Day Zero. We continue to “Live The Dream”... Everyday Is An Adventure

2014 SPORT Adventure.  Travel to Spain & Portugal: Key cities; Barcelona & Madrid, and Lisbon & Porto.  The SPORT Adventure goes beyond a contraction of the words Spain & Portugal.  The Iberian peninsula has several different cultures, languages and tradition for these 2 countries.

As in the past, for each day’s journal entry, I have omitted using a comments section.  Past experience showed a lack of respect by non-invited viewers to add non-family-friendly ads and comments.  For those getting to the site from my e-mail, send me a note if you have something to share  (-:

p.s. I am adding this as I was starting to write about observations for Day 4, our meanderings about Barcelona.  This journal is meant as a way for me to recollect my observations.

I sometimes like to pair up words.  Examples are - observation & interpretation.  What did I think I saw?  We may have been at the same place, the same time, but our details may differ.  I tend to focus on the positive aspects of places I visit. Does that mean there might be some "not so good" aspects of this place or trip?  Maybe so, but prefer to find things to see or do that I will enjoy (-:

The other pairing of words are - motivation & expectation.  What motivates me to go anywhere?  What can I expect to see, do, eat, whatever?  Simple answer is following the boy scout motto - "Be Prepared."

I realize we all prepare differently.  Yes, I do read the literature suggested by the travel company.  Helpful?  Hard to say.  My awareness for details mostly comes as we do our meandering.  I may take many photos of something I am more interested in learning about. Maybe too, even a short note for specifics.

I will say though, the best part, even if more difficult, is putting thoughts down as I do for this journal.  I have a template made of the layout. First, the schedule, whether my own or from the tour company.  Second, the observations.  I at times, highlight in bold lettering the items I want to do more research on since my quest for learning more tells me - check this out.

Most of the checking is done online.  If I find any link(s) that I feel others who read this can benefit from, will provide a link.  Most cases, I read and review the link information, and select which one would help me "interpret" my observation.

The same goes with photos.  Note, this page has 3 photos.  I try to show a story using those 3 - a triptych, I think it might be referred to.

Lastly, is the photos in the daily album. I invite the readers to take a visual walk with me for that day.  Although I try to keep it to less than 2 dozen, there are times that I like what I remember of the place and add more.  Sometimes, many more.

Again, you are getting a view after my review and sorting process.  On a "typical" day, may take as many as 600 to a 1,000 "snaps" as I think of them.  Not necessarily well composed, or any other usual photographer approach, but get it while I can.

Occasionally, I might even add a short video of something.  This I do restrict on what I add to my journal. In technical details, too large a file size details slows down page load.  This helps me, and what I hope other viewers, to maybe go though the entire trip by visually scanning the pages.  Maybe find something of interest, and "sit a spell" and enjoy what I feel I want to share.  What I learned, or is the proper term, learnt?

The number of days to review and do the writing is normally more than the number of days on the trip.  Partly, because of my doing additional research, for my satisfaction.  Sharing what I learned is just my nature.  Most of all, it is FUN (-:

This year's trip, The Best of Spain: Barcelona and Madrid  Details @ Road Scholar #21336  

http://www.roadscholar.org/n/21336

And, The Best of Portugal: From the Age of Discovery to Today  Details @ Road Scholar #20983

http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/20983 

Links for prior year’s adventure blogs are here:

2013 C2C Adventure - Mediterranean to Adriatic Sea  http://2013-c2c-adventure.blogspot.com/

2012 GIMP Adventure – Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu   http://2012-gimp-adventure.blogspot.com/

2011 Pizza & Popes & People  - Trip to Amalfi Coast of Italy & Istanbul, Turkey -  http://pizza-and-popes-2011.blogspot.com/

To simplify my work on this journal, will generally use 3 photos for each day – a triptych story.  Can 3 photos tell a story?  You be the judge.

A link will also be added for more photos taken that day.  Probably no more than 20.  For 27 day trip – just over 14,000 snapshots.  So, what you will see is around 2%.

Each page will also include a few links that I feel will add to what we learned.  As Road Scholar touts – Adventures in Lifelong Learning.

Here is Wiki link for Iberian Peninsula.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_Peninsula

Barcelona  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona

Madrid  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid

Lisbon  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon

Porto  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porto

Photo 1.  Is the computer desktop photo of a favorite area in Florida – Cedar Key.

Photo 2.  Shows a screenshot of what many people dream of when the weather gets cold – a nice warm beach to enjoy.

