Exploring Spain's Southern Coastline in a zippy Panda FIAT

I am typing this blog from a cafe in Sevilla with an incredible view of the Guadalquivir River, gardens and fountains!  It's warm, sunny and even smells great like Charleston (magnolias in bloom). 

When Scoots found out he had a work trip to a military base in a town called Moron (seriously), Spain, I knew I was destined to join him.  We got to fly in 3 days early and vacation along the Spanish coastline.

After arriving at Malaga Airport (southeast coast), we drove south to the pretty resort town of Marbella.  It reminded me a lot of Ft Lauderdale: palm trees and elderly dressed in their finest golf attire- pink polos and khakis (just replace the tanned wealthy New Yorkers with affluent pale Brits).  After cruising the Marbella boardwalk (made of marble- gorgeous), we headed south to check out Gibraltar.

Prudential commercial? 

After seeing the famous "rock", we drove to the kite boarding mecca of Europe called Tarifa.  I was amazed at the unexpected view from our hotel room (below), overlooking soccer fields, a bull fighting ring and the ocean.

Cute Spanish kids practiced futbol on this field until it got dark

I bet my parents would have enjoyed watching my goalkeeping skills more from this location

Tarifa is located at the southern tip of Spain where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Mediterranean on left, Atlantic on right

 There is a large port and ruins from an old fort.  

We climbed to the top and I nearly lost balance and fell off thanks to high speed winds

wind in hair- just like a model shoot :)

The wind conditions make this a perfect kite surfing location so Scott was in heaven.

While Scott was kite boarding I explored the town.  Around 11 am, about 200 motorcycles pulled into the main square.  I got to experience a Spanish biker rally with loud Spanish techno blasting and leather clad bikers chugging San Miguel (local beer) before riding off into the sunset.  

TV interview- must be the famous biker gang leaders

Tarifa had great places to eat and was super laid back with few tourists.  Thus, we got to hang out with the locals.  Speaking Spanish is sooo much fun!  After many horrendous attempts to speak German, I was starting to lose confidence in my language skills but thankfully my Spanish improves (like my dance moves and bowling skills) with Sangria.  My stellar accent from 7th grade Spanish came back in a heartbeat (reminiscent of a younger JLo's voice in the hit movie Selena).   

Keep in mind that Andalusian Spanish is different (especially from the Spanish I spoke with the bus boys while working as a waitress).  The only way to describe it is to imagine speaking Spanish with a heavy lisp.  Scott thinks its strange and unattractive to see so many tongues flopping around but I find it endearing.  For example, instead of "Gracias" it sounds like "Grathiath"

After Tarifa, we drove up the western coast.  The green pastures were full of cows and it was a beautiful drive.  We could see the white walled Andalusian villages in the distance.

After driving an hour, we arrived in Cadiz.  Cadiz is a wonderful city on the beach and many consider it the oldest living city in Europe.  It has old Moorish buildings and Roman cathedrals. 

We had a blast exploring this city!

More pictures of Cadiz to come on next blog

Spanish food is fun because it's served tapas style (small plates) so you get to try a variety!  

We have learned it's better to ask before ordering or you will get a lot of fried balls with unknown fillings (croquettes - sometimes made of potatoes, fish, pork, or my favorite- fried seaweed).

Scott has been enjoying the complimentary Spanish olives served with each beverage order.  We have been feasting on fresh seafood like the delicious puplo (grilled octopus).

Other favorites: langostines (prawns in cilantro oil), caracoles (snails), sardines, mushrooms & goat cheese, fresh fish in spicy tomato sauce (see below)

Looks like someone chugged most of her tasty Sangria before the food arrived

There are only a few aspects of Spanish culture that I don't truly love:

1.  Breakfast: piece of toasted white bread resembling a hamburger bun (zero nutritional value) with olive oil & tomato paste (However, the fresh OJ is spectacular)

2.  Dinner NEVER starts before 8 pm which is only an hour before my ideal bedtime.  Fortunately, when on vacation I stay up later so no problema!

