Spain

Sept 3

first just a little information about the trip. Joe and I are very different people. We like to drink together and socialize with other people.

Im a morning person and Joe not so much. He loves that dinner starts at 9:30 pm and he parties on afterwards.

With that said, we are trying to cover as much ground as possible. I have done the research and he is still searching for Ibeza. I wanted to tour all the wine regions and after Porto, we were heading to heaven-region of white wines. I have maps and memorized all the 'wine roads'.

Also, I hate to drive. We rented a c class mercedes. Very cute-silver. Gas is 1.5 euros per liter. The car has a great trunk for our luggage-probably 120 pounds.

I wake Joe up early to start- he went out and was pissed that I woke him up- not a nice start. I drove. We passed the border and my white wine tour was to begin. I followed my map-he was sleeping. So proud of myself. Visions of ordering tons of cases home. I try and follow a vineyard sign-totally lost- now Joe is up and we are just driving. For all I knew, I could be back in portugal. After 20 minutes-I come to a dead end in someones driveway. I use my great spanish to chat up the woman- who could not image how I was soooo lost. They said I could wait an hour or so and I could follow them out. By the way- green spain because it rains non stop.

I could not wait-I was on a mission- so as I backed up to attempt to get on road again- totally rolled off a concrete ledge. The back passenger tire off the pavement and in the air. The front driver's tire in air. 120 pounds of luggage-joe gets out-like a see saw. We were fucked. The entire family comes out-mom, big dad, deaf grandfather, the adult children and a grandchild. Thought we would be stuck all day- tow truck would never find us. Big papa and grandma-neighbors- lifted car up while joe steered. So lucky-I have pictures. Guess waiting isn't so bad-in the rain-in barn- they have 2 cows for milk. I look around and grapevines all over- they make homemade wine. Thought I hit the jackpot.
Crossed wineries off list for rest of trip-and meeting real spanish family. Joe drove for a bit.

So now we are going to Gijon for night and hitting picos de europa tomorrow -logrono and towards valencia-need sun. J =

This is a great city. We arrived last night.

After, leaving malaga, we travelled to Ronda- this is described as a white town. The town is one of a few in the mountains. Joe did a great job manuevering all the twists and turns- even with a camera in his hand. Ronda is a great place to visit. Nice views and we went to the bullfight museum. We left and went through more mountains and these white towns. It is amazing to imagine anyone getting there to live and build without these new roads.

The roads here are awesome. All new and without traffic. A great decision to drive Spain.

We are staying in a beautiful hotel. The Hotel Alfonso XIII. It is a reored palaceJin the heart of Sevilla. Two nights were needed in one place. There are great little winding roads and fantastic gardens, palaces, squares ect.

Today Joe and I separated- I'm a morning person and wanted to take pictures before everyone started for the day. In Spain, 10 am is early. After walking and exploring the area, went to the pool and siesta. I'm a big fan of this custom.

Tonight dinner and on road to Portugal. We planned a coastal route to Lisbon. J

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