Well, I have tried to go over what little I wrote from my final days in Spain and there's not much to speak of.
I finished my days doing a lot more of the same: walking, snapping, photos, and talking to a steady stream of friendly strangers. (Well, to the best of our abilities.)
The last evening I hung out with MaryLiz for a bit in the city square. We had coffee and held tightly to our wallets as there were gypsies about.
She went off to the gym or for a nap- I don't recall. I said goodbye to Joey and his wife but I could not bring myself to ask for a photo of them. I know it's no big deal but I felt weird asking.
Later, I met up with MaryLiz, Guillo, and Alberto at 'Berto's place. They bought me Chinese food and we visited. We decided to try and go do some karaoke but it was closed. We went to the weird club with Fraggles on the back entrance and enjoyed a good, final visit. Mostly, MaryLiz and I talked abut our rural childhoods. It stunned the Spaniards to hear of the violence, religious fanatics, and meth.
We said our goodbyes and I went to sleep for a couple of hours.
I awoke, packed, and walked to the bus station. I saw a cab driver so I asked how much it would be to go to the airport and I had just enough to do it.
The flights home were smooth and easy. I got a little rest. I read, watched "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and had another good in-flight, vegetarian meal.
I had a massive lay-over in Philly. It was good to be able to phone the wife and talk for a long time. I must have walked five miles in as many hours.
Home.......and there she was, waiting at the airport. It was good to be home.
I am extremely grateful to MaryLiz and to all of the wonderful friends I made in Spain for the amazing time I had. It was a dream come true.
And, ya' know, I am also quite grateful to be "what" I am/was on that trip: an American. I am in love with the world but I very much value the American experience. I am very lucky to be able to have that and go out into the world. I think that it is a very essential part of what I want to do with my life via music.
It's difficult to explain. I am not a flag-waver and there is plenty in this country to be shamed of. However, I am not ashamed of jazz, rock'n'roll, blues, the beats, and a great many very American things that help me to understand the world better than I did when I was a sheltered child in Oklahoma- under the umbrella of ignorance, television, and a manufactured religion.
Thank you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
"Isn't Catholicism a little OLD to be playing with dolls?"
I became reasonably conscious in the backseat of Guillo's car. I gave him a brief rundown on what the prior night consisted of which he got a lot of enjoyment out of.
We met up with the crew and took two vehicles out of town. The countryside was amazingly beautiful; I believe my sense of wonder towards it all distracted me from my exhaustion and hangover.
We went to Guillo's parents' restaurant which MaryLiz had raved about. They are Argentine so this would be my first experience with the food. Of course, as with most of cuisine I encountered on this trip, it was mostly beef and pork. I got a garlic chicken that was very good. Super, super nice people.
From there we went to see the ocean. It was a pleasant temperature outside but near the ocean is was downright cold. However, again, I was taken by the beauty of the sights. The ocean itself was breathtaking but I think it was the township, the buildings and such, that really struck me.
I took some photos there. There was a small dog there who was very photogenic.
We went to another area where we were at the top of large cliffs. The ocean was very chaotic there and the waves crashing sounded like thunderclaps. These impacts has worked holes into the rock and the pressure had causes geyser-like eruptions to blow out the tops of the cliffs. Pretty amazing stuff. I got some video and photos of these "blow-holes".
Between these large cliffs was a long valley that would calm the violent waters to a peaceful, smooth, glide of waves up to a sandy shore. It was a real treat to be able to walk a few hundred yards and experience both.
After the ocean was a long drive into the mountains where I was taken to a beautiful and magnificent cathedral. I can't describe everything that was there as it wa smostly Catholic mumbo-jumbo and lots of signs that said "Silencio!". There was also some weirdness inside the mountain- an area I rferred to as "The Temple of Doom" as it was lit with a wealth of candles, leading to a small worship area that has a weird looking doll of a pope, saint, or other schizoid creation.
There was also a beautiful waterfall and natural spring. Fascinating area.
I had really exhausted myself by the time we left. Everyone was hungry so we stopped at a mall to eat. I had depleted my funds (and lost 50 Euros somewhere) so I primarily just people-watched and took photos.
Back to my room. Sleep. Much-needed sleep.
We met up with the crew and took two vehicles out of town. The countryside was amazingly beautiful; I believe my sense of wonder towards it all distracted me from my exhaustion and hangover.
We went to Guillo's parents' restaurant which MaryLiz had raved about. They are Argentine so this would be my first experience with the food. Of course, as with most of cuisine I encountered on this trip, it was mostly beef and pork. I got a garlic chicken that was very good. Super, super nice people.
From there we went to see the ocean. It was a pleasant temperature outside but near the ocean is was downright cold. However, again, I was taken by the beauty of the sights. The ocean itself was breathtaking but I think it was the township, the buildings and such, that really struck me.
I took some photos there. There was a small dog there who was very photogenic.
We went to another area where we were at the top of large cliffs. The ocean was very chaotic there and the waves crashing sounded like thunderclaps. These impacts has worked holes into the rock and the pressure had causes geyser-like eruptions to blow out the tops of the cliffs. Pretty amazing stuff. I got some video and photos of these "blow-holes".
Between these large cliffs was a long valley that would calm the violent waters to a peaceful, smooth, glide of waves up to a sandy shore. It was a real treat to be able to walk a few hundred yards and experience both.
After the ocean was a long drive into the mountains where I was taken to a beautiful and magnificent cathedral. I can't describe everything that was there as it wa smostly Catholic mumbo-jumbo and lots of signs that said "Silencio!". There was also some weirdness inside the mountain- an area I rferred to as "The Temple of Doom" as it was lit with a wealth of candles, leading to a small worship area that has a weird looking doll of a pope, saint, or other schizoid creation.
There was also a beautiful waterfall and natural spring. Fascinating area.
I had really exhausted myself by the time we left. Everyone was hungry so we stopped at a mall to eat. I had depleted my funds (and lost 50 Euros somewhere) so I primarily just people-watched and took photos.
Back to my room. Sleep. Much-needed sleep.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Missed the Point
As usual, I got behind on everything...
I am now home and have had to go right back to work and into that rut. So I will do my beat to pick up where I left off.
Note: I, allegedly, look like this guy to all drunken Spaniards:
His name is Enrique Bunbury and, aside from the hair, I don't see it at all. Yet, as I walked the streets of Avilés, I would hear a shout of "Bunbury" at least once a day. Some days I heard it a a few times.
I don't remember a whole lot from the day of Friday the 13th but I think that that was the night that MaryLiz and I went back (the previous visit was spent visiting with a crazy old guy who claimed to be the King of Avilés) to a small bar where I proceeded to get drunk enough to ask for the acoustic guitar and play some songs. There were some folks from a band there and they were really nice. One of them spoke English rather well and claimed to had learned from watching television, mostly. He loved America and The Doors. Heh.
Of course, we didn't know any of the same songs but we were sure trying. I figured that they would know Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and such. NOPE.
They did know "People are Strange".
