San Sebastian

San Sebastian was fantastic! There is no wonder why people write of the sea.

A sense of wonder, excitement, insecurity, freedom, and bliss.

We hiked up to a lookout over the coast and beaches.

There is an awesome castle and statue of Christ at the lookout.

The boardwalk was quite a lively place full of people and things to see.

My favorite lamp posts of Spain.

The water was a little chilly so we just waded.

There were a lot of surfers who braved the cold water.

All in all it was a beautiful day at the beach!

Roncesvalles

We took a windy and beautiful bus trip up through the Pyrenees, the mountains in northern Spain/souther France to see a pilgrimage sight called Roncesvalles. This was the setting for "The Song of Roland."

A view out my window. What a long bus ride that was.

Pamplona

Pamplona is famous for the Running of the Bulls.

Even though we didn't run with the bulls, Lauren and I went on a vigorous morning run and got to see the city in the wee hours, including a bunch of wasted teenagers.

We wandered the streets and discovered some fountains and beautiful buildings. I love seeing all the kids playing out in the park while the parents and grandparents socialized on the benches.

We went to one of the cutest stores ever! Click here, you know you want to!

I really liked Pamplona.

Burgos

Burgos, the "Provo" of Spain.

(Our director said this because Burgos is one of the most conservative cities in all of Spain.)

This cathedral was full of light, very different from some past cathedrals.

We were able to take photos sin flash!

The final resting place for El Cid, or the hero of Spain.

I cannot remember who these monarchs are but I love this sculture/coffin.

More magnificent ceilings and windows.

A Little Behind...

I apologize.

With all this traveling, doing school work, and embracing the relaxed Spanish lifestyle, I have put off posting on my travels.

The next few days there will be LOADS of posts so watch out!

On the streets of Madrid

Let me share with you some streets scenes from Madrid!

This is our arrival point for most of our trips into Madrid: Atocha Renfe.

Riding the Metro is a different experience every time. Sometimes we see drunks pass out. Sometimes we are targeted by pick pocketers. Sometimes we are squished into those cars with people literally on our laps. We ALWAYS are running to catch the next train back home.

People like to play all kinds of instruments for some dinero. I like to listen to them, especially the opera lady.

This plaza was my first view of Madrid.

A city canvas.

It is funny to see all the little "accessory" dogs.

These painted cows are part of a traveling art exhibit. Some of them are kind of pretty.

Earning daily bread courtesy of tourists.

I feel bad because I never put any money in the pot.

This guy reminded me of The Invisible Man.

These flamenco dancers were not as good as Valencia or "Carmen," but still fun to see.

Very different, very awesome.

This small ensemble was super good and made that trip five times better because it was a cold and cloudy day. They played classical pieces and attracted a large crowd.

Mariachi in Madrid? The famous statue and symbol of Madrid, the bear and tree, is in the background.

Obviously you can find a McDonald and KFC restaurante most places in the world. I confess I have gone to McDonalds a couple times, but only for a yogurt and once for cherry tomatoes.

Speaking of la comida... this my friends is a castaña, roasted chestnut. Back in January when the weather was begging me for a warm belly I miraculously found a street vendor.

And yes, the famous chocolateria. This was by far the best chocolate and churros I have had in Spain. I am seriously contemplating opening a place like this to battle all the frozen yogurt places in Provo.

At the entrance to El Parque del Buen Retiro there is a street lined with books stalls. You betcha I have spent a couple hours of happiness here!

(The only downside to it is that all the books are in Spanish.)

18 Months

I'm going to miss this girl.

Buena suerte en Chile Hermana Arnold!

Barcelona

What a terrific trip to Barcelona!

Here is La Rambla, a people-watching place.

Our first day we walked down to the port of Barcelona to see the Christopher Columbus monument.

Feeding the seagulls.

It was a cold, windy day (not as stormy as the picture looks though).

We walked along the boat docks which was pretty neat.

The "Stacia" section of La Rambla. Finding bright flowers in the middle of a city street is a treasure.

The street performers and people dressed up in these insane costumes were amusing/creepy.

I bet they make bank.

Monuments in Barcelona practically litter the streets. I liked this one.

We visited the mercado, the big farmer's market type thing, while we were in Barcelona. This is a bunch of candied fruit and olive oil.

I should have bought one of these crabs. They were still moving.

Oh yum!

On Friday morning we visited La Sagrada Familia, an architectural monster originally designed by Gaudí, which is a famous symbol of Barcelona.

The building/temple was inspired by elements of nature. I loved the shapes and curves everywhere.

I hope they finish it before I die.

We did a LOT of walking in Barcelona and it was interesting just to look at all the buildings and scooters.

(These two pictures were taken by Mark. Thanks!)

We went to Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece.

A look out to the Mediterranian Sea from the park.

People enjoying the sun in the park.

Ali and I wandered around the Gothic section of the old city that night and found a little outdoor market that had samples of cheese and chorizo. We ate something that looked like a bean or nut, but tasted downright nasty. I think it was supposed to be decoration.

To top off our stay in Barcelona we went to the fountain show in the Plaza de Espana. Think of the fountain shows at the Bellagio, but bigger, with color, and spanish Disney songs. What a treat it was!

Our fountain poses.

On Saturday we drove up this mountain (no recuerdo el nombre) to see Montserrat, a monastery built on the side of the mountain.

It was a gorgeous place and I loved hearing the bells for mass.

We took an outdoor elevator/train thing to the top of the mountain to have a look.

I think I am going to miss Spain.