IT'S COMIN' TOMORROW - THE CHRISTMAS TOP 25 SONGS OF 2017

TOP 25 2017 
CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

This year has completely flown by. My bride just commented the other day that it seems to go faster the older one gets and think she might just be right. I hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving and have all your lists gathered up.

This year has brought a new addition into our family. That's right we have our first grand child - Hayes Thompson Stafford, who just turned seven months old and will be enjoying his first Christmas. I have been amazed at the joy and love I feel because of this little man who always seems to be happy and laughing. We are so very proud and thankful to our God for this gift of a little person we can love and spoil to the mostest.

So, starting tomorrow, we will begin the TOP 25 2017 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN. I have searched for new songs and will have some standards as well. I hope you will find joy, happiness and peace in this great music for our most celebrated and most important time of year. May this Christmas be the best for you and yours.

See You Tomorrow

d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

P.S. I promise, after the first of the year, I will get back on track and post on travel and the life of discovery from different places in the world.

RANDOM VAGABOND ALERT - IT'S THE END OF SUMMER - I JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS !!

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE - OH MY OH MY OH MY!!!!

OK. Obviously I have taken the summer off. I have not been that busy, I have just been slackin' and enjoying my new grandson. But, with the Solar Eclipse just around the corner, a very observant  writer who lives near me in God's Country, Charlie Porretto, shared a Q & A Session concerning the 100 year event to happen on the 21st of August 2017. 

 

And, if you travel to the one of the right places along the path of the eclipse and want to spend an inordinate amount of money for a place to lay your head while preparing for the two and a half minute event - you can probably score a room for three nights in Jackson Hole for around $700 per night - you need to read this so you will be completely informed about the many different aspects and unintended consequences due to the blessed event.

 

SOLAR ECLIPSE

Charlie Porretto

 

Q. What causes a total eclipse to happen?

A. The best way to understand it is to imagine that the Earth is a cantaloupe, and the moon is a grape. The grape travels in a circular path (technically called a “trajectory”) around the cantaloupe, while at the same time the cantaloupe travels around a flaming basketball representing the sun. Once in a great while, the grape reaches a certain point (the “hypotenuse”) that causes it to cast an unusually harsh shadow (the “penumbra”) and the resulting reduction in temperature extinguishes the basketball, thus plunging the cantaloupe into total darkness.

Q. So you’re saying that during an eclipse the sun actually goes out? A. Only for a few minutes. It usually comes back. Q. What if it rains on Aug. 21?

A. The eclipse will be held the following Monday.

Q. What if the Russians hack the eclipse? A. The president has already prepared a strong retaliatory tweet containing, according to a White House source, “very few punctuation errors.” Q. How can I tell if I am in the path of the eclipse?

A. Look outside. If you see strangers parked on your lawn, you are in the path.

Q. What will I experience during the eclipse?

A. It will get dark.

Q. Seriously?

A. Yes.

Q. That’s IT? Where I live that happens every night.

A. Perhaps so, but in an eclipse, after it gets dark, it — prepare for some celestial excitement — gets light again!

Q. Wow.

A. Yes! Isn’t it amazing?

Q. I was being sarcastic. You’re telling me millions of people are traveling long distances and paying insane hotel rates just to see it get dark?

A. In some areas there will also be wine tastings. Get ready for the 2017 solar eclipse Get ready for the August 21, 2017 solar eclipse! Parts of the U.S. will witness a total eclipse. Find out what you'll see based on your location. NASA

Q. What safety measures should I take when viewing the eclipse?

A. Safety experts strongly recommend that you wear steel-tipped shoes, a hard hat and ear protection. Also you should remain indoors in an uncomfortable crouch until the “all clear” has sounded.

Q. If I remain indoors, how can I view the eclipse?

A. Safety experts do not consider that to be their problem.

Q. Will the eclipse cause any unusual phenomena to occur?

A. Yes. Scientists tell us that during the eclipse UPS trucks will appear to be green, microwave ovens will actually make food colder, and any Starbucks beverage with a name ending in “ino” will spontaneously explode. Also all of the television sets on Earth, even those that are turned off, will simultaneously show the same “My Pillow” commercial. In the natural world, birds will migrate up and down instead of horizontally. Whales will suddenly question whether they really like plankton, or just eat it because it’s available. Certain breeds of dog may develop a primitive sense of sarcasm. Also herds of cattle have been known to spontaneously re-enact the rumble scene from “West Side Story.” All of these phenomena are perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about, according to top eclipse scientists, who incidentally will be spending Aug. 21 in a mountain bunker in Peru.

Q. What about the religious groups who are claiming that this eclipse will trigger the end of the world?

A. Safety experts note that this is yet another argument for remaining indoors.

Thank you Mr. Porretto for this incisive, in depth, informative and education writing on the comings and goings of the sun, moon and earth at this special time in the New Millenium.

 

And for those of you who will travel to see the big show, enjoy yourselves and - Make sure you get the glasses before you go!!!!

 

 

D.L. Stafford

thenomadARCHITECT

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!