over look the Med in the Santa Ponsa Bay. The vie wis incredible with those greeny, bluey, carribbean looking waters. I can sit there for hours just relaxing and staring out... But,,, oh no I didn't!
I had some work to do! You see Im still working Real Estate from over here and yes technology is wonderful but at times frustrating too. We had a couple of internet hiccups so I fell behind a bit. I needed to work on a proposal for a Home Builder back home. It seems they like us and want us to market a few homes and perhaps their whole project. So this could be a huge bonus for us. Add to that every day we are getting enquiries on other stuff, so work I do and discipline is hard but must be utilized, even when the skies and ocean are so soo blue!
So in thinking that today (Sunday) would be the same I got up nice a early and poof - there it was GONE!
Again no blue sky - but at least it was warm in the double digits. Well it was soon to rain too. So instead of rushing back to work we went for my only 2nd North American meal while here. This was Burger King! We got drenched on the way home. Most of my meals have been local or Italian in nature.
We are doing well melting into the culture. Our Spanish is becoming more automatic with out even thinking and especially Barb who picks it up better than I? So, no cultural shock really at least not now. Its been about 1.5 month since we left and in fact when I think of it we have been living out of a suit case for 4 months now!
Im amazed at all the people that are here now in Santa Ponsa. Obviously the Tourists are slowly starting to arrive. Many are Spanish but the most are from Britain and Germany. In fact our hotel is full of Germans. Some of them are getting on in years and a little deaf so it sounds like they are yelling at each other in german which is so foreign for us. Almost scary when memories flood back of TV shows of WW2 in my youth. But Im sure they are very nice people, just a little gruff some of them.
A lot of things have happened over the last few weeks. I must say we are really starting to settle in. When we first got to Barcelona I (Jim) got the Flu (but my food posioning story sounds better) and guess where I spent much of the next 3 days. Thats right! Hugging the white porcelain! Man Im glad that one is over. Its no fun being sick when you cant be home and to make it even worse; overseas in an un-familiar bathroom and bed.
Once I was able to get up and going again we ventured into the streets day and some evenings too. Barcelona is a nice city. We were told initially it was about 1.5 million but later on we learned its likely a trading area with all of it coming in at about 5 million and with all the buses, cabs, subway and people that seemed more correct. A nice city with lots to see but not sure I would rush back. Still just a big city.
One thing we are not getting here is the Olympics. The Spanish are more into Soccer (Football) and not much into the Olympics. When we can score a British channel in some pubs they have it on and we get our updates of what Canada is doing. GO CANADA GO!
After that we went to Seville and what can I say. From the airport we took city transit into town via a rail car then switched at the central train station to bus (or was that Barcelona?) at any rate we were on city transit. We got off where they told us (thankfully some understand english - but careful they all don't!). We walked about 30 minutes for a 10 minute walk only because we always get a little lost and turned around (should have brought the GPS!). But the map finally saved us!
As we got closer to the area we knew we were staying in I simply fell in love and it just got better and better! Quaint little Pubs, shops, stores and very old buildings, many of them restored and many of them small boutique hotels. We found ours and wow. It was owned by a local family and what a great job they did. Nothing fancy, not very big either. You had to tip toe around the bed the room was so small but so what - it was fun! But it was great and it was clean with crisp sheets! Unlike Barcelona it was much quieter too!
Rule one: Bring Ear Plugs for some of these areas so you ca sleep.
We stayed 8 nights in Seville at about $50E/nite including breakfast (Barbs getting to become a Barterer, Im proud of her!). In the mornings we would have the included breakfast and then lunch would be in a pub and diner in a nice restaurant of either local fare or Italian! Most prices were reasonable.
Jim's recommendation: try Iberico Jamon (Cured Ham), its is awesome. Just don't look at it first because the hoof is still on it when they slice your pieces off. Like a lot of other food here (including sea food) I don't like it looking at me before I eat it! (Eyes and heads still on etc - Im too North Americanized).
One night we attended a Traditional Flamenco.
You must do this as Seville is where Flamenco started and was born. I was surprised as I thought it would sound Spanish but it sound more Arabic in their singing. The dancing I recognized - the only thing they didn't have on was the Black Flat Hats! I still don't know how they can move their feet like that and into such a rythym!
