Category: Spain

The Fine Art of Graffiti

1/13/2018

“Graffiti is always about being slightly naughty…It’s a different mindset from painting legally.”
- Glynn Judd, a former train writer.

I grew up in a tiny town where "bad boys" spray painted on the sides of railroad cars and the walls of the grain elevator that sat next to the train tracks. They left scribbles, streaks, and carelessly written words in black and white paint. Defacing public property with graffiti was vandalism, a petty crime, and the graffiti was promptly painted over. I don't know if the boys were ever caught.

In many cities, graffiti artists are fined and jailed. But some communities have developed an "enlightened" viewpoint: they embrace urban art as a form of cultural expression, a tourist attraction, or a tool of political communication.

There's a distinction between "graffiti," which defaces property and contributes nothing, and "urban art," which encourages the viewer to engage positively with the artwork.

Valencia has provided an urban canvas for talented street artists from around the world who have left their beautiful work on its walls. The El Carmen area is particularly rich in urban art, and one of my favorite places to wander with camera in hand. Here are some of my favorite works.

This richly-detailed work was created on the wall of an obscure parking area that I found by accident. Valencia is filled with urban art in hidden corners that was made by talented artists.

Note the dog piddle in the lower left corner. Perhaps a canine comment?

More fist fighting.

Think about the scale. This highly-detailed mural covers two large walls. Exquisite!

Lots of symbolism here. I just don't know how to interpret it.

Urban art is a tool of political communication.

Blanquita (white lady).

Love the humor and retro style of this urban art. There's a woman vacuuming up men, and a man wearing jailhouse stripes hanging out of an upstairs window. This one made me stop, think about the concepts, and smile.

Door of an auto repair shop. Perfect!

Botox anyone?

Notice how just a few areas have been painted, yet you see the dog's head clearly. Brilliant!

In my ad agency days, we would pay big bucks for this style of art.

This one makes me laugh!

What's not to love about an opera singer performing in a paella pan?

Street art in Valencia is imaginative, colorful, thought-provoking and beautifully executed. It's nothing like the graffiti scribbled on the sides of trains from my youth. These works enhance the vibrancy of the city, enriching the experience of locals and visitors alike. Come here and see for yourself!

Click to read My Love Affair with Valencia

Click here to read Even More To Love About Valencia

Here's an excellent article "Is Graffiti a Force for Good or Evil?:
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/jan/07/urban-graffiti-force-good-evil

Comments

6 Fun and Unusual Christmas Traditions in Spain

1/2/2018

Comments

I grew up in a very religious family. My father was a Lutheran minister. My mother held important roles in the church. My parents insisted our entire family had to be good examples for other people in our town, which meant being conservative in our behavior and not having any vices. Religious holidays were celebrated with the utmost reverence. Mom and dad would have been shocked and appalled to learn the Christmas holidays in Spain start with a lottery. Gambling! Oh my!

1. Christmas kicks off with a lottery.
Every December 22 el Sorteo Extraordinario de la Loteria de Navidad (the Extraordinary Christmas Lottery) is held. The first prize, el Gordo (the Fat One), is worth millions of euros. No wonder it's the most popular lottery in Spain!

Here's the really interesting twist. Orphans brought up at San Ildelfonso school pull out numbered balls from drums. The children sing the numbers and the corresponding prizes. That's right. They sing the numbers. Why singing and why orphans?

Legend has it that San Ildefonso’s orphans once chanted prayers through the streets of Madrid for alms. They were chosen for Spain's Christmas lottery because as orphans they were thought to be less prone to cheating. Fascinating tradition!

The numbers on the lottery balls are laser engraved to ensure they are all identical in weight. They are carefully examined and guarded before the lottery.

Once the holidays have officially begun, it's time to indulge a little, or maybe a lot. My favorite L'Eliana bakery offered mouthwatering goodies fit for a king!

Patrons ordered plates overflowing with treats to enjoy in the cozy coffee shop or the outdoor cafe.

Galletas (cookies) in the bakery window. Are those snowmen? It's 60 degrees here!

My goodness! How do you choose? So much deliciousness, so little time!

2. Big gifts are not given on Christmas.
December 24 is la Nochebuena (the Good Night). Homes are decorated with el Belén (the nativity scene of Bethlehem) and arboles de Navidad (Christmas trees). Families gather for dinner, sing Christmas songs, and attend la Misa del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster). It has that name because legend says a rooster crowed the night that Jesus was born. Traditionally, children are given a few smaller regalos (gifts) on Christmas Day, but the big gifts are given on January 6.

A bakery in L'Eliana displayed a nativity scene with the stable and trees constructed of baked bread.

The Three Kings rode their camels through a rocky terrain also made of bread. Creative!

The traditional after-dinner treat on la Nochebuena is turrón (nougat).

A local choir dressed in traditional costumes sang Spanish Christmas songs in the L'Eliana town square.

3. April Fool's Day is in December.
December 28 is el día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents). It's Spain's version of April Fool's Day, when pranks are played and the media airs fake news and silly stories. (Sounds like Saturday Night Live!) If that doesn't get you into the holiday spirit, I don't know what will! I didn't prank anyone, but wait until next year!

4. Grapes bring good luck.
December 31 is Nochevieja (New Year's Eve) with celebrations and fireworks. At midnight, las doce uvas de la suerte (the twelve lucky grapes) are eaten, to bring good luck for each of the twelve months of the coming year. Then cava (champagne) is raised in a toast, and the party continues through the night with more cava, singing and dancing.

My twelve lucky grapes! I took this photo exactly at midnight as the bells began to chime, then tried to eat the grapes before the chiming stopped. But they were full of seeds! I had get the seeds out and then gobble the grapes down fast! LOL.

5. Santa Claus doesn't bring gifts to kids.
January 6 is Epiphany, el día de los Reyes Magos (The Day of the Magic Kings). In many countries, the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts to the Christ child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. It's called the Feast of the Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day. That's the day Spanish children receive many gifts, which they believe they were delivered by the Kings. Santa Claus doesn't get any play in Spain! Spanish kids write letters to the Kings asking for toys and presents.

On Epiphany Eve (January 5th) children set out their shoes to be filled with presents. Gifts are left for the Kings and sometimes a bucket of water is offered for their thirsty camels. (That's something I would do—take care of the camels!) In the morning, excited kids get up early to unwrap the wonderful presents left for them.

Christmas markets offer toys, games, clothing, and CANDY!

Gold foil wrapped chocolate coins, foil-wrapped chocolate Kings, and bins full of favorite sweets. Enough sugar to make your teeth fall out!

If a child has been “bad” that year, he/she is given a chunk of carbon. It looks exactly like lava rock, but it's sugar candy, so the child knows he/she is still sweet. I was sceptical about eating it, but the shopkeeper let me try a piece. It's very sweet and crunchy.

