TAKE THE FAST TRAIN TO BARCELONA FOR A WEEK WITH THE NINOS - WHAT A WAY TO GO WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE

HAIL HAIL RAILEUROPE !!!

 

As we boarded the high speed rail from Valencia to Barcelona, we were filled with great expectations. We were going to meet and stay with our daughter, our son and his wife for a week long stay in Spain's most vibrant, art filled city. And once again, AIRBNB did us really proud. First and foremost, train travel in Spain is , shall I say it, fabulous! And in Spain, it is ridiculously cheap and very very fast and clean. Imagine flying the way it was back in the day - quiet, clean and really nice, pleasant people. I have said it before and it bears repeating, especially in Espana - Those Europeans got this train thing figured out!

Our AIRBNB, for the five of us, was in the heart of downtown Barcelona within easy walking distance of virtually everything. Although, you could spend a year in this amazing city and not see all of its beauty and quality design around every corner. I always suggest staying as close to the "must sees" as possible and, as I have said without hesitation or apology, if you find the right AIRBNB, you will always get more than you expect for less than you expect. The Stylish Apartment C In City Center in Barcelona is just such a place.

Three bedrooms, two baths, ample kitchen and all with a high end design sense that has been completely coordinated  for convenience. The Owner, Antonio, grew up in Barcelona, so his knowledge of what to do, where to go and places to eat is quite exceptional. Upon checking in, he sat down at the large dining table with maps, brochures and other information and helped us plan our visit. For a quick preview of this great little place  in the heart of Spain's most artistic and architecturally elegant city both modern and ancient just check out below:

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So, if you want an amazing place to lay your head after a day of walking, eating and hanging out in one  of Europe's most exciting cities with architecture and artistic flair like no other, then I highly recommend AIRBNB and Antonio's place only steps from restaurants, Antonio Gaudi landmarks and other fascinating sites. And if this particular place is full when you go, check out more AIRBNB choices. You'll thank me and your wallet will love you.

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Next post - Barcelona - The City

This Week's Travel Quote - One of the few luxuries left is travel. And the aspect of travel that is luxurious is not the movement, but the being there - Andre Balazs. Hallelujah!!!!

And This Week's Tune - From the incomparable Diana Krall - Fly Me To The Moon.
 

IN THE CENTER OF OLD TOWN VALENCIA AT THE LOFT DE LUJO FROM AIRBNB - WELL IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER

Valencia Blends Old & New Like No Other European City

The very cool, very well appointed and very well located LOFT DE LUJO, located in the heart of Valencia, is the perfect place to relax after a long walk or have a great night's sleep after a day enjoying the sites and sounds of one of Spain's oldest cities. The host met us at the door and assisted with our luggage into an 800 plus square foot loft with everything you need for a relaxing and refreshing stay in the historic district of this city of in excess of 1.7 million. It's location is perfect for walking to sites close by and has the usual things we have come to expect in highly rated AIRBNB places - great bed, huge shower and interesting modern design overlaid in an older building. The Europeans do this better than we Americans. And the owner was so helpful with his map and list of places, showing us the best places to eat and how to get around via train and bus to see the sites. We gave this place and the host a 10+ rating.

Another benefit worth mentioning is the roof terrace, accessible by a short stair from the loft, which allows you to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and experience the views and sounds of the city. And the price of this amazing, intimate place in the middle of everything is a "you gotta be kidding me" $76.00 - $82 per night in April and May, which is the best time of year to visit this area of Spain.

And The City of Arts & Sciences by Spain's Most Famous Architect Must Be Seen Live and In Person

Santiago Calatrava, born in Valencia, is a multiple award winning architect who does not do small things or small buildings. His many buildings in Valencia testify to the expressive design grammar found in his work. In a country known for its great architecture, music and art, this collection of modern structures in Valencia offers a great way to spend a day experiencing some of the most fantastic architecture in Europe. The buildings included in this grand experiment in uber modern design, placed in a city that was founded in 138 B.C. shows, with unabashed exuberance, European designers' belief in the merging and blending of new and old, whether in the grand buildings found at The City of Arts & Sciences or an intimate apartment like the Loft de Lugo.

