Happiness is.....

Being married 10 years!

Happy Anniversary Greg!

I love you!

Thank you for:
- your love
- the support
- your guideance
- your patience
- all the laughs
- the countless memories
- your tenderness
- your excellent "step father" role
- your knowledge
- your acceptance

I hope we can embrace each other for at least another 50!
Hugs and kisses,
VW

Catching Up

My life has quickly gotten back to reality since our vacation.

This past weekend was no exception - we continue to party like rock stars on the weekends.

Friday night my girlfriend Renee took me out to a yummy dinner at the Texas Roadhouse for my birthday. Thank you funny girl!

Saturday: We embarked for a full-day of wine tasting with Monica and Peanut to the Russian River area. We didn't quite get to explore Alexander Valley or Dry Creek but we did visit De Loche, Iron Horse and one other (I forgot the name). It is a beautiful valley (I actually like it better than Napa). We continued our scenic adventure along the ocean to almost Jenner. We stopped at Timber Cove Lodge for a cocktail. It was a beautiful day - sunny, fresh, and bright. We finished our tour with dinner at Negri's - a place I frequented on family trips to the coast. This is a family style Italian restaurant that holds great memories; and even then some. Thank you Peanut for your excellent driving skills and informational sight-seeing day.

Sunday: Yes - another birthday! I turned the years to 47! We celebrated with Monica/Peanut and hit a Giant's game (Monica's first). It was 75 degrees in San Francisco - I think it was a record. It was a gorgeous day, a sold out game, and great fun. We ended the day at a BBQ that Matt hosted. Tons of fun, cigars, stories, bonfire, and laughs. (Matt's birthday is June 28 so we typically celebrate together.) Betty and Barney: Thanks for making my birthday weekend tremendous fun! You two rock (it's fitting since you come from Bedrock). Next year we should celebrate in costume! (Photos to post later today.)

Happy trails.
V

Granada / Cordoba / Madrid

(Will post photos at the end of the day; also will expand on my commentary later)
Day 12: June 16, 2010
We did a side trip today from Malaga and visited Granada. This town hosts Alhambra - a fortified city. This fortress covered many acres of botanical gardens, a place and Alcobazar. The palace was the highlight with walls made of sculptured stone.

Day 13: June 17, 2010
Took a stroll through the city park in Malaga (right outside our timeshare complex - Benal Beach Resort). It was very inviting with rabbits, peacocks, roosters, swans, turtles and many locals enjoying the peace and quiet. All parks seems to be very well maintained - very refreshing.

Spent the day lounging at the beach (Mediterranean Sea - not too warm). It's customary to go topless but I didn't feel like burning my nips. This seemed to be our only true day of rest. We soaked in the sun, watched the passer-bys, and dipped our toes into the cold water. For $9 you can rent a spot with two lounge chairs and a umbrella oceanside - so very relaxing. The beach was extremely clean and the big tourist season was due to hit in 2 weeks. So glad we beat the crowds.

Day 14: June 18, 2010
Another day trip from Malaga to Ronda. What a quaint little town! It was recommended by some people we chatted with in Granada. Great recommendation! This city hosts a bullring and an amazing bridge.

Day 15: June 19, 2010
Upon leaving Malaga, we drove to Cordoba. We delighted in visiting the mosque/cathedral (all in one). It has a tremendous arabic influence and was spectacular.

Enjoyed the Madrid Hilton; with only 40 rooms occupied, we had a master suite and soaked in the peace and quiet (along with a jetted bubble bath).

Day 16: June 20, 2010
With this being our only full day in Madrid, we hopped on board the double-decker bus and toured the city. Loved seeing the sights and hopped off a few times for walks and pictures.
Visited the Plaza Mayor; interesting area with locals selling/trading stamps, bottle caps, bottle labels, coins, and pins. It was bustling with collectors. Visited the "indoor farmers market" displaying fresh seafood, fruit, breads, wines, appetizers, flowers, pasteries, and potato chips. We had to sample some of the goods and enjoyed lunch at the market.

Our highlight was going to the bullfights - all along our trip I wanted to go to bullfights; we seemed to miss it by a day here and there. So very lucky we witnessed one on our last day of our vacation. It was an interesting event. I had seen a bullfight in Mexico but this was the real deal. The costumes are so lavish - each matador owns 6 and they range from $3 - $4K. The ceremony had 6 fights altogether. Loved the pomp and circumstance.

Day 17: June 21, 2010
After driving 2,816 miles during our visit, it was happy trails to us - it was time to leave Spain! We were dreading the long flight home (to Dallas it was 10 hours and then to S.F. another 4).

