Coming Home March 2

I leave Rome, the city of scammers, tomorrow, for Florence. (More on these f***s later.) On Dec 5 I'm to arrive at a farm near Venice, where I will wwoof for one month. Then the first week of January I head to Greece for 6 weeks to wwoof on an olive farm.

As of now, I do not know where my farms are located and how I will get there! Both farms were recommonded to me by the Irish couple I met in Fejo, Denmark. They wwoofed for 2.5 years in Europe with their two toddlers.
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As I've said before, I'm not ready to come home. The bottom line is I'm staying because when will I have this opportunity again? OK, and I'm having way too much fun to come now.

Not Coming Home December 1

So have a Merry Christmas without me!

Sorry people, I need some more time. I haven't changed my ticket yet. (I have until tomorrow to change it.) But I think I'm coming home the end of Feb or beginning of March.

Stay tuned for more details!

Arrived in Rome on Wednesday

Good times. Beautiful city... so beautiful! Omigod... I love it, but will write later as Philip leaves Monday so not spending time at a computer.

Ah, relaxation time

Since Philip has arrived it's been very relaxing. Luckily, he's not a big drinker so there's no pressure to go out. Though I do feel a little bad that we didn't on Saturday, but I just couldn't do it.

Today, we sat at a cafe (as in pic) for a couple of hours, hung at the beach for an hour or so, had lunch, and walked around. And tonight we'll probably have a nice dinner.

It's been very nice.

Tomorrow, we take an overnight train to Rome.

My Love Muffin Arrived

So Philip arrived in Barcelona on Saturday afternoon. That night we all went to dinner. (Sorry for the poor pic.)

Food was excellent, but us girls were all tired and beat from the previous week. Sorry Philip!

Nic and Mags were leaving early the next morning so after dinner, Nicole went home to bed and the rest of us walked around for an hour or so. Then we headed home.


Mags finally took some pics of monuments. According to her, the men are her monuments. She kills me! Too funny. She's here to party and relax. Good for her, that she's doing what she wants. Not what I would do, but still good for her.



Me and Philip

My Girls

I couldn't have imagined having a better time with Nicole and Mags. We all got along so well and had such a great time. I don't think you understand, we had a really good time.

The thing about these girls is that they're such good people. They're the type of friends who got your back and watch out for you. Friends who don't judge, and who are unselfish.

I had the time of my life with these girls. I'll never forget it.

Love ya.

Friday Night - Last Night with My Girls

After the beach we headed to a tapas bar where after one last drink I headed home for a nappy. I woke up around 10:30 pm where Mags was passed out on the couch wearing a towel. I woke her because she looked dead.

Mags told me Nicole arrived at the tapas bar shortly after I left and was a little peeved because she thought we were done for the night. Well think again! Brooke and Mags don't dissapoint.

DING! DING! ROUND TWO!

I wanted to stay home, but I put on my big girl pants and got ready. Hey, this is my last night in Europe with my girls!

So Brooke and Mags got ready, and left at 1:30 am to meet Nicole and Aida to celebrate our last night together in Europe together. FYI, while Mags and I napped, Nicole hung out with Aida, the Bosnian woman I picked up at the beach.


Friday night in Barcelona was kick a**. We didn't go to one bar the entire evening. We drank on the streets, like everyone else. Hopping around from one square to the next and meeting all kinds of people.

See the six pack Nicole is holding? Well, men sell beer out of the cans for 1 Euro. And the best part, we never had to wait; they were everywhere.

Maggie invited some girls she met that day. A few girls from Alabama. They were nice, but not really our types, well except for Mags. We were the party! I think they were a little scared of us because we're all a little crazy!

And they were McCain girls. Everytime we met guys they asked where we were from and when we said Chicago they would yell, "Obama!" So we ended up chanting, "Obama!" a couple of times with random strangers. And those girls didn't like it too much. They would ask, "What about McCain." Come on girlfriends, get with the program! He's old news!


At 5 am we left the streets and headed home. I insisted Aida come with us, and she did. We picked up some beer and talked and laughed until 6:30 am. Then Aida and Nicole went to bed. Mags and I stayed up until 8 am to watch the sun rise.

It was such a fun night. It really can't get any better.
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So more on Aida. She is super cool. Nicole and I both have a crush on her. She lived in San Fran for years so her English is perfect. Nicole and I both agreed, it felt like we were hanging with an old friend. Nicole and I already miss her!

Friday at the beach in Barcelona

We all went to the beach. Nicole stayed for an hour and headed to sightsee. Maggie and I picked up a 6 pack and chilled on the beach... and then some.

