Sunday, July 26, 2009

Back Home


Back home from another fabulous trip. A trip filled with new adventures, new friendships, and a new favorite city. Being able to revisit France and to have a better understanding of their culture was a great experience. As mentioned from a previous blog, I was unable to understand France. But after visiting Bordeaux, Provence, and Nice, I felt I got a better grasp of their culture. The French folks aren’t as bad as bad as people perceive them. It’s really all relative when you run into people. Every country has their fair share of people who come off the wrong way.
Spain - still my favorite country with San Sebastian becoming my new favorite city to vacate to. It’s a city that has it all: the beach, the bars, the food, and good people. It’s not as touristy as Barcelona. It’s a calm Barcelona. It’s similar to my former favorite city Lisbon, but more compact. Not as spread out as Lisbon.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Rockin' in Nice




I'm finally in Nice. The last leg of my trip. I had an interesting night out last night. I drank with a few folks whom I met at the hostel. After the Lounge area closed we continued the festivities on the stony beach. Two of the gals stripped down and jumped in the ocean(the gals who jumped in were not any of the individuals shown in the pic above). We then went to a few bars. One of them had a live band playing. I don't know how, but I got pulled onto the stage and sang with the lead singer.

Avignon




Posted for July 17
Avignon like Arles is a city built in walls. The major difference is Avignon is a much lager city. The theater festival is super festive. Street performers everywhere and Promotional Bills for plays posted on every wall. The once former residence for the Pope is an enormous castle.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Pont Du Guard




Posted for July 16
I got up at 10:30. I was knocked out and got some really good rest. After getting ready I headed for the train station to head to Pont Du Guard for the Day. It’s a Roman Aqueduct which is the second tallest Roman Structure with the Coliseum in Rome being the tallest. I wadded my feet in the water as I sat in a stony beach area. Next to me was an older topples woman bathing in the sun.

The structural part that amazes me is, the arches were built with out mortar. Just rock carved and fitted perfectly with a key stone on the top. I stood underneath the arch in awe.

Headed to Provence




Posted for July 15
On the train to Arles I was super thirsty. I purchased a water. I thought I heard the lady say 2.14 so I gave her 2.20. She printed out a receipt and it showed 2.40. I said I’m sorry and pulled out a 20 Euro Bill and she said it’s ok and took my 2.20. The bullet trains in France are fantastic. Smooth easy ride that takes you to far distances in a matter of a couple hours. On my 2 hour and 45min ride to Provence, I took a half hour nap. Before getting into Arles, I’ve got a stop over in Avignon. I’ll be spending a night in Avignon later in the week prior to heading to Nice.

I was pleasantly surprised when I checked in my hotel. It was booked on hostelworld.com. The hotel was modernly refurbished. The room I had was fabulous. I especially loved my shower. It had cemented rocks on the floor with a rain type shower head. After washing up, I headed for the streets. I stopped by an outdoor area sipped on a Pastis. I then headed for a Gelato spot. I forgot the name of the Gelato flavor I had but it had Olive Oil and other stuff in it. It was an award winner and I can vouch for why it is; it was freakishly delicious.

I then walked around and checked out Van Gough’s stuff - the spots of what he painted. The stuff that he has done is truly amazing and it’s sort of sad to see how some of the existing areas have changed. Overall, Arles is charming little city with its narrow streets and walkways. It’s very rustic with it’s Roman Architecture still present. It’s definitely not Paris and I’m liken’ every part of it. My brother in-law told me to check it out, and I’m glad I did.

After a wonderful 3 course dinner at Lou Caleu, I headed back to the hotel to get some rest.

Sardine Can Ride in Paris


Posted for July 14
On my way to the Metro station I saw a few vendors. I haven’t eaten dinner so I purchased a hotdog with a Kabob. If was ridiculously delicious. It may have been good due to my hunger, but I highly doubt that – Kabob, Hot Dog and a sautéed Onions in the same bun! What a freaking great invention.

