Lavender Cookies for Christmas 2018!

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lavender-cookies/

Yummy. I did a variation with white chocolate chips. Pretty good!

https://thebeachhousekitchen.com/2017/03/20/lemon-lavender-shortbread-cookies/

The dough didn't feel quite right. I added extra almond meal to help thicken the dough and get it less sticky and more cohesive. Pretty delicious. More lemon zest in all these lemon recipes.

https://avirtualvegan.com/lemon-lavender-shortbread-cookies/

Fun to make. I wish I had used granulated sugar on top. Salty, like a biscuit. I like how there was little wait time from mixing to molding to baking.


Upcoming...?

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15542/mexican-wedding-cookies/

https://breadboozebacon.com/vanilla-almond-snowball-cookies/

9 julio 2018. Picos de Europa, Spain

https://www.asturiaspicosdeeuropa.com/tourism/picos-de-europa/tourist-atractions

https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/naturaleza/reservas-de-la-biosfera/parque-nacional-de-los-picos-de-europa

http://www.vvww.net/articles/fuentedespain.html

Estamos en las montanas.

We woke up behind a bakery in a small little village 45 minutes from the entrance to the lakes in Picos de Europa, lagos de Covadonga. We woke up early before they close the roads to only shuttle buses and tour taxis. Everything was closed and I still had not found a bathroom to use. I was uncomfortable. Everything was beautiful. We hiked up a trail to view both lakes and see the clouds over the mountains. By the time we came back down again, the bathrooms were unlocked. We were let down that the lakes were not for swimming. The person in the info booth recommended that we go visit Fuente De and take the cable car up. In order to do that we had to drive all around the Park to get to the other side. We were both tired. Carla found hot springs to stop and rest at La Hermida. Unfortunately, the river was strong and had risen above the area. We were tired and spent the entire afternoon sleeping. We tried to bathe in the cold river wary of the current. Eventually, we got up and started driving to make it to Fuente De before the last rips. It was stunning. It would have been a 4.5 hours hike and 15 km to the bottom. If we had more time and were in a better headspace, it would have been good. It only took 4 minutes to get down in the cable car.

We decided to drive to Leon to sleep there. That was a journey as you can read.

8 julio 2018. Laredo, Santander & Comillas, Spain - El Capricho de Gaudi

Amanecimos en la playa.

No idea where we were going to sleep. Carla randomly picked Laredo. We discovered it was beach town. We parked n a side street by the beach next to a white camper van. When we woke up, we explored the beach and walked before deciding to go in for a morning swim. In hindsight, I wish we had spent more time there. Our camper neighbors had spent months traveling around from the UK.

We left and began our mission to Santander to complete the business of adding my status as a driver to the rental at the airport kiosk. We reported the broken trunk lock but decided to keep our spacious caravan SUV. We intended to find a beachside to pull over and enjoy lunch but we were unlucky. I decided to pull over on a random country road by the fields. I don't like traveling aimlessly without parking security. Cities are more stressful. Roads are narrow, parking is limited. The next stop was el Capricho de Gaudi in Comillas. This made me really happy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD#Personal_life
https://www.elcaprichodegaudi.com/descubre/el-capricho-de-gaudi/
http://www.antonigaudi.org/maximo-diaz-de-quijano-160.html

It was Sunday and there was entertainment in the plaza that we could hear but neither of us was interested in exploring. We began driving West.

We went to the Mirador del Fitu and stopped by a Roman Bridge after. It was getting late and we tried looking for a place to sleep. Eventually, we came across an empty lot next to a pharmacy, bakery, and inactive info kiosk. I chose to stay in the car and not see the river nearby. Mosquitos are the worst.

I was sad we did not get to Kaos Temple in Asturias.

https://ablanosdeaymar.es/nuestro-entorno/mirador-del-fitu/

5-7 julio 2018. Bilbao, Espana

De regreso a Espana.

I arrived late after traveling all day. Carla picked me up from the airport with only 3 hours of sleep. Our first priority was the nearest free parking space. We went to Parque Europa. Bilbao's language was foreign to us. We slept and looked for a hostel to shower in the next morning.

We walked through Santuxu and Casco Viejo and found luck at the Quartier Bilbao Hostel. We also stopped at some second hand stored to find blankets and other items to make our road trip more comfortable.

I wish I had walked across the Zurizubi Bridge. We walked along the river until we came across the Guggenheim. Carla requested that we get food before we walked in. We got doner kabob and celebrated. We spent the entire afternoon inside the Guggenheim until closing. We started with Richard Serra's installation "Matter of Time".
https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/works/the-matter-of-time/

https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/
https://arteychina.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/
https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/exhibitions/chagall-breakthrough-years-1911-1919/
https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/marc-chagall
https://www.theartstory.org/artist-chagall-marc.htm
https://joanavasconcelos.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/
https://lta.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/

https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/the-building/
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/49749245" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://joanavasconcelos.com/video_en.aspx?oid=569&vid=26

We walked for more than 6 hours that day. Some of that time was because we were misdirected and got lost on the way back to the car. Also, I was searching for Invader.

http://www.space-invaders.com/world/bilbao/
https://www.slideshare.net/rvleb/space-invaders-bilbao

The next morning we returned to the showers. We were given delicious Starbucks strawberry frappucino sample shots with coupons on our way to breakfast. On the way back, we cashed in on the coupons with fruit ice frappes and spent hours recharging and mapping our journey for the next few days. We showered, bought groceries, didn't get towed, and prepared to drive towards Santander.