 

Here's the thing. Spain is one of those places that really cannot be comprehended quickly. Its architecture, its art, its food and its  culture and people can actually change you, if you pay attention and enjoy the ride. And Valencia allows that on multiple levels. So, if you go to the land of Cervantes, Picasso and Gaudi make sure you spend a few days in this beautiful art filled city.

 

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

This week's travel quote is from the one and only Dave Barry - "Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages."

And this week's Video is by one of the truly great jazz pianists and singers working today - Harry Connick, Jr. performing One Fine Thing, a song he wrote for his wife and sings  to her in this video. If you ever get the chance, Harry is a must see performer - Amazing singer and a ridiculous piano player!

 

A PLACE IN THE COUNTRY WITH VIEWS OF MOUNTAINS AND THE COSTA BLANCA IN THE DISTANCE - FINCA EL TOSSAL

And With Incredible Food - Lo Mejor de España In An Idyllic Setting

Finca El Tossal is one of those places that you probably won't have on your bucket list because it is a little out of the way. However, it proves beyond any doubt the quality of sleeping  hideaways presented  by I-Escape, one of the best boutique hotel web sites around for  intimate, well designed, reasonably priced hotels. And  when you stay in this mountainside retreat with views of the mountains and the ocean in the distance you will tell every Nomad you know that it belongs on theirs.

To make it even better, a delicious breakfast is included and you can purchase dinner for a reasonable price, which I highly recommend. With extremely friendly, super competent owners and a chef that we wanted to take home with us, our stay in this small, boutique hotel in the mountains with amazing views from a well appointed room with  an immensely comfortable bed and a small balcony garnered a ten plus rating in our book. It was the perfect place to simply R & R after some pretty busy sight seeing for several days prior to arrival.

I agree with Rick Steves, who recommends a "down day" every few days, to keep your head and your heart balanced and rebuild your energy for things yet unseen. We just relaxed, swam in the pool and ate great food. We only ventured out one evening and took the thirty minute drive to the beautiful coast and found a great little seafood restaurant - Saltea Restaurante. Delicioso! For a quick view of this restful place in Southern Spain, check out the following You Tube. 

 

 

Though we didn't want to leave, the rest of  España beckoned. After three nights and days at the perfect place to just enjoy being in this amazing country, we headed out for our next adventure, Valencia. After three relaxing and restful days and nights, Finca El Tossal is on my Top Ten List Of Ridiculously Amazing Places To Sleep for All Nomads!

 

Remember - “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” — Martin Buber. That says it best.

 

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

 

This week's video blast comes from one of the truly great Texas Troubadours. The one and only Lyle Lovett, with his Large Band, performs one of his greatest , most thought provoking tunes from one of his greatest recordings - Joshua, Judges, Ruth - live - the song - CHURCH!

 

GRANADA, GAR ANAT & ALHAMBRA - OTRO CUBO LISTER (ANOTHER BUCKET LISTER) FOR SURE

Even Car Rentals Are Muy Barato (Very Cheap) In The Land Of Quixote

Because of our plans to venture away from metropolitan areas, we rented a sweet little Fiat 500 L for five days for a measly $34.00 per day, from Hertz no less, and headed for Granada. Spain, on the road, is a beautiful country. And the small enclave of Granada is the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sites and sounds of a beautiful town with a world class UNESCO  World Heritage Site - Alhambra. Our small, boutique 4-star hotel, Gar Anat Hotel Boutique, has only fifteen rooms and is located in the center of the small town, so you can walk everywhere to restaurants and other cool places to, see.