The best part for me in Barcelona was the little corner pubs. They had to be Spanish to be special.
The prices are usually much lower there and especially if you eat off the main streets and away from the tourist areas. If there is no price on something make sure you ask first! If you eat up at the Bar its generally cheaper for the same item. Add to that they are usually a lot more fun. Spanish ones are cheaper than American or British outlets.
So as of Friday we flew back to Palma and are staying in Santa Ponsa again but on the sunny side of the bay. We rented another car. This one is a diesel Citroen. It seems to make more gas than it uses. Even all the BMW's here as are most cars - are all diesel. Its great!
I think Ill buy a smaller car when I get home! Barb has become the designated driver. It seems in the second half of our lives together she's found the new love of Driving and I get to sit back and enjoy her most capable job of getting us from A to B. Tomorrow I hope we get to the Puert de Anthrax (Spelling is off?). Its a great little Port that I wish we could stay at! Small cozy and cool and of course it has Jim's all time favorite - A Marina with boats!
On Tuesday we fly back to Barcelona for a one night layover then Weds we fly into Naples Italy and take a bus down to Sorrento on the west coast of Italy. I cant wait!
After a few days in Sorrento we are going to meet some friends in Rome and stay with them in a Hostel. For the next four days we will see the historical and Biblical sites of Rome. Wow we lucked out meeting them, such nice people and they invited us to join them! Im sure this will be a big highlite of the trip.
After that Barb will have a few days left and I expect we will spend them somewhere in Italy. Perhaps up in the Chinq que Terra (spelling?) which is just beautiful. Then after that Barb has to fly to London and then fly back to Calgary. After which she will go spend a couple of weeks with her Mom. So Ill be alone for 3 weeks here.
During this 3 weeks that Barbs away I will stay by myself and likely in Italy. Pray for me! Im looking for a safe affordable place on the coast somewhere that has a small community where I can meld in and become part of and easily enjoy my days and relax with the locals.
You likely know we would rather not do what the tourist's do anymore nor hang in the those areas. We want to be in the real areas where the real locals are and amongst them. So thats my goal for while Barb is away. We need to get going on planning this ASAP to keep costs low.
Budget is always a concern for me. Not so much for Barb as usual. This doesn't mean one is wrong or right. Just the way our brains work. When dealing in Euro's one must watch. Somethings are the same price but in Euro's. So we stay to the local Spanish shops and not the tourist ones. (Groceries too).
Our next challenge is going to be changing fro Spanish to Italian here shortly. IM not sure how this will work out as there are some simularities in some of the dialects so we need to get the Italian book and get to work!
Excuse my writing and grammar. Im sitting in the hotel Lobby and Im so tired I can see the keyboard! So bear with me!
Talk to you soon and we will try to update this Blog more often that in the past! PS if your on Face Book thats where the pictures are. IM looking at maybe uploading them to Googles Picassa system too to try and make it easier for some of you.
Cheers! Jim M.
Well I should have listened to my better concious and spent more time on the balcony of our room here. We over look the Med in the Santa Ponsa Bay. The vie wis incredible with those greeny, bluey, carribbean looking waters. I can sit there for hours just relaxing and staring out... But,,, oh no I didn't!
I had some work to do! You see Im still working Real Estate from over here and yes technology is wonderful but at times frustrating too. We had a couple of internet hiccups so I fell behind a bit. I needed to work on a proposal for a Home Builder back home. It seems they like us and want us to market a few homes and perhaps their whole project. So this could be a huge bonus for us. Add to that every day we are getting enquiries on other stuff, so work I do and discipline is hard but must be utilized, even when the skies and ocean are so soo blue!
So in thinking that today (Sunday) would be the same I got up nice a early and poof - there it was GONE!
Again no blue sky - but at least it was warm in the double digits. Well it was soon to rain too. So instead of rushing back to work we went for my only 2nd North American meal while here. This was Burger King! We got drenched on the way home. Most of my meals have been local or Italian in nature.