Going back to the hostel after the fireworks was an event. Getting into the Metro /Subway station was crazy. The stairs going down into the station were filled with people and had a massive crowed lined outside. I decided to walk further down to catch the subway at different stop. After a half hour walk I spotted a station and made my way in. Half way in, the stairs were filled. I used my rule of thumb and said to my self, “F’t, I’m already committed. I’m gonna get into this subway. If all these people are doing it, why can’t I?” As I approached the end of the stairs which opened up hallway/stair way to the plat form, there were a couple of officers conducting crowd control. They control the amount of people allowed to stand in the platform area before boarding the metro.

I got in the metro, and my body was physically pressed against the door. The metro was packed like sardines in a can. It’s like the saying, “how many clowns can you fit in a car.” As soon as the door in the metro closed a Parisian said, “Welcome to Paris.” Everyone in the surrounding car chuckled- including my self.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Bastile Day in Paris


Posted for July 14
I got up at 8am to try to catch the Parade on Champs Ellise – what a bad idea. Every street had a detour from road closures. By the time I got the main area, all spots to get a decent view were taken. I ended up sitting in an outdoor café for an hour and a half as I enjoyed my espresso, people watched, saw a few of the jets fly by, and caught a few glances of the parade on the Television.

As soon as the parade ended, I met up with two people who I never met. They were both from the SF and were co-workers of a close friend of mine. We had lunch, walked down Champs Ellise to the Norte Dame and then to the Latin Quarters. Before we parted ways we made arrangements to meet at a 10 to watch the fireworks.

I retuned to my hostel, washed my clothes, as well as my self. I felt sticky and dirty from the heat. There was a little store next to the laundry mat so I purchased a bottle of Bordeaux to enjoy during the fireworks display.

I left the hostel at 8:30 and headed for the meeting point located on Ponte De L’Alma. I got to the meeting point at about 9:15 and settled on the center divide directly in the center of bridge. The bridge was filling up rapidly. The Fireworks started and the other two were no where to be found. Their dinner had ended too late at which point getting to me was a lost cause. The bridge was completely filled with people. It had a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and had an easy access point back to the metro. I end up enjoying the fireworks alone and didn’t get a chance to open the bottle of wine. I didn’t mind at all, because I really had no intentions of watching the fireworks with people but only to my self. Meeting other people along the way is just an added bonus. As far as the wine, I’ll drink it later on my trip.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Headed to Paris

After a fantastic evening of just sitting in an out door area square with 3 bottles of wine, I felt relaxed this morning; rested. I got up at 9:30 and started to get ready. As I packed my bags there was music playing outside my window; Kiss me through the phone by Soulja Boy. I found that interesting. I checked out of my room at 10:30 to allow my self to take a couple pictures on my way to the train station. The plan was to take a couple pictures, purchase my train ticket to Paris (a departure time of no later than 3pm), then grab breakfast if time permitted.

In the metro light rail on my way to the train station, I bumped into Jon and Rachel - total coincidence. They’re train was scheduled to leave at 12:01.

We arrived at the train station at about 11:15 and I headed straight for the ticket window. After waiting 10 minutes in line I noticed there were two sections to purchase tickets: Future bookings and bookings for immediate travel. With the luck of the draw, I happened to end up in the future bookings line which took forever. I kept glancing over the other line and it was flowing rapidly. Because I was already committed, I stayed in the same line. I wasn’t in a hurry so I wasn’t concerned. I finally got to the ticket window and purchased my ticket which was scheduled to depart at 2:15. I asked for the earlier train that is schedule to leave at 12, but it was fully booked. After I purchased my ticket I saw Jon and Rachel lingering around the train departure schedule board. I hung out with them as they waited for their platform to be assigned. We said our good byes as soon as their platform was assigned. I then head out to look for food and found a restaurant just outside the train station. I had a ham and cheese omelet, orange juice, and espresso. With an hour and a half left to kill after my meal, I found a spot outside the train station to relax.

The train ride to Paris was great! Relaxed! I even had a tiny conversation with a group of elderly folks who where traveling through Paris. One of them was a WWII Veteran. During the war he was station near the border of France in Spain.

