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Have I been on vacation a bit too long?

5/12/2016

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Not really, I just felt like "making" something with my hands. Nice overcast day at the beach! And let the tide take it away.
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The Costa del Sol

5/9/2016

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The great thing about a bad weather forecast is that I get the beach all to myself! Ever since I arrived in Nerja people have been apologizing to me for the rain. It HAS been raining cats and dogs here, but then it clears for 20 minutes or an hour and it's gorgeous! And it keeps the huge throngs of people away. And I won't be getting a sunburn.

We met up with a friend who used to live in Bozeman on Sunday, and he and Andy have rented a car and gone off to El Chorro in search of some Spanish rock climbing. The weather forecast for all of southern Spain looks pretty wet for the next several days, but I hope they are able to get a few climbs in.

Meanwhile I'm in Nerja, actually getting a lot of work done. Processing all the ideas gathered from the trip thus far and doing some sketching. It's kind of making me itch to gack in the studio! Ha ha.

​But it then there's this...
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In love with Morocco!

5/6/2016

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The original inspiration for this trip was to explore the architecture of the once-great Moorish civilization of Al-Andalus. At its height in Spain around the 10th century Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together peaceably, eating the same food, speaking common languages, and dressing in the same fashion even though they worshipped differently. Some of their craftsmanship is beautifully preserved in the Andalusia region of Spain.

However, the zeal of the Spanish Reconquista definitely moved in and made the conquered territories their own. With so many centuries and so many incarnations of western architecture (from renaissance to baroque to neoclassical) in between its hard to transport oneself back a thousand years.

Morocco and the rest of North Africa is where the remnants of Al-Andalus sought refuge after the Reconquista, and its architectural influence is still palpable here. Culture and language have evolved and mixed with local Berber tribes but the craftsmen are still here and the work goes on. Tile mosaics, inlayed woodwork with intricatly painted designs, and even the very ornate plaster moldings, are all still used here.

Tangier was neat, steeped in Moroccan-American history, with its famous expats and popularity with the Beat Generation writers and poets. Our hotel looked like nothing had changed since wealthy young American and European travelers visited on their "Grand Tours".

​And now we are in a smaller Rif-mountain town called Chefchaouen (about the same population as Bozeman) famous for its picturesque blue walls and doors. It's surrounded by Berber villages and the woolen handicrafts are prized for their high quality. Hmmm... Some serious shopping may be in order!

Andy is off to bag the local peak, Jebel El-Kelaâ, and I'm headed out with sketchbook in hand to explore the winding streets of Chefchaouen. It's back to Spain tomorrow so I've gotta soak it up while I can. Morocco will definitely be a destination for a future trip all its own. We've only scratched the tip of the iceberg this time!

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Beach combing

5/3/2016

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5 days in the old city of Cadiz has been so relaxing and refreshing. The densely packed old centers of Spanish cities, while fascinating, can make one feel a bit claustrophobic at times. Here on the coast we had an Airbnb literally 20 meters from Caleta beach where we could beach comb and walk the long promenades out to old forts and soak up the vastness of sea and sky. Gorgeous sunsets and great food at a place called El Farro 2 blocks from our apartment. We did a whole lotta nothin!
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    Alison B. Sweeney

    Why We Travel?

    -to leave the rat race behind and remind ourselves that we as individuals have value beyond our monetary income (or lack there-of). We are human BEINGS, not human doings.

    -to put ourselves outside our comfort zone, which lets us grow.

    -to eat.

    -to find new artistic inspiration, and sometimes cool materials.

    -to remind ourselves how lucky we are to live in Bozeman.

    -to spend time together, playing and dreaming, away from work and responsibility.

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  • Home
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