We're back!

Just got off of the plane in Seattle! Big thank you to Anna and Thomas for having us on our last weekend in Barcelona, it was hard to leave!

See you all soon!

Jess

Last day in Barcelona, so beautiful:

Madrid, Granada and Malaga, Spain

Wednesday a.m., Geoff and I caught a 6:30 am train to Madrid, where we were supposed to catch a train at 9am to Granada. When we got to Madrid, however, the 9am was sold out (our first experience with that happening yet - tourist season must be beginning!), so for better or worse we had the whole day to hang out in Madrid as the next train was not until 5pm. We were very thankful that the train station had luggage storage (many don't because of bombing) which allowed us to get out and see the city. Madrid, from what we saw, was not too exciting, even the 'hip' arcea was a bit lackluster. It also rained the whole day so we spent most of the time cafe hopping. After a long day, we finally arrived in Granada, Spain, however, just in time to run into the city's Semana Santa celebrations, which included a precession that just happened to be moving down the street our hostel was on. It was a bit overwhelming after a 16hr day to try and battle through the crowds with all of our bags but we finally made it after about 20 minutes.

Granada had been recommended to us by a few people and was quite pretty. It is famous for the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel, and the Moorish area that is found below. We did not, unfortunately, get to see the Alhambra as it was sold out (only 6000 ppl per day can go in and semana santa meant it was very busy), but did a nice hike up the mountain-side to get some beautiful views of it. Up in the mountains there were a number of small shanty towns, mostly little shacks that extended out of caves in the hill. I have included some pictures of the hike below.

That evening, Geoff and I went to go see a flamenco show, which was amazing; the dancers' power, control and speed at which they were able to move their feet was unparrelled to anything I have ever seen. We were also able to enjoy a glass of Spanish sangria and tapas, something this particular region is famous for.

Yesterday, we left Granada and headed down to Malaga where the weather was supposed to be warm (it was raining in Granada), and arrived to an even crazier semana santa celebration down here. It was like being inside the PNE, except its the entire centre part of their city crowded with everyone dressed in their best, little girls with bows in their hair, boys with their wool pea coats. There was cotton candy, candied apples, popcorn and of course the procession, the centre of everyone's attention. The procession includes a marching band, boys/men in pointy hat/masks, women/girls in black wearing lace scarves in their hair, and in the middle of it all a large float (well not exactly a float in the same way we have in Canada - they look a bit more like very large shrines), which is decorated with candles and a large statue or statues of Jesus and/or the virgin Mary carried on the shoulders of men. At any one time there are a couple of processions going on through various routes within the city, each supposedly are separate brotherhoods or associations. The music at times can sound quite mournful, other times more celebratory. The whole celebration goes on well into the early morning hours.

Unfortunately, because it is the holiday weekend we weren't able to get a train ticket to Barcelona except for today so we will just spend one full day here in Malaga.

Other than that, this is likely one of my last blog posts as we fly home next week. Coming home will be bittersweet as we have really have had an amazing time. I definitely have a renewed love of traveling and am already thinking about where I want to go next!

Anyways, our checkout time is fast approaching so a few photos from the last couple of days:

Spanish Sun and Architecture

Geoff and I have fallen in love with Valencia, Spain, it is so beautiful! Yesterday, Geoff ran into a Belgium friend here totally by coincidence, Heloise, who he had met while she lived in Vancouver briefly. Such a small world, skateboarding. She is living/studying in Spain and had met some people living here in Valencia while in Barcelona and had decided to come visit. Today we spent the day seeing more of the city and the sun even peeked out for 2 hours so I took some iphone photos of the amazing architecture. One of the coolest things we saw was a children's playground that was in the shape of a man who was tied down to the ground - its hard to explain and don't think the pictures do it justice but it was such an interesting idea. So fun for the kids. Also, have attached a quick video of some people trying to walk in these balloons that were in water near the science centre - pretty funny (sorry you'll have to copy and paste - the blog app doesnt allow me to hyperlink): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IH-FVKjaQ8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Hope the sun is still shining for you in Van!

Jess

Valencia, Spain

Last night Geoff and I reached Valencia after taking a flight from Milan. We had quite the day getting from Bassano Del Grappa to Milan. It was supposed to take 3 hours but instead took nine! At one point we ended up getting off at the wrong station (Verona has 2 stations, something the clerk at the start of our trip failed to explain to us). We waited there for an hour to get the connecting train to Milan and were on the right platform at the right time. We jumped on the train and sat comfortably for an hour and a bit but I thought I should check what time the train would arrive by asking another passenger. Turns out we had gone an hour the wrong way and had to go back to Verona - argh! Anyways after a few more trains we finally made it to Milan but weren't able to see any of the city as planned. We are very glad though that its over as it was the last big travel day before our trip home.

