BEANS BEANS BEANS...oh what to say about the beans...oh I know...I had it for breakfast lunch and dinner...well almost at least..it felt like it. We woke up at 930 but left the hotel at around 11, got a small bite to eat for breakie but within an 2 hours we were hungry for lunch. So we went looking for a restaurant to eat. I was looking for cassoulet but jessica was craving pizza. So we dcided we would go for pizza first, and I would have a slice of her pizza and then she would sit through my lunch and nibble on the beans from my cassoulet. Yes I was eating cassoulet again to compare the two restuarants. So that is how things went. We then went on and took the tourist train around the city. No crazy people to encounter today, but got some wierd looks from the people in the park. Oh well too bad.
We were tired, so we made a choice to eaither go see a movie or take a nap. We went to see Leonardo DiCaprios new movie. It was a very complicated film, and after we went to a restaurant we thought we made reservations for...turns out they were closed until middle of August....ooops so we went to the other restaurant where we were supposed to go to last night, and we had some very good food. I had cassoulet yet again and it was by far the better one that I have eaten. I also had foie gras again, but I still prefer goose foie gras.
We walked back to our hotel and we wake up early tomorrow morning for our train back to paris, where I have to pick up my other suitcase, repack and then head to the airport first thing early Wednesday morning. We will try to bring back Pastries, however I cant guarentee it...I might eat them on the plane.
Otherwise, we will hopefully blog tomorrow night before our flight.
Yehuda and Jessica
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Seriously?? on the plus side...mmm Cassoulet
Hi everyone,
we are heading into our last day as part of our vacation since tuesday most of the day we are travelling and packing in Paris, so tomorrow is officially our last vacation day, which also means,......sorry people but hoodas coming home!! Now I know how much everyone missed me...lol just kidding. I am really happy to be coming home, and I am really thankfull to Jessica for letting me do this trip, and supporting me through these last 10 months. And of course thanks to everyoen for your support as well.
Anyways today was an ok day. We woke up around 9ish and headed out in search of a cafe for breakfast. we found one and ate outside, and gave me a sad feeling knowing I am leaving all that for the smog of Toronto..lol. But we sat outside, Jessica had a mushroom omelette, and I had something I wanted to eat since I came to France. I had a Croque Madame, which is basically a ham and cheese sandwich with a egg sunny side up on top. It was really good.
We then headed back to the hotel, packed our stuff yet again and checked out. We went to the train station and waited for our train. We read and when my book was done I worked on my resume, and business plan for my restaurant.
I worked some estimates, based on what I have read and spoken to people, so I have better composites for my meetings next week.
When we arrived we walked all of 4 minutes to the hotel, and checked in. The guy (who I think owns the place) was very nice, gave us a slightly larger room, as well as let us print off our train tickets for Tuesdays train ride back to Paris.
We headed out to go to the tourist office, but it had just closed ten minutes earlier, so we decided to walk to the water. We walked around, saw a dead body, we think the guy jumped, as he was in a body bag, and there was blood on the boardwalk. We quickly walked away and went to the "beach". Now when you picture a beach you see, sand (or rocks in some places) water as far as the eye can see, large majestic waves, the sound of the ocean the smell of the salt...and yet there wasnt any of that at all at the "Beach" here!! It was grassy area with lawn chairs set out over looking the river. Far cry from a beach if you ask me.
Well we then decided to go back to the city center to maybe watch a film before heading for dinner. There was one film in English, and we wanted to enjoy dinner. So we headed to a restaurant that was reccomended to us, but was closed because its sunday, so we went back to a restaurant called Maison de Cassoulet. Now to me, that sounds like the place knows what they are doing when it comes to Cassoulet. And I was not dissapointed. I ordered the cassoulet meal, which was duck foie gras for starters, and cassoulet for main course.
And now for the "Seriously?? part of the name in the title".
We were sitting right next to a table where there were two couples. Let me set the stage for you. One older couple (american) and the second couple which was younger (French). The younger female didnt look like she spoke much english. Well the older Gentleman (american) talked so loud and so much, and there were alot of things that were beign said that made me want to turn around and correct what was being said at the table, but it wasnt my place, so instead of biting my tongue I stuffed my mouth with bread. Its tough to fully describe, but after we left the restaurant I said to JEssica, we just had a dinner and a show. IT was more funny than anything else.
Then as we were walking, we were aproached by a woman for the second time tonight and asked us for money. Being polite we said, "sorry but we dont have any money". She screamed at us to go away, and something about only saying sorry to someone in the hospital. Didnt really get it, but we walked away, confirming our suspicions that Toulouse is a slightly bizzare city.
We are now back in the hotel planning for tomorrow.
We'll blog tomorrow
Nighty o
Yehuda and Jessica
we are heading into our last day as part of our vacation since tuesday most of the day we are travelling and packing in Paris, so tomorrow is officially our last vacation day, which also means,......sorry people but hoodas coming home!! Now I know how much everyone missed me...lol just kidding. I am really happy to be coming home, and I am really thankfull to Jessica for letting me do this trip, and supporting me through these last 10 months. And of course thanks to everyoen for your support as well.
Anyways today was an ok day. We woke up around 9ish and headed out in search of a cafe for breakfast. we found one and ate outside, and gave me a sad feeling knowing I am leaving all that for the smog of Toronto..lol. But we sat outside, Jessica had a mushroom omelette, and I had something I wanted to eat since I came to France. I had a Croque Madame, which is basically a ham and cheese sandwich with a egg sunny side up on top. It was really good.
We then headed back to the hotel, packed our stuff yet again and checked out. We went to the train station and waited for our train. We read and when my book was done I worked on my resume, and business plan for my restaurant.
I worked some estimates, based on what I have read and spoken to people, so I have better composites for my meetings next week.
When we arrived we walked all of 4 minutes to the hotel, and checked in. The guy (who I think owns the place) was very nice, gave us a slightly larger room, as well as let us print off our train tickets for Tuesdays train ride back to Paris.
We headed out to go to the tourist office, but it had just closed ten minutes earlier, so we decided to walk to the water. We walked around, saw a dead body, we think the guy jumped, as he was in a body bag, and there was blood on the boardwalk. We quickly walked away and went to the "beach". Now when you picture a beach you see, sand (or rocks in some places) water as far as the eye can see, large majestic waves, the sound of the ocean the smell of the salt...and yet there wasnt any of that at all at the "Beach" here!! It was grassy area with lawn chairs set out over looking the river. Far cry from a beach if you ask me.
Well we then decided to go back to the city center to maybe watch a film before heading for dinner. There was one film in English, and we wanted to enjoy dinner. So we headed to a restaurant that was reccomended to us, but was closed because its sunday, so we went back to a restaurant called Maison de Cassoulet. Now to me, that sounds like the place knows what they are doing when it comes to Cassoulet. And I was not dissapointed. I ordered the cassoulet meal, which was duck foie gras for starters, and cassoulet for main course.
And now for the "Seriously?? part of the name in the title".
We were sitting right next to a table where there were two couples. Let me set the stage for you. One older couple (american) and the second couple which was younger (French). The younger female didnt look like she spoke much english. Well the older Gentleman (american) talked so loud and so much, and there were alot of things that were beign said that made me want to turn around and correct what was being said at the table, but it wasnt my place, so instead of biting my tongue I stuffed my mouth with bread. Its tough to fully describe, but after we left the restaurant I said to JEssica, we just had a dinner and a show. IT was more funny than anything else.
Then as we were walking, we were aproached by a woman for the second time tonight and asked us for money. Being polite we said, "sorry but we dont have any money". She screamed at us to go away, and something about only saying sorry to someone in the hospital. Didnt really get it, but we walked away, confirming our suspicions that Toulouse is a slightly bizzare city.
We are now back in the hotel planning for tomorrow.
We'll blog tomorrow
Nighty o
Yehuda and Jessica
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Chocolate waves
Hi from Bayonne,
Where did we leave off? oh ya, sleeping! hahaha Today we woke up early and went to the farmers market here. It was along the water and had a lot of people selling fruits and veggies they grow themselves. Very nice to see! We bought some fruit for the day, a small basque cake and some olives for yehuda. We then tried again to go to the chocolate factory. We took the bus this time, and got there in the time they said the people would be making the chocolate. We did the tour, saw the machines, saw some workers, but none were really making chocolate. This was a little dissapointing. After the tour, you get to sample chocolate!! TONS AND TONS! We tried different kinds from different areas of the world, and some samples of products the people at the factory make. Man, we were chocolalted out, and we didnt even try everything!! We didnt buy anything because we were going to the beach and the same store has a store in town, selling the same things.
next we took a city bus for 1.20 euros to the beach, in another city nearby called biaritz. The beach was pretty long, we went to the quieter section that had a wall which made shade. The waves were HUGE!! a very popular place for surfing. The beach wasnt as sandy as sitges or as rocky as malaga, it was somewhere in between. We sat and read and then headed into the water. Yehuda had to hold my hand ot make sure i didnt get carried away by the waves. The were the bigges waves either of us has ever swam in! it was a lot of fun but i can still feel the salt up my nose! After some wave jumping, we dried off and relaxed some more before taking the bus back to bayonne for lunch and a rest.
Tonights dinner was similar to last night, with traditional basque food. I again had poulet basquese, with last nights being better, and yehuda had tripe (which he thought was more tongue then what it is supposed ot be, which I am not too sure about, but i think its gross either way) and he had a yummy fish soup to start. No dessert tonight since we had tooooo much chocolate before 11 this morning!
After dinner we walked and sat by the water. We were going to go bowling but werent sure it was open and were not really in the moood in the end.
We had a very nice day though. It was a great weather day, being sunny with a nice breeze and we got to do some fun things. Tomorrow we head out to toulousse for yehuda to have his cassoulet, which he is so excited about. I just hope they have some good chocolate mousse there! hahaha
Bon soir!
Where did we leave off? oh ya, sleeping! hahaha Today we woke up early and went to the farmers market here. It was along the water and had a lot of people selling fruits and veggies they grow themselves. Very nice to see! We bought some fruit for the day, a small basque cake and some olives for yehuda. We then tried again to go to the chocolate factory. We took the bus this time, and got there in the time they said the people would be making the chocolate. We did the tour, saw the machines, saw some workers, but none were really making chocolate. This was a little dissapointing. After the tour, you get to sample chocolate!! TONS AND TONS! We tried different kinds from different areas of the world, and some samples of products the people at the factory make. Man, we were chocolalted out, and we didnt even try everything!! We didnt buy anything because we were going to the beach and the same store has a store in town, selling the same things.
next we took a city bus for 1.20 euros to the beach, in another city nearby called biaritz. The beach was pretty long, we went to the quieter section that had a wall which made shade. The waves were HUGE!! a very popular place for surfing. The beach wasnt as sandy as sitges or as rocky as malaga, it was somewhere in between. We sat and read and then headed into the water. Yehuda had to hold my hand ot make sure i didnt get carried away by the waves. The were the bigges waves either of us has ever swam in! it was a lot of fun but i can still feel the salt up my nose! After some wave jumping, we dried off and relaxed some more before taking the bus back to bayonne for lunch and a rest.
Tonights dinner was similar to last night, with traditional basque food. I again had poulet basquese, with last nights being better, and yehuda had tripe (which he thought was more tongue then what it is supposed ot be, which I am not too sure about, but i think its gross either way) and he had a yummy fish soup to start. No dessert tonight since we had tooooo much chocolate before 11 this morning!
After dinner we walked and sat by the water. We were going to go bowling but werent sure it was open and were not really in the moood in the end.
We had a very nice day though. It was a great weather day, being sunny with a nice breeze and we got to do some fun things. Tomorrow we head out to toulousse for yehuda to have his cassoulet, which he is so excited about. I just hope they have some good chocolate mousse there! hahaha
Bon soir!
Friday, July 23, 2010
bienvenue a la France
YEP WE ARE BACK IN FRANCE... and you have no idea how excited I am to be back here....Its like a long lost home for me even though it has only been three weeks. I think I will be in France withdrawl next week.
To get From San Sebastian to Bayonne, we took two trains, one to the french Spanish border adn the other from the border to Bayonne. It was an easy and short trip.
