InDependentThinking

November 18 - December 3 & December 7-13 Autumn leaves & Azulejo In our first few days in Porto, our primary concern has been getting into a gym and being able to stay in shape during this time off.   Apparently Virgin now runs gyms as well, and as with all of its other endeavors as a company, the place is modern, high quality, and over and above what you expect of a gym.   The spa room is like walking into a space ship inspired by a Greek bath house.   It is awesome! Livraria Lello Apart from the gym (and yes I know that spending the majority of my time in a gym when I am traveling makes me sound like a meat head but I am not), I have had a few good walks around the city.   It is small but beautiful.   I visited the Livraria Lello- a famous bookstore, which boasts an impressive hand carved staircase, as well as a lovely stained glass ceiling.   There I had a nice chat with a man from Kansas, who now lives in Lond...

December 3 – 6 In many ways Barcelona reminds me of Paris-big, touristy, and a bit over-hyped. I am sure it is very different in the summer. But December isn’t exactly the busiest time to be there. At least the beaches aren’t crowded, though even empty you can still see a fair share of wiener in the winter (they stay true to their nudeness). Although the beach clubs are pretty fun and even in the winter you can find some cool people to hang out with at the hostel. My first night I spent exploring with two of the guys from my hostel and we walked from the gothic quarter to the beach. It always strikes me how open people traveling are.   Unfortunately I didn’t get out much.   Cataluña = Wine Park fountain-also apparently pickpocket site On Sunday I went for a walk up in the botanic gardens to the south of the city and got to take some great photos and see a huge castle. Unfortunately as I was on my way back a bird pooped on me (or so I thought). When I we...

The best of England: Tea, Toasties and Tarts Nov 4-17 Lincoln-a thoroughly uninspiring city, this last stop in England did not warm my heart. November announced itself with bitter cold and pouring rain.   The ground outside our caravan and in the tent quickly became a muddy disaster.   As dreary as it may have been, I found a warm reception at a pub down the street.   I have found it interesting how different pubs in England tend to be.   In the US I think of pubs as cheaper, dirtier bars, but in England it's more like walking into your living room.   There are comfortable chairs, usually a TV on, and everyone is kicking back and talking after work. It’s casual and cozy, and if you happen to bring your own pizza and ask for tea which is not on the menu, they’re fine with that. The owner may even come over and tell you his life story-or that might be just what happens to me. Going back to basics on trampoline (super successfully) On the bright...

The gang's all here In some ways I feel bad for not writing these past few weeks, but sometimes it is good to take a break and lately there have been a lot of things to think about and decisions to make.  Oct 20-Nov 3 rd Paignton Green is a lovely little town on the southwest coast of England. You can tell it caters to people vacationing and is comprised mainly of beachside inns and pubs. The beach was nice although nothing really to brag about.  The time here was fun and we got to go out with the rest of the artists quite a bit.  It is always good to see the normal side of people, especially the tent crew. Halloween was pretty amazing.  I wasn’t sure how much they celebrated Halloween in England. Although it may not be the crazy madness of the US, there were still plenty of vampires, nurses, and all other manner of characters out at the local pub.  Playing pool, dancing, and talking the night away; I am glad that I got to hang out wi...

Oct. 15-20 This week I went to Belfast. As much as I like training, it was nice to get away and even nicer to stay in a real home.    Nothing makes you appreciate unlimited wifi and hot water like caravan life. We did a bit of site seeing and hiking but mostly it was a relaxing time with great people. I got to visit and stay with an old family friend and her two roommates (both named Katie), all of whom are from the great Pacific Northwest. So yes, they all like coffee, hiking and comfy clothing. When people think of Ireland they think of rolling green hills and red heads-100% accurate.    It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. On Saturday, after going to the local market, we ventured out to the Mournes, these beautiful mountains that rise up along the coast.    In some ways it reminded me of Washington, green fields, semi-grey skies, and endless water in the background, though no snow topped peaks.  ...