Time is flying by so fast - cant believe we will be home so soon - April 2nd. For any of you at the City reading this I will also be back at work for a few months starting in April backfilling a position in City Clerks - look forward to catching up with you!

Until then, our plans for the next week and a bit are just to relax in southern Spain and enjoy the warmer weather. Today Geoff and I had an amazing day going to the beach (which was a bit chilly but there were lots of people same as us trying to convince themselves it was summer), Geoff finding a massive skate bowl and making some friends, and then me renting a bike with Geoff skating and exploring the city. I really like it here (maybe because it's warm? :)), it's like a less chaotic Barcelona, a bit greener but without the Gaudi and gothic. Anyways think we will stay here for another night then head down to Mojacar and Granada (thanks Paige and Camille for the recommendations!) before we head back to Barcelona.

Overall we are happy to be back in Spain as it is less expensive and touristy compared to Italy, but I will miss getting to practice my very limited Italian!

Fun vid of Geoff showing some local kids some skate tricks:

Hope you are well and for those heading to Palm Springs this weekend, enjoy!!

Florence, Venice, Bassano del Grappa and Morastica

We have now been travelling in Italy for 10 days and there is so much to update - not sure where to start...

We spent three nights in Florence, right in the heart of Tuscany. Getting outside of the city was my favourite part, seeing the rolling green hills and rows upon rows of empty grape vines was beautiful. Florence itself is famous for being the heart of the renaissance where people like da vinci, michelangelo, leonardo once lived and worked. The were a ton of galleries and museums to visit but by that point we had seen so many of those type things we opted for a morning walking tour and because we liked it so much, an afternoon tour as well. Through these tours we learned a lot about what life was like in Florence during the medieval period and then the renaissance era. During the medieval period the city was made up of tens of stone towers that people built and lived in to be able to protect themselves from the constant fighting that was occuring between those who supported the pope and those who supported the king. Supposedly, when one one of families that lived in then tower was defeated in a fight, to shame them or demostrate their lower rank, the winner would cut down a level or two of the losers tower. Scattered throughout Florence you can see these medieval towers of varying heights. During the renaissance period, control of the city was sought after by two rival banker families, the Medicis and Pazzis. The story of these families and similar stories in other cities across Italy gave some insight into where Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet feud between the Montagues and Capulets originated and why it was set in fair Verona, the city we are waiting in at this very moment to catch a train to Milan.

After Florence we took the train to Venice to see the city of amore. When you step out of the train station you immediately get to see one of the city's famous canals. The first day was sunny and beautiful and we were absolutely mesmorised by the charm and waterways of this island city. One day was probably enough though as the city was overrun with tourists and expensive restaurants. The second day, was spent trying to get out of the main tourist areas and finding cheap eats. Alas, we did not get to ride upon a gondola, which were running in the 100-120 euro range per person but we did get to do some shopping and window gazing, which was fun given the variety of elaborate Carnivale masks, for which the city is also famous.

Our most recent stop has been in the town of Bassano del Grappa where the lovely Alberto and Laura had us for for two nights. It was so nice to get out of another concrete city and be close to the mountains again. Bassano was a very pretty small town famous for its bridge (Alpini) and for inventing the drink, Grappa named after the local mountain. We also visited a nearby town called Marostica that had this beautiful old fort on a hill that we climbed to get a great view of the countryside. Overall, we just really enjoyed taking it easy and were so happy to eat some home cooked meals. Ive attached some photos of Geoff and Alberto skating at Bassano's brand new indoor skateboard park as well as us trying Bassano's unique drink called mezzo, or half and half, which i think is made from soda water mixed with something like Campari and some other liqueur. Was different from anything ive tried before but good!

Anyways will post again soon as have good wifi. Jess

Florence and San Gimignano

Spent four days in Florence and a few hours in the Tuscan countryside in a medieval town called San Gimignano. Some photos below.

Rome, Italy

Rome, wow. Lots to see and it's hard to take it all in at once.

Yesterday was spent seeing a lot of sights, the Colosseum, the surrounding ruins and their temples, as well as, the Trevi Fountain. It is amazing to see all of the art and skill that it took to create such phenomenal buildings and sculptures. The sheer size and ability of these building to withstand 25 centuries of the elements and war is incredible.  The evening was spent wandering around the up and coming area of Pigniot, which wasn't quite what we expected, but was interesting to see how some of the young locals hang out. Lots of walking so I'm hoping we're burning off all the gelati we ve been eating! It is great to be back in a cosmopolitan city, mostly for the diversity of food. I was getting pretty tired of Greek food every day, every meal by the end of our 11th day in Greece, so Italy is refreshing for the taste buds. I am also in love with the language: Buon Journo! Grazie!Salute! Love it. Pizza, pasta, wine, hand talking, it's all here and it's great.