The two guys in bottom pic played Spanish music on their guitars the entire time we were there. They invited us over, but I declined because there was an Italian wearing a doo-rag making girating moves with his pelvis as he waved us over. No thanks. I didn't feel like dealing with some dude trying to hit on us hard core. (FYI, Italians can be very aggressive.)

But after 2 more drinks I said f*** it we'll join 'em. And it was great. Could it get any better?!

It was too bad Nicole had left because this would have been right up her alley.

In their group included one woman, two Italians, two Spanish guys, and one Dutch dude. Then there was Mags and I, and Aida, a Bosnian woman who I insisted come join us. She was sitting at a nearby chair watching us and I waved her over. She refused, but after 3 attempts she finally came. She is right of Maggie in the pic.

When we first came to the beach the two guitarists played around the beach. We joined them and we all sat in a circle as they played and sang.

Nicole finally got it

My dear friend Nicole finally got it. Meaning she got what it feels like to enjoy her trip and take it in. I mean, really take it in. She told me last night she got it. And you could tell because girlfriend was glowing. She looked great.

She's been having a hard time because too many people back home are giving her guilt trips that she's partying too much and she needs to see more. Well you know what I gotta say to that? F*** 'em. I told her this is her trip, not theirs, and people will always tell you what you should. It applies in all aspects of life. Oh you should get married, oh you should have kids, etc. And again I say F*** 'em.

I told her she should be partying in Madrid with her girls. That's truly experiencing the Madridian culture and its people. In addition, I told her she will site see in Barcelona and Italy - that's where the beauty is. And on Sunday she will be traveling by herself until she meets Philip and I in Rome. So she'll have 4-5 of being by herself and so she will not be drinking like she has.
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On another note, Nicole also let go of American expectations, for e.g., waiting longer than usual for the bartender to bring another beer or check. You have to ask for a beer or the check. They're not like American bartenders who ask you as soon as you have only a few sips left do want another one or the check.

And she's learned to dine like a European. When I've dined with Americans while traveling they tend to annoy me because they're always in a hurry to see see see! Gotta get one more shot of another monument!!!! Soooo not my style.

And most Americans eat to fill the belly and leave soon after. Europeans don't eat like that. They lounge and hang out with friends and family shootin' the s***. Even if they have only have one coffee or beer they'll still hang without drinking more.

The Spanish share food which I've mentioned before. They don't split all the food up to make sure everyone receives the same amount - because ya know, Americans gotta make sure no one gets more than them. And Spaniards eat off the same plate. I´ve eaten salads, and other dishes with 1-2 other people dipping their fork in there. I'm cool with it.

So back to Nicole. The first few days, Nicole was like a typical American. She annoyed me because she did behaved like a typical American! And of course I told her she needs to chill out, relax, this is Europe! Hey, I can understand where she's coming from, and I'm not hating on her, but I've been by myself or with locals for 2 months and I'm just not used to it. And most importantly, I want her to get it, and finally she has.

Also, I'm very happy that she will be traveling by herself. It's good to travel alone. It makes you more independent, resourceful and in tune with yourself.

Back to the Poop Story

So on Thursday we decided to stay in, and again "hang low" but ended up drinking 5 bottles of wine between the three of us....

In Barcelona, we are renting an apartment. You find them on Expedia or travel websites, just google it.

It's modern, clean, roomy, and has a balcony that we've been chillin' on. It's so much better than a hotel.

OK, so back to the poop. So on Thursday we're laughing it up and still trying to figure out if the poop was an attempted mugging. I told Mags to google "bird shit mugging Madrid" and guess what? Ya, those Spanish bitches tried mugging us.

We found news articles that wrote about how 2-3 people will pull something like this to distract you so they can swipe your wallet. Good thing for me and Nicole is that we were aware of our bags. And most importantly, since we're both so damn crazy we were moving around way too much for them to pick.

And my purse is small and very hard to get into. I have difficulty removing items sometimes.

One thing is for sure muggers in Madrid need to up their skills! And muggings more than not, tend to be nonviolent - just picking your pocket or purse.

But don't let the muggers scare you. It's still a safe city. You just gotta be aware of your surroundings. When walking in crowds hold onto your purse or wallet in your pocket. Or as Rick Steve says, wear a small money belt under your shirt. And don't keep you wallet out. For example, when you get cash at an ATM don't stand there like a knob holding your wallet. Put it back in your wallet, take your cash and ATM, and go into a bar or store and then insert money and card.

Gotta have street smarts.

Arrived in Barcelona on Thursday

Madrid Madness is Over

Our last night in Madrid was Wednesday and it was a blast like everyday. We're all having so much fun it hurts.

