Antibes 9.08.09- Perfume, Picasso, and Pee

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Antibes is a resort town in the southern France, on the Mediterranean Sea what they call Côte d'Azur, located between Cannes and Nice.   We had a beautiful French tour guide with a neat scarf.  I used the toilette for some euros and it was clean and crisp, not dirty like some of the complaints you hear about.  Cannes is stunning, of course, with great blue water and beautiful shopping for linens and such.  There was an excellent selection of provincial herbs and cut flowers for making perfumes and oils.  I really loved the contrasting colors, angles and doorways…

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Barcelona 9.7.09- Bon Voyage

Found Cash Exchange
Peter/Moreno/Carlos
60+
80s night/What a night!
Express pass
Shrimp/Prime Rib/brule'
one big sing along
Midnight Club Sammie
40 casino
champagne
taxi drive

Barcelona 9.6.09- Above Ground

Hop on hop off tour
Gaudi
Tibidalbo
Irish- McFlaherty's
Magic Fountain
Subway sandwich
Top of Jesus church Tibidalbo (monorail)
Sagrada Family
lizard skin

Barcelona 9.5.09- Pirates and Parks



I woke up bright and early today since it was my last day to explore on my own. I went through the ticket book and found a maritime museum with ships and maps from Christopher Columbus. I decided to start here (to Drassanes), the marina for pictures for Owen and of the famous Gaudi architechture. The museum was quite interesting, with replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Also there were copies and some originals of maps made of the "New World" and some great 'pirate ships.' After, I walked the short distance to the harbor where the small boats were docked. This was a relatively busy part of town, but clearly more commercial. I wondered if there was a college or university around as it appeared a little more fast and centered.



After this I took the metro to Montjuc park with beautiful botanical scenery and then a funicular car through the mountain to the top of the hill overlooking the city for a magnificent view of the Gaudi architecture. This was a great afternoon alone before meeting the family. I walked to the Olympic stadium in Barcelona before heading back to the Ramblas for lunch and to meet the bus for the Kelley duo of the group.

I left a note for the family with the Catalunya Ramblas and headed to the plaza Catalunya where the buses from the airport come. I knew they were arriving sometime in the afternoon but did not have the specifics. I wandered the plaza and fountain, took in the smells and sights of the buzy city center, sat on a bench and watched the new city visitors arrive to their hectic destination and look around, dazed and confused- taking it all in. How long ago it seemed to be that I arrived in the exact same spot...




It turned out that Jennie and Rob's travel was delayed in Amsterdam so I watched and walked and watched some more. There were vendors in the park and kids in the fountain. I went to the large grocery store again and purchased bottled water for pennies on the euro. After nearly giving up hope, the best looking couple for hours disembarked the smelly diesel bus. We hugged and walked around the square to the hotel where they rested for a while. I set out again to explore more of the city, agreeing to meet at 7 for dinner and visiting.

I went for a metro ride to a part of the city I hadn't seen, walked the streets and ducked into an internet cafe. I emailed some pictures and sent some messages and also checked on the ship excursions. After a while, it was time to head back to meet the group. My time alone was done, and I treasured the chance to get to know myself, but I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone else.

When I arrived at the hotel, the whole family was there, some having just arrived. I wasn't sure what to expect, and part of me began to put up defenses right away. How silly and how quickly it is that we go into old routine without even being aware. Dad and Barb; Scott and Steph; Jennie and Rob; and Jen and I all left for dinner after recieving a generous gift from my dad and hugs and hellos all around. We decided I would take us to the plaza where I had dinner last night since there were so many choices. I headed in the direction talking and chatting.

Unfortunately, in my carefree, aimless rambling I didn't pay attention to how to get back to places, since I never really had an agenda when wandering. I didn't exactly get us to the same spot, and everyone was tired and hungry from a long day of travelling. It is much harder to fend for 8 people than just one I realized, which I believe the older Beisenherz' of the group had discovered long before. We finally settled and had a pleasant dinner. I had my first Paella (Pay-ella to us Redmond gals) which was outstanding with Sangria.


Mmmm, to be at that table again with great company and good food, on the verge of an unknown adventure in anticipation and excitement of what was to come- perhaps one of the most incredible moments of the voyage.