Besides that I just played the first songs that came to my head, none of which anybody knew: Elvis Costello, Leonard Cohen, Nick Lowe, Merle Haggard, Nick Cave, etc. They were very polite.
MaryLiz had hurt her leg working out and was having a great deal of difficulty getting around. I felt bad as I knew that she would rather be takin' her easy at home rather than entertaining her lame, American guest.
Saturday, the 14th, I spent by myself as MaryLiz was in too much pain to go out much.
I found myself in that unusual circumstance where I wanted to let her know that I was perfectly OK spending the day by myself and would enjoy it- but I didn't want to make it sound like I was glad she was down with an injury!
I did the usual that day: walked around, missed the restaurants while they were open (I survived on coffee and beer), and I took some photos. My battery was still showing a full-charge but I knew that that wasn't the case and I still hadn't located my charger.
I took a long nap that helped me out a lot. Yay.
That night I went to the discotheque sort of district to see what had been described to me. Sure enough, it was mostly really young kids, mostly drunk but also not that much of a LAME vibe that one gets at such places here in the states.
I got a drink at one place then moved on to another. It looked a little more popular as the dance floor was pretty full. Very little dancing though.
I got a gin and tonic and watched the interactions. It only took about five minutes for a huddle of guys and girls to come over to me and ask if I was alone. I guess it is an odd sight in Spain to spend any time at all alone as this would happen occasionally during the day as well.
I told them that I was American and that I didn't speak Spanish at all. They would start talking amongst themselves and pool together their English in increments, asking me about where I was from and such. They were incredibly nice and proceeded to buy my next drink. And the next. And so on.
I was introduced to a lot of people and, of course, forgot their names immediately. They were all very conncected- Googling me on the spot and seeing Lucky Pineapple stuff. They overreacted to the MTV affiliation that I tried to explain. I would have likely just played along with their wild fantasies of who I must have been, had I been drunker at the time....
Nevertheless, I had to take a lot of photos with a lot of people. I would get pulled over to the guys side to be quizzed about politics, sports, and women...and then pulled over to the girls' side and listen to them make fun of their boyfriends/husbands.
Eventually the dance floor began to get drunk enough to dance more. I danced and they liked that a lot. They kept asking how to do certain moves- which was pretty funny as I was just dancing like an drunken idiot. Somehow, Michael Jackson got brought up and someone said "moonwalk", so I showed someone how to moonwalk. They went CRAZY and, before I knew it, I was trying to teach about 20 people how to do it. Nobody got it right and, had it not been for my especially slick, new, cheap boots that I purchased from a street vendor, I wouldn't had been able to do it on that floor either.
I have to say: teaching the youth of Spain how to moonwalk may need to be in my obituary. Note it.
I tried to adjourn my services for the evening on a few occasions but they simply would not allow it.
I was taken to another club that was PACKED. It appeared to be an old, HUGE home that was converted. Gorgeous. We went upstairs and they bought me yet another gin and tonic. I ran into one of the band guys that I had met the night before. Nice fella'. Sure likes The Doors.
MaryLiz had mentioned on my first night how when a traditional song comes on how people go crazy. It was pretty neat to see a crowd of 16-25 year olds react in such a way. They all sing along and dance. It's pretty neat.
Another club, another drink. This one was called La Dolce vita and had scenes from the movie on some advertisements. I pointed and said "Anita Ekberg" and I received polite and confused smiles.
Dancing continued. I knew it was late. Or early. Eventually I began to see fatigue on my new friends' faces and it surely was a relief for me.
I was deposited at my room somewhere around 7am. I gave my e-mail address to some people who had taken photos of us all together so incriminating evidence may surface some time in the near future.
I went to sleep, awoken by a knock at the door. It was Guillo. It was 11am and we were getting ready to go to the ocean, the mountains, and such.
I don't remember much about this waking.
I am now home and have had to go right back to work and into that rut. So I will do my beat to pick up where I left off.
Note: I, allegedly, look like this guy to all drunken Spaniards:
His name is Enrique Bunbury and, aside from the hair, I don't see it at all. Yet, as I walked the streets of Avilés, I would hear a shout of "Bunbury" at least once a day. Some days I heard it a a few times.
I don't remember a whole lot from the day of Friday the 13th but I think that that was the night that MaryLiz and I went back (the previous visit was spent visiting with a crazy old guy who claimed to be the King of Avilés) to a small bar where I proceeded to get drunk enough to ask for the acoustic guitar and play some songs. There were some folks from a band there and they were really nice. One of them spoke English rather well and claimed to had learned from watching television, mostly. He loved America and The Doors. Heh.
Of course, we didn't know any of the same songs but we were sure trying. I figured that they would know Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and such. NOPE.
They did know "People are Strange".
Besides that I just played the first songs that came to my head, none of which anybody knew: Elvis Costello, Leonard Cohen, Nick Lowe, Merle Haggard, Nick Cave, etc. They were very polite.
MaryLiz had hurt her leg working out and was having a great deal of difficulty getting around. I felt bad as I knew that she would rather be takin' her easy at home rather than entertaining her lame, American guest.
Saturday, the 14th, I spent by myself as MaryLiz was in too much pain to go out much.
I found myself in that unusual circumstance where I wanted to let her know that I was perfectly OK spending the day by myself and would enjoy it- but I didn't want to make it sound like I was glad she was down with an injury!
I did the usual that day: walked around, missed the restaurants while they were open (I survived on coffee and beer), and I took some photos. My battery was still showing a full-charge but I knew that that wasn't the case and I still hadn't located my charger.
I took a long nap that helped me out a lot. Yay.
That night I went to the discotheque sort of district to see what had been described to me. Sure enough, it was mostly really young kids, mostly drunk but also not that much of a LAME vibe that one gets at such places here in the states.
I got a drink at one place then moved on to another. It looked a little more popular as the dance floor was pretty full. Very little dancing though.
I got a gin and tonic and watched the interactions. It only took about five minutes for a huddle of guys and girls to come over to me and ask if I was alone. I guess it is an odd sight in Spain to spend any time at all alone as this would happen occasionally during the day as well.
I told them that I was American and that I didn't speak Spanish at all. They would start talking amongst themselves and pool together their English in increments, asking me about where I was from and such. They were incredibly nice and proceeded to buy my next drink. And the next. And so on.
I was introduced to a lot of people and, of course, forgot their names immediately. They were all very conncected- Googling me on the spot and seeing Lucky Pineapple stuff. They overreacted to the MTV affiliation that I tried to explain. I would have likely just played along with their wild fantasies of who I must have been, had I been drunker at the time....
Nevertheless, I had to take a lot of photos with a lot of people. I would get pulled over to the guys side to be quizzed about politics, sports, and women...and then pulled over to the girls' side and listen to them make fun of their boyfriends/husbands.