Upon arriving we walked across a big bridge with lots of flags, some duplicates and some 5 or 6 of the same, even an American, but no Canadian flag. However at the begining of the bridge there was an Israeli flag. We stopped off at my bank on the way to the hotel to tie some loose ends, and they were very helpfull. We checked into the hotel, and then headed out to the post office to mail some stuff to close my bank account and my cell phone. We walked around a bit, and had a small lunch where I had my first experience of basque food when I ordered Pate Basques. It was actually very good, and of course I added mustard, my favourtie condiment. (sorry Gary) Since there wasnt much on the menu for Jessica we asked for a large salad and they happily made it for her with melons, beans and vegetables as her appetizer
Jessicas main course was chocolate mousse...hahaha!!! While I had a BIG bowl of mussels and fries.
We walked then for 30 minutes to the chocolate factory, only to get there and find out the chocolate makers only work in the mornings!!! whats up with that?? Well slightly disappointed, we decided we would come back tomorrow morning when the chocolate makers only work between 9:30 and 10:30 am!!!
We went back for a short nap, and then headed back out on the town to see the city. We walked for a bit, took teh free bus, and saw this beautifull small city. I bought a cookbook from this region, which was signed by the author. While looking for a book, jessica found one of my favourite stores... a stinky cheese store!! And stinky it was, and I was in heaven!! I got to taste some cheese from teh region and bought some for me to snack on.
We continued to walk up and down the steets enjoying the city. We then decided to walk up and down the two sides of the river where most of the resturants are located. We figuered we would wak up one side and down teh otehr and by then we would be able to choose our place for dinner. But each and everyone was one dissapointment after the other to me. My other issue was that since I eat different foods than Jessica and was looking for traditional basque food, Jessica might not like it and thus not enjoy her meal or spend alot of money on food she wont eat. But jessica assured me that since this part of the trip was about me and food that I wanted to continue to learn about and for me to enjoy, it didnt matter to her and I should choose based on what I felt was right. Anyways I wasnt finding what I wanted, so Jessica reccomended asking another local. Only this time he reccomendeda cider place witha 30 euro menu that had 4 options all four of which neither of us even remotely liked.
We didnt stay there. and lucky for us we remembered the list of restaurants n the city adn right next door to our last failure, we found a small 40 seat restaurant owned by husband and wife (wife being the chef, husband working the fron of the house), who cooked traditional BAsque food. We asked for the suggestions and we ended up having a 4 course meal that spanned over 2 hours. For the first time in almost two weeks, Jessica was able to finish almost her entire meal.
Now to analize the meal. We started with a tarte of meat with cheese in a basque sauce. (the description doesnt do teh dish justice, but this is the simplest way to describe it). The flavours,, blended so smoothly from one to the other, nothing overpowering, perfectly seasoned yet such a simple dish.
For apps Jessica had a Smoked salmon Salad and I had Salmon trout tartar with red onion and chives. Again so simple but so amazingly done.
Main course: Jessica had the Poulet Basquaise, (my original entry to basque food). The sauce was so good with just a slight kick from chili peppers, but not nearly overpowering, it actually enhanced teh flavours of the sauce making it a powerfull delicious sauce for the chicken. I had Braised Sheeps Shoulder with a Basque sauce mixed with the cooking reduction. So tender and perfectly seasoned.
For dessert we had the Basque cake (very almondy too much for jessica, borderline for me, although I do love those almonds), and I had this most awesome semi cooked chocolate cake with Creme anglais and whipped cream. It came hot straight from the oven, when we dug into it the chocolate oooooozed out. YUMMY in my tummy.
We were so full we couldnt finish dessert but that was compliments to the chef for all the amazing food.
After dinner I asked to meet with the chef, and we spoke with her, thanking her for the delicious meal. She also gave me her recipe for the chocolate cake.
We walked home along the water (which looked like an oil spill in the night) and are now in bed. Good night
Yehuda and J- Dog
Jessica says although Yehuda wrote this in first person, I put in my two cents..ruff ruff
To get From San Sebastian to Bayonne, we took two trains, one to the french Spanish border adn the other from the border to Bayonne. It was an easy and short trip.
Upon arriving we walked across a big bridge with lots of flags, some duplicates and some 5 or 6 of the same, even an American, but no Canadian flag. However at the begining of the bridge there was an Israeli flag. We stopped off at my bank on the way to the hotel to tie some loose ends, and they were very helpfull. We checked into the hotel, and then headed out to the post office to mail some stuff to close my bank account and my cell phone. We walked around a bit, and had a small lunch where I had my first experience of basque food when I ordered Pate Basques. It was actually very good, and of course I added mustard, my favourtie condiment. (sorry Gary) Since there wasnt much on the menu for Jessica we asked for a large salad and they happily made it for her with melons, beans and vegetables as her appetizer
Jessicas main course was chocolate mousse...hahaha!!! While I had a BIG bowl of mussels and fries.
We walked then for 30 minutes to the chocolate factory, only to get there and find out the chocolate makers only work in the mornings!!! whats up with that?? Well slightly disappointed, we decided we would come back tomorrow morning when the chocolate makers only work between 9:30 and 10:30 am!!!
We went back for a short nap, and then headed back out on the town to see the city. We walked for a bit, took teh free bus, and saw this beautifull small city. I bought a cookbook from this region, which was signed by the author. While looking for a book, jessica found one of my favourite stores... a stinky cheese store!! And stinky it was, and I was in heaven!! I got to taste some cheese from teh region and bought some for me to snack on.
We continued to walk up and down the steets enjoying the city. We then decided to walk up and down the two sides of the river where most of the resturants are located. We figuered we would wak up one side and down teh otehr and by then we would be able to choose our place for dinner. But each and everyone was one dissapointment after the other to me. My other issue was that since I eat different foods than Jessica and was looking for traditional basque food, Jessica might not like it and thus not enjoy her meal or spend alot of money on food she wont eat. But jessica assured me that since this part of the trip was about me and food that I wanted to continue to learn about and for me to enjoy, it didnt matter to her and I should choose based on what I felt was right. Anyways I wasnt finding what I wanted, so Jessica reccomended asking another local. Only this time he reccomendeda cider place witha 30 euro menu that had 4 options all four of which neither of us even remotely liked.
We didnt stay there. and lucky for us we remembered the list of restaurants n the city adn right next door to our last failure, we found a small 40 seat restaurant owned by husband and wife (wife being the chef, husband working the fron of the house), who cooked traditional BAsque food. We asked for the suggestions and we ended up having a 4 course meal that spanned over 2 hours. For the first time in almost two weeks, Jessica was able to finish almost her entire meal.
Now to analize the meal. We started with a tarte of meat with cheese in a basque sauce. (the description doesnt do teh dish justice, but this is the simplest way to describe it). The flavours,, blended so smoothly from one to the other, nothing overpowering, perfectly seasoned yet such a simple dish.
For apps Jessica had a Smoked salmon Salad and I had Salmon trout tartar with red onion and chives. Again so simple but so amazingly done.
Main course: Jessica had the Poulet Basquaise, (my original entry to basque food). The sauce was so good with just a slight kick from chili peppers, but not nearly overpowering, it actually enhanced teh flavours of the sauce making it a powerfull delicious sauce for the chicken. I had Braised Sheeps Shoulder with a Basque sauce mixed with the cooking reduction. So tender and perfectly seasoned.
For dessert we had the Basque cake (very almondy too much for jessica, borderline for me, although I do love those almonds), and I had this most awesome semi cooked chocolate cake with Creme anglais and whipped cream. It came hot straight from the oven, when we dug into it the chocolate oooooozed out. YUMMY in my tummy.
We were so full we couldnt finish dessert but that was compliments to the chef for all the amazing food.
After dinner I asked to meet with the chef, and we spoke with her, thanking her for the delicious meal. She also gave me her recipe for the chocolate cake.
We walked home along the water (which looked like an oil spill in the night) and are now in bed. Good night
Yehuda and J- Dog
Jessica says although Yehuda wrote this in first person, I put in my two cents..ruff ruff
Our last night in Spain
It continued to rain as we headed out for dinner on the town. We walked back into the old city looking for somewhere to eat. After buying some stuff, we asked the store owner (a local) to reccomend a restaurant that locals and not tourists frequent.
He didnt dissapoint us as we walked down the street to the first floor restaurant. It was a delicious meal that jessica and I really enjoyed. I had spanish fish soup and duck in a cream sauce and jessica had a asparagus salad with an awesome vineagrette, and a vegetable stew for main course, and of course jessicas weakness for dessert was cheesecake. It was a very good suggestion and we were happy we asked...truth was it was jessicas idea to ask..so kudos to her.
He didnt dissapoint us as we walked down the street to the first floor restaurant. It was a delicious meal that jessica and I really enjoyed. I had spanish fish soup and duck in a cream sauce and jessica had a asparagus salad with an awesome vineagrette, and a vegetable stew for main course, and of course jessicas weakness for dessert was cheesecake. It was a very good suggestion and we were happy we asked...truth was it was jessicas idea to ask..so kudos to her.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Rain in San Sebastian
All sun everyday, until we get to the beautiful beach town!! oh well!
So as we left off the other day, we woke up from our nap and headed into the city, dressed better prepared for the rain and cold. We walked through the main shopping area, with pedestrian streets, saw some nice buildings and churches. We walked through the old streets, heard some live music from local street bands, and tried to find somewhere to eat. In San Sebastian, they have tapas eating, but everything is on the bar top with toothpicks and you take what you want and they add it up at the end. We were not realy in the mood to stand and eat, so we hunted the streets for a sit down place. We found one and had a pretty good meal. We then continued walking around, making our way back to our hotel. It was a nice walk, but again the weather was not the greatest. The city is beautiful but would be even better with nice weather. We did not find any jazz music around, but that is ok.
Today we woke up and headed out for the day kinda late, since again, the weather wasnt ideal, so we took our time getting out. Earlier in the trip, Yehuda decided to throw out his breaking umbrella since we didnt see any clouds for 3 weeks! Today, he regretted doing that. When we headed out, it was raining, and all day it was raining. The rain is silly here, it is more of a mist but a constant mist, which sometimes gets harder and with the wind, you get pretty wet.
We went to a different part of the city, had a quick breakie, then went to see one of the beaches where they have big waves for surfing. Despite the rain, there were many people out there surfing. It was cool to see. We walked along the boardwalk, rain and all, and continued onto the other side of the river to see the other beach. The water was great and the waves went crashing against the rocks, we couldnt help but stop and watch, even as the rain fell harder.
Lucky for jessica (me), my mom gave me her umbrella to use, but poor yehuda had only the shirt on his back. As we walked along the water, the rain got harder and we got wetter. It was so nice to be along the water and see the waves, it was great, and again, if the weather was better, it would have been amazing. We walked for about 30 mins, stopping to watch the waves now and then, and getting wetter by the second, making our way to the town aquariam, an indoor activity to get us out of hte rain. When we made it there, yehuda was soaked!!! We were talking about buying him a poncho when this man came up to us and offered us one. We thought he was selling it but he said his wife bought an extra one by mistake, so yehuda could have it! It was so nice, and of course, who are the nicest people on earth? Yep! Canadians!! the husband was a canadian from Oshawa who lives in california. His family was also going into the aquariam. IT was really nice of him to give yehuda the poncho.
Inside the aquariam, they had history of fishing in the area, with models of different boats.They also had a tank you walk through, which was awesome, because we saw sharks and sting rays swim over our hears!! I was soooo happy to be there, fish are so peaceful! It was great. We saw other nice fish also but my favourite part were the sting rays of course!! they are beautiful.
After the aquariam, we had lunch in the old city, where our candian poncho friend and his family were also eating! haha it was funny. After a simple lunch of chicken sandwiches, we were tired and rained out so we went back to the hotel for a nap.
San sebastian is really nice but the rain really puts a damper on doing anything fun. Tonight we will try and have a basque style dinner (the region we are in) and tomorrow we head to bayonne france in the morning. The weather is supposed to clear up, so I am looking forward to that. We have been really lucky with the weather though on our trip so I guess 2 rainy days isnt so bad, I just wish it wasnt in the beach town! I would have realy enjoyed the beach here, it is nice sand and great water. Oh well, another time maybe! I will see if there is a beach near bayonne since we are there for 2 days.