 

Due to our plans for the remainder of our trip, we broke our Nomad Rule (minimum three nights) and stayed only one night at this small, intimate hotel. The low price of $170.00 included a beautifully appointed room, complimentary wine, snacks and breakfast. Which, as you can see in the photograph, is served in a stone vaulted room that combines ancient and modern to perfection. All good! This small higher end hotel, at the price it charges, further supports this Vagabond's advice to go to Spain to see some of the best designed places in Europe for a song, compared to the rest of Europe.

The Alhambra Is A Reminder of Past Magnificence in Architecture

This unbelievable palace and center of the Moorish World for two centuries is a must see for any Nomad. Its history of design and construction is beyond the scope of this blog. Suffice to say, it is long and complicated. For more information on the history of this sprawling group of buildings just click here and here. To get you a little more interested in this magnificent work of architecture, enjoy a short presentation by the Traveler In Chief Rick Steves:
 

Due to its size and complexity, I highly recommend that you book a tour with one of the local tour companies. We used VIATOR, which is affiliated with Trip Advisor. Our guide/docent was full of great information about the details of this magnificent structure. Another recommendation is to plan your visit to be an all day trek.

Next Up: We head to the country to one of the coolest places I-Escape presents for Nomads to lay their heads while enjoying the countryside, great food and simple relaxation.

Me Encanta Este Pais (I Love This Country)

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

P.S. - And for your continued enjoyment of randomly found great music, please enjoy an ACL performance by one of the most unique folk/rock bands performing today as The Avett Brothers render a fresh take on a very old gospel song:
 

FOUNDED BY JULIUS CESAR & ENJOYED BY NOMADS THE WORLD OVER - SEVILLA IS A BUCKET LISTER FOR SURE

It's Not Just About Where You Sleep - There Is An Amazing Amount Of Cool Stuff To Do In The Capital of  Andalucia

After getting settled in our  contemporary studio the yellowBox, our AIRBNB place to sleep for three nights and getting the scoop on what to do and where to go from the owner, we started walking, riding and seeking out those places that we knew about and hopefully some places we didn't. One of Seville's more interesting architectural structures is Metropol Parasol.

Designed by German architect Jurgen Mayer, this fascinating structure is claimed to be the largest wooden structure in the world. It is commonly referred to as Las Setas de la Encarnación (Incarnation's mushrooms). As you would expect just looking at it, it was very controversial due to its appearance, location and cost overruns. At a cost of $55 million Euros and a two year construction period, it is well worth an afternoon to explore.

And You Simply Must Enjoy An Afternoon in Parque de Maria Luisa

In the heart of a city of about 800,00 lies one of the most serene, beautiful and natural places you will ever see - Parqu de Maria Luisa. In addition to the natural areas of the park, you can also enjoy the Plaza de España, an excellent example of regionalism, built in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 (Worlds Fair).

You can walk throughout the park and then see the massive masonry structure as well, or you can enjoy it all from a horse drawn carriage. We spent an entire afternoon just enjoying the trees, plantings, water features and other places of quiet and peaceful solitude in the park as well as the magnificent Plaza and the huge half circle building. The plaza and building have been seen in various movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

For A Remarkable Experience - Flamenco - In The Place Of Its Founding - Andalucia

And where better to enjoy the real thing than in Andalucia's capital - Seville? There are many places where you can see the grace, athleticism and passion of the Flamenco. However, we took our AIRBNB owner's recommendation and decided to see this beautiful art form in a very small, intimate club - Los Gallos Tableo Flamenco. No over production. No smoke and mirrors. Only guitarists, dancers and, for lack of a better term, hand clappers. We enjoyed  90 minutes of incredible entertainment with extraordinarily talented and passionate dancers, singers and rhythmic clappers. Below is a quick video of just some of the amazing dancing of the art form that takes its name derived from the word fire. So when you go to Seville, be absolutely sure that you check out the dance that was invented by this beautiful art filled country for all to enjoy.
 

I Wanna Be A Baile Loco!!

d.l.stafford
thenomadarchitect

P.S. - For those vagabonds that want to hear a new twist on the blues, check out this video from three time Gammy winner Keb Mo performing Old Me Better - Good Stuff!
 