The intention was to find shelter before nightfall. We ended up in Laredo and enjoyed dinner on a bench by the beach. we watched people walking on the path for a while before moving the car into a side street by the beach.

PEDU9200 - Part 1: Northern Spain & Morocco

This took a long time. I wish I could break projects down and keep to a timeline.

I did all the work. All the work was there. I shared parts along the way. I reflected during and after the journey. I am always reflecting. Please enjoy the following work that demonstrates my learning through travel experiences.

I am sharing this with others so that they too may be inspired to go to far away places and learn about our world history.

Slideshow link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KnrmV5oon-Bci1Ly3-yxRrQ5VXIm313exIPs_Ar_ZpQ/edit?usp=sharing

Please pardon the extra grainy quality on the slides. I was frustrated with GoogleSlides because it did not let me upload my original presentation. I had to copy and enlarge each slide to share via GoogleSlides online.

Course # PEDU 9200 Developing a Curriculum for Academic Enrichment

3 credits

Part 1: Southern Spain & Morocco

Travel study has positively impacted my professional development as an art educator. I started traveling for educational experience in 2007. I studied abroad at the University of Cambridge in England in their International Summer Program. After my term of study, I did a 10-day European tour designed by my small group of peers. We worked together to travel through Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and England. I had discovered a passion for world history and I used art as a way to examine the connections between cultures and what others declared valuable. I have traveled on my own and I have had the opportunity to travel with others in a tour group. Every time I travel, I consider it to be an opportunity to gain personal experience that I can share with others.

Traveling to Southern Spain and Morocco was a dream. Perhaps it is my dreams that direct my travels. I create art based on ideas that have inspired me. Most of my inspiration came from exposure to travel shows and Carmen San Diego mystery books when I was a child. I sought to learn more about the artwork valued around the world. I learned that there were institutions that protected these treasures. I also learned that these places were each unique and the cultures that enabled their existence were worth exploring.

My own heritage had directed me to Spain through an ancestor that had immigrated to Chile, where my parents are from. I wondered about the historical events that had occurred in Spain. It inspired artists and explorers for ages. As I began to look at the Spanish treasures, I learned about their past exchanges with Northern Africa through trade with Arabic civilizations and even to the extent of the Roman Empire. It really amazes me to see how events shape the history of a place. The design of the Alhambra directly reflects the legacy of the Moors in Spain. The transformation of the Mezquita in Cordoba contains so many clues. It was valuable to visit those sites to study directly and then travel through Morocco and view firsthand the culture that is directly responsible for the design. I learned so much history and saw what elements were communicated through art. The fact that they can still be seen today supports the importance of their legacy.  The tradition of architecture in the region had been practiced for centuries. It was valued by other conquering forces that they chose to preserve it and “improve” upon them to maintain the royal status of the party in power.

Morocco was also beautiful because it felt foreign and romantic. I do not know Arabic and I am thankful I had the opportunity to discover Morocco with the help of wonderful guides. There were so many new experiences to process. I was thankful I had traveled with a group so that I could focus on being present and aware of the sights, smells, sounds, flavors and sensations. We went to many cities in Morocco. I was fascinated by the similarities in the design of the city centers. There were fortresses, markets, schools, mosque, palaces, and so much more. The markets were like mazes that featured all types of crafts: ceramics, metal, leather, textile, and spices. I appreciated the visits to studios and showrooms so that I could learn about the art forms that I practice and share with my students.

I created a journal to make art related to this trip. I also wrote in a notebook and collected hundreds of photographs to document my studies. I intend to publish my art, reflections, and photographs online to share with those who are interested. Since starting the school year, I have given my students opportunities to explore my artifacts in class and ask questions. I also created a display in my school to share highlights of my journey give them insight of the direction and influences in my curriculum for the year. We will be working on sculpture with clay, woven textile patterns, and geometric mosaic designs. I look forward to sharing the personal experiences to further support the concepts I am teaching my students. 

2 julio 2018 - Casablanca, Morocco

SO MUCH TRAFFIC - STORKS - and TRAFFIC

Rick's Cafe Photo opportunity
http://www.rickscafe.ma/


Hassan II Mosque
http://www.fmh2.ma/
http://www.fmh2.ma/fr/mosqu%C3%A9e/historique


La Corniche
https://www.britannica.com/place/Casablanca-Morocco

30 junio - 1 julio, 2018. Rabat via Volubilis via Meknes

LONG DRIVING DAY - "Are we in Rabat yet?"