I got to Paris at 5:30. The subway to my hostel took an hour. Paris is huge city! I’ve been here before so I know walking to the Hostel from the train station would be a big mistake. My Hostel is located in the 19th district which is North East area of Paris. The train Station I came from is located in the south end of Paris. Walking to the hostel would have been at least a 3 hour journey. I made the mistake before on my first trip and wasn’t going to do that again.

My hostel is nice. It’s a new facility. The down side is the location. Located in the 19th district, there’s a plethora of building that look like project homes. There’s a heavy mix in cultures in the area. If you’ve ever been to the Apollo in NY, the look and feel of its surrounding shops in the neighborhood is very similar.

Just outside the metro was a Vietnamese Restaurant. I was tempted to try the Pho, but I didn’t want to pay $15 for soup when I know I can have it back home for $6.

After checking in and settling down I decided to keep to my self and relax. It’s funny how I used to be Gung Ho to hit the city on the day I arrive. Now it’s let me relax, settle down, and if I’m up to going out then I’ll go out. There was an outdoor concert just outside the hostel. I had a couple beers at the hostel bar as they played some late 90’s hip hop music, after which I walked out the door to check out the concert. It was a cover band playing all sorts of Music including Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. All the kids and adults enjoyed themselves as they danced around. After half an hour, I called it a night and went to bed.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Wine Tasting in Bordeaux



Due to fatigue, I stayed in last night. Trouble sleeping the night before in Pamplona – from the street noise, travel day, plus not having a decent meal equates to I’m going to pass out tonight and save my energy for today July 12. Last night, all I had for dinner was a prepackaged typical American ham and cheese sandwich from a corner store.

I purchased a ticket for a 9 hour wine tour at the tourist office yesterday. I went to bed last night at 12 and got up this morning at 7. I had to be at the tourist office by 9:15 to meet with the tour group. I got ready and left my room at 7:30 to look for breakfast. After walking around for 30 min, I went back to my room with no luck of anything open. With only a 10 minute walk to the tourist office I left my room again at 8:30 in hopes to find something on my way. As I got closer to the tourist office, I saw a café in a square just opening with a few patrons already seated. It was located half a block away from the meeting point. I sat down and had a croissant and espresso.

I got to the tourist office at 9:20 with no expectations. The only information I had on the wine tour was: a minimum 2 hour hike in the hills, 2 vineyard tastings, and lunch.

I met with the group and kept to my self for a bit to absorb the environment in regards to listening to the people talk and how they spoke. I sat near the back of the bus. Shortly after boarding the bus, an elder woman introduced her self to a couple of gals in the back of the bus. They all spoke English and had spoke of where they were from. The elderly lady was from Philadelphia. The two younger gals said they were from California close to Napa. After hearing the gals speak I interrupted with, “where abouts?” They said Walnut Creek and I told them I was from Hercules. I kept to myself again and let the elder lady converse with the gals. One of them was taking a one year course in Madrid and was returning home at the end of the month to finish her collegiate course work.

During the one hour trip into the hills of Bordeaux, the people – including myself- slowly began to converse. Everyone in the rear end of the bus spoke English. I then started to speak to a Canadian couple who sat in front of me.

The tour officially began when we arrived in the outskirts of Bordeaux. It started in front of a chapel. The guide then took us to a vineyard a few meters away and started to speak of the horticulture of Vines. He was very informative and knowledgeable. This was due in part being a former vineyard worker and now a private producer of wine for his family and close friends. We trekked through the hills for about 2 hours till be finally approached our first winery. Everyone looked parched and hungry from the heat and walking. The first Winery was called Clos Jean. Our host in the Vineyard was the owner.

We went through 4 different wines starting with a Bordeaux Rose and finishing off with a Loupiac Reserve. Typical with any type of drinking event, after the 2nd bottle, everyone started to loosen up. Lunch followed up in an outdoor area. We had a phenomenal view of the country side. We were served pickled asparagus, cheese, bread, Pate, and Foie Gras. In addition to the delicious meat, the meal complimented the wine.