We decided to "hang low" by going to a jazz bar that Rolando recommended. It was cool.

The Spanish jazz band was good and after their set the club played funk. It was refreshing to hear other music. Seriously, if I hear Kid Rock's All Summer Long I´m gonna fly home to America to punch him in the face! He's got to be one of the biggest tools. Oh, and to any of my readers who like that song, stop reading my blog... I can't be associated with you. ;)

My overall opinion on Madrid is it's just a party. I can't get over how f***ing great it was. There's really nothing else to do there. I don't think I would recommend it to people who aren't foodies or drinkers. Dunno, I think if you don't experience the nightlife, you not experiencing Madrid. F*** the museums! Go to Italy or France for that.

Madrid isn't that beautiful of a city. I was actually a little disappointed. Of all the European cities I've been to it's the least impressive in regards to asthetics.

And these mother f***ers are dirty. People throw trash on the street and in restaurants. I'm not joking. It's common to throw used napkins and cigarettes on the floor in authentic tapas bars. You won't see this in more contempary or touristy joints.

But with all the griddiness, I still dig it. And our time in Madrid was just plain craziness! But all of it good, even the half-assed muggings.

Nicole and I got pooped on, but was it an attempted mugging?

Today Nicole and I walked around Madrid today for 4 hours. (Mags left us after a .5 because she wasn't feeling well.) We walked through one of Madrid's park and decided to sit on the bench for a bit. After a short while we felt something wet fall on us. I felt it on the top of my head and Nicole felt it on her back.

We both looked at each other and noticed grey poop on our backs and in our hair. We both started screaming and laughing. OK, so I was laughing more as Nicole was screaming and gagging.
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Prior to this incident, a Spanish chick comes over to us and asked us something in Spanish. I told her, "No Espanol." Then she walked away, in front of us, looking around.

Nicole said she saw her friend when she talked to me. I did not.

Then after a few minutes the poo hits us and as we stand up freaking out, I notice the friend standing about 10 feet behind Nicole and the Spanish girl about 10-15 ft in front of us. They both come over with tissue to help wipe off the s**t. Still, I'm laughing so hard I'm almost crying and Nicole is going back and forth trying to wipe the shit off her jacket and almost puking a few times. At the same time, one girl is wiping my back and the other girl is wiping Nicole's jacket.

During all of this chaos I'm thinking these girls are just being helpful. And not to sound naive, but they looked normal; they weren't gypsies or homeless. But, I'm cautious of my purse which is wrapped around my shoulder diagonally, which was half opened. I opened it to make sure all of my stuff was in there, and it was.

Then one girl goes into my backpack which was on the bench and takes out the bottle of water and tries to open it to poor on a napkin. I told her no. Still, at this time it did not occur to me that this was a setup.

Then I tell them gracias several times and with a hand gestures try to tell them thanks and goodbye.

At this point Nicole and I are still overwhelmed with getting shit on that it didn't hit us that these girls may have tried to mug us, that this whole event was a setup. Then I remembered my purse being opened, and asked Nicole if that was a setup. Then Nicole tells me one girl opened her bag that was on the bench, but Nicole took it and checked to make sure nothing was stolen, and nothing was. Then I told her my experience. And then we both thought that maybe this was a setup. We've gone through the event many, many times and still can't come up with a conclusion.

Those girls had many chances to steal our things out of our purses and didn't. The oddest thing was the shit was grey, not white, but it still fell on top of my head. Did those girls make some homemade poo? It just seems too fishy, too many coincidences. Or it could be that we're suspicious considering our experience the other night. I dunno.

But after this, Nicole and I agreed: we need to get the hell out of Madrid! Jesus.

We are Champs

Yesterday, Nicole and I vowed we weren't going out drinking. But she broke her vow.

We all laid in bed yesterday afternoon and evening. Just chillin'. Then at 10 pm Nicole and Mags went to get something to eat. I decided to stay home. I wasn't feeling too hot yesterday and I was just plain tired.

Two hours later they still weren't home. They came home at 2:30 am drunk on Sangaria. Bad, bad girls!

It probably sounds like we're partying too much, but seriously, it's Madrid. I can't explain it. The nightlife is so happening into the early morning. It's so great that you can't resist.

The difference between Spaniards and Americans is that they don't drink fast like Americans. Or maybe as much as Americans. I've noticed this and have been told this by Spaniards. When I was hanging out with my hosts in Mijas and Malaga we would stay out until the early morning, but not always drink a lot.

When you're out late say at 5 am, people aren't f***ing s**t faced like they are in the States. This isn't to say there aren't drunk people, it's just more controlled, I suppose.