Eventually the dance floor began to get drunk enough to dance more. I danced and they liked that a lot. They kept asking how to do certain moves- which was pretty funny as I was just dancing like an drunken idiot. Somehow, Michael Jackson got brought up and someone said "moonwalk", so I showed someone how to moonwalk. They went CRAZY and, before I knew it, I was trying to teach about 20 people how to do it. Nobody got it right and, had it not been for my especially slick, new, cheap boots that I purchased from a street vendor, I wouldn't had been able to do it on that floor either.
I have to say: teaching the youth of Spain how to moonwalk may need to be in my obituary. Note it.
I tried to adjourn my services for the evening on a few occasions but they simply would not allow it.
I was taken to another club that was PACKED. It appeared to be an old, HUGE home that was converted. Gorgeous. We went upstairs and they bought me yet another gin and tonic. I ran into one of the band guys that I had met the night before. Nice fella'. Sure likes The Doors.
MaryLiz had mentioned on my first night how when a traditional song comes on how people go crazy. It was pretty neat to see a crowd of 16-25 year olds react in such a way. They all sing along and dance. It's pretty neat.
Another club, another drink. This one was called La Dolce vita and had scenes from the movie on some advertisements. I pointed and said "Anita Ekberg" and I received polite and confused smiles.
Dancing continued. I knew it was late. Or early. Eventually I began to see fatigue on my new friends' faces and it surely was a relief for me.
I was deposited at my room somewhere around 7am. I gave my e-mail address to some people who had taken photos of us all together so incriminating evidence may surface some time in the near future.
I went to sleep, awoken by a knock at the door. It was Guillo. It was 11am and we were getting ready to go to the ocean, the mountains, and such.
I don't remember much about this waking.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Checkin-In
Quickly:
I heard CocoRosie on a television commercial for some sort of aloe vera lotion. Crazy.
Makes me wish I had some of their music on me though...none on the laptop. :(
Visiting with Joey at El Cafe de Joey. These people are too good to me. I had my usual croissant and coffee as those items remain about the only things I can order with any degree of confidence.
He plays mostly 60's Motown and soul in here. Perfect.
There is an employee here that seems rather quiet and nervous. I believe one of my many favorite memories on this trip will be the sight of him raising his fist and closing his eyes on the chorus to "(You Don't Know What It's Like) To Love Somebody".
I have always been one to just stare at the traffic of people that pass in front of me- but not like here. I guess I am suffering/enjoying a culture shock that has me very giddy.
It is truly unfortunate that I can't speak the language. I wish I could convey more of these thoughts and feelings to some of these friendly folks.
Enjoyin' my beer and this weather.
I heard CocoRosie on a television commercial for some sort of aloe vera lotion. Crazy.
Makes me wish I had some of their music on me though...none on the laptop. :(
Visiting with Joey at El Cafe de Joey. These people are too good to me. I had my usual croissant and coffee as those items remain about the only things I can order with any degree of confidence.
He plays mostly 60's Motown and soul in here. Perfect.
There is an employee here that seems rather quiet and nervous. I believe one of my many favorite memories on this trip will be the sight of him raising his fist and closing his eyes on the chorus to "(You Don't Know What It's Like) To Love Somebody".
I have always been one to just stare at the traffic of people that pass in front of me- but not like here. I guess I am suffering/enjoying a culture shock that has me very giddy.
It is truly unfortunate that I can't speak the language. I wish I could convey more of these thoughts and feelings to some of these friendly folks.
Enjoyin' my beer and this weather.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It Was Bound To Happen...
I just returned from a beer and a long walk. It's a cool, beautiful night. The streets are mostly empty...........
I saw and heard a man and woman going back and forth in the distance and across the street from me. As I got closer I could tell that started directing their talk at me. I gave my usual line, that I don't speak Spanish, and then the ol' girl opened her jacket to reveal most of her breasts.
Ahh. The universal language of propositioning.
I did what was probably the worst thing I could have done...I laughed and I did so very loudly. The offense registered on both of their faces.
So I stepped up my pace and got the hell out of there. I heard them talking and I think I caught "hombre", which was an exchange that went something like "He probably likes men." Right?
Anyways, I'm back in the room now. I am going to read and try and go to sleep very soon.
G'night.
I saw and heard a man and woman going back and forth in the distance and across the street from me. As I got closer I could tell that started directing their talk at me. I gave my usual line, that I don't speak Spanish, and then the ol' girl opened her jacket to reveal most of her breasts.
Ahh. The universal language of propositioning.
I did what was probably the worst thing I could have done...I laughed and I did so very loudly. The offense registered on both of their faces.
So I stepped up my pace and got the hell out of there. I heard them talking and I think I caught "hombre", which was an exchange that went something like "He probably likes men." Right?
Anyways, I'm back in the room now. I am going to read and try and go to sleep very soon.
G'night.
Shake That Pig
I seem to be the most liked and least understood person in Avilés, perhaps in all of España. (Unlike that faggy sort of thing in America where I am "misunderstood"....right?)
I ordered a coffee and slipped in some English- and some nearby youth seized upon this. They all knew a bit of English and asked if I was American. When I said "yes" they started asking me all kinds of questions in broken English. It was sweet. There were four or five of them, mostly skater-types. They would point to buttons on my bag and shirt and ask what they meant. It was sorta' funny as I explained The Stooges because I said all of the wrong things for way too long: Detroit, punk rock, 1960's...and, of course, the obvious thing was when I said the singer was Iggy Pop. They all started saying "Iggy Pop! Iggy Pop!" very enthusiastically.
I was asked if I wanted to go somewhere else so I joked that I would like to go to McDonalds. They, of course, WANTED to go to McDonalds so I was left trying to explain that I was trying to be a typical American and that, actually, I hate McDonalds. They all laughed but I guess I am still a little concerned that I seemed like a jerk with that one.
Anyways, I told them I was on my way. I think. The seemed to understand my attempt at a diplomatic suspension of this international meeting.
Sweet kids.
------------------------
Currently, I am sitting at Mackay's, the place where I was rescued by MaryLiz.......
I am hungry but everything I am being offered has mysterious meats in it, likely pork. I can't get into it. Maybe when I am really starving.....
I spent a lot of time today just sitting on a park bench, watching people. I was hung-over and feeling bad but I was taken by the people here- just watching them go about their business.
It is amazing to watch so many people, 90% of them or so, walk so slowly and just look around...smile, laugh...so many greetings to so many people. Not a single angry face. I know they're out there..........
It was a beautiful day.
I visited with Joey, briefly. He pretty much stays busy so I feel bad if I stay too long.
It made me think about how he is the kind of guy I might actually avoid visiting with in the States as he is a bigger, older guy...with this almost Brooklyn accent. I think I even visit with him cautiously, figuring that he will be judgmental towards such a weirdo as myself. That is never the case. I watch this guy operate and I am completely charmed by his hard work that absolutely looks and feels fulfilling. It's a beautifully simple existence- working and owning a place like that, but one that just looks and feels good to see in action.
I feel a bit of envy.
I guess I am bored by a lot of people. Myself, even. I think of a lot in my life and home as dull and without proper ambitions...or something. Then, I come here and see such simple lives operating on such a beautifully dignified level...and it strikes me. I guess I know quite well that I need to do more than that to get by so perhaps it's a jealousy. Or something.