Volubilis - Wild Morning Glory
Roman ruins in growing wild flowers.
Picking flowers in Volubilis to press forever.
MOULAY IDRISS circa 800

Rocks
Limestone
Order
Chaos
Mosaic
Columns
Storks

Berber land cruiser - donkey
Saturday market
The Gate of the Victorious

Ancient archeological Site, Roman City, Palace, Royal Residence
Columns take to decorate Meknes
40 hectares NO SHADE only 1 tree
Arc of Triomphe always facing Rome

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/836

MEKNES
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/793
https://www.roughguides.com/article/meknes-morocco/

DAVID BOWIE FILMED THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST IN THE GRANARIES AND STABLES.


RABAT
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1401
https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/blog/hassan-tower-mohamed-v-mausoleum.html

1912 Capital of Morocco - Official Administrative Royal Residency

Rock the Casbah
"The French get out through the door but they get in through the window" - Karim, guide

New City designed by the French
Red = royal family dynasty
Green Star = muslim faith

Fez protest of French rule - move capital to Rabat
Medina sections: Andalusian, Jewish, and Turks

Tree of the Mother-in-law, Oleander = poison

INVADER in Rabat 2017 - I found a few mosaics randomly around the city.
http://www.space-invaders.com/world/rabat/
https://www.graffitistreet.com/space-invaders-invasion-of-rabat-morocco-2017/
https://www.slideshare.net/rvleb/space-invaders-morocco-maroc-in-marrakech-rabat

2018 Madrid, Spain

http://ineedartandcoffee.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-light-bulb-is-sun-metamorphosis-of.html

2018 Fall Hike - Old Rag Saddle Trail, Shenandoah NP, Virginia, USA

Thinking about a hike in early October.  Saturday 10/6 or Saturday 10/13.

Pets @ Shenandoah NP

Not allowed on Old Rag Saddle trail :(

Dog-Friendly Tips

Pet-friendly Campgrounds

Shenandoah Campgrounds page

Old Rag Trail Information

NPS Old Rag Plan Your Visit

NPS Hiking Old Rag page

2018. Tangier & Chaouen

This almost brings us to today - we are almost in Fes so I may take a break and see if my mood improves before continuing this reflection.

- We got to Tarifa.

(Here is where I reflect upon my journal entries to figure out what happened today, 2 months ago.)

We took a bus from Ronda around noon after a morning walking tour and "lunch/souvenir/rush/free time". We were taken to the port to ride a ferry to Tangiers. On the way, we could see the rock of Gibraltar. I was cranky and tired. The sun was strong. We also made a "hydraulic stop" in olive oil country and sampled Spanish delicacies: almonds, olive oil, cherries, and turron.

We arrived in Tangier in the evening and in small groups, we explored the brand new beach front. Their McDonalds was intimidating. I had no idea how to order but it felt so fancy. The staff were so well dressed. They had fresh baked goods in the cafe. They had digital order platforms. we could watch the soccer matches on the large screens. I was really happy to be traveling during the FIFA World Cup.

The next morning, we left early and saw our first medina in Tangiers. A medina is a ---
walls. Every medina has schools, bakeries, and mosques inside. The cemeteries are outside the walls. After our introduction to Morocco, we got a bus and started driving south towards Chaouen. "The Blue City" was a place I was really looking forward to visiting. We did not have enough time at all. It was another tourist dump where they gave us a brief tour and let us try some samples before letting us try to have lunch, shop, explore, and model. ... more time. no justice.

I was upset by this and the same in Cordoba. Cities that I dreamed of were reduced to 90 minute experiences. How can you make the most with so little time? I am thankful I had the opportunity to be there but it almost feels as if I was barely there at all. I enjoyed lunch on a roof top almost all to ourselves. There was an asian woman with a good book and a cat. We watched the cat try to run off with her scraps and the bread off the table. We learned that lemon chicken and bread were delicious. The cat tried to befriend us and then rob us of our scraps as well. We had little time to get too lost. It was beautiful. I couldn't breathe and relax. I couldn't sit and watch. We got back on the bus and drove on to arrive in Fes in the afternoon.

26-27 Jun 2018. Ronda, Spain.

27 Junio 2018:


https://www.spain-holiday.com/Ronda/articles/the-12-things-you-must-see-when-visiting-ronda

We did not stay very long. We moved forward to Ronda. Ronda was a blessing. a hidden gem that we could only enjoy for a night and a walk in the morning. We were also blessed with a fine hotel that had a rooftop pool and restaurant that overlooked the oldest bullring in Spain.