3.  Service is slow and wi fi is even slower (uploading pics to this blog) so ADD must stay in check

I love Spain and can picture visiting here often in the future.  As we sat by the ocean at sunset in Cadiz, I admired this sweet vibrant couple and envisioned us 50 years from now

Scott sporting a similar denim tuxedo and I in a bold velour sweatsuit

To be continued...

Spring in Stuttgart (FINALLY!)

HOORAY the sun does shine in Stuttgart!  Halfway into April and it's actually warming up!  This is a critical time to document my strategies for enduring the last 4 months of freezing dismal weather so I can remember them next winter. 

In order to combat seasonal affective disorder (yes there is a diagnosis for those who suffer from depression due to lack of sunlight), I adopted the following rituals to remind me of sunshine and warmth:

1) Brew massive amounts of tea  
After pouring boiling water in mug, lean over the hot burner and soak up the warmth from the stove top (hair pulled back)


2) Purchase green plants to create a more tranquil environment and add energy to our home (since we don't have any real pets yet)

3) Cook flavorful & fiery (internal heat producing) meals utilizing spices and hot peppers 

4) Consume tropical treats & cocktails- ideally coconuts, avocados, pineapples, and mangoes

5) Blast reggae music and dance like I am back in Negril Spring Break 2005!

6) Smartwool attire (stock up when on sale!)

During the past couple weekends, we have been busy exploring our lovely city.  We discovered an authentic Portuguese restaurant called Beja where we met a few friends for dinner.

Damien, jovial Aussie on right, really happy to sit next to my husband

Erica to my left was not a  tapas fan and consumed mainly wine; she later barfed on the train ride home

This past weekend we took advantage of the 70 degree weather and went on a bike ride along the Neckar River.  We rode right by our local ZOO and saw camels, ostrich, buffalo, llamas, and baby kangaroos (next time I will bring my camera).  The following day, we went to a high ropes course in the Black Forest with Sera & Toby.

The holsters on our waist have the carabiners that promise to keep us alive 60 feet up

Monkey skills

Scoots on zipline

After the exhilarating ropes course, we walked to a local spot for lunch overlooking a pond. 

 It was the perfect place to eat and relax in the sunshine.

Good news:
1.  I passed the test to get an official German drivers license so now I can legally drive all over Europe (I realize some of my driving critics may not view this as "good news").  In Driver's ED class, the instructor emphasized the Autobahn's minimum speed limit is 60 KPH (36 MPH)!  I prefer to drive at lower speeds so expect to hear a few honks but at least I can help Scoots take a break on road trips. 
2.  Scott's German language skills are improving.  He learned the German word for plumber- GasWasserSheisa (translation not G rated).

Random observations:

Stuttgart's famous Spring Beer Fest known as Fruhlingsfest starts next week and the locals are excited!

Ad for the festival that's all over town

On another note, Germans don't smile often or at strangers (unless I am with Julia who has a cute kid or Mariel when she has her pups) so I have started a new game that I call "IFC" or "Insane Frau Challenge."

I once read that smiling is neurologically contagious like yawning.  However, I bet the German race could prove this theory wrong.  IFC is a game I can play anywhere in Germany.  For example, yesterday at the produce market, I made eye contact and smiled at a cute old hunchbacked lady with a cane.  She gave me an odd stare so I proceeded to grin even bigger with my eyes wide open.  I held this expression and eventually she smiled back!  Success!  I count this as 1 point for me even if it was just a pity smile.  

I play IFC during my daily walks with a variety of seemingly unfriendly Germans (However, I was warned to be cautious when playing IFC with Italians and Turks).

Wolverines in Amsterdam!

Amsterdam just might be my favorite city in Europe (so far) because it has something for everyone! 

As Comedian Michael Ian Black says, "I went to Amsterdam on my honeymoon for the whores and the Anne Frank House." 

On the other hand, Scott and I went to Amsterdam to meet up with Dayna & Joe Moser, friends from the University of Michigan (I must take a moment to congratulate my Alma matter for an amazing NCAA performance- Go BLUE!)  

We stayed in their extravagant suite at Hotel Pulitzer in the Jordan District.  (I would highly recommend this place if you prefer luxury or have Starwood hotel points)

Sick view from hotel suite!