We are doing well melting into the culture. Our Spanish is becoming more automatic with out even thinking and especially Barb who picks it up better than I? So, no cultural shock really at least not now. Its been about 1.5 month since we left and in fact when I think of it we have been living out of a suit case for 4 months now!
Im amazed at all the people that are here now in Santa Ponsa. Obviously the Tourists are slowly starting to arrive. Many are Spanish but the most are from Britain and Germany. In fact our hotel is full of Germans. Some of them are getting on in years and a little deaf so it sounds like they are yelling at each other in german which is so foreign for us. Almost scary when memories flood back of TV shows of WW2 in my youth. But Im sure they are very nice people, just a little gruff some of them.
A lot of things have happened over the last few weeks. I must say we are really starting to settle in. When we first got to Barcelona I (Jim) got the Flu (but my food posioning story sounds better) and guess where I spent much of the next 3 days. Thats right! Hugging the white porcelain! Man Im glad that one is over. Its no fun being sick when you cant be home and to make it even worse; overseas in an un-familiar bathroom and bed.
Once I was able to get up and going again we ventured into the streets day and some evenings too. Barcelona is a nice city. We were told initially it was about 1.5 million but later on we learned its likely a trading area with all of it coming in at about 5 million and with all the buses, cabs, subway and people that seemed more correct. A nice city with lots to see but not sure I would rush back. Still just a big city.
One thing we are not getting here is the Olympics. The Spanish are more into Soccer (Football) and not much into the Olympics. When we can score a British channel in some pubs they have it on and we get our updates of what Canada is doing. GO CANADA GO!
After that we went to Seville and what can I say. From the airport we took city transit into town via a rail car then switched at the central train station to bus (or was that Barcelona?) at any rate we were on city transit. We got off where they told us (thankfully some understand english - but careful they all don't!). We walked about 30 minutes for a 10 minute walk only because we always get a little lost and turned around (should have brought the GPS!). But the map finally saved us!
As we got closer to the area we knew we were staying in I simply fell in love and it just got better and better! Quaint little Pubs, shops, stores and very old buildings, many of them restored and many of them small boutique hotels. We found ours and wow. It was owned by a local family and what a great job they did. Nothing fancy, not very big either. You had to tip toe around the bed the room was so small but so what - it was fun! But it was great and it was clean with crisp sheets! Unlike Barcelona it was much quieter too!
Rule one: Bring Ear Plugs for some of these areas so you ca sleep.
We stayed 8 nights in Seville at about $50E/nite including breakfast (Barbs getting to become a Barterer, Im proud of her!). In the mornings we would have the included breakfast and then lunch would be in a pub and diner in a nice restaurant of either local fare or Italian! Most prices were reasonable.
Jim's recommendation: try Iberico Jamon (Cured Ham), its is awesome. Just don't look at it first because the hoof is still on it when they slice your pieces off. Like a lot of other food here (including sea food) I don't like it looking at me before I eat it! (Eyes and heads still on etc - Im too North Americanized).
One night we attended a Traditional Flamenco.
You must do this as Seville is where Flamenco started and was born. I was surprised as I thought it would sound Spanish but it sound more Arabic in their singing. The dancing I recognized - the only thing they didn't have on was the Black Flat Hats! I still don't know how they can move their feet like that and into such a rythym!
The best part for me in Barcelona was the little corner pubs. They had to be Spanish to be special.
The prices are usually much lower there and especially if you eat off the main streets and away from the tourist areas. If there is no price on something make sure you ask first! If you eat up at the Bar its generally cheaper for the same item. Add to that they are usually a lot more fun. Spanish ones are cheaper than American or British outlets.
So as of Friday we flew back to Palma and are staying in Santa Ponsa again but on the sunny side of the bay. We rented another car. This one is a diesel Citroen. It seems to make more gas than it uses. Even all the BMW's here as are most cars - are all diesel. Its great!
I think Ill buy a smaller car when I get home! Barb has become the designated driver. It seems in the second half of our lives together she's found the new love of Driving and I get to sit back and enjoy her most capable job of getting us from A to B. Tomorrow I hope we get to the Puert de Anthrax (Spelling is off?). Its a great little Port that I wish we could stay at! Small cozy and cool and of course it has Jim's all time favorite - A Marina with boats!