Photo 3.  Carol keeping busy in her Wo-Man cave designing and making quilts.  Maybe time to get away before “cabin fever” comes.  (-:

Today there is no online photo album..

An alternate web link to simplify your journey with us for mobile devices:

http://2014-sport-adventure.blogspot.com/?m=1

Day 1 of 27 13-Oct-2014 Monday – Detroit To Amsterdam

My Observations

Day 1 is always hectic.  I have my 6 step process that is required for “SUCCESS.”  

1. Wake up at correct time.  No problem today, since flight doesn’t leave until after 4 p.m.  
2. Taxi shows up when scheduled.  Had a scare earlier in year before trip to Mexico in February.  Being a bit anxious, I am looking out the window at least 15+ minutes before I asked for taxi arrival.  I see the orange color cab stop by the house, then drive away.  Since the ground was a bit snowy thought – maybe wanted to reposition the car in opposite direction.  After no car for 10 minutes, call the cab company.  Am told “slight problem” and another cab will be there in about 15 minutes.  Cab comes, we leave.  All OK using airline rule – try to arrive for international flight at least 2 hours early.
3. Taxi gets us safely to airport.  Sounds easy – oops, we get caught in a snow white-out, when you can't see the highway only a mile from our exit.  Traffic slows to snails pace – but, we make it.
4. Get through TSA security check with no issues.  All OK.
5. Plane leaves on time – done.
6. Planes arrives at correct airport – on time – done.  Wow, we only need to repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 at Amsterdam Airport.  All goes with no problems.

Today’s Schedule

Once we get to Barcelona, we have 5 extra days we planned for – Pre-Tour Wandering.  After looking at many PBS TV travel programs, and various reading sources and input from others who have done this trip, know I am still not “ready.”  The extra days give us time to adjust and try to get oriented to city and other places of interest, not shown on official tour company itinerary.

Here is Wiki link for Airport Schipol.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam_Airport_Schiphol
How many airports have their own museum?  Amsterdam does.  Rijksmuseum Schiphol  https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/typically-dutch
Photo 1.  Luggage has been by the door since last night.  No need for last minute assessment – did I bring???

Photo 2.  Jim, our driver, comes on time.  He is the first of many people who get added to my “new friends” list.

Photo 3.  We are at departure gate.  Only step 5 & 6 need to be “successfully” completed.   (-:

Day 2 of 27 14-Oct-14 Tuesday – Amsterdam To Barcelona

Today’s Schedule – Meander around Barcelona

My Observations

The flight was relatively smooth coming across the Atlantic Ocean.  Hardest part is adjusting to the time.  It is early afternoon in Barcelona.  Back in Michigan it is not quite midnight from the day prior.  Even with only a few hours rest. Need to reconnoiter the “neighborhood.”

We are staying at the Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro Balmes 142, Barcelona, 08008 Spain All our Barcelona days here.  Nice location.

http://www.hoteles-catalonia.com/

The area is referred to as Eixample.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eixample

I like the arrangements of the street corners with a diagonal cut, which help both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Vehicles are smaller here, even the vans used for shuttle from airport.  Normal would be about the size of a Ford Focus.  Streets are filled with many motor scooters and lesser motorcycles.  Some bicycles.  Those are generally rented at kiosks on many main streets.  The bikes you can rent in one area, and return at another.  Seems handy.

I notice our shuttle driver is on his cell phone, with many times responding what sounds like the exotic island in Indonesia – Bali – Bali.  Since he doesn’t speak English can’t ask what that means.  Our desk clerk, Maria, says, literally; OK – OK.  Reminds me that many teens would have said in USA, “whatever.”  (-:

Although I have some understanding of Spanish language, realize he is speaking Catalan.  Culturally, different than Spanish. Over the next few days will learn just how different.  Even is a planned referendum vote to separate politically from Spain – Wow.

We get a nice room with balcony overlooking the street – Balmes.  Can see the Catalan flags hanging from many apartment buildings.  Most of the buildings seem no more than 6 to 8 stories high.  Our balcony overlooks the 3 flags representing Spain, Catalonia and Barcelona.

We decide to walk the area, and were told to consider getting a pass at the Metro station.  For 3 days use, about 10 Euro and can be used on many varied available transports; train, bus, subway.  We decide to see and stop wherever we want.

We see a home furnishings shop – Azultiera.  Are shocked to see animal parts for decorative use.  Heads, backsides, even a complete giraffe.  I must say – not to my wants.

