Anastasiall's posts with likes

After a bit of a rough stretch, we finally reached the smaller town of Santiago de Compostela in the corner of north-western España! A 7hour delay in Madrid, a 9hour train ride through the night, a bus dropping us off on the highway of hills of who-knows-where, and napping in a park waiting for the reception to open that turns to not even be the right place. However, at the top of Monte de Goso, closer to the city of San Marco, we found our hostel. Nice little rooms right on the side of fields and trees and a great view of the nearby neighborhoods.

This town is run by hundreds of backpackers, reaching their destination in the center of Santiago. Starting from a few points in Europe, the hike is 800km, and it just went in my bucket list. Through the most beautiful regions of Spain, in my opinion, Christian pilgrims traveled this route for over a thousand years. It began in the medieval times and was called the Way of St. James, and to this day, people turn away from modern life, grab a pilgrim stick, follow the sign of the sideways sun and hike their way.

So, the campsite we're staying at is where the pilgrims gather, and we've seen many groups come in and go out, chanting words of encouragement for their next hike, and walking together carrying large packs and walking sticks toward the city center.

The city of Santiago is gorgeous! and reminds me a little of a Cinque Terre in the mountains. It's set up in a medieval circle, With the most fantastic cathedral we've seen. In the shape of a cross with huge towers, it is definitely the thing to see, and inside is the largest and most stunning organ! There was a stone carving completion going on, and the Apostle festival as well.

This is one of my favorite places. The smells of fresh air, manure, good food, pastries and wood & fire lit up my senses. I got up for early hikes both mornings, and enjoyed the end of the sunrise on the second. AND, the raspberries began to ripen! The perfect little break from our vacation. :)

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain from 5:40pm to 7:37pm CEST (1 hr, 56 mins).

Madrid, Spain at 8:46pm CEST.

Beautified by the surrounding mountains, Granada showed us a little of its country side when we went with a group to the waterfalls. It was actually with a guide, but there was no need for him at all. From Plaza Nueva, you walk to the bus stop to catch 183 to Monachil, then follow the trail up and through the fields toward the sound of rushing water. It was a great hike, but the sun was scorching; once we stopped for lung at a water hole I dipped right in. We passed by many climbers daring to reach the top of the rocks and walked on swinging bridges high above the water. At the larger falls, we stopped again for a swim and quick cool off under the raging pressure of the falling water. While our tour guide smoked a few joints, we all exchanged travel stories and I made friends with one of the climbers' dogs. The rock formations were outstanding and the area is definitely worth stretching your legs for. On our way back, we stopped for tapas- I got my favorite sumo de melocotón and with it came a potato & veggie tapa. We were all enjoying the conversation, when our guide suddenly stands up saying we're going to be late for the bus! And we missed it- had to catch another an hour later and figure out how to get back since our guide decided to go home. Like I said, the guide was unnecessary. Oh well.

Exhausted from the hot and adventurous day, we only went out for a couples tapas once the night hit. The sunset, by the way, isn't until 10 over here. With 3 of us and Reneé, whom we me on the tour, our tapas plates were deliciosos.

Day trip to morocco begins at 4am when my alarm barks and my eyes open in anticipation. The boys think it hilarious that they were stupid enough to get drunk and not go to be until 3:30 without even setting alarms. I'm so ready to not have to take care of children anymore! I wasn't gonna let that keep me from going to Africa, so I poured water on the stubborn & moaning kids until they woke up. Alas, after a lucky taxi, we made it on our bus and toward Tarifa, the popular windsurfing city. The bus ride, as usual, was terrific with beautiful sights of the countryside and old Arabic architecture. A quick ferry ride and we were in the shore of Tangier!

From there, we took a bus ride through the Spanish, French and Italian neighborhoods, and began our walk in the older part of town. Then through the bazaar, where we saw small shops full of brightly colored and neatly designed
cloths, carpets and other touristy items. We saw a presentation on carpets, and another on homeopathic medicines; men used to court the women by presenting carpets!

Another scenic ride down to the city, a ferry and bus back home, and that was it for Africa. The next day at the hostel was my first lazy day in 2 months- I slept in, read, watched a movie, slept, read and went to bed!