6. Watch out for the bean in your cake!
After gifts have been opened, families celebrate Epiphany by gathering around a table to eat la Roscón de Reyes (King Cake). The cake is a circular-shaped sweet pastry decorated with dried fruit, sugar, and almonds. A small trinket and a dry fava bean are hidden inside. Whoever finds the trinket is crowned "king" or "queen" for the day, and whoever finds the bean has to pay for next year's Epiphany party.

La Roscón de Reyes from the local bakery. Yummy! Celebrating Epiphany with a king cake or similar type of pastry is a tradition that's enjoyed around the world, particularly in countries that are predominantly Catholic. In the U.S., king cake and Mardi Gras go hand-in-hand.

My first Christmas and New Years in Europe.
This was the first time I was away from family and the Christmas traditions I grew up with. I discovered holiday traditions in Spain that were like those in America, and some that were completely new. I sampled the holiday treats (I restrained myself from pigging out), joined in the festivities, and really enjoyed the Spanish songs and music.

You remember those twelve lucky grapes? Just living my dream here in Europe makes me the luckiest person in the world! 2017 was flat-out amazing. 2018 promises to be even more exciting.
La vida es buena! Life is good!

Comments

Recap of 2017: Incredible Life Change and Adventure

12/21/2017

Comments

Five years ago, if you'd told me I would write two books and move to Europe, I would have laughed at the idea.

I would have replied emphatically, “I'm not a writer!”

“I'd love to live in Europe, but how would that be possible? I have a job here and health insurance. You know how expensive health insurance is!”

I read somewhere that women in their 60s have a burst of creativity. I hoped for it, but didn't see that happening in my life.

Then quite by surprise, my first Unforgettable Aussies book evolved. A few Facebook posts about famous foundation dogs turned into an avalanche of photos and comments from my Facebook friends. Fascinating stuff. Extremely valuable Aussie history. I decided to collect it all and preserve it as book.

And suddenly I was an author. That magical burst of creativity had happened.

Meanwhile, the idea of living in Europe kept playing in my mind. The warm, sunny weather in Spain was appealing. I checked into health insurance. It was surprisingly affordable in Spain. I could rent an apartment for about half of what I paid in the States. Maybe I could afford to live there….

Then, I accepted two judging assignments for May 2017—one in Germany and one in France. Possible travel logistics: I could travel back and forth across the Atlantic twice (ugh!), I could take a month-long unpaid vacation, or hey—maybe I should just move to Europe! Not the logic everyone would use, but it made sense to me!

I decided to make The Move.

Putting my wild idea into action required serious planning. I needed to: 1. Acquire a Spanish residency visa. 2. Sell my house and give away almost everything including my antiques and pottery collection. 3. Figure out logistics of overseas planes, trains, and automobiles.

Obtaining the Spanish visa meant jumping through a LOT of hoops and mountains of paperwork. Everything had to be translated into Castilian Spanish and copied in triplicate. It also required two trips to San Francisco to appear in person at the Spanish Consulate.

It was difficult to sell my beautiful house and give away my antiques and family heirlooms. A lot of things went to my sisters and niece for “safe keeping,” but I doubt I'll ever bring them to Europe or have them again. I let go of everything, said good-bye to my family and friends, and on April 27, I boarded the flight to my next home. My dream of living in Europe was coming true.

Logistics of May 2017: Fly to Germany to judge a show, fly to Spain to register as a resident, fly to France to judge another show, return to Spain. Two weeks later, fly to the Netherlands to cover the judging assignment for a judge who was ill. Return to Spain. Breathe. Set up housekeeping in L'Eliana.

My first eight months have been filled with beauty, fun, excitement, travel, writing and research on the book, and some frustration with trying to function in a foreign language.

I'm very happy to be an expat in Spain!

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017

Discovering Valencia
The architecture and beauty of this city never cease to amaze me. I LOVE Valencia. For the first time in my life I finally feel like “I'm home.” I discover gorgeous art and scenery almost every place I go. A casual stroll to my doctor's office turned into a memorable outing with my camera when I spotted an ornate fountain, a boulevard decorated with poinsiettas for Christmas, and a historic statue overlooking an old bridge.

Meeting Georgie and Mollie
I saw a woman with a dog in the L'Eliana post office. The dog was obviously a purebred of an English breed. Unusual in Spain. I asked the woman if the dog was a Field Spaniel. The woman spoke English and said the dog was an English Cocker Spaniel. I was invited to coffee, and that day I became fast friends with Georgie and her dog Mollie.

Berlin and Leipzig
The Altes Museum in Berlin was incredible. I spent so much time examining the pottery and sculptures that I'm sure the museum guards thought I was going to steal something. From Berlin I went to Leipzig for my first World Dog Show. My friend and fellow judge Sheila Polk invited me to share a room with her. What fun! We had a great time being lost in the maze of city streets, no thanks to an uncooperative GPS. We also have hair-raising stories to tell about Sheila's lost dog and lost luggage. (Both were eventually retrieved.)

Learning the Spanish language
Ok, so I probably don't study enough. But I love the challenge of being immersed in Spanish culture and being able to function (sort of) in a new language. When my vocabulary fails me, there's always Google Translate. Me gusta hablar español.

Navigating the Metro system
Definitely an important milestone in my first year here. What I've learned: always leave plenty of extra time in case I get lost. Because I do. Frequently. Remember, all those signs are in Spanish.

Completing Volume II of Unforgettable Aussies
Absolutely the most important highlight of 2017! After hundreds of hours of research and writing, I released the second book in the series. My love for the Australian Shepherd breed continues to motivate me to record its history. As a wonderful bonus, I've made many new friends who sent photos of their dogs to be included in this volume.

As 2017 comes to a close, I look forward to an equally memorable 2018. Already in the works are trips to Australia, Italy, Germany, and the UK. I'll be unveiling my brand new, hands-on Aussie workshop, and you'll have to stay tuned to learn about other exciting happenings.

My wish for you in 2018 is to be inspired to live your life to the fullest! Happy Holidays to my friends around the world!

Paula

Comments

Alicante. A Spanish City of Contrasts.

12/11/2017

Comments

When still in the U.S., planning my escape to Europe, I pinpointed three Spanish cities to consider as places to live. They were Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante. All three were nestled along the Mediterranean coast with its abundant sunshine and mild winters. All three offered cultural experiences, were graced with historic architecture, and possessed modern airports.

My flight to Europe landed in Barcelona, so that was the city I explored first. It was a fascinating metropolis with much to offer, but it didn't feel like “home.”

Barcelona's gorgeous cityscape.

Then I took the train to Valencia. When I disembarked at the magnificent Estació del Nord (North train station) I immediately fell in love with the city. I never made it to Alicante.