We thoroughly enjoyed this cultural awakening. It was a eye-opener; Europe has so many beautiful things to offer. I have a little piece tucked away in my back pocket. I am blessed to have taken such a memorable trip amounting to tons of memories, photos, and lessons.
V

Seville / Malaga

Day 11: June 15, 2010
Seville offered the Seville Cathedral - the largest gothic church in Europe; the total surface area of the building is 23,500 square metres. The streets leading to the Cathedral seemed like a maze; all streets were simply the width of our vehicle.

The perimeter of the Cathedral was sectioned off as they were filing a high speed chase scene for an upcoming movie; felt like we were at Universal Studios.

The Alcazar is in the same square as the Cathedral. We toured this monument which featured a very large outdoor garden with fountains, peacocks, and beautiful landscaping.

We arrived in Malage late this evening and were very happy to find our timeshare and a good dinner.

Sintra / Seville

Palace of Pena

A pit-stop on our hike to the castle

Day 10: June 14, 2010

After leaving Lisbon, we made our way to Sintra. This was a very quaint town featuring castles, monuments and palaces.

We took a tour of the Castillo de Muro (a Moorish Castle with breathtaking views overlooking Sintra and giving views onto the Palace of Pena). The nature hike to the Castillo was spectacular leading you to the monumentus castle with all its towers and countless steps.

We truly enjoyed the Palcio Pena - a four colored castle. The Park and the Palace of Pena are the finest examples of nineteenth century Portuguese Romanticism and the integration of natural and built heritage. They constitute the most important part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra's World Heritage site.

Lisbon

Rossi, looking towards Convento do Carmo

Elevador de Santa Justa

A friendly visitor

Day 9: June 13, 2010 (Last day in Lisbon)

We toured the downtown on the double-decker bus - I love this open bus!

Unfortunately there was so much debris in the streets from the parade last night that the buses could not pass until 1:00 p.m. Is that the sign of one good party or what?!

We visited the local artisan shops to purchase some unique take-home items. I am always amazed at people's talents. Wish I was half that creative and artistic.

Enjoyed a great lunch in Alfama at the Rio Courdo (a place that was recommended to us by the owner of one of the artisan shops). This little restaurant was bustling - it's the kind of place where the tables are literally one feet apart. Business was booming!

We had the luxury of riding the Elevador de Santa Justa (one of the city's most eccentric structures). This elevator whisks you up 32m for a great view over the city.

Feeling like we were back home, we rode the tram (similar to a cable car) down to the main plaza.

For some down time, we relaxed at the Club Lounge of the Sheraton where are the cocktails and appetizers were free until 11:00 p.m. Greg thoroughly enjoyed 3 hours of vino sampling while I checked email.

Lisbon

Anyone up for BBQ'd sardines?

Party spirits

Lavish costumes for the St. Anthony parade

Getting ready for the festivities in Alfama

View from Castello S. Jorge




Mosterio dos Jeronimos




Torre de Belem




Our Golden Gate away from home (in Lisbon)

Day 8: June 12, 2010
Today was a full day of discovery in Lisbon. It was St. Anthony day; a day of celebration for the town. A day that anyone can get married for free.

We took the double-decker bus for a tour of the city. Our first stop was the Torre De Belem. From this tower we could see a bridge that reminded us of the Golden Gate Bridge; it was actually built by the same architect.

Across the way was the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos; unfortunately this structure was closed due to the Portuguese President being in town for the festivities of St. Anthony. The structure was heavily guarded with roof top police and many police surrounding the building.

We also enjoyed a self-guided tour of the Castelo S. Jorge. This provided great views of the city; a panoramic view. We spent 2 hours wandering the structure of the Castle.

Having worked up an appetite, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe; a little taste of the states. We enjoyed watching the World Cup Soccer as we munched on our juicy burgers.

We continued our bus tour to Alfama. This interesting part of town was preparing for the festivities of the night; lining the street with food vendors (we shared our first chorizo sandwich fresh out of the open flamed fire), selling candles, flowers, plants, bbq'd sardines (the aroma was a bit overpowering), lots and lots of beer, and many different types of cuisine. The festival is an all night bash which includes a 4-hour parade encompassing many colorful costumes and props. Each section of Lisbon is represented. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets for the big show.

After walking about 15 miles and filling the entire day with fun, we walked back to our hotel with sore feel and aching backs. It was a great day of adventure!
V
Photos to follow