I will miss spain but we are both excited to head to france and use our french, yehuda especially is looking forward to the food back in france!
So as we left off the other day, we woke up from our nap and headed into the city, dressed better prepared for the rain and cold. We walked through the main shopping area, with pedestrian streets, saw some nice buildings and churches. We walked through the old streets, heard some live music from local street bands, and tried to find somewhere to eat. In San Sebastian, they have tapas eating, but everything is on the bar top with toothpicks and you take what you want and they add it up at the end. We were not realy in the mood to stand and eat, so we hunted the streets for a sit down place. We found one and had a pretty good meal. We then continued walking around, making our way back to our hotel. It was a nice walk, but again the weather was not the greatest. The city is beautiful but would be even better with nice weather. We did not find any jazz music around, but that is ok.
Today we woke up and headed out for the day kinda late, since again, the weather wasnt ideal, so we took our time getting out. Earlier in the trip, Yehuda decided to throw out his breaking umbrella since we didnt see any clouds for 3 weeks! Today, he regretted doing that. When we headed out, it was raining, and all day it was raining. The rain is silly here, it is more of a mist but a constant mist, which sometimes gets harder and with the wind, you get pretty wet.
We went to a different part of the city, had a quick breakie, then went to see one of the beaches where they have big waves for surfing. Despite the rain, there were many people out there surfing. It was cool to see. We walked along the boardwalk, rain and all, and continued onto the other side of the river to see the other beach. The water was great and the waves went crashing against the rocks, we couldnt help but stop and watch, even as the rain fell harder.
Lucky for jessica (me), my mom gave me her umbrella to use, but poor yehuda had only the shirt on his back. As we walked along the water, the rain got harder and we got wetter. It was so nice to be along the water and see the waves, it was great, and again, if the weather was better, it would have been amazing. We walked for about 30 mins, stopping to watch the waves now and then, and getting wetter by the second, making our way to the town aquariam, an indoor activity to get us out of hte rain. When we made it there, yehuda was soaked!!! We were talking about buying him a poncho when this man came up to us and offered us one. We thought he was selling it but he said his wife bought an extra one by mistake, so yehuda could have it! It was so nice, and of course, who are the nicest people on earth? Yep! Canadians!! the husband was a canadian from Oshawa who lives in california. His family was also going into the aquariam. IT was really nice of him to give yehuda the poncho.
Inside the aquariam, they had history of fishing in the area, with models of different boats.They also had a tank you walk through, which was awesome, because we saw sharks and sting rays swim over our hears!! I was soooo happy to be there, fish are so peaceful! It was great. We saw other nice fish also but my favourite part were the sting rays of course!! they are beautiful.
After the aquariam, we had lunch in the old city, where our candian poncho friend and his family were also eating! haha it was funny. After a simple lunch of chicken sandwiches, we were tired and rained out so we went back to the hotel for a nap.
San sebastian is really nice but the rain really puts a damper on doing anything fun. Tonight we will try and have a basque style dinner (the region we are in) and tomorrow we head to bayonne france in the morning. The weather is supposed to clear up, so I am looking forward to that. We have been really lucky with the weather though on our trip so I guess 2 rainy days isnt so bad, I just wish it wasnt in the beach town! I would have realy enjoyed the beach here, it is nice sand and great water. Oh well, another time maybe! I will see if there is a beach near bayonne since we are there for 2 days.
I will miss spain but we are both excited to head to france and use our french, yehuda especially is looking forward to the food back in france!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
night on the train
We started our over night trip at 5 pm yesterday, leaving Porto for Coimbra, where we connected onto a over night train to San Sebastian. We had the option to buy two tickets for a two bed private bunk for 169 euros or two get sperate beds in seperate gender specific cabins for 30 Euros each. We opted for teh Gender specific since, Jessica calculated we spent the past 502 hours together..minus 30 minutes when we lost her in Seville!! We met up at 730 for date night in the diner car and shared a meal, which was microwaved food. "It was ok", says Jessica. The view from the car while eatign dinner was very nice to see. There was nice trees, mountains and streams. It was very romantic, like in the movies.
We then headed to teh bar car and there was a guy there playign music....Jessicas favourite oldies songs, and she eagerly sang and danced along much to the admiration of everyone in the car. It was actually funny.
We then headed back to our respective quarters and read for a bit before meeting up again to say good night an hour later. We then went to sleep only to be woken up almost one and a half hours before our arrival in San Sebastian. We arrived just as the sun was begining to rise in the sky, adn we walked to our hotel along the quiet streets.
(switch to jessica typing now, so yehuda can rest his eyes!)
Now, we have been travelling on a budget, meaning some of our hotels were not the nicest. Today, as we walked to find our hotel, we see a sign for a hotel with a similar name, which is a nice FOUR STAR hotel!!! No way did we book this! right?? WRONG!! we are staying in a very nice 4 star hotel! Its like sleeping on clouds compared to some of the beds we had. What a nice surprise after a night train!!
We got here too early to check in but we went into town to do our laundry, which is a good thing because all we had left to wear was less smelly clothes! some clothes smell bad and some smell really bad and we had been wearing the bad smelling ones, not the really bad, so it was important to do laundry. We did not run out of underwear yet though, for those wondering, so we were ok in that department. After laundry, we came back to the hotel, where yehuda went online and I napped on the couch. at 1130, they told us our room was ready. We go and see it, and see that, like most others, it is 2 twin beds pushed together. Yehuda was tired of this, and since our reservation said double comfort room, he went to see if we could get a double bed, espeically after our night apart on the train. THey said ok, but it would be another hour. That was ok with us, we headed out in the cold and rain to get some lunch. There was not alot around, so we walked and walked, then found a place that wasnt open for another half an hour. Since it was cold and rainy, we waited in a train station for the time to pass.
When we made it out ot lunch, it was such a funny place. It was a sit down place but like a cafeteria where they pump out the food. they have a fixed menu and you order something and it comes out 1 min later. It was fast food for sure, but in a nicer setting. The place was filled with locals. I said it must be fast like that so that people can go home and have a siesta! haha The food was ok, nothing great. TOnight, i hope we will have a better dinner in the old city.
We made it back to our hotel, with a KING SIZE BED!! and are off to have a siesta ourselves, since the weather isnt so great, we arent missing much. Tonight is also the start of the jazz festival here so maybe we will see a few free shows. We will keep you posted.
MIss you! ps. there is another new post below!
We then headed to teh bar car and there was a guy there playign music....Jessicas favourite oldies songs, and she eagerly sang and danced along much to the admiration of everyone in the car. It was actually funny.
We then headed back to our respective quarters and read for a bit before meeting up again to say good night an hour later. We then went to sleep only to be woken up almost one and a half hours before our arrival in San Sebastian. We arrived just as the sun was begining to rise in the sky, adn we walked to our hotel along the quiet streets.
(switch to jessica typing now, so yehuda can rest his eyes!)
Now, we have been travelling on a budget, meaning some of our hotels were not the nicest. Today, as we walked to find our hotel, we see a sign for a hotel with a similar name, which is a nice FOUR STAR hotel!!! No way did we book this! right?? WRONG!! we are staying in a very nice 4 star hotel! Its like sleeping on clouds compared to some of the beds we had. What a nice surprise after a night train!!
We got here too early to check in but we went into town to do our laundry, which is a good thing because all we had left to wear was less smelly clothes! some clothes smell bad and some smell really bad and we had been wearing the bad smelling ones, not the really bad, so it was important to do laundry. We did not run out of underwear yet though, for those wondering, so we were ok in that department. After laundry, we came back to the hotel, where yehuda went online and I napped on the couch. at 1130, they told us our room was ready. We go and see it, and see that, like most others, it is 2 twin beds pushed together. Yehuda was tired of this, and since our reservation said double comfort room, he went to see if we could get a double bed, espeically after our night apart on the train. THey said ok, but it would be another hour. That was ok with us, we headed out in the cold and rain to get some lunch. There was not alot around, so we walked and walked, then found a place that wasnt open for another half an hour. Since it was cold and rainy, we waited in a train station for the time to pass.
When we made it out ot lunch, it was such a funny place. It was a sit down place but like a cafeteria where they pump out the food. they have a fixed menu and you order something and it comes out 1 min later. It was fast food for sure, but in a nicer setting. The place was filled with locals. I said it must be fast like that so that people can go home and have a siesta! haha The food was ok, nothing great. TOnight, i hope we will have a better dinner in the old city.
We made it back to our hotel, with a KING SIZE BED!! and are off to have a siesta ourselves, since the weather isnt so great, we arent missing much. Tonight is also the start of the jazz festival here so maybe we will see a few free shows. We will keep you posted.
MIss you! ps. there is another new post below!
Porto
We left Lisbon heading for Porto, where once we got in had to get to our hotel...only we didnt have directions, and the tourism office said to just walk up the street..easy to say when you arent lugging about 50 kg of weight in two suitcases. Well I decided I was going to walk since I was done taking taxi cabs, hwo were just out to rip me off...and I was adament about it. So we walked about 2/3rds of the way and jessica was aching, and I felt bad...I didnt want to put my stubberness ahead of my wifes health, so I gave in and hailed a cab. Knowing we were only needign to go up the street, couldnt have been more than 5 minutes, we got int he cab. But then according my suspicions, and worst fears, the cab driver starts making a right away from the street we need to go on, instead of a left going north!!!
I was like you are going the worng way, so he pulls over and says, oh I thought you wanted to go to this street, pointing to another street I had written. I said to him the two streets are together, why would you go the opposite direction? Well He basically drove all teh way back down the hill from which we had JUST walked adn finally made a U-turn and went back up the hill northbound. We get to the street and instead of making a left he makes a right. Now even jessica is gettign pissed, so we tell the driver to just stop there adn we will walk the rest of the way, (half a block), but no he doesnt listen, he starts backing up inches at a time, sooooo slowly running the meter even more!!!
He backs up onto a street turns the car around and makes the left going north again. He is driving soooo slow I could have just walked the entire way alone faster even with the bags!. He gets in front fo teh hotel, and continues to drive, and jessica and I are like stop the hotel is here...finally I start to open the door and he stops the car. I pay him and he helps himself to a tip, not giving me my change. I asked for the change but he suddenly didnt understand my english....gotta love that kinda crap.
Well we go to the hotel, I am fuming by now, and they ask me for my last name, I tell them goldberg, and she says we dotn have such a reservation. So I take out my passport, and show them my last name is goldberg, she looks and says no sorry we dont have a goldberg reservation. So I calmly explained that they better have my reservation or there will be hell to pay. Well then the girl says we have a reservation for Jessica goldberg. Im like thats my wife. She says but your passport says Yehuda Goldberg. I told her, you asked my last name!!!!
Anyways we put our stuff down and headed back into the city. We had a quick lunch and waited about an hour to go on the Porto Tourist buses. We went on one, and enjoyed the views adn information about porto, then took a boat toar that goes down the river near porto and meets the Atlantic ocean....Nice and cute, good views of the city. We started heading back from teh boat, and wanted to take a new roue. We saw a cable car, but it costed too much money adn we didnt have change. Well we could have walked around the mountain but instead we chose (not sure why or who made the final decision), but we walked up the stairs on the mountain until we hit the top. We saw stray cats, soem people looking through the garbage..(and found a new pair of panties)..and when we hit the top and realized we could have easily walked around the mountain in less time, we just laughed.
We decided we were going to walk up the hill back to our hotel at a slow pace and find somewhere to eat. At a small restaurant on the side fo the road, we sat down for dinner. Turns out its owned by a family for over 40 years, and the borther of the owner although originally portugese, has been living in missisauga for the last 40 years, and considers Canada his home before Portugal, even though he was born in portugal. The portions were big, and the food wasnt amazzing, but it was worth the money I think. We had good conversation, and he reccomended an excellant wine that went very well with my food.
We continued our walk back to the hotel and went to bed for the night, in our small hotel room.
When we woke up yesterday morning we enjoyed a breakfast as part of our room rate, The best hotel breakfast we have had yet..(our only one so far..lol) We then hopped on the tourist bus again this time heading to the other side of the river, to where the Port houses (wineries) are located. We hopped off the bus near where the main cellars are, adn walked around for a short while, until we found one that offered free tastign and a free tour. We started white port- didnt taste good, JEssica then wanted to try the Iced rose port, she almost vomited, and then we did the tour. After the tour, we got red port, and it tasted good, I downed the glass, and Jessica had only a a few sips. Since we arent crazy port drinkers, we opted not to buy a bottle, as we can buy Port in Toronto.