I find myself wanting to ask everybody in my life "well, what do you REALLY want to do?" as far as their dreams and such. I couldn't go on without dreams. I can't handle only having a job to occupy 75% of my life and spending the rest of my time trying to stay mentally healthy enough to make sure that I won't lose it.
ANYWAYS..........it's different here. I think. Maybe I am just completely hypnotized by such sweet people that I am overlooking the obvious. They seem to balance professional lives and everything else quite well.
I would probably be bored by most of them if I actually could talk to them.
Dinnertime is wrapping up and I have missed the window AGAIN. I just can't adjust. That's OK. I had a beer that has left me satisfied for the moment. I want to go out some more. It is likely that I missed my MaryLiz nightly connection online but that's OK as I know she needs rest and probably needs to NOT worry about me or feel obligated in any way. She's been so incredibly kind and helpful.
OK. Off into the Spanish night..................
I ordered a coffee and slipped in some English- and some nearby youth seized upon this. They all knew a bit of English and asked if I was American. When I said "yes" they started asking me all kinds of questions in broken English. It was sweet. There were four or five of them, mostly skater-types. They would point to buttons on my bag and shirt and ask what they meant. It was sorta' funny as I explained The Stooges because I said all of the wrong things for way too long: Detroit, punk rock, 1960's...and, of course, the obvious thing was when I said the singer was Iggy Pop. They all started saying "Iggy Pop! Iggy Pop!" very enthusiastically.
I was asked if I wanted to go somewhere else so I joked that I would like to go to McDonalds. They, of course, WANTED to go to McDonalds so I was left trying to explain that I was trying to be a typical American and that, actually, I hate McDonalds. They all laughed but I guess I am still a little concerned that I seemed like a jerk with that one.
Anyways, I told them I was on my way. I think. The seemed to understand my attempt at a diplomatic suspension of this international meeting.
Sweet kids.
------------------------
Currently, I am sitting at Mackay's, the place where I was rescued by MaryLiz.......
I am hungry but everything I am being offered has mysterious meats in it, likely pork. I can't get into it. Maybe when I am really starving.....
I spent a lot of time today just sitting on a park bench, watching people. I was hung-over and feeling bad but I was taken by the people here- just watching them go about their business.
It is amazing to watch so many people, 90% of them or so, walk so slowly and just look around...smile, laugh...so many greetings to so many people. Not a single angry face. I know they're out there..........
It was a beautiful day.
I visited with Joey, briefly. He pretty much stays busy so I feel bad if I stay too long.
It made me think about how he is the kind of guy I might actually avoid visiting with in the States as he is a bigger, older guy...with this almost Brooklyn accent. I think I even visit with him cautiously, figuring that he will be judgmental towards such a weirdo as myself. That is never the case. I watch this guy operate and I am completely charmed by his hard work that absolutely looks and feels fulfilling. It's a beautifully simple existence- working and owning a place like that, but one that just looks and feels good to see in action.
I feel a bit of envy.
I guess I am bored by a lot of people. Myself, even. I think of a lot in my life and home as dull and without proper ambitions...or something. Then, I come here and see such simple lives operating on such a beautifully dignified level...and it strikes me. I guess I know quite well that I need to do more than that to get by so perhaps it's a jealousy. Or something.
I find myself wanting to ask everybody in my life "well, what do you REALLY want to do?" as far as their dreams and such. I couldn't go on without dreams. I can't handle only having a job to occupy 75% of my life and spending the rest of my time trying to stay mentally healthy enough to make sure that I won't lose it.
ANYWAYS..........it's different here. I think. Maybe I am just completely hypnotized by such sweet people that I am overlooking the obvious. They seem to balance professional lives and everything else quite well.
I would probably be bored by most of them if I actually could talk to them.
Dinnertime is wrapping up and I have missed the window AGAIN. I just can't adjust. That's OK. I had a beer that has left me satisfied for the moment. I want to go out some more. It is likely that I missed my MaryLiz nightly connection online but that's OK as I know she needs rest and probably needs to NOT worry about me or feel obligated in any way. She's been so incredibly kind and helpful.
OK. Off into the Spanish night..................
Days Two and Maybe Three?
My second night was calmer, by comparison, but very nice and fun...
I spent that day walking around a lot which- I have done every day. I revisited some of the places I had already been and I took my first round of photos.
I went back to Mackay's, the place where I made the rather tardy online connection with MaryLiz. I really do need to get the name of the barkeep, who I refer to as "the patient barkeep". Nice guy. He only cracks a very subtle smile when I order, speak, etc.
(I also realize that I really need to take photos of the basement bathroom. That shall be on the list of things to do today...)
I met with MrLz and company for lunch after I struggled a bit with the directions. I was lucky to had figured it out!
We went to a neat restaurant where the lunch special was a MASSIVE amount of food- a few courses- for about $8. As usual, MaryLiz had to order for me after deciphering everything for me. We both got the same thing which was a tuna dominated lunch. The first was a tuna salad that scared me a bit as it looked onion-filled. It was not and it was friggin' amazing. Then, out came tuna steaks. TWO of them in tomato sauce. They were super but I was stuffed. I think it was the first time in my life that I didn't finish a tuna steak but, admittedly, it was the first time I had to deal with two large ones at the same time! Potatoes come with everything here but I don't recall even sampling them.
Our server was funny, from what I understand. I assume any such humor that I don't understand is directed at the American that can't understand a bit of it...and rightly so.
We all said our goodbyes and I walked around more.
I bought a pair of cheap boots (about $25) and went back to put them on. The left one's zipper is tricky.
I did my only other bit of shopping (outside of the occasional necessity) when I went to a record store and saw PJ Harvey's "Uh Huh Her" in a thick digipack. I deliberated buying it or a few other things but settled on this mystery edition. It said 8.99 (Euros) which was an awfully good price but, upon check-out, I was enlightened to the fact that there was a very light "1" in front of it- so it was 18.99. YIKES.
I got it back here and discovered that it just had a video on it- ya' know, something I can watch on Youtube for free. Goddammit. It may have a bonus track or more- I haven't checked it against the domestic release yet. (I am not anxious to.)
In the evening I went out with Alberto and MaryLiz to an Asian restaurant that was really good. Alberto friggin' rules and I enjoy visiting with him a lot. He's a smart, fun guy with an intense love for music. We are all going to get together and play music at some point which excites me much.
There were actual vegetarian items on the menu which is quite rare here. It was a good and affordable meal. Good news.
After that we went to a bar that was VERY old, made mostly of rock. It was very dark and had a very unusual layout. It was extremely dark so I wasn't even able to commit a lot of it to memory! I took the one photo of the mirror-mosaic ceiling dome thing. Pretty neat.
Visited more with Alberto and MaryLiz but we only stayed for one drink before we went our separate ways.
I didn't sleep much that night as I only just then had gotten a European adapter to charge my laptop. I spent the night getting things straight online and have been behind on everything since. Heh.