Valencia's Estació del Nord train station.

I felt I owed it to myself to at least visit Alicante to see if I had missed out on something special. A friend had entered her Aussies in a dog show in that city, and that was the nudge I needed to make the trip.
I arrived by train several days before the dog show so I'd have time to explore and take photos of the city. Alicante's train station is thoroughly modern, in contrast to Valencia's Estació del Nord.

Alicante's railway station.

I walked from the train station to my AirBnB apartment, following Google Maps on my phone. Because I'm directionally impaired even with a map, I took a wrong turn and found myself on San Francisco Street, which is also known as “Mushroom Street.”

I was quite surprised by San Francisco Street's Alice-in-Wonderland atmosphere in this very Spanish town. Actually, I enjoyed it so much I wandered back through it two more times during my stay.

In contrast to the modern, whimsical theme of San Francisco Street, a few blocks away was the richly carved entrance to the Edificio Caturla.

There's much about Alicante that reflects its history, which dates back thousands of years. What impressed me most were the contrasts between old and new, rich and poor, traditional Spain and modern Spain.

Santa Barbara Castle watches over Alicante from the top of Benacantil Mountain, 166 meters (545 feet) above sea level.

Construction of the city's ancient castle began in the 9th century. Its base is surrounded by glittering new offices, apartment buildings, and restaurants.

In summer, Alicante transforms from a quiet Spanish town into a sunny playground for thousands of Spanish, British, Germans, and Russians on holiday. The Explanada de España (esplanade or prominade of Spain) parallels the port and is a favorite place for strolling.

I loved the gorgeous Explanada de España. It's lined on both sides with rows of palm trees and the walkway is decorated with 6½ million marble tiles that create a wave effect. Brilliant design!

Shopping fun on the Explanade at open-air stalls.

The Explanade is lined with restaurants and shops on one side and the marina on the opposite side.

If you're in the market for a new sailboat or yacht, you might find one here. Sailing buffs can also take a trip through history at the Volvo Ocean Race Museum.

Facing the marina are buildings old and new that stand shoulder-to-shoulder.

The modern four-star Gran Sol Hotel and Restaurant overlooks Alicante's marina.

Right next door to the Gran Sol Hotel is the elegant, historic Edeficio Carbonella.

After strolling up and down the Explanade, I headed through an archway that took me back in time to the Old Town.

Archway connecting modern Alicante with its Old Town.

As soon as I reached the Old Town side of the archway, I was greeted by the splendid Casa Consistorial (city council building) on Plaza Santísima Faz. The Consistorial is a baroque palace that was constructed between 1696 – 1780. I found the doors particularly beautiful.

Gorgeous doorway to the Casa Consistorial. When I was in Art School I was not a fan of Baroque architecture. I am now!

Massive main entrance to the Casa Consistorial.

Door handle and lock plate details. The face of the door was some type of metal that had a “quilted” texture.

I continued walking into the Old Town, up cobblestone streets, passing by outdoor cafes and small shops in narrow alleys.

I peeked into this charming historic hotel on a side street of Alicante.

I turned off my Google Maps app and wandered. I found my self in the really old Old Town.

Ancient stone steps led up to tiny homes clinging to a hillside. Loved the Spanish flag proudly displayed!

There were several small groups of people trudging up a hill on a dusty road. I followed them, thinking they might lead me to something interesting. Oh yes! They did!

The entire trip to Alicante was worth it just to see the exquisite Basílica de Santa Maria.

I become giddy with excitement when I see incredible beauty like this. Breathtaking! Note: Finding a scene as beautiful as this is called a “Photographic Emergency.” I must, I repeat MUST, stop and take photos.

Dusk was settling in as I trundled back down the hill to my AirBnB apartment, which was right in the middle of Old Town.

My AirBnB apartment in Alicante was an eclectic blend of rustic and modern. It was perfectly situated in the Old Town, close to everything. Loved it!

Saturday morning arrived and I was up and out the door to the dog show. I cheered as my friend showed her Aussies, took photos of unusual breeds, and sampled local cuisine at food stands—but that's another blog post.
After the show Sunday, I caught the train back home to Valencia. I enjoyed visiting Alicante, and now I know I made the perfect choice of cities in which to live.

Gratuitous selfie taken while waiting for the train home. Hey! I didn't know all the writing would be backwards!

Comments

My Little Town of L'Eliana.

11/27/2017

Comments

Let me take you on a tour of L'Eliana, the Spanish town where I live. It's a 20-minute train ride north and west of Valencia. When I moved here, I chose to live without a car and I use the train and bus systems, which are excellent. It's easy and inexpensive to get around.

The trains are punctual—so you'd better be too! They stop at each of the small towns for half a minute. That's 30 seconds for passengers to get off and others to board.

I enjoy riding on the trains. They are clean, air conditioned, and safe. I listen intently to the announcement about which stop is next to learn how the names are pronounced. Like Benaguasil, Les Carolines-Fira, and the one that drives me crazy, Ángel Guimerá. Because it doesn't sound anything like it's spelled.

I hop off at the train station in L'Eliana, which is a 12-minute walk from my apartment. Except when I miss the stop because I'm on Facebook and I end up at the next town. Like last Friday night.

Let me walk with you up the street from the train station. Our first stop is the Mercadona (supermarket) which is one of three modern grocery stores in L'Eliana. Lots of seafood is eaten in Spain, including shellfish, squid, octopus, eel, and fish. The big one is a Lubina (sea bass) that weighed in at over 13 lbs.

We'll stop at a small fruit and vegetable store tucked in along main street. They have lovely produce which is amazingly affordable. But you need to get there before it closes at 2. Traditional customs live on—almost every store closes at 2 p.m. daily for the mid-day meal/siesta and reopens about 5.

If we're up bright an early, we can shop at the Wednesday market. On offer are clothing, shoes, textiles, house plants, handbags. And if we're lucky, the Olive Guy will be there. You have no idea how delicious the olives are in Spain!

L'Eliana has beautiful parks. This one's glass mosaic sculptures remind me of Gaudi's Parc Guell in Barcelona.

The park is a favorite place for little kids to play during the day. Teenagers and families gather here in the evening.

L'Eliana's streets are lined with buildings that contrast ornate, time-honored architecture with newer, minimalist structures.

Beautiful architectural detail: Tile house number.

Traditional stone, wood and iron entryway.

Ironwork on door.

We'll pass traditional homes as we walk toward the modern Centre de Formación Persones Adultes (Adult Training Center) where I take Spanish lessons. L'Eliana also has a public swimming pool and an outdoor theater. The theater reminds me of drive-in movie theaters in the U.S., only with chairs instead of cars.

We can stroll down side streets and enjoy the feeling of being in a true Spanish town where stucco walls are painted in bright colors.