TAKE THE TRAIN THROUGH THE PLAINS OF SPAIN TO THE FASCINATING CAPITAL OF ANDALUCIA

If You Wanna Dance and Eat Well - Head for Seville

As we boarded the train bound for Seville, the small capital of one of the most endearing regions of Spain, Andalucia, I was taken back to my memories of train travel in Italy and France. I said, at the time, and I still say - These Europeans got this train thing figured out. Immaculate, comfortable and very fast, train travel in Europe, Spain included, is the best way to go from any point A to any point B. And it's very reasonably priced. The web site for RAIL EUROPE is easy to use to procure reasonably priced tickets, and, there are many other ticket sellers at various prices, higher and lower. As we pulled away from our three days in Europe's second coolest capital, we were so looking forward to more adventures, expected and unexpected. And, as expected, the trip via train was like riding on air - fabulosas!

A Quick 2+ Hours On The Train And An Interesting Cab Ride To Another AIRBNB Winner

We collected our luggage and hailed a cab. After getting in the cab, with his English and our Spanish, he entered the address of our AIRBNB in his I-phone. As usual, in most European cities, unless a place is on a central or main street, it doesn't really comply with Google Map requirements for specific locations not on a beaten path. As we are winding our way through narrow lanes, our driver is asking people for help in finding our place. After a few enquiries and several turns, we found the AIRBNB we would be in for the next three nights. Just a note for Interesting Vagabonds - If you are traveling in a country or region for a couple of weeks, I highly recommend staying in each place or city you visit a minimum of three days to get the feel and vibe of the place and truly enjoy what it has to offer.

We entered the access code and walked into the contemporary studio the yellowBox and, as with every AIRBNB we have stayed in, were highly impressed with the design and location  of the place and its surroundings. It was thoroughly modern, comfortable and aesthetically unique in every respect. It had all the basics covered - comfortable bed, great shower/bath and ample room to relax and read or plan our next venture out. In addition  to the interior design of original brick walls, modern furnishings and a complete kitchen, the neighborhood was in the middle of everything, yet very private. Another unexpected weekly happening every Friday was an open market in the small square which the studio borders. And, because its in Spain, there were many things for sale that you just don't find at home. We even bought some tiles which we plan to install in a small courtyard in our own house.

Not long after arriving, I texted the owner, who came by with goodies, cookies, fruit, o.j. etc. and showed us the many places and things we could enjoy in the area. Our time spent in this unique rental unit from AIRBNB was excellent in every way. And the price was $80 - $120, depending on when you go. As an architect and a demanding vagabond, it exceeded every expectation we had for a great, comfortable and low cost place to lay our heads and hang out between trips around town.

 

So - It's only January - get busy. With great exchange rates and economical options for everything in this great modern and history filled country, Seville is one place you don't want to miss. Next post - The Flamenco Experience in Detail.

 

Comer Tapas Un Poco - You'll Thank Me !

 

d.l.stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

 

 

Lamata 24

MUSEUM DAY IN MADRID - GUERNICA AND TAPAS TO BEAT THE BAND

It Always Helps To Know A Guy (or girl) That Knows A Guy

 

One of the most impressive things about The One Shot I raved about in my last post on Madrid was the staff. The young ladies at the front desk seemed to know everything about everything in the Prado area. Waking up with reduced jet lag our second day, we asked about a place for breakfast. They pointed us to a very small café just down the lane - D.O.C.C. Madrid - Perfecto! As we were served by a most helpful and resourceful barista/manager of this 10-12 seat eatery, it became apparent that the Spanish are very accommodating people, even with Americans who speak embarrassingly bad Spanish.

