The Past 6 Days.

Never loose faith. That is my motto.

Last Sunday, I got settled at Hostel One where Raffa offered the highest of quality of service. He was always busy entertaining all the guests. He offered great suggestions of where to go to see Gaudi. I stayed in a great room with abalcony. I seem to meet Irishmen everywhere I go. Ronin at that hostel was a traveler in Spain and played football.

Monday was my day trip to the consulate to discover my journey was taking me, here, to Madrid. The train ride was great but it gave me too much time to reflect. In doing so, I wanted to kick myself in the butt for being so silly. Thank God, that the consulate was extremely helpful with all that needed to be done. Thank God for Josee, Mom and Anne-Marie, too (my earth angels)!

At the Way Hostel, I met Kate, James, Matt, Robert and Ehmar. People from all different directions finding ourselves gathered in this place.

Wednesday night we went to the Prado Museum. One visit wasn't enough. Thursday Kate and I toured the city streets taking in the Madrid vibe. Thursday night, Matt, Robert, Kate and I when to a Jazz club and listened to great funky music. Then hit a disco. Yes, we all dances. Funny, fun crowd.

Already Friday night. Going to grad a bite then just relax at the Hostel Vetusta. This way, Saturday we are getting up early to take in many more interesting, beautiful and historic sites.

So, never loose faith and enjoy each moment that unfolds in the day!

Salute!

Madrid

An unexpected adventure. So, things are sorted and my journey continues.

The ride to Madrid was quite scenic. You will find among the pictures a building with the Canadian flag; the common room in the hostel and Hockey night in Canada is on the television (though, you can't see the players, that picture was for you, Scott and Jen! ;)

Today, I am sharing a room with Kate, a dude from Dublin and two others soul from England, I think.

Kate and I where invited to visit the Prada museum with Elmar. He is German and on holidays for one week. Great souls, great evening!

Peace 'man,

Louise

New Horizons

Hello dear family, friends and onlookers!

Wow, despite the craziness here, the stay in Barcelona has been amazing! I am dreaming in espanol, catalana and french! So, here is how I have spent my time here:

I arrived on Wednesday and just needed to chill out. Somnio was a fanatistic place to rest my head in the downtown of Barcelona, I think. It is by a main road called Rambla de la Cantalunya. Great place to hang around. Thursday, I walked to the beach and discovered the market and got some great fresh fruit for only 1 Euro. Cerveza are cheap; Sangria; Tapas and other authentic food and drink have crossed my palate.

Friday night was just partying, even took-in a club, pour uno momento. Saturday, finally decided to do some blogging.....(I should learn how swear but I haven't yet) and we all know, this silly thing happened that day. I just realized today my voice recorder is gone, too with cool things still not downloaded. Merde!

Anyway, I got see to the greatest thing that I wanted to experience while here: checking out Gaudi's architecture.

This Nokia phone takes pretty good shots, as well.

I'm on my way to Madrid, where I will get my new passport. From there, hang tight! Only great things await, for sure (enjoy the photos)!

Bonna Nit

Sweet dreams! (the view from here)

Hola! Hola!

Dear feekn me,

So, I bought a rose today, to remind me of the beauty in the world!

I hope they take VISA here, because I have still some important purchases to make with my cash.

After 3 days in Barcelonia listening to all the Catalan speaking people, it is finally starting to feel normal. I have gotten along better in french here.

Leo, at the hostel was a great source of information and I consider him a friend, instantly.

Many fine, handsome Barcelonian's have called Me beautiful and wanted to entertainment ME (in their very special ways! lol). I have mentioned to each one, that "amor meu" resides in Canada, but they do not realize that I haven't met him yet. Ha, ha!

So, the difference between here and Ireland: hot showers, sunshine; in Ireland, you get individual hot and a cold water taps. In spain, like in Canada, it's one faucet.

All around, both cutlures have the same generosity; especially meeting one on one. It is a little trickier for me, here, but, I am enjoying the challenge. And, in case you have forgotten, if it is happening at this moment then it is supposed to be.

I am still SMILING!

thanks,
me

Beautiful Barcelona

It was a good day, it was a bad day! My laptop bag got stolen while sitting in a restaurant online doing a few things wanting to update blog. The good news: I have my laptop and my wallet. The bad news the theives got ....my canadian phone, my passport and a lot of other shit!

Just spent two hours at Direccio General de la Policia getting a souvenir, I could have done without, my police report. Oh well!

Really, up until now, all was well. The city is exciting (to say the least). The weather is perfect. The beach is Spectaculo!





I have some pics but they are not organized yet.

Wish You were here!:

It was very gracious of Natalia to play for me her handmade instrument in her workshop. Do check out the video. Let me know, if you have any questions (go ahead, ask, about anything; life, love, music, the weather?). If the images and video don't appear below, go here.

Time

Why is there only 24 hours in a day? Why do we only ever have this moment? It is a paradox (I looked it up, for real). Ah, I sigh!

Ok, so I'm going to do a little recapping of some of my journey: landed in Dublin; drove to Dungarvan; was hosted by friends; spend a few days in Cappoquin (saw a few old friends but Kerry was the only one to share a smile); made new friends; drove to Galway; got lost in Tipperary; In Galway, I am having an unbelievable time listening to old music and sharing stories with interesting souls from Agentina, Poland, Czech, USA, UK, Australia and don't forget the amazing Galway folk. Wow!