Back home, if you're going to a 4 am or 5 am bar it's because your wasted. Seriously, would anyone in their right mind go to Brewbakers or Grouchers sober or only buzzed?! Wuf.

So point of my entry is that while in Madrid enjoy the party! You'd be a fool not to.

We still can't get over it

Nicole and I beat up a mugger. Omigod too funny! We've been laughing nonstop since it happened.

Hey Bartender, where ya going?

You want to know what's going on after closing time, ask the bartender. They always know what's up.

Monday night was supposed to be low key.... We left the hotel at 11:30 pm and Rolando took us to a tapas bar. We munched on cheese, ham and olives, and drank beer. Well next thing we know it's 2 am and the bar is closing. But we were having such a good time talking and laughing that we still wanted to stay out.

So I asked the bartender for a place to go and she shouts, "Flamenco! We go to flamenco bar!" So she took our group and 3 other Spaniards to this flamenco bar 5 minutes away. (In pic is group.)

It was a great place. No dancers were present, but the music and decor were authentic and therefore fantastic. And the 3 people we met were very nice and fun.

After this place closed at 4 am we headed to a club, but I said, "Bye, bye" after one drink because I was done. I just couldn't stay out anymore.


Nicole and her Spanish boyfriend Antonio.














Mags and her Spanish boyfriend Rolando (OK, .5 Spanish, .5 English). OK, so his real name is Roland, but I thought his name was Rolando so I've been calling him that for the past couple of days. It was just brought to my attention yesterday that it's Roland. But I told him it's too late he's Rolando! I love that name.

We've been hanging and laughing with him for the past couple of days. We all really like him a lot. The jokes, sarcasm, frank conversations, and laughter was nonstop. And he's been such a gentlemen to treat us to dinner and drinks, and lunch the next day. He's quite a gem.

Street Musicians of Madrid

Madrid has really good street musicians and they're everywhere playing during the day and at night.

The other day I listened to a group of 7 playing classical music.

I love street musicians. Even like the bad ones. They make me chuckle.

I miss Chicago

I haven't been homesick during my trip. Seriously, not at all. I didn't want to come back! I wasn't sure if I was going to - especially if McCain got elected.

I'm not sure why I'm a little homesick. It could be from overdosing on clubs. But I think it's partly due to Obama getting elected. But mostly due to having two of my Chicago friends here. They're making me miss my family and friends, and Chicago.

We were trying to convince Rolando (Maggie's Spanish boyfriend) to come visit us in Chicago. So he asked what is so cool about it. Of course we said the food, music, festivals, the lake, etc. And most notably its people.

Chicagoans are just good people. Yes we have our share of mother f***ers (it's still the word of the week!), but unfortunately they're everywhere. But overwhelmingly, I think Chicagoans are some of the best people in America. (Milwaukeeans and New Orleaners are included, too.) We're real, down-to-earth and nice people. Anyone I've ever met who has visited Chicago says the same.

Oh, and according to Rolando, us Chicago girls know how to drink beer!

See you in Chicago Rolando!

The Word of The Week

Mother F***er

I'm not used to this

Staying with women. I've stayed with only 3 since being in Europe.

Jesus! Maggie and Nicole take FOREVER to get ready! It's a damn ordeal to leave the hotel! It takes at the most, 40 min for me to get ready. Maggie and Nicole take like 2 hours to get ready!

We decided at 9:30 pm to shower and get ready. It's now 11:07 pm and we will not be leaving until another .5 hr.

They're driving me nuts! Cuz if you know me, I can be very impatient. I don't like waiting on people.

Come on Mother F***ers let's go!!!!!

Eat that crap up!

Spaniards standing in a loooong line at KFC.

Nicole's First Italian Kissing Experience

As I've written before Spaniards and Italians tend to be very affectionate. So last night when we were hanging with The Italian, he went to give Nicole a kiss on the cheek after we did the first round of shots. As he was going in to give her an innocent kiss she backed away uncomfortably and rejected him.

I laughed and told Nicole let him give you a kiss - it's their way of showing they like you, and it's not sexual.

And he was very apologetic. I explained to him in America we don't kiss like you guys do with strangers or even with friends.

I'm so used to the kissing that I'm a kissing machine. I kiss everyone. Upon meeting The Italian we did the kisses on booth cheeks. And everytime he bought a round a gave him a kiss on the cheek.

So I found it amusing the way Nicole reacted. In the end, she let him give her a kiss. It was cute.

The Night of Shots

Maggie told Nicole and I not to let her have shots. That she couldn't handle anymore since she was sick yesterday. Well that was before we left....

The dude below is The Italian we hung out with at one club. He bought us two rounds of shots and two rounds of beer.