I went to sleep for all of an hour or two before jack-hammering started outside of my window! There is major construction across the street and I guess it stepped up that day. (Wednesday, yesterday- I believe.)
Another day began of walking around. The weather is gorgeous here and I have been fortunate enough to not have been rained on thus far.
I stopped back by Cafe Joey and had an extended visit with he and his wife. We talked for a long time. He showed me his prior place which was in Ohio and we talked music a bit. He told me that his wife's favorite singer is Emmylou Harris which pleased them to find that I was a fan and admirer as well. He also showed me his Cuban rums and cigars which I promised to partake in before I depart.
I came back and napped for a bit. I had a few dreams. One dream had me living in a large farmhouse where a lot of friends and former bandmates were congregating outside. Brian Foor was calling to me, asking me something...and then it began to really start pouring. Everybody began running into my house which I was exactly comfortable with and/or prepared for. (Draw your own conclusions.)
The last part of the dream was me teasing JC about Paul Simon. I was making fun of them both and we put on a Paul Simon song that doesn't really exist. I woke up singing the chorus which was something like "That Whore's Got a Hold On You". Heh.
I woke up and talked to MaryLiz online. She came over and we looked for a bit before eventually finding an open bar. (It was yet another example of my inability to adjust to Spaniard life as I keep missing mealtimes here!) The streets were unusually dead but we found a charming and bizarre little place that was still very much under the influence of the carnival that happened before my arrival.
MaryLiz and I chatted and I had the most refreshing gin and tonic of my life. I followed it with the #2 most refreshing gin and tonic of my life and took incriminating photos of MaryLiz smoking- one of a few bad habits she has picked up here (though she used to smoke a lot).
At the bar we talked to the bartender who was a sweet lady. She was visiting with a crazy old guy who proclaimed that he was King of Avilés and he crowned me King of America (move over, Mr. Costello). He also added China, Portugal, and a few other countries to my kingdom........
He spoke a difficult strain of Spanish that MaryLiz had told me about which is exclusive to Barcelona. I certainly couldn't understand him and the others would just laugh when he would get going as they were only getting bits of it.
I took a few photos of MaryLiz with him and she took one of us together in which I look particularly terrible.
Came home, went to sleep for six hours. That's a record for me here. Only slightly hung-over.
I need food, a shower, and to make the most out of this beautiful place in which I am still incredibly grateful to have been able to visit.
I spent that day walking around a lot which- I have done every day. I revisited some of the places I had already been and I took my first round of photos.
I went back to Mackay's, the place where I made the rather tardy online connection with MaryLiz. I really do need to get the name of the barkeep, who I refer to as "the patient barkeep". Nice guy. He only cracks a very subtle smile when I order, speak, etc.
(I also realize that I really need to take photos of the basement bathroom. That shall be on the list of things to do today...)
I met with MrLz and company for lunch after I struggled a bit with the directions. I was lucky to had figured it out!
We went to a neat restaurant where the lunch special was a MASSIVE amount of food- a few courses- for about $8. As usual, MaryLiz had to order for me after deciphering everything for me. We both got the same thing which was a tuna dominated lunch. The first was a tuna salad that scared me a bit as it looked onion-filled. It was not and it was friggin' amazing. Then, out came tuna steaks. TWO of them in tomato sauce. They were super but I was stuffed. I think it was the first time in my life that I didn't finish a tuna steak but, admittedly, it was the first time I had to deal with two large ones at the same time! Potatoes come with everything here but I don't recall even sampling them.
Our server was funny, from what I understand. I assume any such humor that I don't understand is directed at the American that can't understand a bit of it...and rightly so.
We all said our goodbyes and I walked around more.
I bought a pair of cheap boots (about $25) and went back to put them on. The left one's zipper is tricky.
I did my only other bit of shopping (outside of the occasional necessity) when I went to a record store and saw PJ Harvey's "Uh Huh Her" in a thick digipack. I deliberated buying it or a few other things but settled on this mystery edition. It said 8.99 (Euros) which was an awfully good price but, upon check-out, I was enlightened to the fact that there was a very light "1" in front of it- so it was 18.99. YIKES.
I got it back here and discovered that it just had a video on it- ya' know, something I can watch on Youtube for free. Goddammit. It may have a bonus track or more- I haven't checked it against the domestic release yet. (I am not anxious to.)
In the evening I went out with Alberto and MaryLiz to an Asian restaurant that was really good. Alberto friggin' rules and I enjoy visiting with him a lot. He's a smart, fun guy with an intense love for music. We are all going to get together and play music at some point which excites me much.
There were actual vegetarian items on the menu which is quite rare here. It was a good and affordable meal. Good news.
After that we went to a bar that was VERY old, made mostly of rock. It was very dark and had a very unusual layout. It was extremely dark so I wasn't even able to commit a lot of it to memory! I took the one photo of the mirror-mosaic ceiling dome thing. Pretty neat.
Visited more with Alberto and MaryLiz but we only stayed for one drink before we went our separate ways.
I didn't sleep much that night as I only just then had gotten a European adapter to charge my laptop. I spent the night getting things straight online and have been behind on everything since. Heh.
I went to sleep for all of an hour or two before jack-hammering started outside of my window! There is major construction across the street and I guess it stepped up that day. (Wednesday, yesterday- I believe.)
Another day began of walking around. The weather is gorgeous here and I have been fortunate enough to not have been rained on thus far.
I stopped back by Cafe Joey and had an extended visit with he and his wife. We talked for a long time. He showed me his prior place which was in Ohio and we talked music a bit. He told me that his wife's favorite singer is Emmylou Harris which pleased them to find that I was a fan and admirer as well. He also showed me his Cuban rums and cigars which I promised to partake in before I depart.
I came back and napped for a bit. I had a few dreams. One dream had me living in a large farmhouse where a lot of friends and former bandmates were congregating outside. Brian Foor was calling to me, asking me something...and then it began to really start pouring. Everybody began running into my house which I was exactly comfortable with and/or prepared for. (Draw your own conclusions.)
The last part of the dream was me teasing JC about Paul Simon. I was making fun of them both and we put on a Paul Simon song that doesn't really exist. I woke up singing the chorus which was something like "That Whore's Got a Hold On You". Heh.
I woke up and talked to MaryLiz online. She came over and we looked for a bit before eventually finding an open bar. (It was yet another example of my inability to adjust to Spaniard life as I keep missing mealtimes here!) The streets were unusually dead but we found a charming and bizarre little place that was still very much under the influence of the carnival that happened before my arrival.
MaryLiz and I chatted and I had the most refreshing gin and tonic of my life. I followed it with the #2 most refreshing gin and tonic of my life and took incriminating photos of MaryLiz smoking- one of a few bad habits she has picked up here (though she used to smoke a lot).
At the bar we talked to the bartender who was a sweet lady. She was visiting with a crazy old guy who proclaimed that he was King of Avilés and he crowned me King of America (move over, Mr. Costello). He also added China, Portugal, and a few other countries to my kingdom........