Then there's the matter of cats. Lots of cats. I thought this one might be dead until he lifted his scruffy head and looked at me. And went back to sleep.

Courtyards provide privacy, security, air, light, and tranquility. Most homes have courtyards that are encircled by stucco-covered walls. If this wall could talk, it would tell us fascinating stories about the history of L'Eliana.

I'm in love with the feeling of courtyards. There's something secretive about them. I slipped my camera lens between bars of an iron gate to snap this photo.

We'll wind our way toward the town square. The handsome Ajuntament (City Hall) faces the square and the church. In summer, kids stay cool by running (and screaming) through the fountains. Apparently the screaming helps. I don't know how.

The beautiful Parróquia Verge del Carme (Catholic church) sits opposite the City Hall. I love listening to its bells ring out the time of day. That's such a wonderful tradition!

Right next to the church is a plaza with palm trees and the Taller Artesano (artisan workshop). The painting on the wall is maravilloso (marvellous)! Why haven't I stopped in there yet?

Although L'Eliana is steeped in tradition, there are many modern stores and trendy services available. If you'd like to go home with some fresh ink, there's a tattoo shop just two blocks from my apartment. You can have your hair and nails done, buy fashionable clothes, get photocopies made, and shop for fancy electronic gadgets.

Spain's blending of old and new is fascinating to me. I loved being immersed in the stunning historic architecture and rich cultural traditions, and yet I have WiFi! It doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for joining me on this brief tour of my little town.

Comments

Call Me Brave or Call Me Crazy?

9/12/2017

When I announced my intention to move to Spain, the first question I always received was, “Are you going alone?”
I answered, “Yes.”

“Do you know anyone there?” “No.”

“Do you have a place to live?” “No.”

Inevitably they would exclaim, “You're so brave!”

I didn't feel like bravery was taking me to Europe. I was being pulled by my dream to live there.

At first, I tentatively shared my plan with my son and sisters. At that point I thought maybe I was crazy. Sixty-four years old, single, leaving a job I enjoyed, selling my lovely home, getting rid of all my stuff, and moving to Europe—alone—with just a suitcase and my camera. That did sound way crazy. It also sounded like a Big Adventure.

If my family had told me not to go—that it was too risky, or too stupid, or just plain a bad idea—I might have changed my mind and stayed put. But none of them did. My son said, “Go for it!” My sisters said, “We want to go!”

I got braver. I started telling a few friends, expecting some negative reactions. But every one of them said, “That's so exciting! I want to do that too!”

Now it was too late to back out. I'd told everyone close to me about my dream, and the pressure was on to make it happen. I set my plan in motion to move to Europe within one year.

Downsizing. I sold my home in Oregon's beautiful Rogue Valley.

My first task was to implement Downsizing 1.0. I sold my house, sold or gave away all my furniture and household stuff. Although it was painful, I even sold my beautiful Set-R-Rite grooming table and all my dog equipment. I downsized from a 1500 square foot house to a 132 square foot room in a girlfriend's home.

Temporary quarters in my friend's home.

People really thought I was crazy when I told them I planned to move to Europe with just one suitcase and my camera gear. That would require Downsizing 2.0 and the program was implemented one month prior to takeoff.

This is what I took to Europe: a 25” suitcase filled to capacity with clothing, a large purple duffel bag, and a backpack with my camera and electronics. Nothing more. I had to leave behind my camera tripod, Western boots <gasp!>, and a few other valuables. They simply wouldn't fit.

I wanted to take a second suitcase, but that was all I could manage with my travel and living situations. During my first six weeks in Europe, I had two judging assignments—one in Germany and one in France—and lived at a series of AirBnB apartments, with no permanent address. I could only manage one suitcase. When I made a trip back to the U.S., I returned to Europe with my other important stuff, including my boots.

Why now?
One fateful Friday night in February of 2016, I ended up in the hospital Emergency Room with a serious infection. It took weeks of heavy antibiotic use to recover. At that moment, I realized I wasn't getting any younger and I wasn't getting any healthier. Although I've always taken good care of myself, age was creeping up on me. (I hate to admit that!)

I watched my parents' dreams evaporate because their health deteriorated. They'd been to Europe once and wanted to visit again. But Mom had a stroke. Dad had heart problems. They were no longer able to go, and I swore I'd never let that happen to me. Shortly before she died, Mom gave me her cherished book about Florence, Italy. She said, “You'll have to go for me.” I will, Mom. My trip is scheduled for this fall.

Why Spain?
I'd been invited to judge dog shows in Europe a dozen times. Those judging assignments made it possible for me to explore regions near the shows. I'd been to Germany, the U.K., and France. Germany was beautiful, I spoke some German, and thought it could be a great place to live.

Just one teeny, tiny problem. Winter weather.

For 58 years I'd lived near Minneapolis and Chicago. Winters were cold. Very cold. Snow and ice were abundant. My neighbor used his skid-loader and bucket to clear my driveway—a shovel wasn't up to the task. Water in my dogs' water buckets froze solid in a couple of hours. I was tired of battling the weather and needed a major change.

Need I say more about Midwest winters?

In 2013, I escaped the frozen Midwest tundra and headed to the West Coast (close to California) where winters were milder. Never again would I live anyplace cold and snowy. Sadly, that knocked Germany and its chilly winters off my list of potential places to live.

When I planned My Big Adventure to Europe, warm weather was my number one criteria. Not too hot, not too cold, lots of sunshine. Spain's Mediterranean climate looked perfect.

Cities on the Mediterranean coast had the most moderate climates. Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante. I visited Barcelona and had a great time. My plan was to visit Valencia and Alicante, and then choose where to live. I made it as far as Valencia, fell madly in love with the city, and set down roots.

However, I'm not a big city girl. I prefer a small-town lifestyle. Through a stroke of luck I was introduced to the pueblo (town) of L'Eliana, which is a 20-minute metro ride from Valencia. It's an absolutely charming place, a mix of traditional Spanish culture with modern touches. My luck continued, I found an apartment the first day, and I settled in. I often pinch myself and say, “I'm here! I'm really living in Spain!”

Parròquia Verge del Carme on L'Eliana's town square. The church is still an important part of Spanish life.

Ajuntament de l'Eliana. The Town Hall faces the church across the town square.

Palm trees and a mural in my pueblo (town) of L'Eliana near Valencia, Spain.

Was I Afraid?
One thing that fascinates me about My Big Adventure is that I never felt any fear of the unknown. I had the utmost confidence that my plan would succeed, and it did. Here I am in Europe, this magical place, living my dream. Big risk, big payoff.

Brave or crazy? Maybe a little of both.