We continue on and note many Art Nouveau buildings – everywhere.  Now that it is starting to get dark sky, many of the entries are lighted and we get a better view.  Very ornate.  Reminds us of Vienna, Prague and Budapest.

Looks too, like many places we can try for meals. Some serve inside.  Others have sidewalk cafés. Just a block away are the 2 main places to see and be seen.  Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Cataluya, which eventually in “Old” Barcelona, is quite a sight.  Both are wide boulevards with special places for pedestrians only.  We don’t go too far, and spot a photo of a burger – looks interesting – Hamburguesa Semana – Hamburger of the week if I can remember the few Spanish words I know.  So, Carol and I decide, let’s try the place.  I get the burger with “everything” on it to include a fried egg.  Carol tries the hamburguesa Mexicana.  Of course, cold libations are ordered, but note seeing many places highlighting “gin and tonic.”  A bit strange I think.

On the way back to the hotel, walk up to the main boulevard – Diagonal Centro.  Looks to be 8 lanes wide – with separate lanes for bicycles and scooters, and others for cars, trucks and motorcycles.  The street side benches are quite artful with the tile work.  All through these 27 days, will be amazed at the amount to tile work – everywhere!

Back at the room, time to get the batteries charged for all the electronics.  Then download and catalog all the days photos.  Gives me a chance to see what I might need to improve upon or include on future shots.

Tomorrow – new adventures.

Photo 1.  Is coming into Amsterdam airport.  Water, water everywhere.  They know how to keep the ocean away from the lowlands.

Photo 2.  Finally, here at Barcelona airport.

Photo 3.  View from taxi on way to Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro    (-:

Click here for today's online photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day2Of2714Oct14TuesdayAmsterdamToBarcelona

Day 3 of 27 15-Oct-14 Wednesday – Barcelona

Today’s Schedule – Pre-Tour-Wandering around Barcelona

My Observations

33 photos for this day's album.  Actual number of shots, over 800.

Today, I'm starting to use is a program called Dragon Dictate where I can try to speak in a microphone, and then have the program type it for me. We'll see just how well that works out at how much I actually save, or make more work for myself.

Started out with breakfast at one of the local deli-bakery shops. Got to see just what the of the menus were like.  As you will see below, I mention that it is in 2 languages;  Catalan and Spanish.  Although I can understand some Spanish, looking at the Catalan version, then Spanish of the same thing.  It's not easy to find the right words for me to properly pick out things.

About two blocks West from the hotel, is one of the main four-lane streets, Rambla de Cataluña. A pedestrian walkway in the center as well as next to the building doorways.  Although the word Rambla is in the street name, it is not truly the Rambla shopping district we are looking for.  The Rambla shopping will be one more street to the West of where we are at, Passeig de Gracia.

One more block south, we turn left and are going west again and spot a museum. We find that instead of calling it a museum, it's called a foundation or Fundacio Antoni Tapies. There is very interesting artwork on the front and the top of this building. We decide not to go in, but will look up more information about it after we get back to the hotel room. Today, we are looking for the specialty shops that start on this main street called Passeig de Gracia.  We turn on street name, Carrer de Arago.  We find a hardware store that I'm interested in stopping in. There is a sign in the store window, that indicates a good view of the Casa Batllo site can be had from the second floor garden patio. We spend probably 90 minutes on the patio watching the visitors at Casa Batllo.  We can take some photos that they can’t get. Some of these photos you'll see in today's album.

As we turn the corner onto Passeig de Gracia, we see the entrance for the Casa Batllo; Antoni Gaudi designed house. We noticed a long line there, and decide better to just take some pictures from the outside and come back another day.  We continue walking and looking at the various stores.  We admire the fine goods there, and of course the high prices.

Needless to say, after walking almost 5 miles today, we were tired.  We stopped to eat.  Then back to hotel to get some rest. 

Here are internet links for highlights:

Rambla de Cataluña  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambla_de_Catalunya

Catalan Language  http://www.omniglot.com/writing/catalan.htm

Fundacio Antoni Tapies  http://www.fundaciotapies.org/site/spip.php?rubrique64

Passeig de Gracia  http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/passeig-gracia/

Casa Batllo  http://www.casabatllo.es/en/
 
Photo 1.  Our first “taste” of Catalan language.  Note menu difference from Spanish.

Photo 2.  Shows Carol having meat to start the day.  Seems like a country of meat eaters.

Photo 3.  Our first look at local newspaper.  The Spanish language one – La Vanguardia.