We had Lunch , hopped back on the bus, and finished the tour of the city Porto.
I was like you are going the worng way, so he pulls over and says, oh I thought you wanted to go to this street, pointing to another street I had written. I said to him the two streets are together, why would you go the opposite direction? Well He basically drove all teh way back down the hill from which we had JUST walked adn finally made a U-turn and went back up the hill northbound. We get to the street and instead of making a left he makes a right. Now even jessica is gettign pissed, so we tell the driver to just stop there adn we will walk the rest of the way, (half a block), but no he doesnt listen, he starts backing up inches at a time, sooooo slowly running the meter even more!!!
He backs up onto a street turns the car around and makes the left going north again. He is driving soooo slow I could have just walked the entire way alone faster even with the bags!. He gets in front fo teh hotel, and continues to drive, and jessica and I are like stop the hotel is here...finally I start to open the door and he stops the car. I pay him and he helps himself to a tip, not giving me my change. I asked for the change but he suddenly didnt understand my english....gotta love that kinda crap.
Well we go to the hotel, I am fuming by now, and they ask me for my last name, I tell them goldberg, and she says we dotn have such a reservation. So I take out my passport, and show them my last name is goldberg, she looks and says no sorry we dont have a goldberg reservation. So I calmly explained that they better have my reservation or there will be hell to pay. Well then the girl says we have a reservation for Jessica goldberg. Im like thats my wife. She says but your passport says Yehuda Goldberg. I told her, you asked my last name!!!!
Anyways we put our stuff down and headed back into the city. We had a quick lunch and waited about an hour to go on the Porto Tourist buses. We went on one, and enjoyed the views adn information about porto, then took a boat toar that goes down the river near porto and meets the Atlantic ocean....Nice and cute, good views of the city. We started heading back from teh boat, and wanted to take a new roue. We saw a cable car, but it costed too much money adn we didnt have change. Well we could have walked around the mountain but instead we chose (not sure why or who made the final decision), but we walked up the stairs on the mountain until we hit the top. We saw stray cats, soem people looking through the garbage..(and found a new pair of panties)..and when we hit the top and realized we could have easily walked around the mountain in less time, we just laughed.
We decided we were going to walk up the hill back to our hotel at a slow pace and find somewhere to eat. At a small restaurant on the side fo the road, we sat down for dinner. Turns out its owned by a family for over 40 years, and the borther of the owner although originally portugese, has been living in missisauga for the last 40 years, and considers Canada his home before Portugal, even though he was born in portugal. The portions were big, and the food wasnt amazzing, but it was worth the money I think. We had good conversation, and he reccomended an excellant wine that went very well with my food.
We continued our walk back to the hotel and went to bed for the night, in our small hotel room.
When we woke up yesterday morning we enjoyed a breakfast as part of our room rate, The best hotel breakfast we have had yet..(our only one so far..lol) We then hopped on the tourist bus again this time heading to the other side of the river, to where the Port houses (wineries) are located. We hopped off the bus near where the main cellars are, adn walked around for a short while, until we found one that offered free tastign and a free tour. We started white port- didnt taste good, JEssica then wanted to try the Iced rose port, she almost vomited, and then we did the tour. After the tour, we got red port, and it tasted good, I downed the glass, and Jessica had only a a few sips. Since we arent crazy port drinkers, we opted not to buy a bottle, as we can buy Port in Toronto.
We had Lunch , hopped back on the bus, and finished the tour of the city Porto.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Lisbon/Lisboa
So I am hearing thanks to Jessicas campaign before leaving, more people are reading my blog.... hahah Just kidding...
Ok so We arrived in Lisbon, not speaking a word of Portugese, not knowing what we are doing in this city, why we even here or anything like that, and jessica panicked just a little bit. Well not that much but there is a bit of worryness when you go somewhere and you have no clue what your next step is supposed to be..well i am used to it since I have lived through that practically every city I went to....ironically enough I didnt feel that in Lisbon, maybe its because Jessica is here with me....calming effect
So we went on the Lisbon bus tour, and got to see the city on one bus before lunch, then we hoppeed off at the train station hopin gto buy tickets, only this train station sells only regional tickets to the suburbs not other cities far away. So we trecked to the next train station, waited in line, baught the tickets to Porto for tomorrow, and then were told this line only sells national not international, so we had to change lines to buy tickets to go from Porto to San Sebastian over night. Not only that but the spanish railway system seperates male and female carts, so we will be seperate for our trip from Porto to San Sebastian..bummer I know.
Then we headed for a quicjk lunch, and took a bus to the castle, which by the way was more of a fortress to protect the city than a castle, as there were courtyards, but no rooms, or even enclosures!! so much for it beign a castle...but Jessica decided we could buy it and convert it intoa pool area....so many dreams...lol
We then took the second bus route, and it was a bit more informative, and nicer views. However the music the bus company chose to play between bus stops can make someone go crazy...just saying...;)
Otherwise when we came back jessica wasnt interested in going out, so I went to a restaurant and brought back chinese to eat at the hotel. Jessica is loooong asleep, but as usual I can not sleep so I am blogging...Hopefully Ill sleep on the train tomorrow..
nighty o
Ok so We arrived in Lisbon, not speaking a word of Portugese, not knowing what we are doing in this city, why we even here or anything like that, and jessica panicked just a little bit. Well not that much but there is a bit of worryness when you go somewhere and you have no clue what your next step is supposed to be..well i am used to it since I have lived through that practically every city I went to....ironically enough I didnt feel that in Lisbon, maybe its because Jessica is here with me....calming effect
So we went on the Lisbon bus tour, and got to see the city on one bus before lunch, then we hoppeed off at the train station hopin gto buy tickets, only this train station sells only regional tickets to the suburbs not other cities far away. So we trecked to the next train station, waited in line, baught the tickets to Porto for tomorrow, and then were told this line only sells national not international, so we had to change lines to buy tickets to go from Porto to San Sebastian over night. Not only that but the spanish railway system seperates male and female carts, so we will be seperate for our trip from Porto to San Sebastian..bummer I know.
Then we headed for a quicjk lunch, and took a bus to the castle, which by the way was more of a fortress to protect the city than a castle, as there were courtyards, but no rooms, or even enclosures!! so much for it beign a castle...but Jessica decided we could buy it and convert it intoa pool area....so many dreams...lol
We then took the second bus route, and it was a bit more informative, and nicer views. However the music the bus company chose to play between bus stops can make someone go crazy...just saying...;)
Otherwise when we came back jessica wasnt interested in going out, so I went to a restaurant and brought back chinese to eat at the hotel. Jessica is loooong asleep, but as usual I can not sleep so I am blogging...Hopefully Ill sleep on the train tomorrow..
nighty o
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Our second home!!
Jessica and I arrived very late last night back in madrid, and although we were abouta ten minute walk from the hotel, since Jessica wasnt sure how to get there since we didnt have a map, we took a 20 minute taxi ride/tour of the madrid, until we were stuck in traffic, and since I knew where we were, I said to jessica that I think we should walk the rest of the way, and thats when the taxi driver put the peddal to the metal and tried to get to the hotel faster, I guess out of fear of loosing money. However that did set off a tick in me, since I cant understand how these guys consider their job an honest living. When we looked at the map we were a straight street 5 minute max drive from the train station, yet we got a tour of the city. It drove me nuts!!!
Well lets just say, I hate disshonesty and for some reason cab drivers are a great example of dishonesty, just to make a few extra bucks. Oh well .... good thing I believe in Karma.
Oh and the hotel we stayed at for the first time had an actual double bed....not two twin beds pushed together, that slide apart when you sleep....oh well
So this morning, because of Mary and matts suggestion, we went to the Royal Palace and took the Guided tour as they suggested. It was really interesting and informative. That is going to be our second home!! Its a gorgeous palace, that is only used for political stuff now, since the king and queen live outside the city of madrid in a smaller, more able to secure palace...tough life eh!
We bought a Spain soccer jersey, and headed back to get our luggage before going to the airport for our flight. We waited in line for what felt like forever, and since my luggage is only god knows how heavy, I was a bit worried. Well we get to counter and I we are allowed one bag each containing a total weight of 40 kilograms. Well I put jessicas on and its 22 kilo, and I put mine on next to hers, and it says that the total is 42 kilo. I said to the girl behind the coutner I tried buying an extra few kilos last night, (which was true) but the website wouldnt let me complete the transaction (which was also true). And since I have been here almost a year and going home soon, can she let it slide. She did and it was kind of her. It was funny though, when they were loading the suitcases onto the plane jessica watched the guy struggle with my suitcase.
We arrived in Lisbon, without any problems although, it was a pretty scary take off as the plane shook quite a bit and the wings looked shakey as the plane ascended to the skies, but everything eventually straightened out.
We took the bus to our hotel, and after using Mapmaster 4000 Pro, (the new and improved Jessica and Yehuda GPS system based on Mary and matts Map Master 3.0 and 3.0 Beta/ on the linux system...hahaha) we found our hotel and the only dissapointment was the twin beds pushed together, otherwise the place is a really nice and scheek (sorry for the spelling) place to stay.
We took a train downtown and then walked to the water front, which has loads and loads of cod swimming around at teh steps of the docks. We then walked to around and found a place to for dinner. Here is where another bought of dishonest taking advantage of tourists came in. The guy puts down bread on the table along with butter and cheese. So I scan the menu and it doesnt say on the menu there is a charge for bread or anything like that, so thinking its like an amuse bouche, I eat it. Well it showed up on the bill, and it pissed me off...the guy is like well you eat it you pay for it...I said why are you putting food down on the table, which isnt on the menu, and not say it costs money, give me a chance to say I dont want it!!! He's like why would you think bread is free...I said because in the other countries I have been in its free thats why!! well he started giving me a lip I got mad, paid the bill and left. Another way where someone takes advantage of tourists to make a few bucks.
Oh well...anyways we came back and tomorrow we will buy the rest of the tickets we need and also do some touring, before heading to Porto on Monday morning.
Well lets just say, I hate disshonesty and for some reason cab drivers are a great example of dishonesty, just to make a few extra bucks. Oh well .... good thing I believe in Karma.
Oh and the hotel we stayed at for the first time had an actual double bed....not two twin beds pushed together, that slide apart when you sleep....oh well
So this morning, because of Mary and matts suggestion, we went to the Royal Palace and took the Guided tour as they suggested. It was really interesting and informative. That is going to be our second home!! Its a gorgeous palace, that is only used for political stuff now, since the king and queen live outside the city of madrid in a smaller, more able to secure palace...tough life eh!
We bought a Spain soccer jersey, and headed back to get our luggage before going to the airport for our flight. We waited in line for what felt like forever, and since my luggage is only god knows how heavy, I was a bit worried. Well we get to counter and I we are allowed one bag each containing a total weight of 40 kilograms. Well I put jessicas on and its 22 kilo, and I put mine on next to hers, and it says that the total is 42 kilo. I said to the girl behind the coutner I tried buying an extra few kilos last night, (which was true) but the website wouldnt let me complete the transaction (which was also true). And since I have been here almost a year and going home soon, can she let it slide. She did and it was kind of her. It was funny though, when they were loading the suitcases onto the plane jessica watched the guy struggle with my suitcase.
We arrived in Lisbon, without any problems although, it was a pretty scary take off as the plane shook quite a bit and the wings looked shakey as the plane ascended to the skies, but everything eventually straightened out.
We took the bus to our hotel, and after using Mapmaster 4000 Pro, (the new and improved Jessica and Yehuda GPS system based on Mary and matts Map Master 3.0 and 3.0 Beta/ on the linux system...hahaha) we found our hotel and the only dissapointment was the twin beds pushed together, otherwise the place is a really nice and scheek (sorry for the spelling) place to stay.