Then at the next destination the bartenders gave us two shots for free and a round of beer for free, too.

Now I wasn't planning on doing shots either or drinking that much for that matter, but hey if people buy me shots I drink 'em. It would be incredibly rude to refuse!



me, The Italian, Nicole, and Maggie.

Don't F*** With Chicago Bitches

So Nicole and I were walking home this morning after a night of partying and she got half-assed mugged. This little f***er came out of nowhere and tried grabbing Nicole's purse. She started yelling, "Mother f***er! Mother f***er! That's my purse!"and hit him on the back. Then I start yelling "Mother f***er! Mother f***er! and kicked his a** to the ground where he laid on his side with his legs curled and hands over his head. We scared that mother f***er.

It all happened so quickly, that after I kicked him and he fell, I looked to Nicole to make sure she had her purse. And then he ran away. But I swear I would have kick that prick in the nuts and then in his face if I had the chance. No doubt.

An old boyfriend once told me: "If you get attacked, yell like a crazy person and you'll scare them off. And that's what Nicole and I did. Oh, and we beat the mugger's a**! But in all seriousness, we're lucky that he didn't have a knife or gun.

But don't be worried that Madrid is a dangerous city. It actually has a reputation of being one of the safest in Europe. And muggings happen everywhere. S*** within the past few months I know two friends who have been mugged in Chicago. One during the day in Greek Town and the other at night in Lakeview.

Nicole and I both agreed that we weren't aware of our surroundings. When I walk alone day or night (in US and Europe) I constantly look behind me to make sure no one is following me. Nicole does the same.

But what's so f***ed up about it is that Nicole and I can't stop laughing about it!

The party is all here!

Nicole just arrived after having a 1.5 hr delay at O'Hare and unfortunately missed her connector so had a 5 hr layover.

Oh, and Dr. Debbles, Nicole says your sleeping pills didn't work. Did you distribute kidney pills again?

It's been announced!

Maggie is ready for round 2!

Lines at da clubs

Between 5 am and 6 am lines to get into clubs can be outrageous.

But I don't wait in lines. I don't do it at home, and I don't do in Europe. OK, I did when I was in college, but I've been over that for a long time. Sorry, no place is that cool that I need to stand in line for an hour.

So usually what happens is I stand near the door contemplating whether or not it's worth it and some guys invite me to cut in front of them. One of the perks of being a chick.

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I'm diggin' the clubs in Madrid. Maggie and I went to three clubs last night and all clubs had great music, a good vibe and cool crowd. The first played Spanish music, the second played Spanish and good hip hop, and the third was a smokin' dj mixin' it up just right.

Saludo!

Dude in pic let us cut in front of the line. Oh, and the lemon was not intended to be in the pic. And Maggie has a look of disgust cuz she didn't suck the lemon after her shot.

Maggie and I cheersing to our second free shot of the night.

In Malaga and Madrid, men and women hand out promotional flyers for a free shot at a club. And it's common when you pay a cover you receive a free shot. But girls usually don't have to pay covers. I've never had to.
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Around 5 pm we headed to a tapas bar for some snacks of olives, potato salad and pork sandwich. After a few beers we headed home for a little nappy.

After waking up and showering, we left the hotel at 1:00 am and went to another tapas restaurant and ate some delicious smoked ham, cheese and a chilled tomato soup with pork and cheese. And then, of course we ended the night dancin' it up.

At 1:00 in the morning restaurants and bars are packed. Spaniards are known for not eating dinner until 10 pm or later. Many restaurants do not open for dinner until 8 pm.

A Spanish Mullet

They just ain't in America.

Poor Mags

Yesterday, Maggie: a) Had a one hour flight delay. b) Sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hr. c) Lost her luggage, thanks to the airline, and d) Had to change hotels because the roof was caving in. (The hotel moved us to a very nice sister hotel two blocks away.)

And today, she's been sick all day today, puking. She thinks she may have a bug.

Welcome to Europe girlfriend!

But luckily the airline just delivered her bag and she seems to be feeling better.

Alvaro's Spanish Neigborhood

View from Alvaro's apt.











He claims to live in a poor neighborhood, but it didn't seem poor to me. Just middle to lower middle class. Dunno, my opinion of poor are ghettos - now that's poor. But he also grew up in a kickass penthouse overlooking the sea, so his opinion of poor could be different than mine.

Anyways when he picked me up from the train station on Friday he warned me that his neighborhood isn't that nice looking and if I'm scared I don't have to stay with him.

I thought to myself, Well, if only you've seen some of the neighborhoods I've lived in.

I asked him if it's dangerous, like gangs, etc., and he said no, it's safe. I thought So what's the problem?