Barcelona again! A little trouble finding hostels, but then we got our make up sleep from the San Fermin festival. It's still pretty with its architecture, La Rambla and parks, and I would definitely come back. Actually, it is the only city we have already come back to. Especially after our afternoon a la playa! The dark, tan sand sparkled in the refreshing water like gold, and we body surfed in the huge waves that were crashing near the shoreline. The crowded area with booming music reminded of Miami's beach, and I enjoyed how popular it was. the following day Zach and I biked around the beach and retbof te main city, and saw the Sagrada Familia as well as another Gaudí building; the inside was closed due to a special mass by the Pope, so you needed reservations. Our last night- for real this time- we went out with a few friends from the hostel to Chupitos and an Irish Pub, but it wasn't very exciting.

Headin south! Valencia is not quite in the beach like I thought. We got bikes for the day and rode along the Jardín de Turia for a while, but the boys and I kept missing each other. I was faster, they stopped for a drink without telling, so I waited until they showed up 20 minutes later, then they sped off. This continued until I said we had gone too far and missed the heart of the city, but they kept going, I tried again, waited, and I saw them go in the opposite direction. Phew! But they're just boys, so I turned around and headed toward the main part of the city for a day on my own.

How can I come and not see the heart of Valencia!? Luckily it's in a circle, so I saw the neat buildings pretty easily. They are so old! And once again, the city is filled with brilliant architecture, sculptures and mosaic. And, of course, a Mercato Central! I go crazy over markets, and love them way more than publix or any other store. I tasted some of Valencia's own vino blanco (very smooth and fruity), had some popular Horchata drink (like a very thick, and slightly coconut flavored milk), and two peaches- a white flat one and orange round one. In the park, and with my feet dangling in the water, I learned that the white flat peach is definitely my favorite- it was so juicy and had a great & different taste. I rode back to the array of extremely unique buildings near the coast that make up the Ciudad de Museum of Arts & Scieces, Aquarium, Cinema, Planetarium and more. The designs are unlike anything I've ever seen, and they almost look like they belong in space. The museum was alright, but I think the Orlando Science Center is much better. I also saw an IMAX- I couldn't resist- the Mystery of the Nile. So, in spirit, I took a trip over to Africa!

Then, I ventured toward the smell of a salty Mediterranean Sea, dipped my feet in, and went to please my rumbling stomach. Since paella originated in Valencia, I've been waiting the whole trip to have a real dinner here. Unfortunately, most require a minimum of 2 personas, but there was one place just for me. I had traditional Paella Valencia, which consisted of rice, lamb, and veggies, with a copa de Alturia tinto- red wine from Valencia. It was so good and filling! Great bike ride home in the dark, and there happened to be a jazz get going on! I stopped and listened to a Liz Wright for a while and really liked her and her band. Now for bed, maybe I'll actually sleep tonight.

Having an amazing kebab right now in Barcelona- I'm reunited! It makes up for the terrible one I had in Paris. :)

Departed from Burlata, Autonomous Region of Navarre, Spain on Jul 13, 2012 11:46am CEST. Arrived at Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain on Jul 14, 2012 7:34pm CEST.

Take a long shower, because after 100+ trains, planes, metros and buses, I'm sure I've missed a little dirt.
Get a pedicure, because these feet have gotten around and thats just gross.
Then a facial, just because.
Cook a Spanish omelette or moussaka, because those are the best foods ever.
Sleep, because that didn't happen enough on this trip.
Use the bathroom, for free, because you have to pay in Europe!
Eat a kebab and find gelato, because I know I'll be in withdrawal.
Have my Mom's key lime pie, bc I've been craving it this whole trip.
Go see a movie, bc I've only seen one in the past 2 months and so many good ones have come out!
Watch all the movies of the books I've read!
Go out in some heels, bc I've felt as pretty as a boy this whole trip.
Catch up on True Blood, bc I've been missing it!!!

Burlata, Autonomous Region of Navarre, Spain at 11:46am CEST.