We lucked out with a sunny/cloudy day yesterday to be able to see the outdoor sights but today it is absolutely pouring with thunder showers. I also accidentally left the lighter jacket I had (still have my down one) at one of the hotels in Greece, so will have to buy a new one today, poor me, having to shop in Italy :).

Today we will go to see the Vatican but unfortunately will miss the Sistine Chapel as the Vatican museum is closed as they begin the process of selecting the new pope today. Sort of an exciting time to be in Rome. Apparently, it can sometimes take a few days to weeks to select a new pope, there are a number of rounds of voting as a two-third majority needs to be met in order to name the new pope. Tonight we will  watch the news to see if black or white smoke comes out of the chimney, white, indicating a new pope was selected, black, one has not. Every time we walk by the hundreds of postcards of pope Benedict in tourist shops I keep wondering what they are going to do with them all in a few days? Postcard sale? :) It is has been interesting thus far to learn more about the Vatican; only 110 acres in size, with a population of 800, it is the smallest state in the world.

Other than that, I missing  sharing a lot of these experiences with friends\family. There are so many cool bars and restaurants, would be great to enjoy them and socialize with friends! We havent recently met a lot of people as we have been staying in pseudo hotels\hostels but are excited to hopefully meet up with some friends in Venice in a few days.

Other than that, the spring-ish weather here is getting me excited about spring\summer in Van - cannot wait to get out in nature for some hikes and camping. Some photos from our first day in Rome below. Also added some videos to my previous post from Greece.

Jess

Naxos, Paros and Patras, Greece

We have arrived finally in Rome tonight in the monsoon rain after an 18 hour ferry from Patras, Greece to Bari, Italy, and then a four hour train to Rome. Was a long 24 hours of traveling but we made it! The ferry we took over to Italy was way nicer than some of the smaller ones we have travelled on thus far, and for a large part of the trip, we were pretty much the only passengers with the exception of some truck drivers (will try and add a video of the chaos that ensues trying to get these trucks on the various ferries - some very frustrated drivers). Again there are definitely bonuses of traveling in the slow season as we were able to stretch out across several chairs to sleep, which was nice, given the alternative of trying to sleep in a reclining chair as a cabin with a bed would have been an extra 150 euros each.

The greek islands were beautiful and warm but the amount of garbage on their beaches and in some public spaces was sad to see. Our time on the two other islands after Santorini (Naxos and Paros) was nice but maybe not as much going on for tourists. We had great hotels, the weather was a bit grey and almost everything seemed to be closed (again not sure if it was the season or economy) but we made up for it by visiting the archaeology museum in Paros and haphazardly coming across this amazing cafe on a religious holiday where all the locals partied and ate barbecued meat. We ended up getting involved when a really friendly guy cooking on a bbq outside the cafe saw us walking by a few times and invited us in for a shot of locally made ouzo. It ended up being one of the busiest places in town with a bunch of locals enjoying great Greek music, dancing, and eating copious amounts of meat. They were very kind to include us and gave us four plates of free meat, which poor Geoff had to eat all by himself (I think it was 6 sausages and some chicken wings - a lot!) as I'm a veg - and because we felt bad saying no - they kept just bringing it over once the plate was cleaned. Will add a pic with the sausages and feta salad. I have to say it was really fun to watch all the people and is something I wish we had more of at home; communal eating and dancing at locally owned establishments with locally grown food, just good vibes all around.

The two hotels we stayed at were also family run and had dogs and kids and grandparents running around, working or just hanging out, all very welcoming and personable.

After the islands we stayed a night in Patras, which was gearing up for the final week of their carnivale (lasts 6 weeks). The entire town, including stores and restaurants, were decorated in a kaleidoscope of colors and carnivale themed decorations (masks, jokers, etc). Everyone was out walking around, some were dressed up; balloons, masks and confetti were everywhere. Supposedly it is the biggest celebration in Greece for carnivale,which is nationally celebrated, and the City had gone all out with speakers playing music at intersections and big statues all over, it would have been fun to have arrived the following week to see the full celebration underway!

Anyways, Im very beat so that's it for now. Have included some photos and a skate clip or two of Geoff filmed by yours truly.

Hope all is well in Van.

Jess

Ferry Hair

Naxos, Greece - view from the hotel