We took a train downtown and then walked to the water front, which has loads and loads of cod swimming around at teh steps of the docks. We then walked to around and found a place to for dinner. Here is where another bought of dishonest taking advantage of tourists came in. The guy puts down bread on the table along with butter and cheese. So I scan the menu and it doesnt say on the menu there is a charge for bread or anything like that, so thinking its like an amuse bouche, I eat it. Well it showed up on the bill, and it pissed me off...the guy is like well you eat it you pay for it...I said why are you putting food down on the table, which isnt on the menu, and not say it costs money, give me a chance to say I dont want it!!! He's like why would you think bread is free...I said because in the other countries I have been in its free thats why!! well he started giving me a lip I got mad, paid the bill and left. Another way where someone takes advantage of tourists to make a few bucks.
Oh well...anyways we came back and tomorrow we will buy the rest of the tickets we need and also do some touring, before heading to Porto on Monday morning.
Friday, July 16, 2010
We have moved!!
When we last left off, we were headed to Granada. So, We woke up to take a bus to Granada. This bus was awesome, they even gave us a care package of water, cookies and earphones! It was an easy ride.
When we arrived in Granada, we found our hotel, which was not the best. It stank of smoke and we had twin beds, and it wasnt ready when we got there. ugh! anyways, we waited 20 mins in the lobby, then brought our stuff upstairs. Next we took a bus to the Alhambra, a massive palace and whole mini city, built along time ago by the muslims, later to be taken over by the catholic, much like everything else in Spain!
You have to book a time to get into the palace part and we got to the alhambra with about an hour to spare, so we walked around the fort part, which was like a mini palace. It offered great views. We headed into the palace as our allotted time, with a huge line of people. The inside was amazing. So nicely decorated and such peaceful areas. Yehuda and I decide that we would like to move there. We will give each person who reads this, at least one room! hahaha My favourite places were the gardens with the fountains. Yehuda even tried to pick up a fish! ewwww.
We then walked along the wall, then headed back into the city. We got off the bus (since the alhambra is up a hill and the book suggested that you take a bus) and walked the town a little. I was very tired so we came back to our smokey hotel room to have a quick nap.
For dinner, we ate at a place recommended by the book, which wasnt too good. Oh well! We conitnued walking, up a few main streets, seeing the alhambra lit at night. We actutally walked what they call the most romantic street in Granada, without realizing it (we found out when we looked it uptoday!). And it was romantic, with a bridge, and the view of the alhambra. Then back to the hotel sleep.
Today, we slept in! FINALLY!!! It was so nice to relax and sleep! I needed it! actually, i think we both did. We headed out around 12, and walked the old streets, up and down and left and right, for about 2 hours. It was really nice to just explore. Tired and hot, we took a break in the hotel lobby, since our train wasnt until 6 at night. The train ride we took was a regular slowish train, not high speed that took us from granada to madrid in over 4 hours. The seats were not very comfy but we had nice entertainment from the lady in the seats beside us who was talking to herself, trying to flirt with men on the train and was just being noisy. SHe was funny.
we arrived in madrid, got to our hotel (which is on a fun street) and had a quick bite to eat, and now we are going to bed. The place we are at now is nice, with an actual double bed instead of 2 singles pushed together. We wil see who will win the blanket wars tonight! hahah
That is all for now, happy weekend!
When we arrived in Granada, we found our hotel, which was not the best. It stank of smoke and we had twin beds, and it wasnt ready when we got there. ugh! anyways, we waited 20 mins in the lobby, then brought our stuff upstairs. Next we took a bus to the Alhambra, a massive palace and whole mini city, built along time ago by the muslims, later to be taken over by the catholic, much like everything else in Spain!
You have to book a time to get into the palace part and we got to the alhambra with about an hour to spare, so we walked around the fort part, which was like a mini palace. It offered great views. We headed into the palace as our allotted time, with a huge line of people. The inside was amazing. So nicely decorated and such peaceful areas. Yehuda and I decide that we would like to move there. We will give each person who reads this, at least one room! hahaha My favourite places were the gardens with the fountains. Yehuda even tried to pick up a fish! ewwww.
We then walked along the wall, then headed back into the city. We got off the bus (since the alhambra is up a hill and the book suggested that you take a bus) and walked the town a little. I was very tired so we came back to our smokey hotel room to have a quick nap.
For dinner, we ate at a place recommended by the book, which wasnt too good. Oh well! We conitnued walking, up a few main streets, seeing the alhambra lit at night. We actutally walked what they call the most romantic street in Granada, without realizing it (we found out when we looked it uptoday!). And it was romantic, with a bridge, and the view of the alhambra. Then back to the hotel sleep.
Today, we slept in! FINALLY!!! It was so nice to relax and sleep! I needed it! actually, i think we both did. We headed out around 12, and walked the old streets, up and down and left and right, for about 2 hours. It was really nice to just explore. Tired and hot, we took a break in the hotel lobby, since our train wasnt until 6 at night. The train ride we took was a regular slowish train, not high speed that took us from granada to madrid in over 4 hours. The seats were not very comfy but we had nice entertainment from the lady in the seats beside us who was talking to herself, trying to flirt with men on the train and was just being noisy. SHe was funny.
we arrived in madrid, got to our hotel (which is on a fun street) and had a quick bite to eat, and now we are going to bed. The place we are at now is nice, with an actual double bed instead of 2 singles pushed together. We wil see who will win the blanket wars tonight! hahah
That is all for now, happy weekend!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Good bye Mary and Matt, Hello cooler weather!
So where Yehuda left off the other day, I went to see Flamanco dancing in Seville, which was really great. They had amazing guitar players and the dancers were awesome too. I was happy to go and see it. We met yehuda and had a nice last dinner together with mary and matt.
The next morning we woke up to say good bye to mary and matt, who we miss already!! It was so great travelling with them, they were great travel partners, lots of fun to be around. Yehuda then headed to the bus station to change our tickets....why? well because we thought we were going to marbella, when in fact we were staying in Malaga, another city on the coast..opps! after getting a partial refund, we headed out to the train station to catch the train to malaga.
Once we got to malaga, we checked in, showered, and headed out to explore the city. It is beautiful here, with a lot of little pedestrian streets to walk through. We saw major sites and walked along the beach as well. The best thing is, the weather is much cooler here. In cordoba and seville, it was 40 degrees, here it is a nice 30 with a great breeze from the water. Also, in the cities here, they put up these sheets between the buildings on the main pedestrian streets to create shade, it is such a great idea and makes it so nice to walk around. We had a realy nice dinner that night, with croquettes, yehuda had rabbit and I had delicious garlic chicken. Since we didnt nap that day, we came home earlyish and went to bed.
Today we took a bus to Nerja, to see the caves, and hopeing to hit the beach as well. After about 1.5 hours on the hot bus (the view of the sea made it worth while though),we went inside the nerja caves. They were amaszing. Tall and beautiful and sooooo cool!! It was worth the trip. They only have 1 of the 3 main areas open to tourists, the rest are kept off limites except to scientists and stuff because of the drawings and other things. BOO to that but what we saw wasgreat!
We then were planning on going into the city, but it was getting a little complicated with the bus times, so we just headed back to malaga and went to the beach here. We got some chairs and an umbrella and hung out. The water was very rocky there (not like in nice, but stll a little painful with rock and sand mixing together). We played in the waves then read on the beach. we walked back home, showered then headed out to dinner. Again we had a nice dinner, yehuda having ox tail and we finished off with cheesecake,....yumm!!! we havent had cheesecake together in a long time, and that is one of our fav things to do together! so it was really nice. After dinner we walked around a little then back to the hotel to blog and sleep. Yehuda fell asleep beside me as I was typing, still dressed from the day! haha sleepy boy! So i am going to wake him up, get him ready for bed, then head to bed myself. Tomorrow we head to granada and see the alhambra!!
Coming up in a few days in portugal then back to france, then home. Time flies but we are having a great time!
miss you all
ps. there is also a new post under this one!
The next morning we woke up to say good bye to mary and matt, who we miss already!! It was so great travelling with them, they were great travel partners, lots of fun to be around. Yehuda then headed to the bus station to change our tickets....why? well because we thought we were going to marbella, when in fact we were staying in Malaga, another city on the coast..opps! after getting a partial refund, we headed out to the train station to catch the train to malaga.
Once we got to malaga, we checked in, showered, and headed out to explore the city. It is beautiful here, with a lot of little pedestrian streets to walk through. We saw major sites and walked along the beach as well. The best thing is, the weather is much cooler here. In cordoba and seville, it was 40 degrees, here it is a nice 30 with a great breeze from the water. Also, in the cities here, they put up these sheets between the buildings on the main pedestrian streets to create shade, it is such a great idea and makes it so nice to walk around. We had a realy nice dinner that night, with croquettes, yehuda had rabbit and I had delicious garlic chicken. Since we didnt nap that day, we came home earlyish and went to bed.
Today we took a bus to Nerja, to see the caves, and hopeing to hit the beach as well. After about 1.5 hours on the hot bus (the view of the sea made it worth while though),we went inside the nerja caves. They were amaszing. Tall and beautiful and sooooo cool!! It was worth the trip. They only have 1 of the 3 main areas open to tourists, the rest are kept off limites except to scientists and stuff because of the drawings and other things. BOO to that but what we saw wasgreat!
We then were planning on going into the city, but it was getting a little complicated with the bus times, so we just headed back to malaga and went to the beach here. We got some chairs and an umbrella and hung out. The water was very rocky there (not like in nice, but stll a little painful with rock and sand mixing together). We played in the waves then read on the beach. we walked back home, showered then headed out to dinner. Again we had a nice dinner, yehuda having ox tail and we finished off with cheesecake,....yumm!!! we havent had cheesecake together in a long time, and that is one of our fav things to do together! so it was really nice. After dinner we walked around a little then back to the hotel to blog and sleep. Yehuda fell asleep beside me as I was typing, still dressed from the day! haha sleepy boy! So i am going to wake him up, get him ready for bed, then head to bed myself. Tomorrow we head to granada and see the alhambra!!
Coming up in a few days in portugal then back to france, then home. Time flies but we are having a great time!
miss you all
ps. there is also a new post under this one!
back tracking a little
Hi all,
So when Yehuda posted, he forgot to blog about the wine tour we did from Barcelona. We got on a bus at 830am and headed to see 3 wineries. The first one was owned by some famous guy from LA who had a famous restaurent there. His name was Jean Leon. It was a pretty nice place to start, even though we didnt really like the wine. OOO and we were with some americans from texas and somehow the conversation ended up at how they wanted to send all the black people up to canada!! Yehuda and I were so shocked we didnt know what to say, but needless to say, we avoided them the rest of the day!
The next winery was sooooo cool!! We took a train ride through their differnet parts, and they had this video also, showing how they do certain things. It was awesome. The place was huge, or so we thought! We were very impressed. At the wine tasting, we had 3 wines and 3 cheeses to go with them. YUmmmmm!
After that winery, we were not sure the next one could beat it. Here we learned about Cava, the local champaigne through walking and videos and a great guide. Then, like the other wine tour, we hop on a train and go through their massive, like massive massive, warehouse! It was unbelievable. Then they gave us tapas and some cava to try. We were not big fans of the cava but the food was ok, too much ham for me though!
We headed back to barcelona and back to our hotel to nap. I dont remember what we did that night, oh well, probably just dinner.
So when Yehuda posted, he forgot to blog about the wine tour we did from Barcelona. We got on a bus at 830am and headed to see 3 wineries. The first one was owned by some famous guy from LA who had a famous restaurent there. His name was Jean Leon. It was a pretty nice place to start, even though we didnt really like the wine. OOO and we were with some americans from texas and somehow the conversation ended up at how they wanted to send all the black people up to canada!! Yehuda and I were so shocked we didnt know what to say, but needless to say, we avoided them the rest of the day!
The next winery was sooooo cool!! We took a train ride through their differnet parts, and they had this video also, showing how they do certain things. It was awesome. The place was huge, or so we thought! We were very impressed. At the wine tasting, we had 3 wines and 3 cheeses to go with them. YUmmmmm!
After that winery, we were not sure the next one could beat it. Here we learned about Cava, the local champaigne through walking and videos and a great guide. Then, like the other wine tour, we hop on a train and go through their massive, like massive massive, warehouse! It was unbelievable. Then they gave us tapas and some cava to try. We were not big fans of the cava but the food was ok, too much ham for me though!