It's 3am. Tomorrow is my last day here and I have my ticket to Barcelona.

These pictures have no rhyme or reason, I just wanted to add a few new ones here (if no slideshow appears below, you can go to directly to the album):

Working in Galway

Hello, my Canadian folks! Looks like I got a job!! What? No, it doesn't pay but man, it will be fun!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 15th to 17th. I am volunteering for the Galway Early Music Festival. The theme of the festival is Islands and the Waters Between, Mermaids, Sirens, Sailors and Romance. The festival's End Celebration is a boat cruise to Inchagoill Island. Check out their website, www.galwayearlymusic.com

Tonight, I meet MauraO at a local pub, of course with rest of the volunteers to get the low-down. How cool is that?!

It's really old rock and roll! Ha, ha! Actually, it's music from the 12th to 17th century. It features music from Cyprus, Guernsey (I have no clue, yet, where that is/was), Ireland and the Continent, says their brochure.

Later today, I will be adding pictures from my last few days with Michael, Jenny and Aidan. Also, I have great pictures of the fabulous scenery on the ride to Galway.

Right now, I'm starving. So, I'm out to tour the city and grab a bite.

Good Morning Beautiful World!

It is Tuesday. I am doing my laundry at Michael's and Jenny's. I know the next path I am taking. It's to Galway!

To each one of you who have left me your comments on this site, sent me emails; to Garrett and Jancy , me 'mates in Ottawa and too all the souls who live everyday in my heart, Thank you for sharing; for thinking about me; for watching this experience that I leap into blindly but with great faith. Thank you!

So, stay tuned. I think you will enjoy what happens next.

Michael, Jenny and Aidan have been so wonderful to me, sharing their home and generosity. We will be taking more photos today. They will be posted within a day or two.

The World looks brighter from behind a SMILE.

Life! from our Mother comes our first breathe. Bless all Mothers!

Mother's Day Poems

Ode to Mothers
by Kristin F. McKendall

Mothers cannot do it all
But surely do they try.

Mothers hear the angel's call,
To comfort all who cry.

Mothers for themselves may fall,
For others they will fly.

Mother's bear the weight of all,
For their children, they would die.

A Mother's gift extends beyond
All bounds of time and space.

Her lovingness and nurturing
Make Earth a peaceful place.

Hi Mom,

This is a special message to you that the world can see and read.
You mean the world to me and you live the closest to me in my heart.
What your mom taught you, you have shared with me: the gift of knowledge; the wisdom of time; the strength of understanding, compassion and forgiveness.
I am the lucky one, like all children, I look up to and admire YOU, mom!

Love, your daughter Louise

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE WONDERFUL MOTHERS I KNOW!!

The Scene

These pictures are not organized and I will ad captions later.
Enjoy the raw and real view for now.

Friday May 8th, 2009

It's hard to believe a week has gone by already. It is great to start this journey on familiar ground.

Michael, Jenny and Aidan are great hosts. Jenny is a little camera shy. Michael is just very choosy about how the picture turns out. Aidan is the little Superstar!!



I love flying because when you are above the clouds it's like being awake in a dream. Here is how my journey began:

I was lucky to have a 5 hour delay between arriving in London and flying to Dublin. I thought I packed lightly however, I still had too much stuff for the short jaunt to Dublin. With some great advice from Saed at the Gatwick airport, I was able to get on the Dublin flight without any extra cost. I did have to get rid of a few things and I forgot about the 100ml liquid rule. So, the new bottle of Bio Oil was tossed at the check in. ShYTE, as they say in Ireland!

In Dublin, as was down in the Temple Bar area. I had been there before. So, it was easy enough to get around. I stayed at the Abigail Hostel. The price was right and that is where you meet interesting traveler's, too.

The next day, I picked up the Matiz, a little standard car. Just my luck it was blue. I didn't even have to ask for the car to be blue. Of course, I got directions on how to get to Dungarvan. I left the car hire parking lot nervously and I immediately got lost. Ha, Ha! But, that was not a surprise, nor did I get freaked out. I just tried to get use to the gear shifting; going round and round on the round abouts; staying on the correct side of the road (the left?, the right?); and, finally trying not to hit anyone from behind when taking off.

Before you know it, I accidentally found my way to the N11 highway. I made it to Dungarvan in a few hours. Michael, Jenny and Aidan greeted me down by the tourist office near the shore.

The rest of the week has been spend exploring the Dungarvan, a trip to Youghal, Mount Mellary, The Vee and Cappoquin.



On Monday Micheal and I will be going to Waterford City. On Tuesday, I hop in the car and head to undiscovered lands.

I have listened to great Irish music and song. As yet, I have not had the chance to play with new friends. Not to worry, I practice all the time with Justin Sandercoe (justinguitar.com). He is one of my guitar heroes (along with Scott, Vince, Denis, mon oncle Fred, Brent, Gman, Justin M., Jacob...and many more)

Live, Love, Laugh, Sing & Dance!!

I have many more pictures of the great scenery, new friends and beautiful horizons. I will share them with you soon. I just need to figure out how to setup a slideshow. Peace out, dudes and dudettes.

Please note that what is below is from my previous journey back in 2004, Slainte!