Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts

Visited the Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts today and was really amazed!  We didnt see a performance but got access to the stables, practice arenas and carriage museum.  The training was the most interesting - a driving arena with 6 horses and then a main indoor arena with 12 horses at a time and 3 trainers, rotating every 15-20 minutes.  They dont allow pictures but I was very tempted to sneak one in.  Here is a video of one of their performances in the main arena....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2YXkbq6fFA

World record!

Waiting to watch the barcelona vs Manchester soccer game at a bar in Cadiz and this HUGE catholic procession passes. Guy comes into the bar and DOWNS a bottle of Alhambra. Even in my freshman years, I have never seen someone drink beer that fast! I was gawking and he just said 'ugh that stuff drives my crazy'. Whatever dude I think you should be in the guiness book of world records!

Beach Time!

Done with Spanish classes and happy to be heading to the beach instead!  Such a beautiful city...

Jerez: Turkish bathes, Finos & Churches

Sounds like an odd mix... because it is.  Really cool town about 30 mins from Cadiz with really beautiful churches on every corner (and also a consistently strong whiff of pot).  Jerez is known for their fino so of course we had to taste test.  Much more smooth than in Malaga.  Might go back for a fino tour next week.  We also went to the Turkish bath there and got mini massages.  Very relaxing!  Couldnt take any pics though.. they werent too keen on that even though we were the only ones there.  Cool church pics though - day shot & night shot of the same church look completely different! 

Vinos and Finos

I love a good white wine and have been testing a few on my travels.  However, I'm getting MINI glasses (see below next to tapas plate).  This isn't fino (spanish sherry), I want a glass of vino!

So I moved onto my next favorite drink - tinto de verano, basically red wine and lemon lime soda, which is served in a big girl glass.  Sounds weird but is delicous.... and offers quite the hangover

Pictures from Malaga & Road Trip to Cadiz

Rock of Gibraltar

Cant even explain how much pork there is here...even above your head as you eat

Zahara de los Atunes

Top of Malaga

Rest of Malaga and bullfighting ring

Finally in Spain!

We've made it to Spain and it's gorgeous here. First night in Malaga then a 5 hr drive to Cadiz. Saw the Rock of Gibraltar and both the Mediterranean Sea and atlantic ocean at the same time.

Had my first Spanish class today. A riot. Turns out I know a LOT more German than spanish....Which Jeannette can attest is certainly not a lot. The teacher was like that means a female pig, not kitchen.

I found Hostel living is ummm not for OCD ppl. You can't beat 15euro a night though. Not sure I can make it a month. Will prob end up at Portugal's version of the ritz in a week...

I'm not on wifi so I can't post pics but am taking a lot so stay tuned.

Packing Pains

Packing for 3 1/2 weeks is like gambling BIG in Vegas.  What if it rains a lot? How many hoodies is reasonable for one person to need?  Am I really committing to not wearing heels for a month?  I'm still staring at 3 pairs of shoes that would be "nice to haves".  I'm on euro-econo airlines in Spain and Portugal, so my normal carry on suitcase is too big.  I'm down to an overnight bag that is certainly over the 25 kg limit right now... this ain't looking pretty. 

Rainy days...

It's been raining for two days so I've been busy.  I completed watching every episode of Family Guy and started my addiction to the show Weeds.  I almost fell off the couch laughing several times.  How have I missed this show??  Then I booked 5 flights before lunch and am aiming to qualify as a yogi master pretty soon.  You know you're bored when some sun salutations sound like something fun to do....

But then Jeannette gets here tomorrow - hooray!  That will keep me busy (if 'busy' is indeed defined as day drinking in metal bars).  Then leaving on Saturday for Spain and Portugal for almost a month!  Maybe I should enjoy the boredom now...

Jet Lag Sucks....

This is the 4th time I've made a 9 hour time change in the last 2 months and my body is NOT a happy camper about it.  Last night, Joern came into the kitchen at like 2 am and was like "Are you drinking straight vodka?  And are you studying your german flash cards?"
These are two sentences that should never follow each other.

Joghurt is NOT Yogurt!

I am on a new health kick and have been working out every day and eating as healthy as possible... no chocolate brot or currywurst for me.  I bought 'joghurt' for lunches (no ham sandwich though) and LOVE it.  I'm on my third day when I realize that it says contains 3.7% milk fat - in California that's half and half!

Quite a Sherlock

The hotel I'm staying at in San Diego definitely supports "resort pricing".  I'm no dummy - I go to Crest Liquor less than a mile away.  The owner was at the check out and was asking why I am here, what am I doing, etc etc.  Then he said, "Germany that's great... but you're from here right?  Your English is really good." 

Best compliment in a month!

So I get off the plane from Germany in Newark and I ask an airport guy if I can leave my suitcase here for scanning.  Jersey boy says "Sure - Have a good day Goorjus".  Love him.  Just love him and I love being back.