We had dinner at ____________ with a terrace that overlooked the fajo. Fado? No se.
I haven't really discussed Spanish cuisine... I am not really impressed. I do not really like it. We had pork cheeks, plate of meats, chicharon, jamon iberico, queso manchego, sangria, cerveza Alhambra verde y san cruz. Piononos muy dulce pero dame helado por favor. On the terrace we witnessed the sunset. Sarah and I briefly wandered through the streets after dinner and discovered both the New Bridge and the Old Bridge.

The hotel room shower was a dream with a ceiling shower ad a shower head that could be used at the same time. Our baggage had to be ready for travel the next day. We woke up early to go on another walking tour. Another local guide took us on an hour long walk around the neighborhood. "Look it", "look at", "Look"- doorways, crests, flowerpots, coat-of-arms. She really wanted us to look and appreciate all the details of the old homes. Eventually she guided us back to the bull ring where we saw the museum of bull fighting in Ronda. September is the one time that the space is used for bullfighting. Otherwise, it is used for performance - plays and music. We were left with an hour or so for food and shopping before heading to Tarifa to take the ferry to Tangier that night. I remembered to buy bullfighting art for my brother and bought him a print from a studio. Lunch was a double scoop of ice cream. Ale Hope was a fun spanish shop that was invaded by a group of kids so I could not buy the fan that inspired me. We also wandered into a fun toy shop.

Ronda required more time for street and trail explorations. All the bus travel put me in a foul mood. I felt sinus pressure and a cold coming on. I was tired. There was more travel ahead.

http://www.rmcr.org/es/bullring_museum.html

One month later, A lifetime ago.

Bleach hair fashion and dreadlocks. I want my hair to grow. I should have fun while it is short but I just want it to be long again. I want to hide easily.

I have made many advances and improvements. I have gotten things done. It feels good. Sleep is a thing. A very important thing. I am back home from vacations and I have had one week to myself to adjust and transition back to school. I feel I get a little silly on my own. I have worked on art. A lot of sketchbook time.

I am excited to see 311. I used to listen to so much 311 and I had great times.

It was always funny to think about how my younger self would approve of my present self. I want to study art. Talking to other people is difficult. Connection? 

Okay. Focus. Remember that time you saw Incubus & Deftones with good friends in Camden, NJ? I had just returned from traveling around the world, literally circumnavigating the globe, for the past 6 weeks. My 26-year-old self made my 16-year-old self's dreams come true. She would have loved that. I loved it.

I intend to sort files and lesson ideas. I need to upload and present my work from this summer. If you have had access it has been the first round. WORK.

11-18 August - agosto - aout 2018. Kailua - Kona Town, Hawaii, United States

https://www.hawaii-guide.com/big-island/towns/kailua_kona_town

11 August - https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/events/obon-dance-festival-hilo-higashi-hongwanji-mission

http://volcanoartcenter.org/events/

http://bigislandnow.com/event/listing/figure-drawing-salon/2435

https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-beaches/papakolea/#best-time-to-visit

http://www.bigislandhikes.com/papakolea-green-sand-beach/

https://www.nps.gov/havo/2018-closure.htm

https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/alka/index.htm

http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/lava-viewing/


Bonus:

2018 Sunflower Fields - Maryland

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/sunflower-fields-maryland
https://www.sunshinewhispers.com/best-sunflowers-in-maryland/

Clear Meadow Farm - Mid September

Maryland Agriculture - Pick Your Own - Beginning September


Burnside Farms  - August - October
Burnside Farms - How to Pick Gladiolus

The Sunflower Garden - Late August

I want to eat here:
Broom's Bloom Dairy

Rocky Point Creamery


ART EXHIBITIONS
Hirshhorn
Renwick
Portrait Gallery/American Art
Freer/Sackler
NMAI


MOVIES
Sorry to Bother You
TAG

Remember interactive movie websites?

10/6 - King Khan & The Shrines @ Black Cat DC, $20

29 Junio 2018. Fes, Morocco

30% Medina
Mohammed VI King
Largest Medina
Near base of Altas Mountains
Agriculture
Tourism
Handicraft

Tea, Coffee, Water

Blue & Green Mosaic Gates
Sultan Entrance

New city built by the French

"There is more life after the sunset." - Karim

Melah - Jewish section (oldest)
Royal Palace of Fes
Medina - Maze
- Old city 8th century
- 2 sections are Andalusian 14th century

11th century wall built of lime, clay, stone
1755 Earthquake of Lisbon destroyed the wall

Souk - markets of the city.
Medrasa - Koranic school

built over a hill
discover all the important areas


Ceramic Studio - https://afktravel.com/58398/ceramic-artistry-fez-morocco/
Medrasa Seffarine

University of al-Karaouine - https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/university-of-alkaraouine
Tannery - https://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/the-leather-tanneries-of-fez-morocco.html
Souk el Attarine - http://www.travel-exploration.com/mpage.cfm/Shopping_In_Souks_Markets
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/morocco/articles/10-top-markets-in-fez/

Morrocan Cuisine - https://www.thespruceeats.com/famous-moroccan-foods-you-should-try-2394280

So many experiences in one city. Beautiful. Delicious. Scented.




https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/university-of-alkaraouine

3-4 Julio 2018. Marrakech - Shopping in Morocco Research

https://www.continenthop.com/marrakech-souk-guide/
http://www.travel-exploration.com/mpage.cfm/Shopping_In_Souks_Markets

Almost out of Morocco - SO MUCH

By this point in my travels, I was pretty sick gastrointestinally. I LOVED THE FOOD IN MOROCCO. I did not like that I could barely contain myself. I began to grow weary of my food options. The final push to survive and experience my time in Morocco. Thankfully, by taking medicine and being more careful of what I consumed. I started to feel better.