Even More to Love about Valencia

9/4/2017

When I travel, I want to see beauty: expressive artwork, sublime landscapes, glorious architecture. I explored Valencia and was so charmed by its blend of art and architecture that I decided to make it my home.

I wast astonished at the sheer number of handsome buildings that grace the city. Nearly every block has a facade that's photo-worthy. Many of the structures have historical significance and are still in use today.

I love the mash-up of architectural styles that are incorporated into many of the buildings. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical all play nicely together. They represent artistic influences that spread across Europe and were interpreted by Spanish architects.

Moorish and Byzantine influences can also be seen in this facade. I'd find it very difficult to classify this building as any particular architectural style. That's what makes it so interesting. And look at all the detail! A very creative architect came up with this plan.

No detail was left to chance. A simple streetlight is a work of art. I'm in awe of the ironwork and have no idea how this was made, but I love it! This type of beautiful detail is everywhere in Valencia's downtown district.

Dramatic winged archers, a steam locomotive, and a wooden ship adorn this clock tower. There's a message here.... I waited 20 minutes for a city bus to get out of the way so I could take this shot. Such a fascinating building!

Another clock tower with ornate detail, sans archers. This structure is almost fanciful in design -- It reminds me of a wedding cake with columns holding up the layers.

Looking for more buildings to photograph, I strolled down the street, where I enjoyed the brilliant colors of outdoor flower markets.

When I heard the clip-clop of hooves, I turned around and saw mounted police on matching horses. As a horse lover, it makes my heart go pitty-pat to see equine in the big city.

Walking past an old building near the Central Market, this snail motif stopped me in my tracks. I marveled at the attention to detail and careful workmanship.

Sometimes just looking up can be a delightful surprise. The rosy-colored stucco wall was accented by a window balcony with a black iron railing. But the designer went even farther by adding interesting detail under the balcony and a motif on the front of the railing. The window frames are also rich with detail.

I'd had an exciting day of shooting and was ready for dinner. As I walked toward the restaurant, I passed a prosthesis shop which apparently uses this wooden leg as their advertising. My friend said she knew a guy with a wooden leg named Steve. I asked her, "What's the name of the other leg?" <groan>

La Tagliatella. A scrumptious Italian dinner and lovely glass of wine in the magnificent Spanish city of Valencia. Perfecto!

Click to read My Love Affair with Valencia

Click to read Shop 'til You Drop: Valencia's Central Market

Shop 'til You Drop: Valencia's Central Market

8/21/2017

Write this on your “Must Do” list when you visit Valencia: Shop the Mercado Central (Central Market). The building itself is a gorgeous art nouveau showpiece worth seeing, but it also houses one of the largest public markets in Europe. It's like your local farmers market on steroids – inside a palace.

The grand entrance to the Central Market welcomes tourists from around the world.

The market covers an area of over 8,000 square meters (86,111 square feet). For comparison, a U.S. football field is 57,600 square feet including the end zones.

In the center of the magnificent structure is an intricate stained glass dome depicting the richness of Valencia’s fruit. The market is a symbol of the diversity of this region which produces internationally renowned fruits and vegetables.

The market is a gastronomic heaven with nearly a thousand market stalls offering fresh meats, fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, olives, and lots of wine. There’s even a snail stand and a stand dedicated to the spice saffron (signature spice in paella). You can also buy funky souvenirs and rather unusual snacks.

The Market is divided into sections for different produce. In the fish market, everything fishy is colorfully displayed on crushed ice. You can find all sorts of seafood including calamares (squid rings), sépias (cuttlefish), pulpo (squid tentacles), and – my personal favorite – shellfish of all types and sizes. You can even buy live eels. (Terrified Emoji here.)

If you're in the mood to try something unusual, take a look at the percebes. They are barnacles that look like tiny severed legs with the hoof attached. They are supposed to be delicious, but I think the texture would be too weird for me to handle. Especially the crunchy hoof part. (Another terrified Emoji here.)

Next stop is the cured ham section. Mind you, this is not one stand. This is an entire section of stands offering the finest hams. The Spanish take their jamón (ham) very seriously and you can find many types and qualities. Jamón ibérico is the celebrated ham made from Black Iberian pigs who graze on acorns. This specialty can cost you over €150/kilo ($68/lb). For the curious: yes, it does taste like acorns, in a good way.

In need of something to sustain you through the rest of your exploration of the Market? Try the gazpacho-to-go! This delight takes fast food to a whole new level. Or, if you prefer, you can have tapas with a nice glass of wine at the Central Bar.

Next stop: Fruits and Vegetables section. So many choices! So little time! You can pick up a glass of fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice at one of many fruit stands. The flavor is out-of-this-world! Grab some fresh apples to snack on later, too.

Many of the beautiful, ripe fruit and vegetables are seasonal and locally grown. They are on the menus of restaurants across the city. Your farmers market back home would be jealous if it knew you were here.

Does cooking paella sound like fun to you? Indulge yourself with the perfect paella pan! The selection here boggles the mind. Sizes and styles to suit the most discerning taste.

Sometimes you need to take home a bit of memorabilia from your trip, or you might be looking for that perfect white-elephant gift for your brother's birthday. The Central Market is sure to have what you're looking for. I couldn't resist the Gaudi-inspired spoon rest as the perfect accent to my kitchen. A couple of fancy wine bottle stoppers also came home with me. Refrigerator magnets, handsome tiles, you-name-it. There are plenty of fun choices!

You don't want to miss Valencia's Central Market. It's open Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. BYOB (bring your own bag) and have a shopping extravaganza!

Click here to read Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona

My Love Affair with Valencia.

8/14/2017

The train station in my tiny hometown in Estados Unidos (United States) was ancient, dark, and dusty. The floorboards squeaked. Uncomfortable wood benches flanked the entrance. In Alemania (Germany), the train stations I'd been through were of modern industrial design, spare, and efficient. In total contrast, when I stepped off the train and into the station in Valencia, Spain, I was startled by its beauty. Welcome to Valencia!

The majestic Estació del Nord (North Train Station) celebrates Valencia oranges. I was amazed when I discovered its handsome façade is decorated with glazed tiles that depict oranges. Mosaics inside the station also tell the story of oranges.

Yes, Valencia oranges really do grow here. For centuries the fruit has been tremendously important to the economy. There's even a cocktail celebrating oranges; Agua de Valencia (water of Valencia) is a delightful concoction of orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin. It's perfect after lunch, served chilled in a shot glass.

Fun fact: Along with oranges, Valencia is a prime rice growing area! Rice has been grown for over 1000 years on the low-lying land near the coast. Paella (pah-aye-ah) is the rice-based signature dish of Valencia. It's a free-style combo of rice, meat and/or seafood, with a few vegetables tossed in for a good measure. It's seasoned with saffron which gives the rice a lovely golden hue.

