Final Days in Catalonia

Photo Gravures of Sam   

I have truly fallen in love with the life on a Catalonian beach town. The people, the food, the Sea! Few folk speak english here, and so I have had much time to reflect, make art, enjoy nature, and enjoy "Vitamin Sea."  The pace from my everyday whirlwind life-a real gift. And getting new memories since my last visit with Kelley, has been super healing.  Tonight I will go for a final swim in the Mediterranean.  Then begin my packing. Plates are packed, now the prints.

Sam went to the Post this morning. What an adventure that was!  Much different than the USPS. In America my post office workers are always helpful. People haven't got a thing to complain about, and I will make it a point to let them know when I am home. Thank goodness my host Jordi went with me and navigated the first opposition: "It's too large to ship!" to "Contents" that are on a non published list. We chose "medical equipment" as that was the closest box to check from the secret list.  Her box was under all weight and size requirements that the woman working there with the blue speckled hair was skeptical about.  She'll stay in Germany, until our next trip to the EU. I thank my friends Regi and Tom for hosting her.

I had my favorite Catalonian toast for lunch with my salad.  So easy, and delicious. Missing my tomato sandwiches from my garden, they are a welcome replacement.  Toast good crusty bread, cool to room temp. Rub 1/2 a tomato over the bread "just enough for flavor, but not too much to make bread soggy." Then a drizzle of olive oil, and pinch of sea salt.  OMG, I am not a bread or toast eater, and I could eat a whole loaf like this.

My hosts have been amazing people to get to know. They are a power couple by American standards. They work the best print shop I have ever been in, each with their own expertise, and talents.  I want to come back, but don't know if I ever will. I thank Jordi and Claudia for EVERYTHING!  And I will miss my friend "Duardo" the cat, and his constant love.

Each day is a gift, open now!

xo,
Suz




NO PHOTOS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOT MAGPIE.

The Road To Girona

I left Areyns de Mar Saturday for an overnight stay in the Ancient City of Girona. My mission was to see the Jewish Quarter (the Call) , and the Jewish Museum.  Sam was in the front seat riding shotgun. All seemed fine when I was driving north along the Sea. Traffic circles are the thing here in Spain. Once I headed inland it got a bit tricky.  I would come to a traffic circle and it would say Girona and a few other words...but which spoke of the wheel should I take?  I took plenty of wrong ones. It took me twice as long to get here. I stopped for directions forgetting my Sam was in the car.  Not the best idea to have a skeleton in the car when approaching strangers in a strange land! I decided I would only ask young people, as they speak the best English.

Cabala

I arrived at my hotel and couldn't have been happier to feel the cool air conditioning, and be out of the car. It was 96 degrees when I arrived. I only had this day, so I dropped everything and headed to the "Call" and Museum.  An easy walk down streets that look like slivers cut into walls. Vines hanging down from everywhere. I bit like Tuscany.  It was almost 2pm and I realized the Siesta time would come, so I ducked into an air conditioned charming place for lunch.  Then went home for a siesta myself.  The heat really takes it out of you.

Oil and vinegar on the table always as dressings.

At 6:30 I ventured out for some photo time and a bite to eat. Tapas at this time of day is the most economical and delicious way to go. I even had a glass of Cava (Spanish Champagne).  There is something about the  potatoes in Spain that taste like no other potatoes I have ever had. I eat them daily, as they are so delicious!  I bought myself a toy. A wooden skellie, who I have named
"Samette."  Sam can't stop playing with it.

A sliver of a street

When I am home, I am going to carve a smile and a nose into "Samette's" face. I only like happy skellies.

Off I go- back to Arenys de Mar. Cooler with a sea breeze.  I have milked every cent out of my A/C in the hotel.  Wish me luck with those traffic circles on the way home. Adio Girona!

Each day is a gift, open now.

xo
Suz




NO PHOTOS FROM THIS BLOG MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE BLOGGER AND POLKADOT MAGPIE.

365 All Over Again

From Arenys de Mar the Mediterranean in the distance.

On July 1st I started another 365 project. This time I picked an object to carry around a bit smaller than a life size skeleton. Something very close to my heart. Bob's dragon logo that we had made via water jet cutting into a a tool a few months ago. I had some cut out of copper and bronze for jewelry and key chains. I wear the copper one around my neck all the time now.  I can pop it off and take a photo with my cell phone. Cell phones have improved since I did the Sam project.  I hope it will be more spontaneous. I also have a stainless steel non jewelry version for opening bottles around the world.  Here we go!!

Sam was a bit put out, and felt she had been pushed aside for a dragon. I reminded her that she was in Spain for 4 weeks, and had her toes in the sand on one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. She offered to buy me a beer, and open it with the dragon.  Hehe. Bona Tarde from Areyns de Mar.

Each day is a gift, open now.
xo, Suz