On Tuesday we fly back to Barcelona for a one night layover then Weds we fly into Naples Italy and take a bus down to Sorrento on the west coast of Italy. I cant wait!
After a few days in Sorrento we are going to meet some friends in Rome and stay with them in a Hostel. For the next four days we will see the historical and Biblical sites of Rome. Wow we lucked out meeting them, such nice people and they invited us to join them! Im sure this will be a big highlite of the trip.
After that Barb will have a few days left and I expect we will spend them somewhere in Italy. Perhaps up in the Chinq que Terra (spelling?) which is just beautiful. Then after that Barb has to fly to London and then fly back to Calgary. After which she will go spend a couple of weeks with her Mom. So Ill be alone for 3 weeks here.
During this 3 weeks that Barbs away I will stay by myself and likely in Italy. Pray for me! Im looking for a safe affordable place on the coast somewhere that has a small community where I can meld in and become part of and easily enjoy my days and relax with the locals.
You likely know we would rather not do what the tourist's do anymore nor hang in the those areas. We want to be in the real areas where the real locals are and amongst them. So thats my goal for while Barb is away. We need to get going on planning this ASAP to keep costs low.
Budget is always a concern for me. Not so much for Barb as usual. This doesn't mean one is wrong or right. Just the way our brains work. When dealing in Euro's one must watch. Somethings are the same price but in Euro's. So we stay to the local Spanish shops and not the tourist ones. (Groceries too).
Our next challenge is going to be changing fro Spanish to Italian here shortly. IM not sure how this will work out as there are some simularities in some of the dialects so we need to get the Italian book and get to work!
Excuse my writing and grammar. Im sitting in the hotel Lobby and Im so tired I can see the keyboard! So bear with me!
Talk to you soon and we will try to update this Blog more often that in the past! PS if your on Face Book thats where the pictures are. IM looking at maybe uploading them to Googles Picassa system too to try and make it easier for some of you.
Cheers! Jim M.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunny Mallorca
Back to the beautiful Island of Mallorca! And it was a gorgeous day to welcome us back. Seville was so much fun, I would highly recommend it, even if it did rain waaaay more than normal.
On Wednesday we toured the cathedral. Absolutly amazing!! It is the 3rd largest cathedral in Europe. We had a guide, Alfonso, and as it turned out we were his only crew that day. He gave us an excellent tour for 1 1/2 hours. He was very knowledgable and witty and afterward Jim and I climbed the Giralda Tower that is attached, 12th century. 29 floors!!! Yes that's right, we went up 29 stories..... fortunately it was a ramp system and not stairs, that was because it was originally built by Muslims and the old guy that went up 5 times a day to give the call to prayer went up courtesy of a donkey. I'm sure he loved that little fellow, it was a bit of a jaunt. The view from the top was as expected and did not dissapoint. It is the tallest structure in Seville and all buildings must stay under it's hight. It was fun to see the little maze of streets that we were staying in. Our hotel was in the old Jewish quarter, it's now called Barrio Santa Cruz. Most of the streets are too narrow for cars. Basically, take a piece of paper, put 6 or 8 random dots..... then draw 4, 5, or 6 "spokes" out from each dot and connect them to the other spokes. There! You have a map of the area hahaha What a delight to explore! The dots are plazas, some small, some a little bigger. All have a fountain or statue or "something".
On Thursday we took a tour with Alfonsos partner, Conception, of the Alcazar. This place is around 7th century, it is the Royal Palace. The tour is of the main floor, but the second floor is still an active royal residence when the King or his family is in town. Again, amazing!! And having a tour guide with a small group, this time we were 6, was a delightful time.
We're off to explore Italy on Wednesday. Starting with Sorrento. Hope we enjoy it as much as we have been enjoying Spain these past 5 1/2 weeks!
