Events

Sept. 14 and 15

Okay where to start.

We have a very nice driver-Luca. He is huge-broad/tall, very nice, speaks english and is very in love with his girlfriend. We know all about her-especially since she calls and texts non stop. Sweet child of mine blares from the phone. Also, we know all about their sex life because it came out at lunch. Luckily for us-since his car is for business they don't have sex in it. I was happy because I sit in the front bucket seat.

Yesterday we had a full day. We started off with a tour of the Ferrari gallery.

The gallery consists of the formula one models and road versions throughout the years. We had a lovely woman guide-who must fantasize about Mr. Enzo Ferrari-with serious italian accent-must have said his name every other word.

So many men drooling over engines and taking pictures of every detail. Like they found their mecca.

I had a mission-to locate a one of a kind item that they do not sell in the states. I was told to get a shirt with a marlboro label because advertisizing issues with cigarette companies. Kari and I searched and finally a woman came out of the back room to look us over and brought out an item at a time. Didn't realize this was black market apparel-and priced as such-I'm positive this appreciation will last a LONG TIME.

Next on our schedule was to visit a balsamic vinegar plant. This was in a private house. Kari and I felt like we were in a twilight zone episode. The house was a 18th century villa. We were given a tour of the house-creepy-weird. Strange art and antiques-interesting yes however to parade strangers in and they did not speak english. We had to watch part of a movie-in which the house was used-all part of this bizarre tour.

We were taken to the house where the balsamic is made-this was cool-because it is traditional with barrel and you can see it takes 12 years minimum for the vinegar. 7 barrels and constant attention-it is a business passed on through generations-in order to start from scratch, you would have to wait 12 years-unless it is commercial grade. We had a tasting-they make a 3 year, 12 and 25+. Amazing taste.

We then went back into the house for lunch-funny because we were served boxed spaghetti with bolognase sauce-which is a crime-the worst lambrusco wine-Kari was so funny about all of this. We bought lots of vinegar and overall good experience.

Since it was sunday, all stores were closed and the weather rainy and cold. Gone were the sunny days of Spain. =

Have no idea if this will work out.

I started my trip on a nice relaxing schedulez- after i figured out compression bags. I spent the mornimg bondimg with Sadie and Simon. I had an emergency run to the Vet due to Simon the day before I left. The big monster received a nasty bee sting in his eye. A session of adult water with Jeffrey made me forget my stress.

I thought the fun started when I thought my flight was at 2:25pm- I was wrong it was 12:25 pm and I was off running. Yes my luggage was hwavy just over 70 pound max.

Made my plane with starbucks too. Arrived in Mizmi and my brother was comfy in Admirals club. We had a great flight. The Madrid airport was so impressive and added to the excitement.

After the car servive dropped us off the real fun started. As we checked into the hotel, someone ran in and stole our czmera bad and backpack. It was worse for Joe- computer, phone, travel documents and camera. I lost 2 cameras and 2 lenses. I planned this trip for the pictures. The theft happened within seconds at the hotel desk. Worst nightmare came true and so sad because th crime is impacting this great city. A morning on the phone and afternoon in police station and replacimg what we could.

We managed to go on a scheduled tour to the Prado, a chocolate shop and old quarter. Our guide was great and we had a posotive experience.

Funny how timr flies- 24hours latwr and I'm in the south of Spain.We picked up rental car early and drove through La Mancha. I wanted to tour vineyards and not as expected. I would book a guided tour for wines in the future. We passed on Granada, Cordba and Toledo. Next trip.

Tomorrow a day in the sun and off to Cadiz area. J