After supper, Jen and I escorted the family back to the hotel before wandering the city by twilight.

Barcelona 9.4.09: Poble Sec to Fontana


The view from the middle of these stops felt like home to me. This is where the la Boqueria is. It was called Licau and is a rambling quarter of beauty and energy unlike those elsewhere. The people are young and vibrant, and in the center of the road are hundreds of flower vendors. You can still smell the aroma of this mornings food market.


I had spent most of the day just wandering and wandering, enjoying the sites and sounds as well as the virtual mosaic of edible delights. I also saw such interesting pirate play toys I wish-shopped for Owen, a whole section of imagination tents and play things. I settled on fresh smoothies for one euro and fruit platter including kiwi passion fruit strawberries, etc and coconut for one more! Then some almonds and olives a large water and double espresso.
While wandering with my delights, I stumbled upon an internet cafe, which I thought was a great place to rest during the city's quiet time. I talked and talked with my fave friend on webcam and uploaded photos for 1 euro per 15 minutes. Nearly three hours later I found that the food bizaar had become an even more energetic and now truly thrilling hip theater district with a lively buzz that was almost overwhelmingly exciting. I was exhausted and dirty, so I went to the hotel to change and come back for dinner. I left for dinner at 11:45 and the streets were buzzing with hungry shoppers and tourists.

I decided to walk and explore the Ramblas instead of going back to Licau, so I followed the crowd. Around the hundred year old founts and past the architecture and museums, where in daytime lines are long, I followed the tired and the restless. I found an obviously American section with bars and touristy type offerings that lost many of the crowd. I decided to round a few corners to see what else there was. In my small town, the best isn't always on the main path. I went down one small street, then another...not losing the metro euro couple to my 10 o'clock.



I was only slightly surprised to enter a courtyard with not one but about 15 very open dinner establishments with waiters waiting to escort you to a table if you chose their place. I took my time walking the circle, then sat at the fountain in the middle before selecting a small 2 story french bistro- Les quinze nits because of the cute tables on the terraces. Nice dinner, horrible service (they don't like single diners.) I crossed the courtyard after dinner to see what was on the other side. To my delight, I found the Licau district, even more alive and wonderful, now with street dancers and singers, theatre performers and restaurant seating where the flower vendors were this morning. I wandered and enjoyed, then returned via metro to sleep- vowing to roust myself early enough for breakfast this time....

Oh what a glorious day!



Barcelona 9.4.09- la Boqueria and Gothic Quarter

I slept, and slept and slept. When I did awake, I dressed comfortably then went to the department store, to purchase an electricity converter for my iPod. This was the largest department store I have ever seen or heard of. I was able to access my email from the Apple computers, there was 8 floors and everything from paint to evening dresses to bottled water. On the 6th floor I found what I was looking for. I was not able to purchase a prepaid phone card without my passport. I was, however, reminded of my mother in the middle of the store, on level 3. My mom and I ´wish´shop, I did that here for her. They had beautiful teas.





From here, I simply wandered, knowing that wherever I ended up I could metro back to Catalonia Plaza, thus never being lost. Happily, I ended up in the Gothic quarter, where I was sufficiently in awe of the architecture in contrast with the bustle and flow of modern technology and tourism. I plopped myself down to a kind couple, smiled and said hello (as I do nearly everyone I pass) and had a great conversation about Ireland, which reminded me of my dearest friend K. I simply wandered up and down the streets taking photos of entryways of peoples apartments and things. I took the metro to la Boqueria and it was amazing. There was the widest variety of foodstuff I have seen. I chose fresh fruit, including coconut, almonds, and olives. Also some cheese and salami on a stick.

Barcelona Day 1- Middle of the Action



I am doing a great job with public transit. I've never used it before today and I navigated my way from the airport by bus lines and later used the metro (underground rail.) I got lost of course with all of my luggage simply walking the 3 blocks from the bus stop to the hotel because it was a huge plaza with 6 streets and several other bus lanes. I didn't panic, I just walked the correct distance up and back each avenue till I was on the right one.