Going into this trip, I had dreamed of all the items I wanted to buy and bring from Morocco. Marrekech was the place to splurge. The marketplace of my dreams. However, I was exhausted and I had little desire to engage in bartering and haggling. I wish I had unlimited funds and energy. There was so much I really wanted but felt limited. Thankfully, due to the size of my group, I did not appear to be the best candidate for the vendors to approach.

We began in Marrakech by visiting the Saddian Tombs.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/marrakesh/attractions/saadian-tombs/a/poi-sig/1144240/1316370

Berber Carpet Showroom & Sales
https://moroccotravelblog.com/2009/04/24/berber-carpet-weaving/
https://www.lesnomadesdemarrakech.com/

Bahia Palace
http://www.palais-bahia.com/en/
https://www.egypttoursplus.com/bahia-palace/
https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/blog/bahia-palace-marrakesh-morocco.html

Spice Market
https://theculturetrip.com/africa/morocco/articles/an-introduction-to-saffron-harvest-in-morocco/

Sunset Camel Ride

I earned my Camel Driving License.


Moroccan Cooking Classes @ La Maison Arabe

Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum.


-------

http://riadzany.blogspot.com/p/beginners-guide-to-moroccan-carpets.html

http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/introduction-to-berber-culture/

https://museeyslparis.com/en/biography/ouverture-du-musee-berbere

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ver0v5CTdRM&feature=youtu.be&t=22m


https://moroccotravelblog.com/2017/03/16/top-12-things-to-do-in-morocco/

2018 SUMMER UPDATE: All is Good

Okay/Vale -  so I seem to have gotten as far as Cordoba as far as reflecting and uploading on this platform about a month ago. It is surreal and amazing to imagine all the experiences I had.

I have been home for about a week now and I feel like I have done so much already. Time really does not feel like a constraint. I have been working from home these days. I am determined to use Alphonse Mucha: Masterworks as my base and drawing board. I am inspired by the moors. Currently, I am sitting in the dining room surrounded by the smells of spices in my home. I was lucky that my roommate could carry my first load of souvenirs home so I could travel lighter for the second part of the Spanish trip.

I spoke spanish but not nearly as much as I thought I would. I also did not talk to many strangers. The strangers I did talk to where also strangers to the same land - they were other foreigners. Maybe I was not as curious or I was not compelled to be very social. Anyways, I saw a lot of art! Drove and rode through a lot of landscapes.

I am using my time to organize my resources and prepare for the incoming school year. I have so much I would like to do.

Also Hawaii Birthday Adventures will be coming up too! August 11-18

26 Jun 2018. Cordoba, Spain

26 Junio 2018: Visitamos la Mezquita en Cordoba en ruta a Ronda.

Washington Post - In Andalusia’s three key cities, one of history’s great architectural mash-ups

Cordoba was the capital of the arab world - meya dynasty. SO MUCH HISTORY! Centuries! Read about it.
Mezquita is one of the largest mosques. Cathedral was built inside. All other mosque had been destroyed but this one was incorporated into the cathedral.

Al cazar = the castle, the palace.

(next part was written on Thursday 6/28)
This is travel time. I do not want to do anything. Perhaps I am fatigued. I am on my way to Fes and have spent at least 6 hours on a bus today with several stops. This is how tours work. Go, go, go. I want to arrive. I am tired of chatter. People talk. How do they have so much to say? Am I boring? Do I not care? I do not have the energy to actively contribute. I was looking forward to Cordoba. I was looking forward to Chaouen. Both were small stops. Not enough time. SHOPPING? How? Hmm. CATS! Animals. Ooh. Aww! Ice Cream - Water making noise from all the movement. I have a solution - MUSIC <3.

Ear Plugs in. Loud Music. 311. Distractions. I was having a moment on the bus. Okay, so Cordoba right? I needed more time. We had a local guide. I did not have time to wander and explore within at my own pace. We were in and out with an hour or so for lunch and souvenirs. I can't really tell you what I loved. Arches? The mixture of different time periods.

https://mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/descubre-el-monumento/el-edificio/

24 - 26 June 2018. Granada, Spain

Here we go: I am jumping back in weeks after this trip. It takes me time to process things. I also feel like the information is all there somewhere. This is my journey. This is my experience. By this point of the trip "Day 1" - I had a few days to adjust and do absolutely nothing in Malaga. I had time to sleep and rest. Prepare. I reconnected and prepared to meet with others and a future encounter in Northern Spain.