Click here for today's online photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day3Of2715Oct14WednesdayBarcelona

Day 4 of 27 16-Oct-14 Thursday – Barcelona

Today’s Schedule – Pre-Tour-Wandering around Barcelona

My Observations

For Day 3 journal entry, I tried to “simplify” my process for writing the details.  Unfortunately, the Dragon Dictate program, which allowed me to speak in a microphone and the words were “automatically” typed, was not a success.  All the words typed were spelled correctly.  Many were not the words I spoke.  I think some of the error was caused by so many foreign language words.  So, back to pressing the keys and putting enough keystrokes together for me to share my thoughts.

Today, we took a little different route to find breakfast.  Went to Boldu, another deli restaurant and noticed some fancy cakes in the front window.  Within a block, we could already see Casa Mila (La Pedrera).  Having a chance to meander allows us to pick and choose, where we stop and how long we visit.

I use a GPS device each day to determine how far we walked.  Today, we traveled 5 miles. I also use the GPS data to merge to the electronic information on each photo.  The term to do this is called geo-tagging.  For me, helpful should I want to return someplace that I did not take note of address or other important details that would help my return.

Even with a building restoration shroud around Casa Mila, the beauty I saw from photos was still there.  Just look at the photo on the right side top of this website.  In person, it was even more beautiful than any of the photos.  Since a group tour is schedule only a few days in the future, decided to get some snaps of my own.  Then, go to the bookstore and find what might be available in printed material I could take back home.  Well...5 books later, had cashier ring me out.  I saved the reading for when we got home.  Part of my “post-tour” research.

A few blocks further, we find that there is very limited vehicle traffic, with mostly pedestrians everywhere. There are some stores on both sides of the street, as well as various vendors selling things in the middle walkway. The interesting part, is the small cobblestones walkway in the form of what looks like alternating white and black wavy pattern. This makes it look like running water.  I'm told later, that the term Rambla is the Arabic word stream.  It is very appropriate, since there had been a running stream down this area from the mountains to the north and then further in the south it ended up at the Mediterranean Sea. Ah, progress?

We continue window browsing, and notice a sign for the La Boqueiria market (Boqueiria Mercat). We know this is on our tour in the next couple days, but decide we need to stop on her own.  We want to spend as much time as we like rather, than maybe feel we would be rushed on the tour. There were so many food stalls.  Some selling food that you could take home.   Other stalls with food that you could sit and eat there.  It was a temptation not to stop and eat at so many places.  It all looked yummy (-:

After leaving La Boqueiria area, we continued on a few more blocks until we got to the waterfront. There is a large monument with a statue of Christopher Columbus. As we got to the monument, we noticed a sign indicating that for a small fee, we could follow a stairway up to the top and look out both to the sea and as well as to the mountains. A short walk away, is an area referred to as a Rambla del Mar. Although not as busy as the main Rambla area, this pedestrian only walkway has a bridge that crosses over the water. There are several places to shop, including restaurants. Some large boats are anchored nearby.  We spent time there and had lunch. This was the main site of the 1992 Olympics.

Since the Rambla is so wide, we decide to walk on the opposite side walkway and look at some of the shops that we had missed. Next we find our way back to the hotel.

Another 5 mile walk today.  Seems like it is getting easier (-:

Here are internet links for highlights:

Rambla Shopping  http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/La-Rambla/

1992 Olympics  http://www.olympic.org/barcelona-1992-summer-olympics

Rambla del Mar  http://barcelona.de/en/barcelona-rambla.html

La Boqueiria  http://www.boqueria.info/mercat-benvinguts.php


Columbus monument  http://www.aviewoncities.com/columbusmonument

Photo 1.  Barcelona is a city of motor scooters, more than cars. Scooters get to park on sidewalk.

Photo 2.  Boldu bakery has their favorite cookies – both boy or girl  (-:

Photo 3.  Balcony of one of Antoni Guadi’s architectural creations; Casa Mila.

Click here for today's online photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day4Of2716Oct14ThursdayBarcelona

Day 5 of 27 17-Oct-14 Friday – Barcelona

Today’s Schedule – Pre-Tour-Wandering around Barcelona

My Observations

Nice day.  7 mile walk today, to and from hotel to Parc Guell, designed by Antoni Gaudi. We could have got a transit card to rapidly travel to our destination, but...why?  I might miss out with stopping at a shop that might have some goodies for me to smell in the doorway; flowers, bakery, or better yet, a pasteleria, pastries.  Yummy!

Rather than write about today, view today’s photo album.  Link just above the triptych photos.