However, one thing must be noted. Call me an Ugly American if you like, but, the Spanish do not have the coffee thing figured out. This is going to sound soooooo uncharitable - but we are all about the truth here at TNA. The coffee served in virtually all restaurants and coffee shops in Spain is Café Con Leche - half coffee and half warm milk. It is always luke warm and tastes rather odd to a palette that is accustomed to very hot coffee with a small amount  of cream and sweetener. I know what your thinking - What an unliberated American  toadie, right? I apologize in advance for my embrace of that symbol of American coffee excess. That's right - the only real coffee I had in Spain was purchased at - you guessed it - Starbucks. I should probably have my vagabond credentials suspended for not "acting like a local", but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. I don't care what Rick Steves says. Trains and Tapas - Sí. Coffee - No!

Would You Like To Go To The Museum Today Mi Amor?  Sí She Said

After breakfast we hailed a taxi and said Hola! Reina Sofia, por favor. Ten minutes later we pulled up to Madrid's national museum of modern art. This former 16th century hospital boasts permanent and temporary exhibitions of Spanish and other international artists. Works  by renowned painters and sculptors Joan Miro, Donald Judd, Max Ernst and Georges Braque, to name just a few, ensure that the visitor will see some of the most provocative, ground breaking art of the last century.

Enjoying the many works in Madrid's largest and best known museum, we strolled into the room in which is hung one of the truly great paintings by one of modern art's greatest painters. Many art lovers and critics alike view Guernica as Pablo Picasso's greatest work. Upon seeing this enormous painting up close and personal, it is hard to argue against that point of view.

 

 

An apt description of the painting, its scope and effect on the viewer is best summarized by travel blogger Katie Hammel in an excerpt from  one of her articles entitled Viewing Guernica at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum:

Picasso’s Guernica is one of the most visually stunning paintings in the world, and one that is best appreciated when viewed in person. At first glance, the painting looks like chaos – all hard lines, blunt angles, and cartoonish scenes of animals and people. But when you look at the details, you begin to see more. Here’s a woman, grieving for the child in her arms. There’s a fallen man, his broken sword lying beside him. The painting depicts the bombing of Guernica (in Basque Spain) during the Spanish Civil War. The Guernica takes up nearly an entire wall of the museum, and at 11 feet tall and nearly 27 feet wide, it is simply massive.

After the Reina and a light lunch, we returned to the Prado area and the beautiful Neptune Fountain. We then decided to do what all good tourists do - hop on a Hop On - Hop Off  Bus for a grand tour of Spain's capital city. Never having done this rather "touristy" mode of sightseeing before, we both agreed that it is a great, inexpensive way to get an overview of a city, its architecture and its neighborhoods. Plus - you can rest your weary feet while enjoying the view.

Al Final Del Día - How 'Bout Some Local Sobrosa Tapas To Make A Thing Go Right

 

As I said earlier - It always helps to know a guy or girl who knows....you get the picture. Once again, the dynamic duo at the front desk did not disappoint when we asked for dinner suggestions. At the end of a full day of museum stalking and sightseeing we were in need of some really good food. We took a short stroll from One Shot up Calle del Prado and arrived at the absolutely slammed, well designed tapas restaurante LATERAL around 8:30 PM. After only a few minutes, we were ushered to our table amongst many apparently satisfied diners, eating and drinking like the locals. Now - I am, by no means, an expert on Spanish food, tapas or otherwise. But, in this Americano's humble opinion, the numerous courses of spring rolls, calamari, etc., etc., etc., along with a nice bottle of  Tempranillo (Spain's most common grape), were superb in every way. And I could have sworn I saw Hemingway sitting in a corner by himself drinking a small glass of sherry - Just kidding.

And the prices, with the euro at an all time low against the dollar, were  muy barato - actually downright miserly. Take heed my fellow Nomads, if you are looking for a place that will serve you well for very little then get on that plane asap.

As we walked back and prepared for another night's sleep in our little trozo de cielo at The One Shot, we mentally crossed the fabulous Guernica off the Nomad Bucket List. The memory of that profound work of art and strolling the narrow streets of "Magical Madrid" is now
permanently etched in our collective Nomad heads & hearts.


Next up - A Bucket List Day Trip - The Windmills of La Mancha.