We drove through his hood and pulled up to his apartment and it was totally fine. Some graffiti on buildings, but its everywhere in Europe, and it isn't necessarily gang related. Usually it's not.

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I totally digged his neighborhood. It's exciting and real. I would just sit on his bay window and watch: People sticking their heads out of their home windows talking to others on the street; People yelling from their car for their friends to come down. (They don't honk their horn or ring the bell, they yell from their car.); People just doing everyday things like riding scooters, coming home with groceries and walking their dog.



In pic is laundry drying. You see this everywhere.

Of all the people I've stayed with in Europe only 2 people have had dryers. I get different reasons why most Europeans don't have dryers. One is it's just the way of life. The others are for economical and environmental reasons.

How is it staying with people?

So far I have:

-heard people banging.

-had a cat take a dump a foot away from me.

-had a cat bite my toe. (F***ing cats!)

-shared a bed, shared a room, had my own room, or the couch.

-stayed in clean homes and not so clean homes.

-had majority of hosts cook for me, be my tour guide, and party pal.

-had more chemistry with some than others.

-made friendships that will last a lifetime.


90% of the time it has been fantastic. The remaining 10% was OK, but not bad. But 100% of the time it was well worth it. The entire time I´ve been in Europe I´ve only paid for 2 nights of housing! But again, as I´ve expressed before, I´m not doing it just to save money. How f***ing boring and uneducational would it be to stay in hostels and hotels.

People back home often asked me what it´s like staying with people. Some people may find it strange or unsafe to stay with people you don´t know. At first I was a little nervous, but you gotta take chances and have faith that there are good people out there, and there is.

Plus, people who belong to Couch Surfing, Servas or Wwoof tend to be like minded people. More often than not, they´re liberal, open-minded, generous, warm, welcoming, and genuine. People who got soul. People who aren´t just about "me." If there were more of these people in the world it would be a better place.

In addition, within this community of travelers, there´s a common understaning or unwritten rule that you take care of a fellow traveler. You take care of someone now, and someone down the road will take care of you. It´s how it should be in all aspects of life - you help take care of people.

As I write this, I think about my favorite people in my life, and they all follow this philosophy.

Liter of Beer Night!

Every drink at this bar was served in a liter sized cup. I know, it´s gross. I felt like a total f***ing pig drinking it. Especially considering how much I´ve been drinking lately and that I didn´t even want to go out last night. Ah, but what the hell, I´m in Spain!

In pic is one of Alvaro´s friends Brittany. She´s from Colorado and is teaching English in Spain for the next year.

Alvaro went to comfort his buddy who´s dog is ill so I ended up hanging with Brittany. She was really cool.

It was relaxing and cool to hang with an American and just talk freely. Not that I´m complaining, but it can be tiring to communicate with someone who´s English isn´t very good. (FYI, Alvaro´s is very good.)

And it was interesting to hear her take on Spain and the differences from America. Like for example, she carries tissue and anti-bacterial liquid with her at all times because toilet paper and soap is scarce in Spain restrooms. And it is. But I´ve just delt with it. A little germ is OK - we as the human race have survived this long, right? But kudos to the corporations who have successfully marketed anti-bacterial liquids.

And of course we ended the night at a club. I gotta tell ya, if I see one more f***ing strobe or neon light or hear one more cheesy ass American pop song I´m taking the first flight back to Chicago. I need some live music!



Don´t get me wrong I´ve had fun and I like to dance, but I´m not a clubber. I never have been. OK maybe when I was 19 with a fake ID I visited some clubs, but my preference is to hang at bars with live music, preferably blues. I just don´t feel the music.


It´s not just the music that´s a turn off, but the people. I don´t hang out or date cheese dicks, and that´s who generally hangs at clubs. Dudes with greased hair and girls with too much makeup. Or as I usually say, people with no soul. I can´t explain any further, you either get it or you don´t.

But regardless, I´m sure I will be partying and dancing until the wee hours at more clubs and having a good time while in Spain.

More Hugs Please

Every Spaniard (and Portugese) I´ve met and have hung out with is so huggy. They hug me and their friends, a lot. It´s endearing. And it just feels good. (And they give many kisses, too.)

They give good, hearty hugs, not like American hugs. Too many Americans give half-assed hugs with only one arm and a little pat on the back. It´s such a cold, uncomfortable exchange. I have been guilty of this misbehavior, too. It doesn´t feel good and it´s not rewarding in any manner; it´s a perfunctory gesture.

It´s like we´re scared to touch each other. Or we´re scared to be rejected in the event the other person doesn´t want to hug back. I also think many take it as sexual, which is so silly.