I'm in! Is what I kept thinking after I walked in the door. Ahmad Jamal was the opening act for me, and the place was crowded. The drummer was in Weather Report a while back and used a variety of uncommon sounds. They did a version of Blue Moon that was unexpected and beautiful. Next I saw Yuri Honing Wired Paradise, which was a rougher rock kind of jazz by a Dutch group with a heavy bass. I stopped in to see Sean Kuti & Egypt 80, then Trijntje Oosterhuis (nice vocalist!) then the Heritage Blues Orchestra- all great. Finally I see, for the second time, my first ever sax inspiration, Joshua Redman in James Farm- that was awesome. His control over his smooth voice, and a groovy group to top. I wanted to stay forever, but I was off to see the talented Esperanza Spaliding! Wow, what a girl- preaching to the crowd about life and love with a crazy amazing set of lungs. After that show, I saw Dave Holland then James Morrison. I got there early, but too late; the venue to see Hugh Laurie was full already! Noooooo! Girls were yelling about their heart conditions and that they needed to see Dr. House! but wait- some are coming out and people are trying to jump the rope- they're letting people in! On the other side, of course, but I eventually made my way into the arena. There he was, on the far left if you see my pictures, playing piano and singing with a larger group than I thought. He was alright, so after 2 songs I left to see the AXIS sax quartet with J Redman, Mark Turner, Chris Cheek & Chris Potter. Of course they are way better, but I think they could've used just a little more practice haha but it was still amazing. Their blend, style and rhythm were so impressive. I also saw Dave Holland quartet and Eric Harland again (with Redman before), then Betty Wright, who was a huge hit with, "I wanna sex you up". Finally Christian Scott and Kurt Elling/Charlie Hunter Trio finished my night, until I walked by the Dixieland band on the way out. Great festival and totally worth it. I got to be a part of one of the world's most recognized jazz celebrations.

Upon our arrival in the City of Diamonds, we caught the expensive tram in a circle of roads toward our hostel. Yes, Amsterdam is like no other in its circular layout of streets and canals. It is a bustling city, but the trees and waterways make it quite beautiful; there might not be traghettos, but I like it way more than Venice. It is also unique in that every other scent on the wind is of marijuana, because it is everywhere. My favorite feature of the town is the narrow and crooked buildings, all colorful and attached!

We stayed in Amigos Hostel with painfully steep stairs and kids blowing smoke rings in the entrance. As we headed out, I couldn't resist running into a cheese museum for all of the many tasters! So much cheese! Gouda, pesto, spicy, wasabi, goat, young, old, 2 years old, matured, creamy, crunchy, smoked- yum!!

Our first real stop (it is 3 of us now, as Zach's brother, Harrison, has joined us) was Electric Ladyland- the first museum of fluorescent art! It is near Tweed & Egelantiersgracht. Wearing slippers, we descended into a dark room with a brightly painted display and numerous random items around the room. These were everyday things like basmati rice, money, identity cards, posters, paintings, and a collection of rocks from all around the world. The owner, dressed in jeans and a hippie type brown leather vet, had searched for these himself, and explained each item to us. Then the lights were turned off, and in two kids of black light, amazing colors glowed around us. It was pretty neat.

After that, the sunlight blinded us as we made our way to the Anne Frank House. It is right next to the Westerkerk and the long line proved its popularity. Maybe a little pricy, but I'm really glad I visited the historic site for this little girl. I found it a bit emotional, even more than it was visiting Dachau. Her saddening experience and inability to ever be free in the most important time d her life, reminds me how lucky I am. Dear Anne, from the stars to the sea, may you forever be free...

Along the canal, we walked around the Begijnhof, an older part of town, passed Dam Square, and then around to the Bloemen Markt, the flower market, which consisted of almost all tulips. Then a relatively long walk through the busy Rembrandt-Plein, past the Ooster-Park and back to our hostel. Along the way, we witnessed a duck fight as two males danced aggressively on the water. We also got lost, but people were extremely helpful in pointing us into the right direction, especially when they ask for money afterwards.

Last night, around the small almost eerie quiet town, we found a bar & I tried hookah for the first time- pink lemonade flavor- but one smoke was enough filth or my lungs, so I washed it down with a fruity drink.