Tantalizing seafood paella I helped make during a cooking class. Write “cooking class” on your Must Do list when you visit Spain.

Speaking of food, the Mercado Central (Central Market), a beautiful art nouveau showpiece, is one of the largest public markets in Europe. Inside, a thousand market stalls are piled high with the freshest and finest meats, fruit, vegetables, and seafood. You can also grab souvenirs and snacks. Try the barnacles washed down with gazpacho-to-go! The Central Market is so fascinating that it will have its own post on this blog. Watch for it!

Right next door to the Central Market is Església de Sant Joan del Mercat. I dare you to say that fast three times. It's the Church of St. John of the Market. The ornate clock tower is flanked by a matched pair of St. Johns. The rather unusual weather vane on top of the façade is known as the Bird of St. John. I was stunned by the incredible detail covering every surface of the building.

Valencia's commercial prosperity in the 15th century spurred the construction of Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange building), to house commercial transactions and a marine merchant tribunal. The name of the magnificent la Llotja reflects the importance of the city's silk industry.

Another fun fact: In the past, if a merchant couldn't meet his financial obligations, the Trading Market would remove one leg of the bench he used. The bench was called a banco rota (broken bench), which later led to the English word "bankrupt."

The Silk Exchange's immense Sala de Contratación (Contract Hall) was the room where where merchants negotiated contracts. The intricate marble floor and awe-inspiring spiral pillars were total eye-candy for me.

Another area of the Silk Exchange, Consulado del Mar (Consulate of the Sea), was where the Trade Court met to solve maritime trade issues. The room is embellished with an intricately carved wood ceiling and massive doors. It occurred to me that the gorgeous tile floor would be a spectacular place to dance!

A few blocks to the northwest are the imposing medieval Torres de Quart (Towers of Quart). They were constructed between 1441 and 1460 as defensive gates for the city and were built of natural stone from quarries near Valencia. I was impressed by the cannonball damage sustained during the siege of the city by France in 1808. These towers withstood a ferocious pounding!

I've taken you around just a few blocks and we'll circle back to the majestic Estació del Nord. Beautiful by day. Gorgeous by night. There's so much more to see in Valencia! I can't wait to share more posts about this exquisite city.

Click here for a quick link to two maps that highlight the area we just explored. Check them out, then do yourself a favor and come to Valencia!

Click here to read Even More To Love About Valencia

How to Mail Your Postcards in Spain.

7/7/2017

You bought postcards in the airport of Beautiful Barcelona, Marvelous Madrid, or wherever your plane landed. You bought more postcards at cute little street vendor booths. You want to send them back home to make your friends jealous of your totally awesome vacation.

But where do you buy stamps? Where is a Post Office box or the Post Office? Fear not, the answers are here.

Buy stamps in a cigarette store?
You'll see “Tabac” shops everywhere. Along with tobacco products they also sell—guess what? Stamps! You ask for sellos (say-ohs). Make sure you get internacional (inter-na-see-onal). Or say Unidos Estados (oo-nee-dose es-tah-dose). That's the United States. Right now a stamp costs about 1.30 Euros for either a postcard or letter. Oh, and bring Euros. U.S. dollars aren't accepted.

You're ready. You wrote a glowing description of your travels on the back of the postcard. You want to pop it into a mailbox and head out for more shopping. You don't see anything that resembles the U.S. Postal Service drop-off boxes in their official red, white and blue color scheme. Or anything with that general rectangular shape that has a hinged door to indicate where your postcard should go.

Postal drop boxes in Spain are yellow. They are cylindrical.
They have “Correos” painted on them. They look like this photo. You might have to hunt just a little bit, but you'll find the smallish lid that lifts up so you can send your postcard to your BFF. Hint: See those three things that look like flaps? It's one of those.

You might need to pay a visit to the Post Office. Look for "Correos." It's hard to miss the bright yellow sign. You can purchase stamps, envelopes with international postage printed on them, packing material, and such.

There's another very good reason to know where the Post Offices are located. Should you need to purchase something from amazon.es (the Spanish Amazon site) during your travels, you can have it shipped to the Post Office of your choice. Be sure to bring your passport when you go to retrieve it, because if you don't, they won't release the package to you.

Now it's time to finish writing those gorgeous postcards and send them to everyone on your list!

La Sagrada Familia. Exquisite beyond belief.

6/30/2017

Big girls don't cry in public. I find it dreadfully embarrassing. Then I found myself inside La Sagrada Familia with tears streaming down my face. I was in such awe of the beauty of the basilica that I couldn't hold back my emotions.

I've visited magnificent cathedrals with soaring Gothic arches, priceless marble statues, and intricate stained glass windows. They filled me with wonder and admiration. But they didn't bring me to tears.

La Sagrada Familia (The Sacred Family) is in a class of its own when it comes to stirring emotions.

Antoni Gaudí was the architect of Barcelona's controversial basilica. Its radical design received both intense criticism and immense praise. Some people considered Gaudí to be crazy; others thought he was brilliant. I think his work was pure genius.

Approaching La Sagrada Familia from the park is like entering an enchanted forest.

The first stone for the building was laid in 1882. Because the scale of the project was so massive, Gaudí knew it would never be finished in his lifetime. He created detailed models of his ideas so architects were able to continue work after his death.

Cranes reveal the ongoing construction. The basilica is expected to be completed in 2026, 150 years after work began. Generations of architects and builders have been dedicated to finishing this monumental project. Funding for the work comes solely from donations and ticket sales.

Exterior sculptural detail of Jesus' birth announced by angels with trumpets. “A church is the only thing worthy of representing the feelings of a people, for religion is the highest thing in people.” - Antoni Gaudí

The Holy Water font in the entrance of La Sagrada Familia reflects Gaudí's inspiration by the structure of shells. I loved how the smooth, glossy interior and rough exterior of the vessel beautifully reinterpreted a shell, and how such an ordinary object was re-imagined as a vessel with purpose and dignity.

When I moved from the entrance into this part of the basilica I was flooded with emotion. The beauty was overwhelming. Gaudí's inspiration came from trees, leaves, cones, bones, and shells. He copied the structure of these natural forms to create a strong building that was filled with light.

Gaudí’s architecture was unique and constantly surprising; he carefully considered every tiny detail of his work. I was awestruck by the incredible design, soaring heights, intricate ceiling decoration, and brilliant stained glass windows.

Ceiling structures were patterned after leaves and the supporting columns were designed like trees. I felt like I was in a forest rather than inside a church.

Gaudí's lifelong passions were architecture, nature, and religion. His work became an expression of his deep religious beliefs. Above the altar, you turn your gaze upwards to view the sculpture of the Crucifixion of Christ.