He spoke a difficult strain of Spanish that MaryLiz had told me about which is exclusive to Barcelona. I certainly couldn't understand him and the others would just laugh when he would get going as they were only getting bits of it.
I took a few photos of MaryLiz with him and she took one of us together in which I look particularly terrible.
Came home, went to sleep for six hours. That's a record for me here. Only slightly hung-over.
I need food, a shower, and to make the most out of this beautiful place in which I am still incredibly grateful to have been able to visit.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Crazy Bar
This small bar was the site of some madness only a few days ago- but I shall get to that.
Once I got settled into my room I went out to explore some more without the burden of my bags. I got an idea of where I had been earlier in the day as I had spent most of that time pretty confused.
I took some photos, checked out some things and eventually came back to my room for an overdue shower and to wait for MaryLiz and co. to show up.
The arrived and I was introduced to everybody. All of her friends and coworkers were extremely kind and interesting people.
They took me to a pizza place not too far away. I wasn't very hungry due to my day of travel and trauma. But I was OK with wine.
We visited and I was relieved to hear that everybody spoke excellent English. Especially the Americans.
While dining we were approached by a guy who was obviously drunk but very friendly. He said that his table of two girls doubted his English skills so he came over to show them that he could do just fine. He did a helluva lot better with his English than I was doing with my Spanish.
We talked some more. His name was Eduardo. I don't recall how this all proceeded to go down but one-by-one we were asked over to the table and introduced. Of course, I was the odd-man-out and everything had to be translated for me.
IT was eventually conveyed to me that Eduardo's girls were both intrigued by my hair. They wanted photos with me as, they claimed, I looked like a rock star. MaryLiz didn't help the matter as she told them that I was. Heh.
I explained that I was genetically obligated to play guitar since I had this bushel of hair. I think they were charmed.
So, I took cheesy photos with them. Eduardo, too. They were all too sweet.
It seemed as if the evening was coming to a close but Eduardo began to explain that he had a place just around the corner and he wanted us to come by. I don't even think that there was much deliberation- we just followed him.
We arrived outside of the small bar in the photo and Eduardo explained that he was going to have to go in through the window and he would need my help. So I helped him and we were in.
It was a tiny, charming place with walls of rock. It was really old which I really loved. Eduardo began to pour and pour. He favored pouring for me as he ALWAYS kept my glass full. He kept them coming.
They began to turn on music and the girls began to dance. I was being told about the songs that were being played, mostly pop hits in Spain. One I thought was particularly catchy was about how difficult it is to fuck in a small car. (Spaniards address the issues Americans are afraid to. Well, that and Americans all drive big-ass vehicles, eh?)
Eduardo kept showing me how you "dance in Spain" which was a pretty hilarious flamenco stance and fast-clapping to the beat. He would occasionally get down on one knee while clapping.
Somehow a dance competition erupted. We were all forced to dance with a wooden pillar. I thought everybody did pretty well.
(WAIT- I just realized that MaryLiz somehow got out of this degrading situation. Clever girl.)
We drank and drank and danced. I was asked for my tie by one of the girls. I eventually handed it over. Then I was told "they won't let you stop there". And, sure enough they began tugging at my shirt- so I had to bat them off for a bit longer than I was comfortable with. Crazy.
THEN, Eduardo said that we were going to another bar. I thought that this would be shot down by the rest of my party and with good reason: they all had to be up for work at 8am or so.
But, off we were. We went to a place that I have been unable to locate since but it reminded me of a New Orleans-style club. Very neat. It was pretty empty but Eduardo seemed to be a well-known character there.
We talked a lot there and I was scolded repeatedly when I would try my Spanish. Those folks want it EXACT; the subtle bits that I would try and hide or skip over would always get me in trouble. I also had a lot of difficulty pronouncing one of the girls' name which sounded like Yes-Enya. (Memory device: two music acts that I can do without.)
But it was all in good fun and I eventually got it right. And promptly forgot the lessons. Oh well. I was being given WAY too much free beer.
As we closed our evening, Eduardo told me that Spain is my second home and that we are all brothers here. Thanks to "Arrested Development", I did catch the brother bit.........
Incredibly kind. Overwhelming kindness.
We walked back to my place and I was deposited for the evening. I couldn't help but wonder if every night was this crazy.
Once I got settled into my room I went out to explore some more without the burden of my bags. I got an idea of where I had been earlier in the day as I had spent most of that time pretty confused.
I took some photos, checked out some things and eventually came back to my room for an overdue shower and to wait for MaryLiz and co. to show up.
The arrived and I was introduced to everybody. All of her friends and coworkers were extremely kind and interesting people.
They took me to a pizza place not too far away. I wasn't very hungry due to my day of travel and trauma. But I was OK with wine.
We visited and I was relieved to hear that everybody spoke excellent English. Especially the Americans.
While dining we were approached by a guy who was obviously drunk but very friendly. He said that his table of two girls doubted his English skills so he came over to show them that he could do just fine. He did a helluva lot better with his English than I was doing with my Spanish.
We talked some more. His name was Eduardo. I don't recall how this all proceeded to go down but one-by-one we were asked over to the table and introduced. Of course, I was the odd-man-out and everything had to be translated for me.
IT was eventually conveyed to me that Eduardo's girls were both intrigued by my hair. They wanted photos with me as, they claimed, I looked like a rock star. MaryLiz didn't help the matter as she told them that I was. Heh.
I explained that I was genetically obligated to play guitar since I had this bushel of hair. I think they were charmed.
So, I took cheesy photos with them. Eduardo, too. They were all too sweet.
It seemed as if the evening was coming to a close but Eduardo began to explain that he had a place just around the corner and he wanted us to come by. I don't even think that there was much deliberation- we just followed him.
We arrived outside of the small bar in the photo and Eduardo explained that he was going to have to go in through the window and he would need my help. So I helped him and we were in.
It was a tiny, charming place with walls of rock. It was really old which I really loved. Eduardo began to pour and pour. He favored pouring for me as he ALWAYS kept my glass full. He kept them coming.
They began to turn on music and the girls began to dance. I was being told about the songs that were being played, mostly pop hits in Spain. One I thought was particularly catchy was about how difficult it is to fuck in a small car. (Spaniards address the issues Americans are afraid to. Well, that and Americans all drive big-ass vehicles, eh?)
Eduardo kept showing me how you "dance in Spain" which was a pretty hilarious flamenco stance and fast-clapping to the beat. He would occasionally get down on one knee while clapping.
Somehow a dance competition erupted. We were all forced to dance with a wooden pillar. I thought everybody did pretty well.
(WAIT- I just realized that MaryLiz somehow got out of this degrading situation. Clever girl.)
We drank and drank and danced. I was asked for my tie by one of the girls. I eventually handed it over. Then I was told "they won't let you stop there". And, sure enough they began tugging at my shirt- so I had to bat them off for a bit longer than I was comfortable with. Crazy.
THEN, Eduardo said that we were going to another bar. I thought that this would be shot down by the rest of my party and with good reason: they all had to be up for work at 8am or so.