We headed back to barcelona and back to our hotel to nap. I dont remember what we did that night, oh well, probably just dinner.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Alacazar, cathedral and flamingo dancing...ANYONE SEEN MY WIFE???
We arrived last night in Seville, found our place, and headed out for lunch and to see the Alcazar. We had a nice lunch and here in europe they put bread onthe table but charge you for it. So Matt and I (yehuda) ordered a fixed menu that came with bread adn the girls didnt eat bread but they charged us anyways for it and I told them to take it off the bill...HaHaHa.
So we went to the Alcazar which was beautifull in a way. It was built by the muslims, and then conquered by ferdinand and isabella (catholics) and catholic ever since I think. Anyways its where Ferdinand and isabella lived, and they were also the ones that expelled all the jews from spain. Which kinda felt good for me a jew to be walking the same halls where they signed decrees to expel all the jews. The irony in it was funny.
Anyways the heat was like 42 degrees but with the humidity had to be hotter, and Jessica asked me to go get water and that we will meet at the exit. WellI went to the store right outside, and since it took me less than 5 minutes I went back inside to where jessica should have been.. To make a long story short, I walked around, got nervous, got scared jessica was dehydrated and collapsed somewhere, checked everywhere INCLUDING THE EXIT!! Anyways, after putting out a search thing with the security guards, and looking everywhere jessica was on the other side of the wall of the exit door, and didnt hear me calling her, but appearently people saw her and said, hey I think your friends are looking for you!! well Turns out she is all ok and we are happy with that outcome.
We came back took our stuff to our rooms, since they werent ready before, and I had to go to the bathroom, I lift up the "sterilized wrapped" toilet seat and its covered in urine...I was like oh no way im styaing here...I went downstairs made them change our room and when I got upstairs, they had called jessica to say there was a mistake and I had to come back down and change my key for a different room....so I went back down again, got the new keys, and went back up...lucky it was just down the hall.
We headed out to go see the game, but couldnt decide on a place, which was annoying, and then finally settled on this one place and watched the game on the TV outside, which was cool, nly our table was the loudest and most fan like then anyone else!!...it was fun to watch and it was good.
Spain of course won!!
Today, we went and saw the massive cathedral, largest gothic cathedral in the world, climbed the tower, and then went to the water front, of course got lost, and with the heat rising, we came back for siestas. Tonight though, Jessica, mary adn matt are going to go to watch a flamingo show, and since I really have no desire to waste 30 euros to watch dancing for 2 hours, I will not go and let them enjoy themselves.
I on the other hand will look for a place for dinner and get bus tickets to go to marbella tomorrow.
Thats about it!!
2 weeks until we come home!!
love yehuda and jessica
So we went to the Alcazar which was beautifull in a way. It was built by the muslims, and then conquered by ferdinand and isabella (catholics) and catholic ever since I think. Anyways its where Ferdinand and isabella lived, and they were also the ones that expelled all the jews from spain. Which kinda felt good for me a jew to be walking the same halls where they signed decrees to expel all the jews. The irony in it was funny.
Anyways the heat was like 42 degrees but with the humidity had to be hotter, and Jessica asked me to go get water and that we will meet at the exit. WellI went to the store right outside, and since it took me less than 5 minutes I went back inside to where jessica should have been.. To make a long story short, I walked around, got nervous, got scared jessica was dehydrated and collapsed somewhere, checked everywhere INCLUDING THE EXIT!! Anyways, after putting out a search thing with the security guards, and looking everywhere jessica was on the other side of the wall of the exit door, and didnt hear me calling her, but appearently people saw her and said, hey I think your friends are looking for you!! well Turns out she is all ok and we are happy with that outcome.
We came back took our stuff to our rooms, since they werent ready before, and I had to go to the bathroom, I lift up the "sterilized wrapped" toilet seat and its covered in urine...I was like oh no way im styaing here...I went downstairs made them change our room and when I got upstairs, they had called jessica to say there was a mistake and I had to come back down and change my key for a different room....so I went back down again, got the new keys, and went back up...lucky it was just down the hall.
We headed out to go see the game, but couldnt decide on a place, which was annoying, and then finally settled on this one place and watched the game on the TV outside, which was cool, nly our table was the loudest and most fan like then anyone else!!...it was fun to watch and it was good.
Spain of course won!!
Today, we went and saw the massive cathedral, largest gothic cathedral in the world, climbed the tower, and then went to the water front, of course got lost, and with the heat rising, we came back for siestas. Tonight though, Jessica, mary adn matt are going to go to watch a flamingo show, and since I really have no desire to waste 30 euros to watch dancing for 2 hours, I will not go and let them enjoy themselves.
I on the other hand will look for a place for dinner and get bus tickets to go to marbella tomorrow.
Thats about it!!
2 weeks until we come home!!
love yehuda and jessica
Cordoba
On the last day of Barcelona, Jessica caught my bug, which wasnt good at all, and she stayed in and rested. Jessica lost her appetite, and was tired and getting slightly pale, so we went straight back to the hotel, where she went to bed.
We did however get to see the cool fountain show playing to disney music which jessica was more than happy to sing along to. We went up on the cable car, up to the top of the hill, and visited the castel on the top, which to me looked extreamly well gaurded.
We took the train to Cordoba, and the heat was becoming unbearable at 42 degrees without the humidex. Yes it feels like over 50 here. Anyways we get in have a little rest, I took a nice long bath and read in the bath, while jessica slept. We then headed out for a short lunch, which filled us up, and we headed out on the town. The streets were empty, and cordoba isnt that big of a city. But we still walked around, saw the old mosque, walked the streets, and over all enjoyed teh sights, including walking over a massive bridge only to walk straight back over because it was too hot to walk down the street to the next bridge.
We came back to the hotel, and sat inthe lobby, drinking wine, playing cards, and watchign the soccer game to see who wins third place.
Eventually we all headed to bed, which by the way consists of two single beds pushed together ...NOT COMFORTABLE AND DOES NOT EQUAL A TWIN BED!!
Anyways since we pretty much saw all of cordoba in one day we were going to see the old synagauge in the morning, but jessica wasnt feeling well, so I went together with mary and matt.
It was a small shul, and only one of three that still remained from pre-inquisition times in spain. And you can still see the plaster inscriptions that were made when the jewish people prayed there.
We picked jessica up, she was feeling better, and we headed for the train station for seville.
We did however get to see the cool fountain show playing to disney music which jessica was more than happy to sing along to. We went up on the cable car, up to the top of the hill, and visited the castel on the top, which to me looked extreamly well gaurded.
We took the train to Cordoba, and the heat was becoming unbearable at 42 degrees without the humidex. Yes it feels like over 50 here. Anyways we get in have a little rest, I took a nice long bath and read in the bath, while jessica slept. We then headed out for a short lunch, which filled us up, and we headed out on the town. The streets were empty, and cordoba isnt that big of a city. But we still walked around, saw the old mosque, walked the streets, and over all enjoyed teh sights, including walking over a massive bridge only to walk straight back over because it was too hot to walk down the street to the next bridge.
We came back to the hotel, and sat inthe lobby, drinking wine, playing cards, and watchign the soccer game to see who wins third place.
Eventually we all headed to bed, which by the way consists of two single beds pushed together ...NOT COMFORTABLE AND DOES NOT EQUAL A TWIN BED!!
Anyways since we pretty much saw all of cordoba in one day we were going to see the old synagauge in the morning, but jessica wasnt feeling well, so I went together with mary and matt.
It was a small shul, and only one of three that still remained from pre-inquisition times in spain. And you can still see the plaster inscriptions that were made when the jewish people prayed there.
We picked jessica up, she was feeling better, and we headed for the train station for seville.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Buses and Beaches
Our first full day in Barcelona was a mixure of good and bad. Yehuda wasnt feeling well. His stomach was hurting and he had a headache. We think it was a combination of tap water, last nights dinner, heat exhaustion and lack of sleep. So after breakie, he went back to the hotel to sleep and Mary, matt and I went out and about in the city.
In most cities, they have these hop on hop off bus tours, so we decided to do that here, since a lot of sights are spread out and we only really have one full day in the city. There are 3 different bus lines, so we took the one closest to our hotel and went around that loop, seeing sights like the university, a monestary, some nice buildings, the olympic stadium, the soccer stadium and lots of other places.
We then got off on the main sqaure and walked the famous gothic quarter, which included an amazing chuch was a garden in the middle. Mary wasnt dressed approprietly, so she had to buy a shawl for 1 euro! hahahah it was beautiful!, well not really, but it was funny enough. Then Yehuda after his morning nap met up with us. We continued walking the quarter whcih was really nice, then had lunch at a place recommended in the travel book. It was good, and we all tried the rabbit that Matt ordered. It was actually good!!! (Yes that is jessica saying that! hahah)
Yehuda, again not feeling well, went back to the hotel to get some sleep, and we continued on our bus tour, doing the second route. This route was longer and we saw lots of great things, including some great buildings designed by gaudi, the view from the hill, monuments and fountains and lots of buildings. The tour really gave us a good idea of the city. The day was mostly a bus day with some walking though, it was a nice balance.
Yehuda met up with us once again, and we walked up La Ramba, the main street, with shops and street vendors and weird people posing in strange costumes. It was sooooo busy there, we kept a good eye on our stuff.
We then came back for showers and went out to bar near by to watch the semi final game of the work cup, spain vs. Germany. It was a funny little bar and we had great seats, the last good table. It was an amazing game, with spain winning 1-0!! The peeople went crazy!! They are really good fans, clapping even when a shot is missed but saying like "good shot" or "good try". You would never see or hear that at a hockey game! hahah We had some drinks (with matt and mary having most of them - too funny) and some really good potatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy dip).
After the great game won by spain, we headed to a crepe place next door for a late dinner. My dessert crepe was caramalized bananas with chocolate sauce...sooo good!! (mary had the same but added coconut ice cream). We were happy campers!! Then back to the hotel for bed.
Today, (Thursday I think), We headed to the beach. We went to a beach outside of Barcelona in a city called Sitgas. It took about 30 mins to get there but a lot of confusion at the train station as of where to go. We made it though and the beach was beautiful. We rented some umbrellas to protect us from the sun, and sat on the beach and relaxed. The water was great. Cool and sandy with some nice size waves. Mary and matt left us early to head back into the city to do some other sites. Yehuda and I stayed a bit, had lunch then headed back around 6.
We needed to get our next train tickets for cordoba, so we went to line up. we got our number, which was 110 away from the number they were on, with only 4 ppl serving. The line was not moving, only changing numbers once every 5 mins! Not wanting to wait, and being a quick thinker, Yehuda asked if there was somewhere else we could go, and lucky for us, it was on the way back to the hotel. We hopped on the metro, got off at the right station, and saw that we only had ot wait about 5 mins!! We got all our tickets and then Yehuda and I headed back to the hotel by bus. On the bus, some guy tried to pick pocket a girl, she stopped him and yelled at him, then when he was getting off the bus, the girl kicked him! Yehuda saw it all, i did not, but he said it was funny and was proud of the girl for sticking up for herself!
We are now freshly showered, with sand and salt off of us and are going to dinner the two of us, since Mary and Matt are still downtown.
Tomorrow we are heading on a wine tour! It should be fun!!
Hope you are all doing ok with the heat, we are being very careful here, drinking lots and taking the shady side of the street!
Miss you all
(p.s. there is another new blog below)
In most cities, they have these hop on hop off bus tours, so we decided to do that here, since a lot of sights are spread out and we only really have one full day in the city. There are 3 different bus lines, so we took the one closest to our hotel and went around that loop, seeing sights like the university, a monestary, some nice buildings, the olympic stadium, the soccer stadium and lots of other places.
We then got off on the main sqaure and walked the famous gothic quarter, which included an amazing chuch was a garden in the middle. Mary wasnt dressed approprietly, so she had to buy a shawl for 1 euro! hahahah it was beautiful!, well not really, but it was funny enough. Then Yehuda after his morning nap met up with us. We continued walking the quarter whcih was really nice, then had lunch at a place recommended in the travel book. It was good, and we all tried the rabbit that Matt ordered. It was actually good!!! (Yes that is jessica saying that! hahah)
Yehuda, again not feeling well, went back to the hotel to get some sleep, and we continued on our bus tour, doing the second route. This route was longer and we saw lots of great things, including some great buildings designed by gaudi, the view from the hill, monuments and fountains and lots of buildings. The tour really gave us a good idea of the city. The day was mostly a bus day with some walking though, it was a nice balance.