Gaudí understood that nature uses curved forms, not straight lines. This area of the basilica is an example of his genius in choosing organic shapes, patterns, and textures to create feelings of strength and serenity.

When you visit Barcelona, you must see La Sagrada Familia. It's magnificent! Bring your selfie-stick so you can share the experience with all your Facebook friends. You can even purchase memorabilia on the way to your next destination.

Tickets are only available online. Be sure to buy them well in advance of your visit because they sell out. If you aren't claustrophobic or afraid of heights, you can ascend one of the towers in an elevator, then walk down 400 steps to the ground.

More info and to order tickets click here: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets/

Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona

6/23/2017

Barcelona is a destination you don't want to miss. Play on some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy luscious parks and recreational areas, get worked into a lather at international sport tournaments, and discover secrets of world-reknowned historical buildings and museums.

Me? I went to Barcelona for the awesome architecture!

What amazed me were the gorgeous buildings that dot the city. Not just the most popular tourist attractions, but exquisite structures that get less attention. On their way to work, people walk past these places without taking notice. They're just part of the everyday landscape where they live.

I marveled at the buildings, grabbed my camera and captured their beauty. All of these buildings were photographed within a short walk from La Sagrada Familia, which is a Barcelona landmark and World Heritage site.

This opulent facade is an expression of the power and prestige of its owner. 

Cathedral influenced by the Gothic architectural style.

Gothic architecture, which evolved from Romanesque architecture, arrived in Spain in the 12th century as a result of influence from other European countries, especially France. Its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress.

Architectural styles were combined with traditional cultural design elements to create unique buildings.

Detail of an exquisite upscale residence on Carrer de Valencia.

Decorative iron railings and ornate plasterwork adorn the building above. Many buildings in Barcelona have offices and shops on the ground level and apartments above.

Notice the organic Modernisme elements that were incorporated into this edifice.

In the late 19th century, Barcelona experienced a burst of architectural creativity known as the Catalan Modernisme movement. This style, which used organic forms for inspiration, was a significant departure from previous architectural styles.

La Sagrada Familia was designed by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi in the Catalan Modernisme style.

La Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona's gems, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique, innovative, and artistic architecture. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026. When construction is finished it will be the tallest religious building in Europe. When you visit Barcelona, make this Number 1 on your "Must See" list.

Beautiful ironwork detail and marble pilasters decorate this massive entrance on an otherwise ordinary Barcelona street.

The architecture was astounding, breathtaking, phenomenal! Wandering around the city, getting the flavor of life here, was equally fascinating. Europe is so European. That's why I love it so much! It's not the United States. The customs and pace of life are completely different. The people are wonderful, and contrary to what you might think, many of them don't speak English. So ramp up your Spanish language skills and come on over!

You'll find tiny fruit and vegetable stores on almost every city block. There's also at least one baked-goods shop on each block, with delicioso croissants!

Motorcycles and mopeds are everywhere. You have to keep a sharp eye out when crossing the street so you don't get run over.

Flowers burst out of the store and onto the sidewalk.

Many bars, shops, and restaurants (not in food-prep areas) are dog-friendly. Fido can even travel on the metro and local trains.

Every street corner has cozy outdoor seating for evening drinks and food. Perfect for romance! Spanish people are intensely social and take every opportunity to sit with their friends and family to dine al fresco.

Pouring at Teoric Taverna Gastronomica.

I'll let you in on a secret: Teoric Taverna Gastronomica is a wonderful little tapas bar just off Carrer de Valencia. When I visited, it had been open just six months and hadn't yet been discovered by the masses. The owners, Teo and Ori, offer highly original tapas using locally sourced ingredients. And the menu is amazing!

Olives with vermouth and orange. Duck, turnip and plum tacos. Life is an adventure--run with it!

Seasonal vegetables and cheese toast. Not like any cheese toast I ate as a kid!

Go to Barcelona. Go to Teoric. You'll need a reservation. Check out their website. It will make you hungry. http://teoric.cat/

Click here to read La Sagrada Familia

Personal Care Culture Shock

5/23/2017

“Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore,” said Dorothy to her terrier in The Wizard of Oz.

I'm in Spain. My Spanish language skills are woefully inadequate. As I fumble around creating a new life in L'Eliana, I have goofy experiences.

Personal Care Products
I hoped to find American cosmetics and body care products in Spain. No such luck. No Burt's Bees lotions or lip gloss. No Dr. Bronner's soap. No brand names that I recognized. So far I hadn't found any non-toxic products, but my search continues.

The stores didn't carry my favorite products; I had to start from scratch. Reading cosmetic package labels and translating them with my phone app was hilarious.

My translator app didn't know what Nispero meant. It's a "loquat," which is a fruit that originated in China.

I ran out of body wash and I'm rather particular about what I use. I don't care for heavily-scented products. I'm sure the sales clerk in the store thought I was completely crazy as I lifted the caps and sniffed every bottle of body wash on the shelves. There was too much scent and too many unpleasant chemicals in the formulas.

Switch to Plan B: buy a bar of soap. That seemed simple enough. I selected a bar that looked relatively non-toxic, with pictures of pretty white flowers and olives (for olive oil, I guess) on the wrapper. Of course, I sniffed the package. It had a pleasant citrus scent. Score!

I happily carried the bar of soap back to my AirBnB apartment, unwrapped it, and placed near the bathroom sink. But wait! What was that scent? Not citrus. It took me several minutes to figure it out. The soap smelled like CHERRY KOOLAID! Gaaaawww!

Body Butter
In this dry Spanish climate, I needed heavy-duty body lotion. The local Mercado (a market much like larger grocery stores in the U.S.) had a good selection. Once again, I opened every container and took a sniff. After all, I needed to be able to enjoy the scent with lotion all over me.

The only problem was, they all smelled the same. They had kind of a fishy overtone. That made no sense at all. Then I ambled around to the other side of the aisle and saw, to my surprise, the fresh fish counter! Aaarrrgghhh!

It was difficult enough to find a scent I liked. Even more challenging when the products were near the seafood aisle!

Grocery Store Gaffes
It was challenging for me to communicate in Spanish while paying for my groceries at the check-out counter. Truthfully, my conversations were rather limited. I could usually remember “Hola” (hello), “Buenos Dias” (good morning), and “Gracias” (thank-you). Although once, under pressure, I said “Buenos Dias” when I should have said “Adios” (good-bye). Okay, so I choked.

Giving the correct amount of money was simple enough. I held out my hand and let the cashier pick the right coins. Easy-peasy!

I needed fruit and vegetables. I carried my handbasket to the produce aisle in the Mercado and made my selections. I noticed other people putting their produce in individual plastic bags, so I followed suit, except that I used just one bag to conserve resources.