But, off we were. We went to a place that I have been unable to locate since but it reminded me of a New Orleans-style club. Very neat. It was pretty empty but Eduardo seemed to be a well-known character there.
We talked a lot there and I was scolded repeatedly when I would try my Spanish. Those folks want it EXACT; the subtle bits that I would try and hide or skip over would always get me in trouble. I also had a lot of difficulty pronouncing one of the girls' name which sounded like Yes-Enya. (Memory device: two music acts that I can do without.)
But it was all in good fun and I eventually got it right. And promptly forgot the lessons. Oh well. I was being given WAY too much free beer.
As we closed our evening, Eduardo told me that Spain is my second home and that we are all brothers here. Thanks to "Arrested Development", I did catch the brother bit.........
Incredibly kind. Overwhelming kindness.
We walked back to my place and I was deposited for the evening. I couldn't help but wonder if every night was this crazy.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Departure/Arrival
I am starting this blog on my second night here Avilés, Spain- so I will do my best to document.............
My flights weren't anything to speak of.
I left Louisville in the afternoon of Sunday, March 8th. I had a lengthy layover in Philadelphia which was lame. I had the worst airport food of my life at some rock'n'roll themed bar and spent the rest of my time responding to e-mails.
I didn't sleep much in the flight to Madrid. I watched one of my favorite episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" with no volume. Still enjoyed it.
I did have the BEST flight meal I ever had. The fella' came along with his cart and he said "You requested a special meal..."
And all heads turned to me.
I didn't recall any such request. I was confused. Everyone around me stared, anxiously awaiting what was either an I.V. or some sort of medicinal shake....
BUT...it was vegetarian. It was asparagus with rice, fresh fruit with a frost of coconut, and a decent wheat roll. Bravo!
So I spent that lengthy flight in a half-daze. I was very tired but unable to sleep. I did my best.
We landed in Madrid. I was on foreign soil.
I stood in line to get my passport stamped and was relieved/pleased to find that everybody was confused by the slip we were given to figure out. When it was my turnm the officer was very annoyed by my lack of understanding of this cryptic slip and was even more annoyed that I didn't speak Spanish. He grumbled as he remedied my idiocy. I couldn't help but chuckle and say "gracias"...which, I learned I was incorrectly as the Spaniards say the "s" sound with a lisp. Oh well.
I had a bit of time to find my flight to Oviedo but it wasn't easy; it was quite confusing, actually. I raced around, trying to decipher it all. I knew it was Terminal 2 and I was at 4. I boarded the shuttle and was taken VERY far away...and that scared me. I only had about half an hour at that point and I knew that I wouldn't be able to find the correct place if I got this one wrong. Well, it was the right terminal but it took me forever to figure out what gate, the auto check-in, etc. I got there. Somehow.
The flight from Madrid to Oviedo was different. Heh. There was a group of Spanish ladies who were having the time of their lives. They were all 35 or older but they were sooo loud and laughing so much. It was cracking me up. There was also a steady stream of cheesy, shopping mall-esque elevator jazz playing for the whole flight. Weird.
Landed.....and I explored what options I had/didn't have to get to Oviedo. The first few information agents I talked to didn't speak English. This was discouraging. I wasn't even confident enough to order a cup of coffee, let alone try and ask about how I get to Avilés. Even worse was the fact that the airport didn't have WiFi! I had no direct way of clarifying with MaryLiz the details of my arrival, stay, and such. Phew.
I sat for a long, long time...thinking that maybe my enthusiasm had not only been depleted but could have possibly landed me lost in a foreign land. I started to feel a bit of stress.
I made my way to another desk and found a girl that spoke English. I asked her if there was a bus that went to Avilés and she said there was and it would be another two hours. That was great news.
I ordered coffee. It was fantastic and only a bit embarrassing.
I waited by the bus and asked an older lady if it was, in fact, the correct bus that would take us to Avilés. She said it was and, turned out, she spoke English. (I believe she was actually German.) She quizzed me about where I was from, my destination, and, eventually, let on that she was a bit surprised that I was making the trip without any phone number or direct means of contact with MaryLiz. She warmed up to the situation when I told her that I wasn't all that worried about it and she clarified that people nowadays don't do much adventuring. I explained that that was very much a big part of why I was making the trip.
She was a very kind, kooky old lady. I always like them. She gave me a newspaper and said "It's outrageous. You'll love it."
She was right- it was some sort of gossip magazine from the UK, I think.
The bus trip to Avilés was gorgeous; stunning countryside. We weaved through rolling hills as I gawked at all of the old farmhouses, nestled in steep valleys that are currently glowing with Spring's bounties. I was filled with excitement and warmth for this place immediately.
The ocean snuck up on me! We turned a sharp turn and I saw rolling waves- and I thought "Those are some really chaotic rapids!", only to have the tail-end of said turn reveal that it was the ocean crashing onto the rocks! Wow. Amazing.
We arrived at the Avilés bus station and I said farewell to my crazy German friend. She wished me luck. I was going to need it.
I looked and looked for a place where I could get online...and couldn't find a damn one. I walked up and down the streets, the steep hills, pulling my luggage behind me, and had to for about three or four hours.
I went into one place that had an "English Spoken Here" sign on the window. The gentleman who ran the place, Joey, was very cool and we visited for a bit. I told him my situation but he said he knew and cared very little about the internet. He pointed me to some place that let you pay to conference online and such. He also told me was from Ohio and that he had lived in California and worked at a restaurant that Al Greene would frequent. Cool.
I went to the place Joey mentioned and we just could not understand each other. It was terrible.
So, more walking. Lots of walking. I was getting very tired and discouraged. I certainly didn't want to burden MaryLiz any more than I had- and she was likely concerned about my lack of contact by that point...
However, I was seeing a lot of things that were blowing my mind. The ancient buildings and street were and are so incredibly gorgeous. I love old churches, chapels, cathedrals, etc., and there are plenty. The shops, the people, the mood, and even the air here had such en electricity to it that I cannot begin to describe. It would seem that they move forward with a very warm and respectful rapport with the important things from the past; intertwined with history. Dig?
A beautiful place with beautiful people.
I walked by an older-style bar and saw the barkeep on a laptop. I decided to try my best and ask.
I learned that they say "wee-fee", of course. He gave me a password. I was saved. I ordered an Amstel and took a load off.
Of course, I didn't think to get a European electrical adapter so I was going to have to ration out my online time and make sure that I got ahold of MaryLiz. I was a little concerned about this but she was online when I signed on. I was so goddamn glad!!!
We figured out where I was and she was on her way with Guillo, one of many new and wonderful friends I was to meet here.
I downed three Amstels for next to nothing- it's SO cheap here. Unbelievable. I went into the basement bathroom that was as stunning, to me, as any church! It was so old and had such a peculiar layout.
As I sat back down I heard a knock at the window and it was MaryLiz. I was so glad to see her and so very thankful for her help in...well...everything to do with this trip.