Yehuda met up with us once again, and we walked up La Ramba, the main street, with shops and street vendors and weird people posing in strange costumes. It was sooooo busy there, we kept a good eye on our stuff.
We then came back for showers and went out to bar near by to watch the semi final game of the work cup, spain vs. Germany. It was a funny little bar and we had great seats, the last good table. It was an amazing game, with spain winning 1-0!! The peeople went crazy!! They are really good fans, clapping even when a shot is missed but saying like "good shot" or "good try". You would never see or hear that at a hockey game! hahah We had some drinks (with matt and mary having most of them - too funny) and some really good potatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy dip).
After the great game won by spain, we headed to a crepe place next door for a late dinner. My dessert crepe was caramalized bananas with chocolate sauce...sooo good!! (mary had the same but added coconut ice cream). We were happy campers!! Then back to the hotel for bed.
Today, (Thursday I think), We headed to the beach. We went to a beach outside of Barcelona in a city called Sitgas. It took about 30 mins to get there but a lot of confusion at the train station as of where to go. We made it though and the beach was beautiful. We rented some umbrellas to protect us from the sun, and sat on the beach and relaxed. The water was great. Cool and sandy with some nice size waves. Mary and matt left us early to head back into the city to do some other sites. Yehuda and I stayed a bit, had lunch then headed back around 6.
We needed to get our next train tickets for cordoba, so we went to line up. we got our number, which was 110 away from the number they were on, with only 4 ppl serving. The line was not moving, only changing numbers once every 5 mins! Not wanting to wait, and being a quick thinker, Yehuda asked if there was somewhere else we could go, and lucky for us, it was on the way back to the hotel. We hopped on the metro, got off at the right station, and saw that we only had ot wait about 5 mins!! We got all our tickets and then Yehuda and I headed back to the hotel by bus. On the bus, some guy tried to pick pocket a girl, she stopped him and yelled at him, then when he was getting off the bus, the girl kicked him! Yehuda saw it all, i did not, but he said it was funny and was proud of the girl for sticking up for herself!
We are now freshly showered, with sand and salt off of us and are going to dinner the two of us, since Mary and Matt are still downtown.
Tomorrow we are heading on a wine tour! It should be fun!!
Hope you are all doing ok with the heat, we are being very careful here, drinking lots and taking the shady side of the street!
Miss you all
(p.s. there is another new blog below)
Tapas and Trains
Hi All
So, we left off getting ready for dinner for our last night in Madrid. We went to an area around our place, that was an open sqaure with about 10 different places to eat both inside and out. We started at one, had some tapas and sangria, and made our way around the square. It was delicious food and a great atmosphere. At this one place, while outside, the waiters kept things on this table, and this man kept coming around and taking things off the table. First money then a whole bottle of wine!! it was crazy. We told a waiter and hopefully they made it so the guy wouldnt take anymore! It was funny nonetheless. The food was really good, with each place amazing us. It took us 4 hours to get through 4 of the places, then tired, we headed home.
The next day we took a train to Barcelona. It was a high speed train which went up to 289km/hour!! It only took us about 3 hours. Yehuda and I, because of our eurorail pass, had first class, which was ok, but not worth the extra money to reserve the seat. We did get a meal though and we might do first class on our longest trip later in the journey.
We arrived in Barcelona and went to find our hotel. We got there to find a note on our door to call a number, which we did, only to be told to wait another half hour for someone to open the door. We went across the street for some food, and then got into our hotel. It is cute with about 8 rooms, and an amazing shower!!
That evening, we headed to see the Sagrada Familia, a big, no a HUGE church started by Gaudi. We get off the subway and look up and go "Wow"!! literally!! it was huge and beautiful. We went inside and did an audio tour. It is amazing to see his work and people working on finishing it. it will still be another 30 years but I am looking forward to coming back and seeing it done. It will be even better than it is now! There are towers that you can go up, by elevator, and Yehuda went up with me. After seeing the view, Yehuda being afraid of heights, he took the elevator down and i attempted to take the stairs. They were very scary stairs, curling around and around and around with no end, and not seeming too safe. I made it down, heart racing a little and met yehuda.
After the church, we headed back to the area around our apartment for dinner. We ate at a fancy place with rose petals on the table and the waiters bring you like 20 dishes to showcase. It was such a funny sight. The best part was when they brought out the desserts like that too!!
Then we headed home for bed.
So, we left off getting ready for dinner for our last night in Madrid. We went to an area around our place, that was an open sqaure with about 10 different places to eat both inside and out. We started at one, had some tapas and sangria, and made our way around the square. It was delicious food and a great atmosphere. At this one place, while outside, the waiters kept things on this table, and this man kept coming around and taking things off the table. First money then a whole bottle of wine!! it was crazy. We told a waiter and hopefully they made it so the guy wouldnt take anymore! It was funny nonetheless. The food was really good, with each place amazing us. It took us 4 hours to get through 4 of the places, then tired, we headed home.
The next day we took a train to Barcelona. It was a high speed train which went up to 289km/hour!! It only took us about 3 hours. Yehuda and I, because of our eurorail pass, had first class, which was ok, but not worth the extra money to reserve the seat. We did get a meal though and we might do first class on our longest trip later in the journey.
We arrived in Barcelona and went to find our hotel. We got there to find a note on our door to call a number, which we did, only to be told to wait another half hour for someone to open the door. We went across the street for some food, and then got into our hotel. It is cute with about 8 rooms, and an amazing shower!!
That evening, we headed to see the Sagrada Familia, a big, no a HUGE church started by Gaudi. We get off the subway and look up and go "Wow"!! literally!! it was huge and beautiful. We went inside and did an audio tour. It is amazing to see his work and people working on finishing it. it will still be another 30 years but I am looking forward to coming back and seeing it done. It will be even better than it is now! There are towers that you can go up, by elevator, and Yehuda went up with me. After seeing the view, Yehuda being afraid of heights, he took the elevator down and i attempted to take the stairs. They were very scary stairs, curling around and around and around with no end, and not seeming too safe. I made it down, heart racing a little and met yehuda.
After the church, we headed back to the area around our apartment for dinner. We ate at a fancy place with rose petals on the table and the waiters bring you like 20 dishes to showcase. It was such a funny sight. The best part was when they brought out the desserts like that too!!
Then we headed home for bed.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Day in Madrid - Finally
For those starting to read with this blog, we have caught up on our days but broke it up into a few posts to make it easier to write and read. they can be found below this post.
Today we woke up and had breakie here, like we have been doing all week. It is so nice having the apartment because it gives us the ability to have meals here.
Today was our first full day in Madrid since we day tripped the last two. Today we headed to the plaza mayor, the main square here. It was huge and nice. As we were there, there was a procession of horses and guards, followed by a carriage! It was a royal procession going to the palace carrying some dignitaries. They were on their way to meet the king. The procession went back and forth from the government building to the palace about 10 times. This meant that our plans to go into the palace were ruined because it was closed for the royal activities. We saw the chuch beside it, which was very nicely decorated with a lot of colours and continued on our way after watching the procession go by a few more times.
We walked through some nice parks, heading towards a cable car that gives good views of the city and leads to this park mary wanted to see. As yehuda is afraid of heights, he stayed behind and the 3 of us headed on the cable car. It showed us some great views of Madrid and also a good idea of what was in this big park...which was....NOTHING!! well there were trees and dry dry dry land. No grass, no animals, no nothing! It was very desert like, so yehuda didnt really miss anything. We stayed on the car and went back down, to grab some lunch.
We had a nice lunch, again i had gazpacho...ooo i love it sooo much! and the others had some meats again. The others are much more adventerous, ordering their meals without knowing what exactly it was. Yehuda had a steak which he said was cooked the best by far that he had in a long time, which really shows you how good it was!
We then walked along a grand via (a big shopping street) and headed back home. We came back for a nap and that is where we are now.
Tonight we will hit up some areas for tapas, then tomorrow we head to Barcelona in the morning.
Hope you all are doing well. We will blog from Barcelona.
Today we woke up and had breakie here, like we have been doing all week. It is so nice having the apartment because it gives us the ability to have meals here.
Today was our first full day in Madrid since we day tripped the last two. Today we headed to the plaza mayor, the main square here. It was huge and nice. As we were there, there was a procession of horses and guards, followed by a carriage! It was a royal procession going to the palace carrying some dignitaries. They were on their way to meet the king. The procession went back and forth from the government building to the palace about 10 times. This meant that our plans to go into the palace were ruined because it was closed for the royal activities. We saw the chuch beside it, which was very nicely decorated with a lot of colours and continued on our way after watching the procession go by a few more times.
We walked through some nice parks, heading towards a cable car that gives good views of the city and leads to this park mary wanted to see. As yehuda is afraid of heights, he stayed behind and the 3 of us headed on the cable car. It showed us some great views of Madrid and also a good idea of what was in this big park...which was....NOTHING!! well there were trees and dry dry dry land. No grass, no animals, no nothing! It was very desert like, so yehuda didnt really miss anything. We stayed on the car and went back down, to grab some lunch.
We had a nice lunch, again i had gazpacho...ooo i love it sooo much! and the others had some meats again. The others are much more adventerous, ordering their meals without knowing what exactly it was. Yehuda had a steak which he said was cooked the best by far that he had in a long time, which really shows you how good it was!
We then walked along a grand via (a big shopping street) and headed back home. We came back for a nap and that is where we are now.
Tonight we will hit up some areas for tapas, then tomorrow we head to Barcelona in the morning.
Hope you all are doing well. We will blog from Barcelona.
Segovia - land of my castle
Hi all
Jessica again. I am breaking up the blogs to make it easier to read and type. Sunday was market day in Madrid. There is a HUGE market called El Rasto, which spans like 10000 blocks. YOu might be saying, Jessica, thats no way, But it was!! well maybe not 10000 but a lot and in a bunch of different directions. We spit off with mary and matt and yehuda and i walked around. Lots of crap and lots of junk, Needless to say, we bought nothing! We met back up with mary and matt and grabbed some lunch/breakie before catching the train to Segovia.
On the train, we had a four seat thing so we played some cards to pass the time. The train was cool and went right through a mountain! When we got to Segovia, we hopped on another bus to get into the city. The bus pulled us right up infront of the amazing aquaduct built by the romams. It was huge and amazing. We took the many a stairs up to the top of the aquaduct and got a great view of it and the city and mountain views. Segovia has the most castles in one area in all of spain, which is great because I LOVE castles. SO we walked through the city and ended up in the main square which has a GREAT church there. It was incredible. One of the nicest churches I have ever seen both inside and out.
We continued walking and made our way to the main and biggest castle in segovia. It is called Alcazar and looks like the castle from disney world. It is what they based the castle from. It was gorgeous and had amazing views. We took a tour in the castle, with an audio guide and them climbed to the top of the highest tower. After 152 winding steps (yes i climbed them all!!!) we made it to the top. What a view! with Yehuda staying away from the edge, we got to enjoy the city. I loved it!!!
We headed back down the steps and had another yummy lunch. I had gazpacho and a salad, with the others having some meat of some sorts. We then walked back to the main part of the city to catch the bus and head back to Madrid.
We arrived in Madrid and the boys picked up some food for dinner. It was pizza and fruit salad. YUMMMM!!! We played hearts, drank and snacked. It was a really nice night.
We really enjoyed segovia, especially the castle!!! wait until you see the pics!!
Jessica again. I am breaking up the blogs to make it easier to read and type. Sunday was market day in Madrid. There is a HUGE market called El Rasto, which spans like 10000 blocks. YOu might be saying, Jessica, thats no way, But it was!! well maybe not 10000 but a lot and in a bunch of different directions. We spit off with mary and matt and yehuda and i walked around. Lots of crap and lots of junk, Needless to say, we bought nothing! We met back up with mary and matt and grabbed some lunch/breakie before catching the train to Segovia.