After the meal, we trekked to another winery which had an old Roman Bath House. After a brief tour of the excavated area, we were taken to a cellar where we were served 2 different Wines. Both were Loupiacs. With that vineyard being the last stop, we had an hour to spare before the tour bus arrived to take us back into town. Killing an hour in a winery? Easy! Some us pitched in money to purchase a couple bottles wine.

During the bus ride back into town the group I was with killing the hour with at the winery exchanged contact information. One of the couples then proposed for some of us to meet later in the evening for drinks at 8:30.

We got back into town at 6:30 and I headed straight to my room to wash up and look for dinner. I found a restaurant, sat in, and ordered a Tagliatore Bolognese. The pasta was fresh, but I wasn’t a big fan of the Bolognese Sauce. After dinner I met with the group at 8:30 in front of the tourist office: Jon, Rachel, Gregg, and Gregg’s lady(I don’t recall Gregg’s lady’s name). We headed to a square, found an outdoor seating area, and enjoyed 3 bottles of wine.

Time flew and midnight approached. The place we were at was shutting down. We all parted afterwards. I went straight to bed.

Although the wine tour was great, I was hoping to go through a Medoc Tour instead of Loupiac Tour. Apparently the Medoc tour was sold out. I had a great time in Bordeaux and wished I could have stayed for 2 more days; one more day to roam the streets and the other to attend a Medoc Wine Tour. Off to Paris in the morning.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Travel Day


I got on the bus from Pamplona to San Sebastian as planned and it went real smooth. As soon as Ant and I arrived we dropped off our bags and headed for some food. After having toast and coffee and strolling through the beach, I picked up my bag at Ant’s hotel and headed to the train station. I got there at 12:45. With my train scheduled to leave at 1:25, 45 minutes is plenty of time to settle down prior to departure. And so that was not to be the case.

As soon as I got to the train station, I wanted to validate my French Pass Train Ticket. As I waited in line I started to converse to a group of Americans from Chicago who were in front of me. They got to the ticket window and asked for a ticket into France. The person at the window directed them to the other train station. I didn’t listen to their conversation as I spoke to the one gal in their group. There are two train stations in San Sebastian. I’m not sure how much Spanish they know, but I trusted them and followed them to the other train station. It’s a 15 min walk and I wasn’t too concerned since I still had time. We left that station at 12:50 and took a lazy walk to the other station. I continued to chat with the gal the in the group as the other 3 guys looked at me like I was some punk guy trying to get at her. As a matter of fact, she was the one who approached me first. I just continued to talk to her. I tried to talk to the guys, but they kept giving me the whatever attitude. Any case, we got to the train station at 1:15 and I immediately wished them a safe journey as I headed to the monitor to see what platform my train leaves from. After finding it, I headed for the platform. As I got to the platform I noticed something different: Stalls. In order to get through the stalls to the platform area, a special ticket is required. I turned around and headed to the ticket booth and spoke to the cashier. With the group of Americans standing in the area looking confused, the cashier told me I was in the wrong station. Right then and there I looked at the 3 American guys who earlier were giving me the cold shoulder and said, “This is the wrong station. This station is for the local trains but still can get you to the border of Spain/France.” They replied with, “Shit, we just came from there (the other station).” The gal looked at me and apologized while the guys still looked confused. I replied, “It’s alright, no worries” and I rushed out the station and looked for a cab. I found a cab and told him my train leaves in 10 min. He laughed and said don’t worry, I’ll get you there in 5 min. He was true to his word and got me there in 5 min. During the 5 min ride the driver said there are two stations, one local and one that goes through the other countries. I told him that I knew that and I was originally at the correct station but I listed to some stupid Americans and followed them with out asking the ticket agent. He laughed again.

I hopped out of the cab and headed to the platform area. Looking around I approached a security guard working the station and asked him if I was in the right platform. He said yes. I then saw a group of Australians and asked them where they were headed. They were headed the same direction as I and then told me the train is late.