In Wiesloch, I stood by the first gas station ever in 1858 and the statue of the Birth of Benz, which became the Stadt-Apotheke. Before catching the train on, we spent the last hours with Zach's family in Heidelberg. We took a nice boat tour under the alte brücke (the long bridge), down the canal and viewed the impressive castle. Also visited the Alte Universitat Und Studentenkarzer, the student jail full of old time drawings. We proceeded to take a nice break with some sausage & sauerkraut and refreshments. I enjoyed another Radler & a wheat beer with sparkling wine & strawberries.

As we reached Heidelberg, we were warmly greeted by Zach's family. We visited a little town called Speyer, where we ate some traditional bauernspätzle, which was basically mac & cheese & bacon that was very delicious. It's another small town where the buildings are all connected, and there are three cathedrals within five minutes of each other. In the largest one, we visited the crypt and tombs down below. The other two had outstanding architecture- both gothic style with beautiful towers topped in gold. You can tell how old the buildings are by their use of wood and concrete and the designs in between. They brought us through Heidelberg, which is a really neat city that I found way more interesting than Venice! Different colored houses sit on the side of the hill and near the wide river filled with boats & ferries; the medieval castle stands its ground above the town.
After a scenic drive, we also walked around Bruchsal, where we saw a royal and Spanish style palace, and ate minestrone soup & pizza.

Staying in a little place called Wiesloch, I woke up to the sun rise before we grabbed some breakfast, which included delicious cheeses and plum pastries. We then took a ride over to Baden Baden and enjoyed a relaxing dip in the hot springs, and a nap under the heating lamp. After some borscht for me and another drive, we ate a delightful dinner at a traditional restaurant in an old style city. We had good wine, cheese salad, escargot and special pizza.

We are sneaky little backpackers; instead of paying for a room, or even switching hostels, we hung out in the common room and slept on the couches for free. Around 5am we ducked out & headed to Berlin!

It's very much city like here, and has a large metro system that I've almost already got down. I want to visit all these cities again just to see if I'll remember how together around each without a map! Bet I could do it too! Hostel Generator is pretty sweet with all the right hook ups, including free tours:

-We were facing a huge gate with columns and a lady reigning 4 horses at the top. This is the Brandenburg Tor, or Gate, where the
Lady Irene was the goddess of peace but was changed to Victoria of victory. Across the gate is the popular & pricy Hotel Adlon where MJ held the baby.
-Berlin originated from Slavic fishing villages.
-Most of the Berlin Wall was crushed in 1989, but some has been preserved. It was known as the "death strip" due to the official shoot policy for those who tried to climb over. I saw the remains in East side. Behind it was the headquarters for the SS.
-Reichstag, home of the parliament, is surrounded by 4 towers. After the fire and remake, now it's out of Glass Stone for transparency of new German.
-Holocaust Memorial, or the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe. There is no certain significance, only the one you get from it. I see the stacks of dead bodies or the bland, limitless personalities of the soldiers that acted so harshly. It's a maze of dark, concrete blocks of various sizes on sloping tiles, of clashing ideals and actions; you step on some without even realizing it.
-Fuhrer bunker complex where Hitler committed suicide. Before taking the pills & gunfire, he was apparently very upset about the death of his dog Blondie...how ironic.
-Checkpoint Charlie, the only place the USA & SSR met on land.
-Das Concert House
-French cathedral & twin
-Humboldt library & university where Einstein attended and the area of the burning of books, or Kristallnacht; there is a quote I found powerful by Heinrich Heine: "Where they burn books, they will also burn people" ...he said this 99 years before the Holocaust.
-St. Hedwig's Cathedral
-German Armory

The group began tapping the wall for some reason, but I was too busy listening to the jazz saxophonist playing in the park. After the tour I listened to another player in the Lust Harden, near the Neo-Baroque Cathedral, that reminded me a lot of Landis!

n the area around Humboldt, there has been an open air festival! One night they had the well-known opera Don Giovani by Mozart playing on a large screen; like a drive in for opera- it was so cool! The next night there was a fantastic live orchestra, again magnified on the gigantic screen, and enjoyed by hundreds of people in the park. It was a concert by the Staatskapelle Berlin in Bebelplatz playing the music of Tcchaikowsky. Other than the history and fashion and tourism, I love how artsy it is here. Video on YT!