Barb
On Wednesday we toured the cathedral. Absolutly amazing!! It is the 3rd largest cathedral in Europe. We had a guide, Alfonso, and as it turned out we were his only crew that day. He gave us an excellent tour for 1 1/2 hours. He was very knowledgable and witty and afterward Jim and I climbed the Giralda Tower that is attached, 12th century. 29 floors!!! Yes that's right, we went up 29 stories..... fortunately it was a ramp system and not stairs, that was because it was originally built by Muslims and the old guy that went up 5 times a day to give the call to prayer went up courtesy of a donkey. I'm sure he loved that little fellow, it was a bit of a jaunt. The view from the top was as expected and did not dissapoint. It is the tallest structure in Seville and all buildings must stay under it's hight. It was fun to see the little maze of streets that we were staying in. Our hotel was in the old Jewish quarter, it's now called Barrio Santa Cruz. Most of the streets are too narrow for cars. Basically, take a piece of paper, put 6 or 8 random dots..... then draw 4, 5, or 6 "spokes" out from each dot and connect them to the other spokes. There! You have a map of the area hahaha What a delight to explore! The dots are plazas, some small, some a little bigger. All have a fountain or statue or "something".
On Thursday we took a tour with Alfonsos partner, Conception, of the Alcazar. This place is around 7th century, it is the Royal Palace. The tour is of the main floor, but the second floor is still an active royal residence when the King or his family is in town. Again, amazing!! And having a tour guide with a small group, this time we were 6, was a delightful time.
We're off to explore Italy on Wednesday. Starting with Sorrento. Hope we enjoy it as much as we have been enjoying Spain these past 5 1/2 weeks!
Barb
Monday, February 15, 2010
Seville in the Rain
Rain,rain, go away! What a down pour.... and so far the foreast is for more! Ok, must remain chipper and just use the time constructivelty... Jims so smart, he just told me to find an App for my Ipod so I can make entries to the blog. It works great now. Man these techy things are so cool!
So, here we are. I walked over to a large book store, FNAC (prounced Finac) it's a Spanish Chapters. The one in Barcelona was HUGE. 6 floors! This one is a bit smaller, still lots of floors, they make good use of vertical space here. I was looking for the book Don Quixote but unable to find the famous novel, so settled for Jane Austen's Northhanger Abby. I need something to do while riding out the rain. But apparently Jim and I are fair weather touristas, even in the pouring rain there were crowds of wet, smiling, .....but did I mention wet?... tourists! Umbrellas, rain ponchos, maps in hand and following their guide. We were going to take the walking tour this morning but deceided to gamble and wait and see if tomorrow is better. We're here till Friday........ Sun, pleeeease come out! We'll have to venture out for food soon, tummies starting to growl...... for food I'll get wet, hahaha, other than that, forget it! Our hotel is lovely and quaint, and the staff are marvelous..... Why would we leave?
Oh, I did want to mention, it is a humbling thing to be in such a large chain bookstore, filled with books, ALL in SPANISH!! Oh, I did find the English section, a 7 ft high by 6 ft wide section, right next to the French section of similar size!! What! You mean the entire world doesn't read in English! ;)
Adious,
Barb
Friday, February 12, 2010
Seville, Spain - We made it.
FEB 12 2010
Go here to see the latest pictures. Ill keep adding as we have time.
Go here to see the latest pictures. Ill keep adding as we have time.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=153774&id=667486330&l=cb1d6d36ac
We got into Sevillia Spain Feb 11 about 430pm. The airline made our 8 hour trip easy with 1.5 hours flying time. Better than the train and cheaper too! We took a bus into the city and then walked for about a half an hour and finally found the hotel.
Unreal!
Thats all I can say. The area here is as old as one can imagine!
Started around 700 BC and our hotel is in an area of 1100 to 1400 AD. I dont know how many Romans slept in my room but... Hahahah.
Its a real weird thing to see so much. Its overwhelming as a Canadian from Calgary to see things so old. People here just walk by it all everyday and live in the midst of all this history. To touch a wall or a pc of wood or a decorative block that is 500 or more years old is quite something. I stand there and wonder what the people looked like back in the day, what they wore and what they ate! some of what we have been eating is what they ate.
Our clothes have certainly changed and I will say for sure that style in dress means much more to Europeans than it does to us as North Americans.
Both men and women dress with certainty and style. Its quite something to people watch over here. Its always been one of my hobbies but here its awesome!