I admire the Spaniards´affectionate culture.


(In pic is me and my host Alvaro)

Beaches of Malaga

Typical city beach here. Think of North Ave Beach in Chicago: beach in front, city behind.

It´s nice, but probably not as relaxing as other beaches due to city noise. But it´s still cool.

Again, this is why I came to Malaga: to lounge on the beach and chill before my party animal friends meet me in Madrid on Saturday. Maggie and Nicole have already warned me sleeping is not on the agenda and to rest up. Watch out Madrid!

I know some of you are wondering who they are so I´ll share. I met Maggie at my previous job and Nicole through my friend Debbles (Deborah). Both are super cool girls, laidback and like to have a good time.

It´s funny, three years ago, when I was in New Orleans for 2 weeks, for work, Nicole was down there at the same time. At the time, I only had hung out with her maybe twice. But we hooked up and had one hell of a time. I´ll never forget that trip!

So I´m excited for them to meet me - we´ll have a great time.

One of My Most Memorable Days in Europe

Wednesday I was in awe when we arrived at this beach, which is 40 minutes outside of Malaga in Granada Province. The landscape was amazing.

During the drive there, the views of the mountains and Mediterranean Sea were marvelous.

After 3 hours of taking in the sun and the view, I felt like I meditated for hours. It was a higher degree of relaxtion that I´ve experienced only a handful of times in my life.
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After the beach Alvaro drove me to a nearby village for tea on a rooftop cafe with views of the mountains, and then to a tapas restaurant to munch on calamari, fish and shrimp.

Later in the night two of his friends came over. We drank Spanish wine and snacked on olives and cheese.

His buddies were very nice. The one recently visited NY and was telling me all about his trip and how he loves NY.

It was a lovely day.

What do you need my little princess?

In a jokingly manner, my new host Alvaro will ask me that question when it comes to food and drinks. Then I´ll laugh and he´ll say, "But you are while you´re in my home." And he does treat me like a princess! He´s a very attentive host and such a gentleman. He´s just a big sweetheart.

All I gotta say is his parents did a great job of raising him. I wanna give them a hug.

I arrived at Alvaro´s on Tuesday. He met me at the train station and took me to a viewpoint where you can see all of Malaga and the sea. Then he dropped me off in the center to walk around while he went to Karate class. After class we ate and drank some kick ass tapas and beer. We ended the late night at a bar, where his friend works, for complimentary shots of Jager.

2 of My Favorite Things

Chillin´on the beach and drinkin´a beer.

This is why I came to Malaga - to sit my lazy traveling a** on a beach. Oh, and did it feel good.

For the Ladies

I keep getting jokes about the "hot Spanish guys"... well here´s one for ya.

Dude, can someone tell me

who the white guy was that Oprah hung on during Obama´s speech in Grant Park?

I´m balling my eyes out

FINALLY, I just watched Obama´s acceptance speech at Grant Park, and I´m crying in a f***ing internet cafe. I still can´t get over it.

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So many people back home have told me: "Oh you missed one hell of a party in Chicago!

Well, I did, but it´s not about the party to me. Of course I was a bit envious of those celebrating in the US, especially in Chicago, but on the other hand, it´s been incredibily moving and interesting to hear so many Europeans be so damn exicted about Obama.

Before, and after the election, when someone hears my accent they automatically ask if I´m American. After I say yes, the next question is: "You like Obama?" or if their English is poor they just say, "Obama?" with a smile. When I say, "Yes!" or nod they´re very happy. It´s common when I´ve been out people have chanted, "Obama! Obama!".

I always wondered what would have happened if I liked McCain.... There was this douchebag American I met back in Montpellier, France who after guys started chanting, "Obama! Obama!" asked, "What about McCain?" He got booed.

(The reason he´s a douchebag is not because he supported McCain, but because he was lame. There were 15 of us at a Couch Surfing meetup in Montpellier, France and he didn´t talk to anyone. He was a pompous f*** from Southern California. I as others tried conversating with him and he didn´t reciprocate. People like him shouldn´t Couch Surf while traveling. He´s just looking for a free bed.)

But anyways, it´s been great to receive congratulatory emails and texts from my previous hosts. I even receive congrats when I contact potential Couch Surfing hosts.

Hi, can I move in?

This is the view from Leo´s balcony. That´s the Mediterranean Sea in the back. Could you imagine coming home to this everyday? I can´t.

Leo actually lives in Mijas, which is about 45 min southwest of Malaga. He´s 15 min from the beach.

His neighborhood is filled with apt or condo complexes and a few hotels and resorts.






A snapshot I took while on a walk.












Pic of the beach.