Salud Vagabundos

d.l.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Spanish Lesson of The Week - Spain is downright cheap. That's right fellow Vagabonds, compared to Italy, France and the UK, Spain is one of the lowest cost countries for Nomads looking for a deal. Excellent wine can be had for $3.50 a glass and four star hotels can run as low as $125 a night. And, as of the date of this post, the dollar is a very low $1.12 to the euro. Take that California!

Video Artist of The Week - Joe Cocker, a true R & B, Soul and Rock & Roll legend could be heard in bars and cafes in the Land of Conquistadors. They love that rock and roll in Spain!
 

 

MADRID - BIENVENIDA TO THE SECOND COOLEST CAPITAL CITY IN EUROPE

IT'S NOT PARIS BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE MIS COMPAÑEROS VAGABUNDOS - MADRID HAS GOT IT GOIN' ON

That's right. Madrid has everything a Nomad full of intense wanderlust needs. Great food, great architecture and Picasso's Guernica. That's enough to put a town on the A List. But Madrid has so much more. As we approached this thoroughly modern metropolis with a history that goes back to at least the ninth century, we became instant romantics in search of all the things we had read about this place of insatiable cultural  diversity and a vibrant populace to go with it.

 

 

And where better to start our almost month long sojourn in the land of Iberia than Magicall Madrid? As one perceptive writer commented to comedian & radio personality Dennis Miller recently - Miller, you gotta go to Spain. All they do day and night is eat and drink. Saludos Vagabundos!

Just Gimme That One Shot Prado 23 - Por Favor

After a little hunting up a narrow street off the main drag,  the taxi stopped in front of our base of operations for three days in Madrid - The One Shot 23 Prado. Through a simple glass door entry into a lobby with stark white walls & modern paintings and sculpture everywhere, and a couple of nice English speaking conserjes jovenes, we were in. It was official, we had arrived in Madrid. Our room continued the minimalist grammar - white walls, smart furniture, a bathroom with a huge rain shower, comfy bed, pickle stained wood plank floors and a large mirror on the wall that was actually a tv. We almost never watch tv while traveling. I mean what is the point of watching a game show in a language you may have studied for six months but have absolutely no chance of actually understanding? However, the subtle design touch with a tv that actually looked like a mirror was a very hip detail in this architect's opinion.

 

The hotel designer adroitly inserted minimalist spaces, surfaces, furniture, etc. into a vintage building of undeterminable age. Those crazy creative Europeans do this with such ease.  And to make the thing go perfect, our room had a large balcony with chairs and a table for a little morning coffee or snack to enjoy the sounds of the street and some fresh air. And the staff, always helpful and knowledgeable about who, what and where were always at the ready with maps and instructions.

 

And one last thing about the One Shot for Gen Xers  and Millennials - FREE WIFI !! - OMG, U have 2 stay here!!!!!!!

 

And Where To Eat? or should I ask - Donde Comer?

 

The area around the One Shot, Paseo del Prado, is a great area to see many of the things that make Madrid such a great city. Museums, parks, transportation are all easily accessible on foot. In addition, the area is loaded with great restaurants. Because we had eaten the usual composting trash they served on our nine hour Delta bus flight, we were somewhat satiated but very tired. So our plan was to get some shut eye before venturing out for the evening.

 

IMHO - There is nothing more important than getting some quality nap time if you arrive in Europe in the AM after a 9-10 hour flight. Some say you should "keep going". I am not of that school. Your biological clock is demanding that you treat your temple with some respect. That means sleep fellow nomads. So go to bed already!

 

And Wake Up About 8 PM for some Serious Tapas - Oh Mi!

 

That's right. Spaniards just don't bother doing too much in the afternoon - early or late, so we got up around eight, jumped in that massive rain shower with pressure to die for, combed and made ourselves up and took off for our first real experience enjoying one of the many things España has contributed to civilized culture - TAPAS. Hola LA MUCCA DE PRADO! This very busy tapas restaurant/bar had been recommended by the one of the young ladies at the front desk and it did not disappoint. Great food and great service. Flying somewhat blind, we ordered a few items and some wine and began our official culinary trip in the land of Jamón Ibérico and Tempranillo.