Feb 12th (Friday) is rainly and cold so we spent most the day at the hotel. +6 is freezing to us now so I guess we are getting climatized.
The walls are so close together on the streets that many of them in the area you can not drive on. Old people even drive scooters. Id like a Vespa myself! Some streets you can almost touch both walls! Cobble stone or brick streets. I wonder if they were laid by the Romans or.....
Im out of time so must run. Sorry for the delay in updates we will try to do more. This week we dont have wifi in our room just in the Lobby so its a bit harder. We are here for 7 more nites then back to Mallorca (Santa Ponsa).
Cheers!
JM
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Europe thus far.... Barcelona Day 4
As I (Jim) sit here in my apartment in Barcelona and after seeing all that we have seen so far I can't help but to think. I know its a dangerous thing especially when it happens to me, but I must think.
I think about all the history over thousands of years right on the very ground we are standing on here to day and how it all played a part in our very lives even in Canada. Hoe the Spainards bravely left their homeland and explored those places oh so far away, even by today's standards. Man those must have been some trips.
There are so many things that are the same as they are in Cochrane and yet there are so many things that are different. I cant begin to explain them all and haven't likely even seen 1% of it. You are probably wondering why we decided on taking 6 months to see Europe and now Im knowing that it wont be enough. Six months is our goal and yet even at 3+ weeks I ask myself, will we last that long? We've seen and experienced so much already! Maybe we are crazy who knows but one thing I do know is that 2 or 3 weeks wouldn't have shown us very much and we hope to experience a ton of what the continent has to offer.
After we are done here in Barcelona we head over to Seville to experience some older Spanish culture. After being here though and realizing my apartment was originally built in the 1800's you wonder how old can it get? Well, from what weve seen so far IM sure well go back a few hundred more years and who knows?
Once we are done there we head back to Santa Ponsa to Julie & Tony's place again for a break. With out them this trip would not have been possible and the longer IM hear the more I realize this. They are such dear friends and hosts I can only hope we replay them somehow soon!
At the beginning of March we will head to Italy. We made some friends in Santa Ponsa at a Church we attended there and they invited us to Rome. They are doing a 5 day tour with their Students (adults) of a Bible school they have. So, we thought what better way to tour Rome. One of the worlds most historic places and done by people that have lived there! Can't wait.
After that we expect to tour a bit more then Barb will be flying off with out Jim! Yes thats right Barb will fly from where-ever we are at to London and then to Calgary so she can get in a 3 week visit with her Mom. I'll wait in Italy somewhere Im not sure where yet? I've been looking at Hostels and stuff as it will help the budget. We will see when the time comes for a decision? I'd like to be by the sea in a small village but may end up in Tuscany, who knows?
One of our goals this trip is to stay away from the touristy areas and live as close as we can to the locals where ever we may be. Well so far its happening and wow. Is it ever cool to live like this. Whether at our friends place on the island or here in Barcelona in this apartment. Its neat to shop the way the locals do and eat what they eat or where they eat. Another thing is its much cheaper to go this way. That hard part is you sometimes need to know a bit more of the language but thats what makes it fun and they appreciate us trying.
Food which is one of my favorite subjects seems to be very important to the Spanish too and I know it will be in Italy as well. I love the food! Although sometimes I have to be careful to not see it before they prepare and cook it as they show it off it very raw states here at the markets etc. You'll see this in some of the pictures.
PICTURES
We are trying to find another way to download pictures to this blog but they are taking really long. If you have Face Book (there is nothing to be afraid of - so sign up) you'll see a lot of pictures on our site there.
Well I must sign off for a bit and go lay down. I got the flu bug and or food poisoning and feel like I'm about to die once more so we'll chat later.
PS: Speaking of "Chat." If you have SKYPE or want to get it to talk; we are on SKYPE at Jim.messner you can reach us and talk to us for free thru your computer if you have a mic and speakers.
PPS: PICTURES To see the pictures we have posted on Face Book go to (If clicking doesn't work copy & paste into your browser):
1. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=151239&id=667486330&l=3f765eb4cb
2. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=150175&id=667486330&l=6ef7492599
3. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=149037&id=667486330&l=ae4124cc7e
Cheers!