At the check-out counter the cashier rattled off something in Spanish that I, of course, couldn't understand. At some point it dawned on me that I hadn't weighed the food or applied UPC labels, since our produce in the U.S. has little UPC labels on each vegetable and piece of fruit.

By the time I realized what I should have done, the cashier had already hustled back to the produce aisle and weighed the apple, orange, carrot, green pepper, and zucchini. She returned to the check-out counter with my produce bag plastered with five UPC labels. It took her three tries to properly scan all the labels because the scanner had a hard time reading them individually. They were too close together.

After all was said and done, and I'd wasted at least ten minutes of the cashier's time, I learned my new word of the day. "Lo siento." I'm sorry.

Manzana is "apple." Note to self: always remember to weigh produce and apply the UPC code.

The next time I went to the grocery store, I was prepared. Not only did I bring my reusable shopping bag, but I knew how to weigh and label produce. I was on my game. I confidently selected apples and oranges, put them in individual bags, weighed them, and applied the UPC labels.

I saw several people looking at me in an odd way. What? Wasn't I doing this properly? After careful observation, I noticed other shoppers were wearing a plastic glove on the hand they used to touch the produce. I made another grocery store gaffe! Lesson learned. Now I know where to find the plastic gloves. And I kept mine to reuse later and conserve resources.

$Picture$

That's my hand in a plastic glove. It's a weird-looking photograph in which my hand looks like an alien appendage.

Wishy Washy
Washing clothes when on the road can be a big challenge. It's difficult to find a self-service laundromat. In Spain, many homes have washing machines but do not have tumble driers. Clothes are dried on a clothes line or drying rack, which is a bit tricky on rainy days. In my case, simply purchasing laundry detergent became a daunting task that even my trusty phone translator app wasn't quite up to.

I located the aisle at the Mercado that had the best shot at having washing detergent of some sort. I attempted to read the labels. I made guesses based on the size of containers and the little pictures on them. I queried my translator app. I stood there for over an hour attempting to choose the right product to get my clothes clean.

Was it laundry detergent? Did it contain scary-looking chemicals? Was the scent too strong? (Yes, I sniffed the bottles.) Was it stain remover? Bleach substitute? Fabric softener? Dishwasher detergent? One package looked like cat food.

When queried, my translator app was marginally useful, when it could have saved me from tremendous aggravation and self-doubt. The first words I needed translated were sin lejia which meant “without bleach.” So far, so good.

The next word was quitamanchas. Translator responded “quitamanchas.” Not helpful at all. That could have been key, because it meant stain remover.

I didn't know that until I got home and asked my real computer what the word meant. Two more successes: lavadora was “washing machine” and manchas was “stains.” Now I was getting somewhere. But then another unanswered question: rozaduras. Translator responded “rozaduras.” What?

Tejidos was “fabrics,” cuellos was “necks,” punos was “cuffs.” We were getting somewhere now. That bottle was stain remover. But then blanqueante came back as “teeth whitening systems.” I don't think so.

Eventually I found bottles with pictures of washing machines and shirts. I was pretty sure I'd found the right products. The considerations at that point were whether to buy liquid or powder, what size of container, and if it contained environmentally un-friendly ingredients.

I settled on an orange box with a picture of what appeared to be Castille soap squashed into convenient little tablets. There was a picture of a happy tree, sunshine and a rainbow next to the words activos biodegradables. Even I could understand “biodegradables.” The front of the carton gave me joy: Detergente Lavadora Tabletas. “Washing machine detergent tablets.”

SUCCESS! I'm not back in Kansas, but at least I'll have clean clothes.

Aussies and Adventures in Europe: The Journey Begins.

4/7/2017

On April 28, I'll head to Europe. My home base will be on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, and I'll be traveling all over Europe. I'll judge and attend shows, visit Aussie breeders, and videotape and photograph their dogs, whose pedigrees trace back to famous Australian Shepherds in the U.S. I'll also explore the cities I visit and discover the best places to eat and gorgeous sites to see.

Join me on this grand adventure as I share my experiences and photos with you!

First stop is Bonn, Germany, where I'll judge an Aussie Specialty. After the show I'll play with a litter of puppies sired by BIS BISS Multi CH McMatt Blue Graffiti "Garrett." The litter will be five weeks old, and you know there's nothing cuter than baby Aussies at that age! I'll capture them on video so you can enjoy them too!

Next stop is Barcelona, Spain. There I'll meet “Garrett,” take photos and videos of him, and have a chance to talk to his owner, Cristina Freixes. She's the driving force who is introducing Aussies to her country, and her dogs have been very successful in the show ring.

After photographing Cristina's lovely dogs, I'll head into downtown Barcelona to enjoy sights in the city and eat delicious local fare at the charming tapas restaurants. Then it's on to Valencia to photograph stunning Moorish architecture, and more exploration of villages along the Mediterranean coastline.

My third stop is in Cerilly, France, where I'll judge the French Aussie Club's National Specialty. Following that, I'll travel to the Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) and meet Aussie breeders from that region. Their breeding programs will be fascinating, and I'll document their dogs in photos and videos to share with you. Sailing on the Mediterranean and sampling local wines are on the agenda, too.

And there's even more! (This all takes place the first month I'm in Europe.) I'll head to Nice, France, to watch the French National Dog Show. It will be the perfect opportunity for me to be a “ringside judge,” meet and take photos of European Aussies, and chat with Aussie breeders from all over the country.

After this whirlwind of experiences, it will be time to head back to my home in Spain. There will be a lot of photo and video editing to do, Spanish language classes to take, salsa dancing, and enjoying my new life.

My plans include trips to southern Germany, Switzerland, and Italy to see the wonderful sights and get to know Aussie breeders in those countries. Next spring I'll be judging a show in Sydney, Australia, and will explore that country and it's neighbor, New Zealand. Many more countries entice me, so stay tuned as I travel the world!

Follow me on this wonderful journey!

The Fine Art of Graffiti

6 Fun and Unusual Christmas Traditions in Spain

Recap of 2017: Incredible Life Change and Adventure

Alicante. A Spanish City of Contrasts.

My Little Town of L'Eliana.

Call Me Brave or Call Me Crazy?

Even More to Love about Valencia

Shop 'til You Drop: Valencia's Central Market

My Love Affair with Valencia.

How to Mail Your Postcards in Spain.

La Sagrada Familia. Exquisite beyond belief.

Everyday Street Scenes in Barcelona

Personal Care Culture Shock

Aussies and Adventures in Europe: The Journey Begins.

Don't miss a thing!
Pop your email in the box below and I'll let you know once a month about my fun new posts.

Paula McDermid

Categories

Don't miss a thing! Pop your email in the box below and I'll let you know once a month about my fun new posts.

Paula McDermid

Categories

Don't miss a thing!
Pop your email in the box below and I'll let you know once a month about my fun new posts.