We went to the beach in the late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. The weather is about 70-74 degrees. It´s definitely warm enough to lay out.

Since Saturday Leo and I have been chillin´at the beach, coming home and having Asian cuisine for dinner. He´s a good cook for not cooking often. And it´s nice to eat some vegetables!

Leo went out late Saturday, but I stayed home.

Last night after dinner we watched CNN and "The Matador" staring Pierce Brosnan and Greg Kinnear. It was a good movie.

When I first met Leo, I didn´t think I was gonna like him. He seemed kind of cocky and arrogant. But that was only my first impression. We get along really well. He´s easy to be with, and he´s been a great host.

More pics of the beach.

This beach town is a popular vacation spot for English and Dutch tourists. Many of the restaurants and bars on the strip offer English menus and English speaking staff.

Damn Couch Surfing Hosts!

They´re the cause of my recent excess in drinking. Jesus.

Don´t get me wrong, I´ve been having a great time, but all my hosts (but 2) want to take me out to whoop it up. Yes, I´m grateful but the partying is wearing me the hell out.

After Leo and his friend Alex picked me up at train station, Leo asked if I was ready to experience the Spanish night life. I thought Ah sheeeeit, we´re gonna be out all night.

And that we were, until 6:30 am that is. Another reason why I´m diggin´Spain: many bars and clubs are open until 4 am, all night and/or into the wee hours of the morning like 6 am and 10 am. I´ve been told some places are open until 2 or 3 pm the next day.

Yesterday, I felt like crap, having a cold and not getting enough sleep, so I wasn´t excited to go out. All I wanted to do was eat dinner and sleep.

But the thing is you have to get over being tired. I told myself to suck it up - I´m in Spain!

So I did. And I had blast. Today I feel good. It must be from all the vitamin B in the beer....

We started at a lovely tapas restaurant and then headed to a bar for a Malaga Couch Surfers Meetup. For the night a group of 10 - 15 very cool people whooped it up Spanish style.
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In pic above are three Americans who are temporarily teaching English and living in Spain.


Leo and Alex













Alma, Kurro and I. Alma is Finnish and has lived in Spain for the past 2 years. I talked to her for most of the night. I liked her a lot. Kurro is Spanish and is the moderator for Couch Surfers Malaga, which means one of his responsibilities is to organize meetups. He was really cool, too.

Arrived in Malaga, Spain last night

I´m staying with a Couch Surfing host, Leo, an expat from South Africa.

Flamenco & Tapas

Seville is known for flamenco dancing and tapas. It´s said to be at its best here.

On Thursday night, Bruno sent me where he sends all of his Couch Surfers: to a flamenco tabernas, a bar with local, skilled dancers and musicians performing for free. Or you can see flamenco at a Tablaos, which are highly touristy and pricey.

Flamenco consists of clapping, guitar, singing, rapid foot-tapping, and swirling dancers.

This dancer had it going on. I appreciated her intensity.






OK, back to food. Tapas... yum.

Seville claims to be the birthplace of tapas, which are small plates, appetizer size portions for cheap, like a few dollars.

Many tapas bars have food displayed on the bar. Additional items can be ordered off the menu, too. And you can order an entree size serving.

I tried shrimp with tomatos and onion. And the nice guys next to me offered me to try their dish of octopus in some sort of creamy sauce. This is why I like Spain, it´s totally cool to offer some stranger a taste of your food. As some of you who have witnessed, I´m all about eating off strangers´plates in bars. If they wanna share, why not?




This is what a typical bar in Seville looks like. People stand or sit at the bar, eat, and drink booze or coffee.

From what I´ve seen in Spain and France, coffee is an acceptable drink to order at most bars. Clubs excluded.

In Chicago and most of the US, you don´t go to a bar to drink coffee, you go to a coffee shop. If you went to a bar, chances are the bartender would be pissed he had to make a pot of coffee.

Seville pics

I don´t even know what to say. I like this city a lot. I wish I could have stayed a couple of days longer, but I have 7 days until I have to be in Madrid to meet some friends and I want to see more of Spain. (No sweat friends.)

I feel like a broken record, but the architecture is beautiful. The bars and restaurants are as authentic as you can get. I feel like I´m in Spain.

Top pic is of the Rio Guadalquivir.




Palm trees and other lush vegetation line the riverwalk.












Building on right, I believe is an old fortress.















































All pics below are from the city park Jardines de los Reales Alcazares.

It´s an outstanding city park. The vegetation is so lush, exotic and copious. Many trees are gigantic that you almost feel enclosed in a little rain forest.

In pic to the left is a lovely mural.













Orange trees are inside and outside the park.