Jim
I think about all the history over thousands of years right on the very ground we are standing on here to day and how it all played a part in our very lives even in Canada. Hoe the Spainards bravely left their homeland and explored those places oh so far away, even by today's standards. Man those must have been some trips.
There are so many things that are the same as they are in Cochrane and yet there are so many things that are different. I cant begin to explain them all and haven't likely even seen 1% of it. You are probably wondering why we decided on taking 6 months to see Europe and now Im knowing that it wont be enough. Six months is our goal and yet even at 3+ weeks I ask myself, will we last that long? We've seen and experienced so much already! Maybe we are crazy who knows but one thing I do know is that 2 or 3 weeks wouldn't have shown us very much and we hope to experience a ton of what the continent has to offer.
After we are done here in Barcelona we head over to Seville to experience some older Spanish culture. After being here though and realizing my apartment was originally built in the 1800's you wonder how old can it get? Well, from what weve seen so far IM sure well go back a few hundred more years and who knows?
Once we are done there we head back to Santa Ponsa to Julie & Tony's place again for a break. With out them this trip would not have been possible and the longer IM hear the more I realize this. They are such dear friends and hosts I can only hope we replay them somehow soon!
At the beginning of March we will head to Italy. We made some friends in Santa Ponsa at a Church we attended there and they invited us to Rome. They are doing a 5 day tour with their Students (adults) of a Bible school they have. So, we thought what better way to tour Rome. One of the worlds most historic places and done by people that have lived there! Can't wait.
After that we expect to tour a bit more then Barb will be flying off with out Jim! Yes thats right Barb will fly from where-ever we are at to London and then to Calgary so she can get in a 3 week visit with her Mom. I'll wait in Italy somewhere Im not sure where yet? I've been looking at Hostels and stuff as it will help the budget. We will see when the time comes for a decision? I'd like to be by the sea in a small village but may end up in Tuscany, who knows?
One of our goals this trip is to stay away from the touristy areas and live as close as we can to the locals where ever we may be. Well so far its happening and wow. Is it ever cool to live like this. Whether at our friends place on the island or here in Barcelona in this apartment. Its neat to shop the way the locals do and eat what they eat or where they eat. Another thing is its much cheaper to go this way. That hard part is you sometimes need to know a bit more of the language but thats what makes it fun and they appreciate us trying.
Food which is one of my favorite subjects seems to be very important to the Spanish too and I know it will be in Italy as well. I love the food! Although sometimes I have to be careful to not see it before they prepare and cook it as they show it off it very raw states here at the markets etc. You'll see this in some of the pictures.
PICTURES
We are trying to find another way to download pictures to this blog but they are taking really long. If you have Face Book (there is nothing to be afraid of - so sign up) you'll see a lot of pictures on our site there.
Well I must sign off for a bit and go lay down. I got the flu bug and or food poisoning and feel like I'm about to die once more so we'll chat later.
PS: Speaking of "Chat." If you have SKYPE or want to get it to talk; we are on SKYPE at Jim.messner you can reach us and talk to us for free thru your computer if you have a mic and speakers.
PPS: PICTURES To see the pictures we have posted on Face Book go to (If clicking doesn't work copy & paste into your browser):
1. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=151239&id=667486330&l=3f765eb4cb
2. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=150175&id=667486330&l=6ef7492599
3. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=149037&id=667486330&l=ae4124cc7e
Cheers!
Jim
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Barcelona
Well, we have ventured out on our own. We have left the safety and comfort of friends to explore a bit on our own. Julie and Tony have taught us well and been marvelous to let us test the water and to see that Europe is not so big and scary!
First trip....Barcelona! or as the Spanish say ....Barthelona!! I love listening to them talk, they go so fast and are very animated! They do a lot of the "th" sound, which I find a bit slow to pick up. I seem to trip over my tongue, course I do that in English! I do love their "Hola". We have been saying it in Mexico..... hola! short and simple, pleased with ourselves that we got a Spanish word out and not wanting to drag it on too long in case it was incorrect.... But they.... they say it in a lingering, musical, welcoming way. Ohhhh laaaa, with a range in notes. You just have to smile.