As I waited, there was a couple who were rushing into the platform as well. They looked at me and asked if this was the correct platform to Hendaye. I said yes. They were breathing hard and said, “we just ran from the other station.” I laughed as I told them I just went through the same thing. After conversing a bit it turned out there they were headed to the same destination as I – Bourdeaux. We then talked about the connecting Train and wondered if were going to make it. With the current train running late and the connecting train leaving 10 minutes after the scheduled arrival at the transfer point (Hendaye), things were looking a bit sketchy. The train destined for Hendaye finally arrived. I got to my seat and spoke to the rail conductor. She asked if I spoke English. I said yes. She was very helpful as I described my situation to her. She spoke to her manager and told me that I’ll have enough time to get to the train. She gave me mineral water as I relaxed in my 1st class seat.

When I arrived at Hendaye, I rushed to the ticketing area to look for the auto stamp machine to validate my French Pass ticket. There were 2 but both were not operating. I rushed to the ticket booth and the cashier was looking at me crazy. I showed her my ticket. She pointed at the train out side the window and said,n It's too late, they’re closing the door." I said, "I just need a stamp on my pass." She immediately stamped it and I ran out side and jumped in, just as the door was closing. With sweat running down my forehead, and shirt sweat forming on my back and shoulders from my back pack, I was finally relieved to be on the train as I looked for my seat; a comfortable 2 and a half hour train ride in peace.

Take It Easy

Posted for July 10
We took it easy today. I’ve got a travel day tomorrow. Ant and I will be departing the bus station for San Sebastian at 9:30 am; I then will continue my journey to Bordeaux with another stop over at Hendaye.

We went to the grocery store the other day and picked up a cooked chicken with tortilla on the side. We heated it up this morning and had it for breakfast. We then used the left over bones and chicken meat to make chicken soup. A substance I’m sure my body will greatly appreciate.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Idiot


Posted for July 9
When I got up this morning, I called my self an idiot!
Flash Back two weeks ago
I got a phone call a week prior to my trip from a Euro Rail Agent. I originally had purchased a train ticket from Pamplona to Bordeaux which has a stop over/transfer point at Hendaye, France. The Agent informed me that first part of the train ride (Pamplona to Hendaye) was no longer available due to construction and the best way to get to Bordeaux was to reroute to San Sebastian then to Hendaye then to Bordeaux. With out thinking I agreed and paid for the additional fees.

This morning
I got up this morning and thought about my train ride to Bordeaux. Looking at my ticket I didn’t realize the train ride to San Sebastian was an 1 hour 45 min. A bus ride to San Sebastian is an hour and would only cost 7 Euro. At that point, the hamster wheel in my head started to turn in which the light bulb promptly clicked. I said out loud, “Sh*T, Mother F*CKER! I’m a freaking idiot!” Ant looked at me and said what. I replied, “The taxi to the train station would be about 7 Euro and the bus ticket to San Sebastian is 7 Euro! The bus station is walking distance and the Charter Bus Ride would be faster.” So basically, I’m going to eat the first part of my train ride to Bordeaux which is fine because I get to enjoy San Sebastian for a few hours.

So it looks like I’ve thrown quite of bit of money away:
- Lost a little bit over a hundred euro when it fell out of my pocket
- Eating the additional fees on my train ride
Above all this, I’m ok with it. I’ve alive and having a great time. It’s just one of those little hiccups that happen along the way.

Night time activities
Ant and I hit the square at 11:30 pm. Like the other night and nights to follow, the square is filled with people. We found an open area to settle down in and opened our drinks - Absolute Vodka and Naranja (Orange Soda). After about an hour of drinking and enjoying the free open air concert, we met a group of Americans. We gave them a box of wine that we brought along to give away. We had so much alcohol left over in our apartment from previous nights, between 2 people and the previous night of drinking, we had to give it away. As our conversation died with the group of Americans, Anthony pointed out two gals. I walked of to them and offered them some vodka. They’re names were Hannah (Australian) and Meghan (American from Chicago). They were both traveling together and went to school together at Northwestern University. As were about to leave, 2 other guys introduced themselves and wanted to come along. We all went to a couple bars.