I took the train to the Malaga airport to meet the rest of the tour group. I  was not traveling as lightly as I would have liked. A friendly expat identified me and helped me with my space on the train. We shared experiences in Chile and Barcelona. We both struggled with our accent. He was going to meet the arrival of a friend from Poland. He was working on a tourism project in Malaga and Barcelona. He was very kind. Eventually, I found the other member of the group that I knew had also arrived early in Malaga. The others' flights arrived much later. I am not quite sure why but maybe there was a strike in Paris CDG.

I met Manuel, our guide from Education First. He made sure we had all arrived and made it to the first hotel in Granada. I also met and reconnect with traveler's I had known and traveler's I would share so much with.

Whew! Okay - I had a really good summer. I am going to refer from my reflection journal from this point on.

23 junio 2018: AQUI COMENZAMOS

Ni se cual es la fecha. I don't even know what date we are on.
I made it to the airport late but it did not matter because both incoming flights wer late. 28 of us boarded the bus around 7pm towards Granada. It was late so we skipped the welcome dinner.

24 junio 2018:
The next morning began with a walking tour of Granada towards the Albacin. We wandered through the streets, past Carmens - homes with spanish/arab gardens enclosed within up to St. Nicolas to see the Alhambra from afar.
We visited the Royal Chapel of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. F & Y decorated everything. There were lions at their feet. Jane/Joanna the Crazy ad Phillipe the Handsome along with Prince Miguel shared the tomb. There was a collection of Flemish Art - one stood out to me - Magdalena with a woman looking at an angel in the bedroom while she was kneeling, reading the bible. It reminded me of a post modern artwork. Also the beheading of St. paul on the altarpiece was anatomically graphic and recalled more beheading artwork with a woman holding a platter for the head  being held by the beheaders. 

Afterwards, we walked down and found shade under the unbrellas of a restaurant at the base, with a view of the Alhambra. We were free to wander and shop in the Albacin. It was an epitome of what to expect but in a pretty, glittery, kinder, sweeter, way.

"very fertile area - asparagus plantation"

25 junio 2018:
The next day we began with a visit to the Generalife and Alhambra. The Generalife were gardens and home to the summer palaceof the sultan. The Alhambra had a different area. Notably, the courtyards, details of the muslim rule - medieval Christian take over - rooms where people met rulers. Scented Gardens. Stories of the Alhambra by Washington Irving. Christopher Colombus.

After lunch, we visited the Hamman al-Andalus for a traditional arab bath house experience. it was amazing. I had an opportunity to meditate under the sun rays  of the setting sun. I was centered under the sun rays , shinning on my crown surrounded by steam. In the other hot bath, there was a vaulted ceiling that let the afternoon sun in the light of the details of textures of the carved walls. I would do rotations medium - hot -cold.
I decided to take a break and sit with sweet mint tea and meditated on a small fountain in the center of the floor with daisies floating on the center when a little girl came by and moved all the flowers around. I was upset by the small gesture of chaos but learned to have faith because the fountain brought all the flowers back to center. I almost started to cry upon the lesson learned. I wanted to be the little girl. I was in my third cup of tea when I got up to move the flowers in the fountain. At that same time, our group was ushered out and our time was up but I was thankful for those moments of reflection - listening to the water. When it was loud, there was movement. I decided to move when it was quiet. Practice quiet. Speak when quiet. Be still when loud. People where loud.


At night, we went to see Flamenco en las Cuevas del Sacromonte. We went to the Cueva de Rocio. Gypsy lived in caves. Our guide at Generalife & Alhambra described it as "angry apple eating while bug stomping"

https://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/info/historicalintroduction.asp

20-23 Junio 2018. Malaga

20 Jun 2018:
Llegue al aeropuerto y tome el tren hasta Malaga Central. Alli me encuentro mi amiga, ella se mudo a Malaga desde los estados unidos hacia 2 anos.

The first day was a jet lag adjustment day. I wandered around her neighborhood with her and did some simple errands like getting myself sunblock, freshly baked bread, and stopping by the bank. She pointed out some sites and we caught up over recent life experiences. I had only slept about an hour on the airplane and could barely hold myself upright to listen. I was distracted on the airplane by watching "A Wrinkle in Time", "Lady Bird", "The Iconoclast", "The Party", and "Ingrid Goes West" - none of which were particularly extraordinary films. I took the afternoon to myself to rest and refresh myself.

At night we caught the end of Spain vs. Iran World Cup match at Cafe con Libros in the Plaza Merced. After the match, we walked to the Teatro Cervantes to get the best pizza at Pizzeria Cervantes. We sat outside and talked. We wandered through the old town to get to the rooftop of  AC Hotel Malaga Palacio - Cortina del Muelle, 1, Malaga  29015 Spain.