We have a 1 bedroom apartment in the Eixample district, great location. Right in the heart of downtown. The old buildings are beautiful and one seems to out do the next. From our 3rd floor we over look the street below. It has been a bit noisy (these beautiful old windows I wanted are not exactly "sealed") I had heard the folks here love their late nights, no wonder they have the siesta! Most shops, banks, etc close from 2 pm - 4 pm for a lingering lunch, sleep!......I'd imagine. When we arrived back at our place last night around 9 pm the street was fairly quiet. The day time bakeries, flower shops, vegetable stands, cafes, and a multitude of other shops were closed up. The restaurants are plentiful though, but generally, it seemed quiet. Well...... 2 am was not so quiet! Haha...... the night was just getting started. The streets were very busy with cars and motorcycles, motorcycles..... and yes, more motorcycles!! The party had spilled out on to the street. Not the rowdy, making trouble, kinda party. Just friends getting together and most likely getting a breath of fresh air, everyone smokes! At 5 am I realized the little bar, Topxi, across the street was open...... hadn't seen it open since we arrived. I think it didn't OPEN until midnight! And at 5 am people were still arriving to go in! Oh, they love to have fun......
Unfortunately the sounds outside weren't really what kept us up..... Jim at this moment is laying in bed, sicker than...... well, sick! Looks like the flu caught up with him waaay over here. He spent the night back and forth to the bathroom, while I gave him updates from the window on the goings on below. He has slept the day away and is still running a mild fever and lots of aches and pains. Poor fellow.... nothing worse than being sick away from home!
Here are some of the pictures so far.... sorry no Barcelona as yet.... will put them up soon. I need to figure out how to do the pictures in a speedier way..... uploading seemed reeeeaaly slow. Here's Jim hamming it up at a shop in Mallorca. The best option, I grudgingly admit, is to view Facebook. You know how long I held out!! Anyway see all the pics there
View from the rooftop terrace at Julie and Tony's in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
Barb
First trip....Barcelona! or as the Spanish say ....Barthelona!! I love listening to them talk, they go so fast and are very animated! They do a lot of the "th" sound, which I find a bit slow to pick up. I seem to trip over my tongue, course I do that in English! I do love their "Hola". We have been saying it in Mexico..... hola! short and simple, pleased with ourselves that we got a Spanish word out and not wanting to drag it on too long in case it was incorrect.... But they.... they say it in a lingering, musical, welcoming way. Ohhhh laaaa, with a range in notes. You just have to smile.
We have a 1 bedroom apartment in the Eixample district, great location. Right in the heart of downtown. The old buildings are beautiful and one seems to out do the next. From our 3rd floor we over look the street below. It has been a bit noisy (these beautiful old windows I wanted are not exactly "sealed") I had heard the folks here love their late nights, no wonder they have the siesta! Most shops, banks, etc close from 2 pm - 4 pm for a lingering lunch, sleep!......I'd imagine. When we arrived back at our place last night around 9 pm the street was fairly quiet. The day time bakeries, flower shops, vegetable stands, cafes, and a multitude of other shops were closed up. The restaurants are plentiful though, but generally, it seemed quiet. Well...... 2 am was not so quiet! Haha...... the night was just getting started. The streets were very busy with cars and motorcycles, motorcycles..... and yes, more motorcycles!! The party had spilled out on to the street. Not the rowdy, making trouble, kinda party. Just friends getting together and most likely getting a breath of fresh air, everyone smokes! At 5 am I realized the little bar, Topxi, across the street was open...... hadn't seen it open since we arrived. I think it didn't OPEN until midnight! And at 5 am people were still arriving to go in! Oh, they love to have fun......
Unfortunately the sounds outside weren't really what kept us up..... Jim at this moment is laying in bed, sicker than...... well, sick! Looks like the flu caught up with him waaay over here. He spent the night back and forth to the bathroom, while I gave him updates from the window on the goings on below. He has slept the day away and is still running a mild fever and lots of aches and pains. Poor fellow.... nothing worse than being sick away from home!
View from the rooftop terrace at Julie and Tony's in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca
Barb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
