JavierAlcalde said:

Javi, Javi, Javi...post some pics!!

I've conquered the virus the computer had, and am ready to make a nice little statement about my adventure in Espana (~)

I trust you had no communication problems with you knowledge of Spanish?

Okie dokie. Javier is going to post some pictures of our trip together in Spain, hopefully tomorrow. But for now...

Let me just say that Spain is an amazingly beautiful country. The people and their mannerisms are similar, the cities/towns and the natural beauty of the country, at least what I was lucky enough to see, reminded me a lot of the United States.

Javier really did a wonderful job of planning some great excursions for us...like spending a day in Barcelona (La Sagrada Familia was breath-taking). There will be a picture of that cathedral posted later on.

He also took me to the monastary (Monasterio de Piedra), 2 castles (Loarre and La Aljaferia), and 22 (I think??) different cathedrals. I remember vividly walking into 2 specific cathedrals (La Seo and El Pilar) and literally being brought to tears...the love in which these places of worship were designed with, truly educated me so much about man's fascination with becoming closer to God.

We went to 3 or 4 different exhibitions (modern art , crystal models made to scale of cathedrals...the city etc., sculptures, a Roman Theater...so many things).

There is so much more that I could say, but until the pictures are posted, this is the best that I can do...for now

I spent 8 wonderful days with a man that I truly do adore (and who is a great translator, btw ), and I'm so glad that I faced my fears ((flying...traveling to a country in which I don't even speak the language)) and did this. For all of you that may be contemplating doing something adventurous and spontaneous, or even something some people may consider to be crazy..please, take the chance and do it. This trip has truly changed my life...for the better

madartista said:

Not a bit..Javier did all of the translating for me. I knew enough to say 'Hola' and speak to his mother in the most PRIMITIVE way possible.

irresistibleb1tch said:

Soon, my dahhhhhling, soon

We're gonna have a blast, for sure

summerdawn said:

What a wonderful time that sounded

Your words only make me wanna go there even more now

On the nature side, I heard the Pyrenees Mountains on the Spainish/French border are a truely blissful place to explore too

summerdawn said:

i'm so happy for you! it couldn't have happened to a nicer person!

summerdawn said:

CATHEDRALS!!!...

I can completely understand your enthrallment with them, how they effected you...really... While in France and Italy, I walked into many cathedrals which literally had me stopping in my tracks and in complete awe...you are surrounded by an atmosphere of both artistic and spiritual beauty that freezes you in place...(and yeah, I did go into the Vatican *amazing* and Notre Dame *There are no words*).

Can't wait to see them...

Byron said:

I'd love to visit France..maybe next year some time

BTW, share some pictures, Byron..if you have them. I'd love to see

summerdawn said:

If I can find them, I will...

I liked Spain, but the streets were too dagonne narrow and you'd almost get run over tryin' to get into your house. Can we get the doorways at least 2 feet from the street?????

senik said:

You're right man, if you have time one day, go there, and you wont be disappointed. The Pyrenees Mountains are wonderful, in my region, Aragon, we have the Ordesa Natural Park, that is something i cannot describe with words.


And btw. I will post the pics as soon as possible, but Summer wants to give the ok first, she doesnt trust me


Yes, Martina, i really feel like to meet you too, and that will be very soon.

Chris, Summer did a good job. I helped her, i suppose it's easier when you have next to you someone who speaks the language, but she learnt some expressions and words too. And her, little sneaky thing, loved to say things in English when she could say them in Spanish (example, "thank you" instead of "gracias") just to see the people reactions.

glad you both had a great time.

I can't wait to get back to Spain!!!

JavierAlcalde said:

madartista, were you able to get to La Sagrada Familia? What did you think?

summerdawn said:

LOVED IT--my favorite in Barcelona, which is my favorite city!!!

madartista said:

And just to give some folks an idea of how grand, how HUGE this cathedral is...





Simply amazing..

ahhh.... thank u so much. love. it. i wanna live in it!!!! i want to buy a Gaudi building.

summerdawn said:

That is massive!

Hey you... I was going to post a couple more pics for you, although my host site is down.

Beautiful 's to you and to all. I know you have more pics you two... now get moving.

Nite.

Freespirit said:

summerdawn said:

Absolutely fantastic pics Summer

Amazing to think that the Sagrada Familia is still an "unfinished" project.

Fabulous

senik said:

I know...30 more years, and I'll be able to see the finished project

Summer/Javier...

senik said:

Summer sent me some pictures of her visit in Spain... so I am posting some of what I have.

Beautiful pictures, yes. Beautiful two people (Summer/Javier)... my goodness.

JavierAlcalde said:

Nice one Javier


One more thing.....

You and your Summer have got us hanging by strings! More pics please!..... you teasers



Sorry..... but Spain just gets me sooo excited Been dying to go for ages


( I love picture threads .....I think it's got something to do with my reading )

summerdawn said:

WHOOOOA!! Dat'z just...*speechless*

lilmissmissy said:

Isn't it???? We should all pack up and leave for Spain, RIGHT NOW!

missy

summerdawn said:

I'm already packed...

And that cathedral...holy stinkin' cumquats.

Byron said:

I actually thought of you while I was there

((What would Byron take pictures of? How can I seem cooler on the Org?))