On the train, we had a four seat thing so we played some cards to pass the time. The train was cool and went right through a mountain! When we got to Segovia, we hopped on another bus to get into the city. The bus pulled us right up infront of the amazing aquaduct built by the romams. It was huge and amazing. We took the many a stairs up to the top of the aquaduct and got a great view of it and the city and mountain views. Segovia has the most castles in one area in all of spain, which is great because I LOVE castles. SO we walked through the city and ended up in the main square which has a GREAT church there. It was incredible. One of the nicest churches I have ever seen both inside and out.
We continued walking and made our way to the main and biggest castle in segovia. It is called Alcazar and looks like the castle from disney world. It is what they based the castle from. It was gorgeous and had amazing views. We took a tour in the castle, with an audio guide and them climbed to the top of the highest tower. After 152 winding steps (yes i climbed them all!!!) we made it to the top. What a view! with Yehuda staying away from the edge, we got to enjoy the city. I loved it!!!
We headed back down the steps and had another yummy lunch. I had gazpacho and a salad, with the others having some meat of some sorts. We then walked back to the main part of the city to catch the bus and head back to Madrid.
We arrived in Madrid and the boys picked up some food for dinner. It was pizza and fruit salad. YUMMMM!!! We played hearts, drank and snacked. It was a really nice night.
We really enjoyed segovia, especially the castle!!! wait until you see the pics!!
Holy Toledo!
HI everyone, Jessica here.
On saturday we headed to Toledo. We took a train for about 30 mins and arrived outside the city. We got on the locl bus that dropped us off at a main square. We got a snack and headed out. First stop was the Alcazar, an old fort. It looked cool from the outside, with nice views all around. It was only nice from the outside because the inside was closed for renovations. Oh well, we marched on, up hills and down hills and all around the town. We went into a small museum that used to be a childrens hosipital, then walked to see the big church. It was beautiful. We went down some shopping streets and hit up some of my fav shops....souvenir shops of course!!! We saw the old shul, another old shul (that has nothing in it anymore) and went for lunch. After a yummy lunch (i dont really remember but it was good and hoodas pick) we conitued walking, seeing other buildings along the way.
We made it back into the main square which had this train ride that goes around the city. Of course, i wanted to go on, and so my great husband came with me, leaving Mary and Matt behind to chill out and relax at a bar in the sqaure. The train ride was really cool and we saw tons of parts of the city that we had missed. We even learned some history and cool stories. Upon arriving back at the square, we found Mary and Matt and an empty pitcher of sangria. So, we sat down, ordered another and chilled people watching for a bit.
We headed back to the train station, and because we had time, Yehuda and Matt went on the hunt for groceries for dinner. When we got back to Madrid, we came back to our apartment and with the magic of Yehuda, he made a great meal using only a small frying pan, a small pot and some random ingredients. He made a yummy chicken stirfry! well done hooda! THen we hung out and watched spain defeat paraguay and go into the semi finals of world cup soccer. Tired, we crashed and went to bed
On saturday we headed to Toledo. We took a train for about 30 mins and arrived outside the city. We got on the locl bus that dropped us off at a main square. We got a snack and headed out. First stop was the Alcazar, an old fort. It looked cool from the outside, with nice views all around. It was only nice from the outside because the inside was closed for renovations. Oh well, we marched on, up hills and down hills and all around the town. We went into a small museum that used to be a childrens hosipital, then walked to see the big church. It was beautiful. We went down some shopping streets and hit up some of my fav shops....souvenir shops of course!!! We saw the old shul, another old shul (that has nothing in it anymore) and went for lunch. After a yummy lunch (i dont really remember but it was good and hoodas pick) we conitued walking, seeing other buildings along the way.
We made it back into the main square which had this train ride that goes around the city. Of course, i wanted to go on, and so my great husband came with me, leaving Mary and Matt behind to chill out and relax at a bar in the sqaure. The train ride was really cool and we saw tons of parts of the city that we had missed. We even learned some history and cool stories. Upon arriving back at the square, we found Mary and Matt and an empty pitcher of sangria. So, we sat down, ordered another and chilled people watching for a bit.
We headed back to the train station, and because we had time, Yehuda and Matt went on the hunt for groceries for dinner. When we got back to Madrid, we came back to our apartment and with the magic of Yehuda, he made a great meal using only a small frying pan, a small pot and some random ingredients. He made a yummy chicken stirfry! well done hooda! THen we hung out and watched spain defeat paraguay and go into the semi finals of world cup soccer. Tired, we crashed and went to bed
First days in Madrid
Jessica and I decided to go for a short walk of the city before our fiends arrived, and we walked through some cool squares, and looked for a place for dinner, and looked for a place the tourism office reccomended, but we couldnt find it. So we were hungry and tired, from the lack of sleep and ate at this place, but ended up eating for a lot of money and the food wasnt even good.
Jessica ordered a spanish omellete and only ate half because it was mostly eggs, almost no potatoes. Jessica also ordered a sangria, but there was almost no fruit juice, and absolutely no fruit!!! I ordered hot peppers, thinking they would be some flavour...nope there wasnt any...highly dissapointed we walked, and me being still hungry i found a place that sold french cheese, and bought some and a baguette.
Then on Friday jessica and I walked around the city on the other side of the apartment, saw a cool protest against the spanish bank. We walked around and laughed, then came home so we could be here when our friends get here. Well Jessica confused the times, so we were home for a while before they got here. Anyways when they finally did, we chatted and talked before heading out to the Prado museum which was free between 6-8. So we went, saw some interesting art and i guess somewhat enjoyed it.
We then went out for tapas, going to the wrong restuarant first because mary thought it was the right one we wanted to go to, because they both started with a "c" ..HAHA, we had a mystery fish, wasn't too bad, and then moved onto the next place, which had really good tapas...it changed my mind about spanish cuisine. Jessica and I also had gone out for lunch and I had Paella, and jessica had a buritto, which both were very good.
Jessica ordered a spanish omellete and only ate half because it was mostly eggs, almost no potatoes. Jessica also ordered a sangria, but there was almost no fruit juice, and absolutely no fruit!!! I ordered hot peppers, thinking they would be some flavour...nope there wasnt any...highly dissapointed we walked, and me being still hungry i found a place that sold french cheese, and bought some and a baguette.
Then on Friday jessica and I walked around the city on the other side of the apartment, saw a cool protest against the spanish bank. We walked around and laughed, then came home so we could be here when our friends get here. Well Jessica confused the times, so we were home for a while before they got here. Anyways when they finally did, we chatted and talked before heading out to the Prado museum which was free between 6-8. So we went, saw some interesting art and i guess somewhat enjoyed it.
We then went out for tapas, going to the wrong restuarant first because mary thought it was the right one we wanted to go to, because they both started with a "c" ..HAHA, we had a mystery fish, wasn't too bad, and then moved onto the next place, which had really good tapas...it changed my mind about spanish cuisine. Jessica and I also had gone out for lunch and I had Paella, and jessica had a buritto, which both were very good.
Friday, July 2, 2010
just getting to madrid....now thats a story
Lucky for me I was went to the store to buy some food thinking because it was a 10 hour trip to madrid. Well little did I know my 10 hour trip was going to turn into a 22 hour trip.
I made the train from perigueux to Bordeaux and that is when everything just went from bad to worse. The train to go form Bordeaux to the town of Irun on teh spanish side of the border was 40 minutes late, which meant I would arrive right before the next train left, but they can delay it by a few minutes if its a connection. Well my train to go from bordeaux to Spain ended up coming in 1.5 hours late, which meant I totally missed my train. So I went and asked at the ticket office about hte next train in the day to go to madrid, and he said I have to ask the conducter. When im on the train I ask the conducter and he says the train is only going as far as the french-spanish border and we would have to take a bus into spain. I asked for the next train to madrid and he said there is one at 10 pm. What should I do about my ticket? He said its the spanish train system problem since there was a suicide on the tracks in Spain, and that is why the french train isnt going into spain. Ok I get to the border, I get on a bus, and go to spain. I get to the train station, and find hte ticket counter, and ask for the next train and the lady says to me its the next day at 8:30 am arriving aroun 2:30 pm.....3 hours after jessicas flight arrives.
I try to explain teh situation, ask what do I do with my train ticket, and the lady says its the french train companies problem, since no one said they couldnt come into spain, they made the decision, they were delayed not the spainish trains, they left on-time. So I am like, what do I do? I have to get to madrid, she says try the bus company.
So I find the bus company and of course, my luck has it that madrid bus is full, but I can do a connection adn 5 hour wait to take a 1:30 am bus to madrid. With no other choice, then wait for the next train, and buy a new train ticket anyways at full price, (70euros). I bought a bus ticket.
It was a loooooong tiring bus ride, I tried to sleep, but couldnt get much sleep. I was sticky, sweaty and may I say a bit smelly from travelling for so long, I went to a couple of hotels to see, if they might let me shower and freshen up before heading to the airport. Well I got no's and looks that were like you are totally messed up...so I went to the airport instead. I went to Jessicas arrival gate, and found a handicapped bathroom, and took out my soap and washed up useing the cold water from the tap to wash adn clean myself. I changed cloths, and went back to waiting. Being that I was two hurs early, I need to sleep so I went to a corner and useing my knapsack as a pillow I fell asleep. nothing go t stolen, and I felt so much better. I get extreamly crabby when I am tired, and I wasnt going to let that happen. SO the nap was so important.
I woke up and went to charge my cell as I waited, and Jessicas flight arriving early, helped a bit. Well as you now know Jessica is here, and its so good to be together again. She's so funny and so far we are laughing and having a great time. We walked around, some cool stuff, like palaces, and we are just waiting for our frined mary and matt to come so we will go out, but the heat is extream, and it rained this morning so jessica is a bit tired and shes resting.
Otherwise, everything is good!
Yehuda and Jessica
I made the train from perigueux to Bordeaux and that is when everything just went from bad to worse. The train to go form Bordeaux to the town of Irun on teh spanish side of the border was 40 minutes late, which meant I would arrive right before the next train left, but they can delay it by a few minutes if its a connection. Well my train to go from bordeaux to Spain ended up coming in 1.5 hours late, which meant I totally missed my train. So I went and asked at the ticket office about hte next train in the day to go to madrid, and he said I have to ask the conducter. When im on the train I ask the conducter and he says the train is only going as far as the french-spanish border and we would have to take a bus into spain. I asked for the next train to madrid and he said there is one at 10 pm. What should I do about my ticket? He said its the spanish train system problem since there was a suicide on the tracks in Spain, and that is why the french train isnt going into spain. Ok I get to the border, I get on a bus, and go to spain. I get to the train station, and find hte ticket counter, and ask for the next train and the lady says to me its the next day at 8:30 am arriving aroun 2:30 pm.....3 hours after jessicas flight arrives.
I try to explain teh situation, ask what do I do with my train ticket, and the lady says its the french train companies problem, since no one said they couldnt come into spain, they made the decision, they were delayed not the spainish trains, they left on-time. So I am like, what do I do? I have to get to madrid, she says try the bus company.
So I find the bus company and of course, my luck has it that madrid bus is full, but I can do a connection adn 5 hour wait to take a 1:30 am bus to madrid. With no other choice, then wait for the next train, and buy a new train ticket anyways at full price, (70euros). I bought a bus ticket.
It was a loooooong tiring bus ride, I tried to sleep, but couldnt get much sleep. I was sticky, sweaty and may I say a bit smelly from travelling for so long, I went to a couple of hotels to see, if they might let me shower and freshen up before heading to the airport. Well I got no's and looks that were like you are totally messed up...so I went to the airport instead. I went to Jessicas arrival gate, and found a handicapped bathroom, and took out my soap and washed up useing the cold water from the tap to wash adn clean myself. I changed cloths, and went back to waiting. Being that I was two hurs early, I need to sleep so I went to a corner and useing my knapsack as a pillow I fell asleep. nothing go t stolen, and I felt so much better. I get extreamly crabby when I am tired, and I wasnt going to let that happen. SO the nap was so important.
I woke up and went to charge my cell as I waited, and Jessicas flight arriving early, helped a bit. Well as you now know Jessica is here, and its so good to be together again. She's so funny and so far we are laughing and having a great time. We walked around, some cool stuff, like palaces, and we are just waiting for our frined mary and matt to come so we will go out, but the heat is extream, and it rained this morning so jessica is a bit tired and shes resting.
Otherwise, everything is good!
Yehuda and Jessica
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