 

Oxford Dictionary defines Tapas as small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar. Savory - sí, drinks - sí, small - well not really! Tapas Rule No. 1 - Go slow. Cheese, sausage, beef, veggies - you name it - they can serve it up in quantities that will leave you with a need for more nap time. Safe to say - the Spanish have very much perfected the art of eating and drinking.

 

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll back to our little piece of minimalist diseño and its very comfortable bed and nodded off with dreams of the coming days in the land of La Mancha.

Still to come in Magical Madrid - Museums, Windmills and More Tapas!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Spanish Lesson of The Week - In place of a quip or other witty euphemism, this series will contain a weekly thought, point or admonishment about travel in Spain and other countries, including the good ole USA.

This Week's Lesson - Always follow the two day rule when traveling to Europe. Unless you are a hyper, super energetic traveler, which makes you completely annoying or just too young, you should allow yourself two full days to "get in the flow" of life in your new environs. Jet lag, learning the ways of the place you are in and the practical things you need to deal with (ATM's, different food, language, etc.) require some serious R & R to get your biorhythms properly aligned. So, like I said earlier - Go to bed already!

Video Artist of The Week - Chic Corea - One of the fathers of jazz fusion, this 22 time Grammy winner commands the keys with creativity and skill.

 

 

 

ALERTA de VAGABUNDO - WAITIN' ON A PLANE TO THE PLAIN IN SPAIN

Preflight Thoughts

 

Journal Entry while sitting in the World's Worst Airport waiting to board the World's Worst Airline to España:

"Dateline 5/2/15 - Atlanta Airport - On the underground tram from terminal to Delta Gate there is a relatively attractive young woman across from us leaning nonchalantly against the side rail - push up bra - very tight t-shirt - stretch pants/leggings - funky calf high boots - sucking down an iced latte with a golf ball sized wad of gum in her mouth & a water bottle cavalierly "hooked" on her arm - a small leather purse draped over her shoulder & the piece de moda - a tie died hair/head band. And I am thinking - 1) In her own head she knows she is a happening chick - You can tell this from her "worldly" condescending sneer/frown & 2) Seeing an attractive 24 year old (I'm guessing) in the bowels of Hartsfield Airport somehow makes the Atlanta Airport seem better - Well, not really! Oh & she is texting without ceasing like any good Millennial! Goodbye America - Hello La Mancha!"

 

Just an example from my journal to prove that I am NOT a tourist just looking for a good time, but, an observant, erudite chronicler of world culture and its many varied aspects. I am, in a word, a NOMAD, in search of meaning in life and places to sleep that make you feel good AND make you think. We have returned from an amazing trip to one of the most enchanted lands in Europe. The land of ancient religions, ancient architecture, modern design, insane art, conquistadors and enough legends and myths to keep historians blogging well into the next millennium.

 

I will be chronicling our sojourn to the land of Picasso and Gaudi in the coming months. There are so many things I never expected. Every time I go abroad, I return with a renewed sense that the world is truly an amazing place, if you will just take the time to look, see, listen and taste the beauty, debauchery, history and people of other places. America is my home and I love her with every fiber of my being, but, we all need to get out more!

 

So pull up a chair and set a spell. Spain is on the way. The Random Topics will cover all things great and small in the Land of Iberia.

 

D.L. Stafford

THENOMADARCHITECT

 

Travel Quote of The Week - Never go on trips with anyone you do not love. - Ernest Hemingway. They don't call him one of the greats for nothing!

 

Video Artist of The Week - Janice Joplin - After seeing this R & B Rocker in 1968, I knew I would never listen to Rock Music the same way again. And, along with dozens of other American Artists, she can be heard in every bar, café and hotel in Spain.