She took me to meet Guillo, who was kind enough to drive.
He seemed to go directly to the boarding house that I am in right now. It was yet another delight for me: this old, old, building with a few rooms for rent for super cheap. The old lady that runs it is very sweet and speaks no English. My room is small but very charming with French doors, a huge window that looks out upon the street, a radiator that actually works, and on and on. The place is above a florist so there are always fresh flowers around the place.
I saw MaryLiz and Guillo off as they had prior engagements. I immediately prepared for a walk- this time with fresher clothes and without luggage in tow.
My flights weren't anything to speak of.
I left Louisville in the afternoon of Sunday, March 8th. I had a lengthy layover in Philadelphia which was lame. I had the worst airport food of my life at some rock'n'roll themed bar and spent the rest of my time responding to e-mails.
I didn't sleep much in the flight to Madrid. I watched one of my favorite episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" with no volume. Still enjoyed it.
I did have the BEST flight meal I ever had. The fella' came along with his cart and he said "You requested a special meal..."
And all heads turned to me.
I didn't recall any such request. I was confused. Everyone around me stared, anxiously awaiting what was either an I.V. or some sort of medicinal shake....
BUT...it was vegetarian. It was asparagus with rice, fresh fruit with a frost of coconut, and a decent wheat roll. Bravo!
So I spent that lengthy flight in a half-daze. I was very tired but unable to sleep. I did my best.
We landed in Madrid. I was on foreign soil.
I stood in line to get my passport stamped and was relieved/pleased to find that everybody was confused by the slip we were given to figure out. When it was my turnm the officer was very annoyed by my lack of understanding of this cryptic slip and was even more annoyed that I didn't speak Spanish. He grumbled as he remedied my idiocy. I couldn't help but chuckle and say "gracias"...which, I learned I was incorrectly as the Spaniards say the "s" sound with a lisp. Oh well.
I had a bit of time to find my flight to Oviedo but it wasn't easy; it was quite confusing, actually. I raced around, trying to decipher it all. I knew it was Terminal 2 and I was at 4. I boarded the shuttle and was taken VERY far away...and that scared me. I only had about half an hour at that point and I knew that I wouldn't be able to find the correct place if I got this one wrong. Well, it was the right terminal but it took me forever to figure out what gate, the auto check-in, etc. I got there. Somehow.
The flight from Madrid to Oviedo was different. Heh. There was a group of Spanish ladies who were having the time of their lives. They were all 35 or older but they were sooo loud and laughing so much. It was cracking me up. There was also a steady stream of cheesy, shopping mall-esque elevator jazz playing for the whole flight. Weird.
Landed.....and I explored what options I had/didn't have to get to Oviedo. The first few information agents I talked to didn't speak English. This was discouraging. I wasn't even confident enough to order a cup of coffee, let alone try and ask about how I get to Avilés. Even worse was the fact that the airport didn't have WiFi! I had no direct way of clarifying with MaryLiz the details of my arrival, stay, and such. Phew.
I sat for a long, long time...thinking that maybe my enthusiasm had not only been depleted but could have possibly landed me lost in a foreign land. I started to feel a bit of stress.
I made my way to another desk and found a girl that spoke English. I asked her if there was a bus that went to Avilés and she said there was and it would be another two hours. That was great news.
I ordered coffee. It was fantastic and only a bit embarrassing.
I waited by the bus and asked an older lady if it was, in fact, the correct bus that would take us to Avilés. She said it was and, turned out, she spoke English. (I believe she was actually German.) She quizzed me about where I was from, my destination, and, eventually, let on that she was a bit surprised that I was making the trip without any phone number or direct means of contact with MaryLiz. She warmed up to the situation when I told her that I wasn't all that worried about it and she clarified that people nowadays don't do much adventuring. I explained that that was very much a big part of why I was making the trip.
She was a very kind, kooky old lady. I always like them. She gave me a newspaper and said "It's outrageous. You'll love it."
She was right- it was some sort of gossip magazine from the UK, I think.
The bus trip to Avilés was gorgeous; stunning countryside. We weaved through rolling hills as I gawked at all of the old farmhouses, nestled in steep valleys that are currently glowing with Spring's bounties. I was filled with excitement and warmth for this place immediately.
The ocean snuck up on me! We turned a sharp turn and I saw rolling waves- and I thought "Those are some really chaotic rapids!", only to have the tail-end of said turn reveal that it was the ocean crashing onto the rocks! Wow. Amazing.
We arrived at the Avilés bus station and I said farewell to my crazy German friend. She wished me luck. I was going to need it.
I looked and looked for a place where I could get online...and couldn't find a damn one. I walked up and down the streets, the steep hills, pulling my luggage behind me, and had to for about three or four hours.
I went into one place that had an "English Spoken Here" sign on the window. The gentleman who ran the place, Joey, was very cool and we visited for a bit. I told him my situation but he said he knew and cared very little about the internet. He pointed me to some place that let you pay to conference online and such. He also told me was from Ohio and that he had lived in California and worked at a restaurant that Al Greene would frequent. Cool.
I went to the place Joey mentioned and we just could not understand each other. It was terrible.
So, more walking. Lots of walking. I was getting very tired and discouraged. I certainly didn't want to burden MaryLiz any more than I had- and she was likely concerned about my lack of contact by that point...
However, I was seeing a lot of things that were blowing my mind. The ancient buildings and street were and are so incredibly gorgeous. I love old churches, chapels, cathedrals, etc., and there are plenty. The shops, the people, the mood, and even the air here had such en electricity to it that I cannot begin to describe. It would seem that they move forward with a very warm and respectful rapport with the important things from the past; intertwined with history. Dig?
A beautiful place with beautiful people.
I walked by an older-style bar and saw the barkeep on a laptop. I decided to try my best and ask.
I learned that they say "wee-fee", of course. He gave me a password. I was saved. I ordered an Amstel and took a load off.
Of course, I didn't think to get a European electrical adapter so I was going to have to ration out my online time and make sure that I got ahold of MaryLiz. I was a little concerned about this but she was online when I signed on. I was so goddamn glad!!!
We figured out where I was and she was on her way with Guillo, one of many new and wonderful friends I was to meet here.
I downed three Amstels for next to nothing- it's SO cheap here. Unbelievable. I went into the basement bathroom that was as stunning, to me, as any church! It was so old and had such a peculiar layout.
As I sat back down I heard a knock at the window and it was MaryLiz. I was so glad to see her and so very thankful for her help in...well...everything to do with this trip.
She took me to meet Guillo, who was kind enough to drive.
He seemed to go directly to the boarding house that I am in right now. It was yet another delight for me: this old, old, building with a few rooms for rent for super cheap. The old lady that runs it is very sweet and speaks no English. My room is small but very charming with French doors, a huge window that looks out upon the street, a radiator that actually works, and on and on. The place is above a florist so there are always fresh flowers around the place.
I saw MaryLiz and Guillo off as they had prior engagements. I immediately prepared for a walk- this time with fresher clothes and without luggage in tow.
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