We arrived by plane and traversed the city by tram, foot, bike, taxi and even private boat tour.  

The Moser's friends Matt & Megan were also visiting from Chicago so we had a great crew!

Oh how I had missed my pal D ( sporting goofy sailor hat)

We brought refreshments and had a glorious boat picnic (assorted pastries, coffee, wine, cheese, anchovies, and olives) as we learned about the city's architecture and historical sites.

Dayna devouring croissants since alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy :) yay!

View from boat!

Megan, Megan, Dayna

Sorry for my fake smile- this photo shoot was endless

Later, Dayna made a reservation for our group (plus a nice couple from Holland) to meet for dinner at Bordewijk.

After dinner, we ventured to a few bars and local treasures.

Have you ever seen 2 grown men so excited to find a karaoke bar?

We joined the Dutch and sang our hearts out.  Unfortunately, their song list was weak and did not have any Lionel Ritchie or Phil Collins.  Luckily, we spotted a classic MJ song!

Scott and Megan belting out "Billie jean is not my luva.."

Scoots looking at the screen, shocked and bewildered by the lyrics: "who will dance on the floor in the round."
  What on earth is a round?

Notice passionate mouth-agape curly headed Belgian lady (far back right)  While she appears to be random, Beatrice was a new friend I specifically recruited from the previous bar to join our karaoke performance!

Amsterdam is beautiful day and night!

Romantically lit canal

On Sunday, our friends left early so Scott and I slept in and then feasted at the famous Pancake Bakery.

This place was packed and adorable, serving amazing savory and sweet pancakes.

Blueberry pancakes with lemon yogurt ice cream, whipped cream, and Belgium chocolate shavings!

After brunch, we decided to rent bikes so we could see more of the city.  The bike rental gal said it was a record coldest day ever for March (typical for my travels lately).  We bundled up and decided to be brave.  

Riding bikes in Amsterdam is amazing because it seems there are NO Rules.  The bikers choose to follow any signs they want (pedestrian, car..)  So basically we could ride on the street like a car but did not have to stop at lights - perfect!


 Iconic I amsterdam sign in front of the Rijksmuseum


The street art was comical

So excited to travel back to Amsterdam in a few weeks to see the tulips with the Shanks and Grandpa Dave!

Travels with Terryl Finale: Sunny Switzerland, High School Pals & Ski World Cup!

Terryl was excited to experience skiing in the Alps and Scott recently reunited with an old friend who lives in Switzerland (thank you Facebook).  Giancarlo was an exchange student at Scott's high school (Go bucks?) in PA and he invited us to stay at his hotel in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.

Terryl & Scott enjoyed skiing and snowboarding in the perfect sunny weather. 

We had wonderful timing to be in Lenzerheide because the Ski World Cup finals were on the same mountain!  We got to watch and celebrate with all the SKI pros.  There was tons of food (the smell of feet (melted cheese) stanking up the air), live music, and dancing right on the slope.

Ski World Cup Slalom course in background

Snowboard sledding: Scoots 1 hand for Frau and 1 hand for beer

Photo dedicated to Paul (a real meat aficionado)

 I chose not to ski and went on a few beautiful mountain hikes (following pink signs called Wanderwegs).  Eventually, I met Scott and Terri on the mountain at a bar with an incredible view.

On day 2, I purchased a sled to make my hiking more exhilarating.

Trusty blue sled only 5 euros

Frozen head

By the end of the day, it was freezing so we took the Gondola home

Scoots sporting his hawaiian lei and steelers gear

so thrilled to be in a warm enclosed structure

We stayed at G's hotel called Kurhaus.  It had a Lounge, Tapas Bar and a Nightclub on the property (convenient indeed- no jacket needed finally).  G took great care of us (see martinis below).

G (yes he is single ladies) & Scott like old times- 14 years later!

G brought us an amazing Tapas dinner with traditional Spanish treats and local Swiss favorites.

Garlic gambas delish!

Sign below truly sums up the hotel and our journey to Lenzerheide, Switzerland!

G had his employees create this lobby sign as part of a "team building" activity