Madrid, España

Hello everyone! I´m writing this from an internet cafe in the heart of Madrid. A neat city... not distinct so much in the architecture realm, but more in the cultural realm. I´ll explain...

But first, the Jack Johnson concert in Barcelona was amazing! A crazy crowd of about 15,000 made it even more fun. Mason Jennings was also a real treat! He even encored with Jack.

A short night´s sleep later we got up to catch a morning train to Madrid. A short 3 hours later (Max train speed of 300 km/hr or 180 mph) we had arrived. It´s interesting how you get off the train having no idea of where you are and then around 3 hours later after you´ve looked at maps and have your bearings, you can make your way around most of the city just fine! It happens every time!

I haven´t found anything particularly unique about Madrid (just by observation) except for the culture. We timed our arrival here to match the date of the Eurocup playoffs. Now we might think that the Superbowl is a big deal... it´s not. The Superbowl is child´s play. About 4 hours before the game it started to go off. Horns honking, people shouting "España! España!" It was nuts. Brian and I were planning on watching the game in a sports bar of some kind to get some of the energy. But on our way back to the hostel after some exploring, we noticed a mass exodus of people heading down the street all singing the national anthem. We abandoned our original idea and followed the crowd. That took us to a square set up with huge TVs and lights where about 10,000 redshirted people gathered to watch the game. It was NUTS. I can´t even describe the energy. Brian and I stayed in the back part of the square to avoid any mobs that might have formed. Spain won 0-1 and the party began. ALL night long, horns were honking, people filled the streets, firecrackers went off, people singing. I have never in my life seen this kind of patriotism and love for one´s country. Everyone was united last night. Nothing else mattered to them. Brian and I left as soon as we could to avoid the M80s and the champagne (I still got hit with some champagne). What a memorable experience!

Tonight we have a night trian from Madrid to Lisbon, Portugal. We arrive tomorrow morning and aren´t sure how long we´ll be there. But probably for a day or two. Sorry for the long post. Just had to describe that game!

The Lord has been so faithful to us in keeping us and our stuff safe and in providing the perfect places to stay. Really, we´ve had no big hiccups yet, which has been a huge blessing. All praise to God for His Word and faithfulness to us!

Next stop: Lisbon! Until then, adios! And thanks so much for your prayers!

Brian and me at the Jack Johnson concert!

The view from our Madrid hostel balcony.

Laundry time! Sure makes you appreciate washer machines...

...and driers.

The crowds of people gathered to watch the Eurocup final! Germany vs. Spain!

Spain won! The first time in decades!

Barcelona, Espana

Hola! A new country at last! After spending all day on a train (probably about 14 hours) getting here, we finally made it to Barcelona, España. It´s pretty nice to be in a new place. I think that staying put (unless it was an absolutely beautiful place) would get old fast. But I´m really enjoying moving around a lot. This city sits right on the Mediterranean Sea which I got to jump in real fast yesterday. Really warm water and pretty blue too! The city is also kind of old, which is cool. The part of town that we´re staying in is full of old streets with buildings in really close quarters. When we first got here, we caught the last 10 minutes of the eurocup game and Spain won! The streets went absolutely nuts. Everyone came out of the bars and their homes and started singing the national anthem and the classic olé olé olé! It was pretty cool. Today we went on a nice hike up to the top of a nearby hill with a castle on it. Really neat views from the top. Tonight we´re going to the Jack Johnson/Mason Jennings concert here in town. Should be pretty fun!

So tomorrow we have a morning train to Madrid. We wanted to be there for the Eurocup Final game which is España versus Germany. I really hope spain wins because Madrid will go absolutely bonkers. I don´t think they´ve won a cup in a LONG time. And I heard that they haven´t beat Germany since 1982!

More to come! It sure is nice to be in a country that you know more of the language of! Getting around is ten times easier!

Adios!

Brian and me in the center of town.

Barcelona is full of history. This is an old square with a fountain and restuarants.

Starbucks has even made it to Barcelona. Actually, kind of a nice place to have a quiet time.

This is what I´m going to tonight with Brian! Mason Jennings and Jack Johnson!

Paris and Niort

Sorry it's been a few days! It's been interesting trying to use the internet here. In France, the keyboards are set up for French, so every time I try to type an "a" I get a "q" and fun stuff like that. Internet cafes are usually available for about 1 euro per half hour which I suppose isn't all that bad.

Brian and I had a great time in Paris over the past couple of days. We did all of the touristy things like see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph, the Louvre, etc. We also went to the financial district just to see what it would be like. Some cool architecture! The best part of our time in paris was probably the other night when Brian and I grabbed a quick Panini and a coke and headed down to watch the sunset on Pont Neuf, a popular meeting point for Parisians and apparently a very romantic picnic spot (Brian wasn't sure how he felt about this).. While there, we started up a conversation with a group of french college students who happened to be meeting a group there. We ended up talking to them for about 3 hours while sipping cheap champagne and enjoying the view.

Later that night we went to see the Eiffel Tower at night... but missed the last train back to our hostel. That was quite an adventure, but we eventually made it back without spending a dime.

Yesterday we got on our first train and made our way to Niort to see Jaclyn who is a good friend of mine from my early years at Poly. Niort is a beautiful town that Brian and I would probably not have the privilege of visiting if Jaclyn weren't here because you need to know at least a little French. Today we biked along the local river and "marshlands" for about 8 kilometers or so and visited the coolest little towns and cafes along the way. Tonight we're going into town to watch the Eurocup at a local cafe! Should be exciting! We feel so incredibly priveleged to be able to visit this quaint little town.

Tomorrow morning we're off to Barcelona, Spain. It will take us all day to get there.

Au Revoir!

Brian and me at Le Tour Eiffel

Sunset over the Seine at Pont Neuf, Paris

Hanging out with Jaclyn in Niort

Biking along the river near Niort, France

Paris!!!

Well I think Ive gotten about 5 or 6 hours of sleep total over the past two nights and today has seemed like the longest day of my life, but Brian and I connected in the airport here in Paris and started our journey today without any major snaffus (sp?). We've even had time to go to Notre Dame today and enjoy one of the best crepes I've ever had. Needless to say, Im zonked and am probably going to bed around 8 or so. But praise the Lord for safe travels, for good health, and for a wonderful time so far. 3 days in Paris including today and then on Tuesday we're off to Niort to see Jaclyn, a friend from college. Thanks for your prayers! We're here safe and sound!

Ready to go!

Well, it's 6:00 AM and I'm just about ready to go. Here's a picture of all of the stuff that I fit into my backpack (I'm stoked it all fits!). I saw the most beautiful sunset last night in Marin with Meagan and was so blessed to see California this beautiful before I head out! Hopefully I'll get a chance to load some pictures when I'm in Paris over the next couple days.
Au Revoir!