More rooftop options from SpainFoodSherpas.com
https://www.spainfoodsherpas.com/malagas-best-rooftop-bars/

The night ended with dancing at Chiquita Cruz. Free salsa and bachata dance classes on Wednesdays nights with the purchase of 3 euro /6 euro drink coupons. Dancing until 02h. Lots of fun and great people.

21 Jun 2018:
Hoy fuimos a la playa y en la noche fuimos al circo. 

It was a late start. I got all the sleep I needed. We knew we were going to enjoy a beach day. I was asked which beach I preferred to visit. I chose "hippie beach" with a pretty beach 5 minutes walk nearby. We walked by the Alcazaba and under a tunnel to catch a bus to Bolivia (Banos del Carmen).
We walked through a restaurant named Terraza-Restaurante El Balneario de Los Baños del Carmen. We could use their bathrooms if needed. "Hippie beach" was a rocky space with trees that provided shade. People come and practice slack line. There were many dogs that day and in the afternoon there was music. A man had brought his guitar and really made the environment nice.

Initially, we had taken the 5-minute walk to a pretty beach in a little inlet. It weekday and the families were away. I was told that on the weekends, many families pack this beach space. We sunbathed for a while and were ready to get into the water when we discovered the reason why no one was really swimming. There were so many tiny little jellyfish. Locally, they were called "medusas". I have
not had any personal experiences with jellyfish. We were standing along the edge of the water and would run back like little children when the waves crashed on the sand. Running away from the jellyfish, pointing out all the jellyfish and judging whether there was a safe place. We ended up deciding to go back to "hippie beach". 

I spent the afternoon listening to the philosophies of a man who was un-cubing himself from the structures imposed by society and reconnecting spherically to the earth. He guided us through the rocks into the ocean and taught me how to hug the sea and walk on water. For a period of time, he used to live on this beach but has since made it a daily ritual to make his practice at the beach. After many hours in the sun, I discovered I had forgotten to put sunblock on my knees and they were painfully angry with me and the sun.

We made our way back to my friend's home to prepare ourselves for Cirque du Soleil: TOTEM. It was amazing!

22 Jun 2018: Explorando a solas la historia de Pablo Picasso y la colleccion del Pompidou.

Fundacion Picasso Malaga - Casa Natal

Plaza de la Merced, 15 · 29012 Málaga

HORARIO - De 9:30 a 20:00 h todos los días, incluyendo festivos.

Entrada combinada: Museo Casa Natal y exposición temporal + audioguías: 4 €

I stopped by the church where Picasso was baptized as a baby.

Centre Pompidou Malaga

Pasaje Doctor Carrillo Casaux, s/n, Muelle Uno, Puerto de Málaga

Lunes, Miércoles, Jueves, Viernes, Sábado y Domingo

9:30 - 20:00h (incluyendo festivos)

COMBINADA (COLECCIÓN + TEMPORAL)	9 €

23 Jun 2018: Encontrando Andy Warhol en el Museo Picasso Malaga antes una despedida temporal.

Museo Picasso Malaga

Palacio de Buenavista C/ San Agustín, 8
29015 Málaga, Spain

March-June: open daily 10am-7pm

Pablo Picasso. New Collection + Warhol. Mechanical Art: 12 € (reduced fee 9 €)

Mas lugares para ver. 

Museo Vidrio y Cristal Malaga

Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, 2 (Frente a la Iglesia de San Felipe Neri)

Martes a domingo, de 11:00 a 19:00h

General: 6€

La Alcazaba

Verano: 9:00 h - 20:00 h

Castillo Gibralfaro

Cathedral de Malaga

Backpacking ... ? Mad Cool Espana 2018

https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/travel-backpacks-for-women
https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/travel-backpack-packing-list

40.475593, -3.620274
https://madcoolfestival.es/en/location.php
https://madcoolfestival.es/en/parking.php#precio

• It will be forbidden to stay overnight in the parking lot.
• The holders of entry for a single day of parking can not re-enter the car in the enclosure once they have left.
• The vehicles that remain in the area of the parking outside of the established opening hours may be towed away.

$235.34 Festicool = $100 + $100 + $35.34

TOTAL 188,00 EUR TICKETMASTER.ES =  EUR 94,00 + EUR 94,00

https://www.ticketmaster.es/event/mad-cool-2018-entradas-de-dia-entradas/5729

Hotel Villamadrid

Occidental Casellana Norte

CATS Hostels

airbnb #1

airbnb #2

airbnb #3

airbnb #4

airbnb #5

https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

http://www.aaa.com/vacation/application2a.pdf

https://mowgli-adventures.com/wild-camping-locations-in-northern-spain/

http://gb.e-guide.renault.com/eng/Kadjar/LOCKING-UNLOCKING-DOORS

2018.3.30 - 4.1 :: Pittsburgh, PA

FRIDAY -

Natural History

Carnegie Museum of Art 

Warhol Museum


Scents of Wonder

Phipps Conservatory


Frick Art Museum

[Kraynak's Easter Bunny Lane]


SUNSQUABI

Share Spain Links for planning. 2018.