The hotel is literally the middle of the action. It is like Beverly Hills, only more sophisticated. With lots of shopping and smells so good from perfume and things. Very metropolitan...
I changed 195 dollars for 115 euros. Then things cost about as many euros as they would dollars. Lunch
was 10.5 for tomato spinach feta with balsamic salad, cafe´, and one scoop ice cream. It was the smallest salad.


After I got to the hotel I took a nap for hours. Then showered, got dressed and went to montjuc to see the magic fountain which is a beautiful water fountain. It is huge and there are hundreds of smaller founts along the path. There were thousands of people there and they dance the water and put it to lights and music. It was quite like fourth of July.

The thing is I took the metro this time. That's the underground train and it all goes very fast so you have to know where you are going. I figured it out easily though. Tomorrow I am going to la boqueria...the open food market. Fresh ham and tomatos. Oh, and the milk was served warm. I drank it. It tasted better but I would have prefered it cold for refreshment. It was hot outside, but much hotter in the metro stations.



211 Minutes to Takeoff...


Barcelona Bound! In the middle of packing...

I have 211 minutes until I board the plane to Barcelona. I just finished packing my suitcases. Hope I didn't forget anything. I am still trying to download "Dexter" upon recommendation from a couple of wonderful coworkers. I had the great pleasure of leaving my fabulous job early today. I immediately thought (before even leaving the building) "Oh my God, what do I do now?" I don't know what I am going to do without having these people to rely on every day...I bet they think I think it's the other way around. Truly, I live to work, not work to live. Thank you, K and J. So, unfortunately they can't be with me on my vacation, but I will be thinking about them every day. I downloaded some stuff to help reenergize me and motivate me to focus all on me while I'm gone. I'll worry about Em and O- and I'm sure S, but I will be at peace with me. I am really looking forward to meeting and watching and learning ME.

Paycheck it at the Door


My attitude sucks. I'm getting it out now so I can shake it off before tomorrow. Paychecks, money, bills. Something everybody is always 'in between.' Is that the same as the middle? I won't blame it on the economy or politics or any crap like that. The more I have the more I spend the more I owe the more I don't pay. Somehow in there is the more I give away. "I will pay you back," "the next one is yours," "I just need it for a little while I can get it back to you soon." And then also I am a procrastinator and I am unlucky. I get taken advantage of and I'm sure I take advantage of others (that really eats away at me)- in short I make irresponsible choices. I can't say no to people who make me feel needed. I guess it is a lack of self confidence. I know that making no corrective action impacts my children and my emotional health and security. I don't have any goals any more...I don't know what I'm going to DO next week or next year, I just know I don't want to be stuck here. In the middle of nowhere...with who is essentially no-one...still doing nothing but ignoring it...or worse, complaining about it. Blech, I hate complainers with bad attitudes.

Desperation

Some people are better pretenders than others. People tend to like pretenders more. Smile and nod, smile and nod- tell them what they want to hear, for God's sake don't pretend to not know the answer- but definately don't know them all. So few people tell the truth that we end up spending most of our time second guessing everyone. There is no such thing as trust and honesty anymore, only motives and self preservation. It is desperation being in the middle... middle management and middle of the first love and the true love.  Middle of life.


Here's a great example of a recent middle I experienced. We were Geocaching at Tetherow Crossing during Spring Break. Everyone seemed to enjoy the exercise and company. Geocaching is a great adventure.

When I reflect back on any truly great story, it is so difficult to "start at the beginning" or come to "the end." To oversimplify my thoughts, then if having no beginning and no end makes a story great, then logic would tell us that clearly the middle- where the action happens, is not usually what people remember most. I love the discreet ripple effect in the middle of this picture, do you think anyone notices?

First Blog

I don't know what I'm going to write about yet... I know I don't quite know where to start. I'm the middle sister, perhaps that's why I love movies and stories that start in the middle, then slowly (or quickly) give the preceding details you need to catch you up. Harry Potter was like this, and Usual Suspects. Every story is like this. We never see things from the beginning or the end. Sometimes I think we would like to; it certainly would change our perspective on them, wouldn't it? I've put off writing my stories because I don't know where to start. I decided that I don't start, I just keep going. It may not make sense to you yet, but that's OK, I will fill you in on the pertinent details. Here's my view from the middle...