My links today are from pre-tour research.  I’ll skip the links for some of what we saw today and would have used. The links will be found on Day 7.  On day 7, with group, we visit here and some other places.  Then, after reading about the details, can take a ”virtual visit."  A fun way to move from place to place.  Room to room, with the movement of you computer cursor.

Not quite as good as being there, but better than just a still photo.

Here are internet links for highlights:

Walking Tour – Antoni Gaudi  http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/antoni-gaudi

Walking Tour – Architecture  http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/architecture

Walking Tour – Museums  http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/museums

Walking Tour – Picasso  http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/picasso

Walking Tour – Religious  http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/religious

Photo 1.  An old model Spanish made car - SEAT

Photo 2.  Creative use of stone blocks to build roads and walkways.  Repairs are typically un-noticeable.

Photo 3.  Gaudi’s 120 year plus project Sagrada Familia cathedral.

Click here for today's online photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day5Of2717Oct14FridayBarcelona

Day 6 of 27 18-Oct-14 Saturday – Barcelona

Today’s Schedule

Welcome to Program # 21336. Meet Joaquin Chaparro, Group Leader.  Welcome and information meeting and meet with other tour participants.  During the coming week, we will walk through the bustling Ramblas area - the main artery of the city.  Also visit the La Boqueria market which dates from 1217 and is the gastronomic hub of Catalan Mediterranean cuisine.  This is “THE” place where locals eat, shop and gossip together in true Catalan style.

Evening Presentation with an Introduction to Barcelona at the Hotel Meeting Room.  We enjoyed a welcome dinner and the opportunity to socialize and get to know your fellow participants.

My Observations

Later today, we follow a more structured schedule since our group has arrived.  So, before having the initial meet & greet meeting in the early evening, Carol & I continue our meanderings.  New discoveries every day.  With much yet to learn.

First is a visit to a park we noticed on one of our first days in Barcelona.  The park is part of what is referred to as a “palace,” Palau Robert.  Since the park was dark the evening we were there, am now here on a sunny day.  The Palau Robert has a photo exhibit – Cataluña From the Sky.  These are aerial photographs taken by French photographer, Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Not only are the direction from where the photos were taken interesting, so is the method they are exhibited.  The large size photos are laminated on a kiosk type arrangement.  There are probably about 20 of these kiosks.  Each one shows a different area of Cataluña.  Each photo has a descriptor written both in Catalan and English.  No Spanish shown.  The topic of each photo was to stress the diversity of topography for each area, just like the difference in the people who inhabit those areas.

In one area of the park, we heard some screeching bird noises.  After a bit of searching, saw in a palm tree what looked like about 6 or so green parrots that were busy in nest building in some palm fronds.  I spent a few minutes watching the work by them gathering some branches from outside a special opening that looked like they had made as a formal – front door!

After an hour viewing the photos and reading the descriptors of the beautiful photos, off we went to explore more of the nearby area.  As we came to a cross street, saw a vehicle that had an unusual hoisting apparatus that was moving some goods to an upper floor of what might be a 6 story building.  As we got closer, saw they were moving furniture up to that level.  As I looked in the open front door of the building, noted a very old-style open-mesh small elevator that would not be able to get many of those items to the level needed.  I thought the company had an appropriate name – Relocation Logistics.  They got the job done.

Next, back to the hotel.  Time for meeting the new group that will travel with us over the next week.  We found that 6 of the 22 people were also joining us on a consecutive tour to Portugal.  These were two separate tours, but were scheduled so we could visit another nearby location with minimal travel requirements.

After some introductions, we walk to our initial dinner at the Balthazar restaurant.  Only a short block or so away.  I feel fortunate to have 2 of our meals arranged for with the group most days.  A great way to build camaraderie.  We have been in other tour locations, where a competing tour company did not arrange for any meals. We realized the meals are an important part of total tour experience.

After too much food, and probably wine, we walked back and were ready for another good night of sleep.

Here are internet links for highlights:

Palau Robert  http://palaurobert.gencat.cat/en/el_palau/historia/

Cataluña From the Sky  http://www.yannarthusbertrand.org/earth

Yann Arthus-Bertrand film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axehSTKzZfM

Balthazar restaurant  http://www.grupandilana.com/en/restaurants/balthazar

Photo 1.  Is schedule for another Road Scholar tour for Independent Study.

Photo 2.  Here is our schedule for first few days.

Photo 3.  Our group. No, not really.  We had 22 others to join our adventure. (-:

Click here for today's online photo album.

https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day6Of2718Oct14SaturdayBarcelona