FLIGHTS:

https://www.wego.com/flights/rak/es/cheapest-flights-from-marrakech-to-spain
https://www.goeuro.com/travel-search2/results/756640354/train
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Marrakesh/Spain

MALAGA

EF Tour ...

GRANADA
https://travel.usnews.com/Granada_Spain/Things_To_Do/The_Alcaiceria_63419/
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/top-10-free-things-to-do-in-granada/






MARAKKESH
http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/


RAK - BIO



Spanish Road Trip - - -
https://www.google.es/maps/dir/San+Sebasti%C3%A1n/Bilbao/Santander/Picos+de+Europa+National+Park/@42.7528329,-3.6001074,8.12z/data=!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0xd51affe3b68fe15:0xe43ec55994864649!2m2!1d-1.9812313!2d43.318334!1m5!1m1!1s0xd4e4e27664b89b9:0x6534acc41e95a645!2m2!1d-2.9349852!2d43.2630126!1m5!1m1!1s0xd4949ae8a6bee71:0xd27cdc801682ba96!2m2!1d-3.8099803!2d43.4623057!1m5!1m1!1s0xd49b76499c6fb69:0xc6f2ab7c01f75b57!2m2!1d-4.8712433!2d43.1869684!3e0?hl=en

https://www.eurocampings.co.uk/spain/
https://www.pitchup.com/en-us/search/spain/
http://mowgli-adventures.com/wild-camping-locations-in-northern-spain/


http://mowgli-adventures.com/spend-a-day-in-bilbao/

http://mowgli-adventures.com/great-gaudi-tour-outside-barcelona/

http://www.abc.es/viajar/guia-repsol/abci-mejor-mirador-picos-europa-201605181720_noticia.html

http://asturiasguide.com/Covadonga.html

https://www.picoseuropa.net/lagos/

http://www.touropia.com/destinations-in-northern-spain/

BILBAO

EL CAPRICHO DE GAUDI

PARQUE NACIONAL DE LOS PICOS DE EUROPA

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187449-d565837-Reviews-Parque_Nacional_de_Picos_de_Europa-Asturias.html

https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/travel-info

https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/costa/playas/playa-de-anguileiro
https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/costa/playas/playa-de-barro
https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/costa/playas/playa-de-la-paloma-esteiro
https://www.turismoasturias.es/en/descubre/costa/playas/playa-de-el-oso

https://www.turismoasturias.es/web/agenda-de-asturias/gastronomia

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187449-d565837-Reviews-Parque_Nacional_de_Picos_de_Europa-Asturias.html

http://parquenacionalpicoseuropa.es/visitas/visitas/miradores/

OVIEDO
https://youngadventuress.com/2015/12/oviedo-spain.html





NOWHERE - Tickets

MADRID
Prado
Mad Cool Festival - Tickets Friday Night: ATDI (Saturday Night: Future Islands, Glass Animals)

Dreaming Mermaid

Always keep dreaming.

I have so much work to do and a lot on my mind. I am resting because I know it is all there somewhere. I have already done this before. I have been here before. I would like to be better prepared always. I would like to communicate clearly with ... clarity?

I am tired. I am sleepy. I want to escape to faraway places. I feel inspired to dream of walking in paths of distant towns. I want to make memories. Do I really want to rush through life, looking to the next step?

I will go to Spain and Morocco this summer when I get all the details better informed.

I may even go to Portugal. I dreamed of this place. ... Did I really? My mom dreamed of this place. I need to ask her history.

New Month. New cheer. New hopes.

Here is the mission:

here ... WAS - - AGP (Malaga) $1200 or MAD (Madrid) $500 + local flight?

EF Tour

RAK (Marrakesh) - - AGP/MAD/BIO (Bilbao)/BCN (Barcelona)

Road Trip/Train Hop

... return home.


To travel takes time.

Copenhagen
http://intl.m.dk/#!/about+the+metro/travel+information/for+tourists
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/culture/explore-copenhagen-24-hours
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/sightseeing/free-things-do
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/six-forgotten-giants-gdk1091362
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/little-mermaid-gdk586951

Krakow Art Links

https://scandinaviantraveler.com/en/places/krakows-cool-art-scene


https://en.mocak.pl/

https://cracowpostergallery.com/en/

http://bunkier.art.pl/?lang=en

http://mnk.pl/branch/the-szolayski-house

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/poland/articles/krak-w-s-10-best-contemporary-art-galleries-you-should-visit/

http://guide-krakow.com/street-art/

http://www.theculturemap.com/weekend-in-krakow/

http://www.krakowpost.com/12446/2016/05/jewish-krakow-street-art-kazimierz

https://www.inyourpocket.com/krakow/Krakow-Street-Art_73712f