The last bar we went to had 2 floors. On the second floor was a large window with a ledge to stand in - enough to fit 3 comfortably. While standing outside, I started to dance a bit. As I did, I took out my video camera and a group of guys approached me and asked if I was Japon (Japaneese). I said no and told them I was Filipino. I pointed the camera over to the second floor ledge and a group of guys were cheering. They then told me to come up. I entered the bar and got to the second floor ledge and we all started chanting. Anthony then came up as well in which we stayed for about 5 min then decided to head back outside. Ant and I then decided to head back home. We were both tired and drunk.

Going away party


Posted for July 8
We watched fireworks last night, hung out at the square, and killed two bottles of Vodka. It was the last night before Janice, Preston, and Ron headed back to the States. I don’t think I need to get into the details, because even if I did, it would matter - I was too wasted to remember. 2 bottles of Vodka between 4 people in two hours (actually 3 people because Ant, Ron, and I had extra-extra helpings).

The only thing I do remember is:
1. Bugging the guys to get the apt keys from Janice. We didn’t want to disturb her conversation with a man friend. After waiting for an hour, it turned out the keys were in my pocket. I’m such a loser!!
2. Getting a late night Bocadillo (sandwich) from a street vendor on the way back to the apt. It had bacon, Chorizo, and tortilla (egg & potato omelet). YUMMY!!!

It’s fantastic that Pamplona has a nightly 15 minute firework display that starts at 11 and a nightly 2 hour concert that starts at midnight. This occurs for 7 days straight.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Run Part II



I made it and I'm alive!

Bull Fight


Posted for July 6
We got up at about 10 and got ready for the opening ceremony which started at 12 noon. When we arrived at the area where the opening ceremony was conducted it was already filled with people chanting. We found an area to hang out 50 yards away and just kitty corner to the main area. As noon came closer, each street and alley way can be described as a sea of people.

Bull Fight
The Bull Fight was an experience that I prefer not to attend to again. It’s a great cultural experience, but the events the bulls endure made me understand why people and organizations protest these events. It’s like a cat and mouse game where a man on a horse toys with the bulls. They’re judged on technique and moves on how to avoid getting gored by the bull. In the process, the man on the horse spears the bulls on the top of his neck. Because the cat and mouse game is a process, the bulls are speared and die in a very slow manner. They endure about 8 spears prior to taking one final spear that puts them to rest. There were a total of 6 bouts. After watching the first bout, I had a sudden feel of sympathy for the rest of the bulls.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

San Sebastian


Dated for July 2
Our room at Sebastian is pretty nice. We’ve got a Jr Suite and it’s located on the top floor with a balcony that overlooks San Sebastian.

With last night being the first night in town, we got crazy. We went pitxos (tapas) bar hopping and followed it up with a night of bar hopping. We got back to our hotel at about 6 am. Tired from our flights and a heavy night of drinking, we were all passed out till 5 pm in which we did it all again but instead of Tapas bar hopping we opted for paella. It’s really amazing how the sun doesn’t go down till 10pm. So getting up at 5 isn’t so bad.

Donde Esta (where are you)


Dated for July 3
My Spanish is terrible, but I try as hard as I can. I seriously am going to try to learn the language and use the program I have at home. I took Spanish in High School, but cheated my way through. Boy am I regretting that now; along with History. With the amount of traveling I’ve been doing the past few years, the history classes would of came in handy; and I really like Spain.

We were at a bar and I tried to talk to a gal who was on her way out of the bar with her group of gals. As she walked passed me I went up to her and asked, “Excuse me, donde esta?” She looked at me all weird and must of thought I was an idiot. What I should of said was, “donde va?” (where are you going).

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Finaly in San Sebastian

After a 20 hour Travel day, I'm finally in San Sebastian. This city is AWESOME!!! It's super chill with a great beach. We found a wine shop and picked up a bottle of wine. In the process, the owner let us try a slice of some Prime Jamon fresh off the cured leg. Although it's over cast, we shared the bottle of wine on the beach promenade.