And I’m back. And totally jetlagged.
Spain was great - a fabulous country. I will definitely go back again.
Also, it turns out that "vacation" vacations do have some nice perks over "adventure" vacations:
- Being able to brush your teeth without worrying about getting sick.
- Being able to eat fruit from street vendors without worrying about getting sick.
- Knowing that you’re not totally screwed if you lose your passport.
- Not stressing about safety when calling a cab.
- Western toilets.
Oh, and amazing wine and cheese. Though, the exchange rate is rather killer.
Next trip? I’m thinking back to south america - but who knows. 
Pictures coming soon.
Me, in front of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain. Taken an hour before sunset with the help of a park bench.
The last stop in my trip to Spain was Bilbao. The city in recent years has become an international destination with the building of the Guggenheim. The building, designed by Frank Gehry, is shaped like a “ship” with fish-like titanium scales. I loved how it caught the colors of the city at different times of day.
The collection housed inside of the Guggenheim was much smaller than I expected. The temporary Munoz exhibit was very good, and my appreciation for Richard Serra grew after seeing his permanent pieces. But overall, the building itself much overshadowed the art inside.
the guggenheim from across the river
the “fish scales” texture
my rocky run
spider
organic lines of the building
water fun
blue is blue
twilight
a little bit of vegas
at night
reflections
dancing
San Sebastian is an absolutely gorgeous beach town. Unfortunately, it got hit with a case of “seattle weather” while I was there…. so there wasn’t a lot of frolicking on the sand. Fortunately, Spain summer sales started that Monday - so I ended up being pretty productive anyways.
looking down at san sebastian
relaxing with sangria & new yorker
window dressings
seaside
soccer on the beach
merry-go-rounds
beach
can you hear me now?
twilight near the beach
Yesterday was my first full day in Barcelona. It was a fabulous.
My friend Chris and I started at Museu Picasso. My favorite part of this museum is Picasso’s Las Meninas study… (He did several interpretations of Vellasquez’s Las Meninas, which I saw in Madrid a few years ago.) The current temporary exhibit displays the work of several other artists who have done Las Meninas interpretations. It was great.
Next, we headed to Gaudi’s Parque Guell, took pictures and had lots of sangria.
At night (and this was the coolest part), we went to Gaudi’s La Pedrera for a rooftop jazz concert. and free cava. The band was awesome, and the ambience - set among Gaudi’s crazy knight-looking sculptures - was perfect.
We ended with dinner Spanish-style (and jetlag-style) around 11:30pm, which included some great cabrales blue cheese and a DOQ spanish red wine.
I think I could live in Barcelona.
On the plane to Spain, I read that there are sometimes nighttime concerts at La Pedrera, one of my favorite places from my previous Barcelona trip.
After asking around, we got tickets for “Noches de verano en La Pedrera.” The musician that night was Marc Ayza - he & his band were fabulous.
All & all, it was just a wonderful experience: great music & good cava in the surreal surroundings of Gaudi’s La Pedrera rooftop.
ark Guell is Gaudi’s outdoor barcelona park. It’s relaxing, picturesque… and a great place for a pitcher of sangria.
barcelona skyline from the top of the park. (see the large version.)
the main part of the park
dragon
euro smiles
mosaic
there goes the bride
ready for my sangria!
On Thursday, I leave for a week and a half vacation to Spain. This will be my first "first world" international vacation in a while… (Actually since I went to Barcelona & Prague four and half years ago. )
I’m looking forward to simply relaxing and enjoying the beauty (and wine) of Spain. On the other hand, I’m so NOT looking forward to the dollar <-> euro exchange rate.
The plan is split time between Barcelona and San Sebastian, with a side trip to see the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
I’m also making planning on taking a lot of pictures. :)
However, I’ve got a new resolution to take my time post-processing them when I get back. I usually just rush through it, and end up getting burnt out on. So, expect a long trickle of Spanish Photography!
Quick Facts:
- money:
- 1.00 euro = 1.552 usd (OUCH)
- local time:
- UTC + 1 (noon in seattle => 11:23pm in spain)
- weather:
While I was in Florida. I was able to see some of the local sites in Orlando & Miami.
Here are a few of the photos.
my first time at Disney World. i have to say, I like Disneyland better.
balloons on main street
princess for the day
waiting for tea cups
finally, a day at the beach: my feet in miami.
the great art deco sign at the park central hotel
rooftop party
me = tan = success
