Narda's News: 28 July 2013

30 July 2013

Made it to Madrid

This has all been suspiciously easy -- what are the gods up to? Even though traveling stand by I got on both flights (Portland to NYC, then on to Madrid). Total luxe as they tossed me up to first class for the second flight! I watched a soon-to-be-forgotten-movie, had a lovely multi course dinner, and stretched out under an actual comforter!!! But never did manage to sleep.

I was first off the plane in Madrid and it was, without question, the FASTEST passport control ever -- I'm not sure I even stopped walking! Ditto luggage.
Out to taxi, handed him my hotel info and - . whoosh -- here I am! They let me check in early THANKGOD as it's not yet 10 am. The friendly front desk women quickly figured out that I can understand and speak Spanish so no . . . more . . . . English . . . . for . . . me!

It turns out I rented a one -bedroom apartment rather than a hotel room! Great location (can hike to the Prado Museum) and very comfortable, if not luxurious. And it has a washing machine -- got a load going already! (Though I think I may have put in dishwasher soap -- hope it works.)

It's a beautiful sunny day here -- but I really . . . I mean really . . need a nap zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

29 July 2013

Good Luck Start

Aha! I made it on the second to the last seat on the flight to NYC. They even gave Ulysses a pass so that he could accompany me to the gate! Lovely. So here I am, against all odds, flying to JFK!
Thank you, John! THank you, Mamie!!

Crossed fingers that there's room for me on the flight to Madrid tonight!

Why I Feel So At Home Here:

"In English eyes one may be pardoned for all manner of social sins if one is able to laugh about them."

"In England, brains are optional but a sense of humor is compulsory."

"The English have a unique sense of humor. You will hear from them with an absolutely straight face the most outrageously sarcastic and witty observation.

Their humor is more than merely wide-ranging: it has a complexity, surrealistic inventiveness and sophistication unmatched in any other English-speaking culture."

-- Xenophobe's guide to the English

Words to Travel By

If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life. Oscar Wilde

In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in French: I never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language. Mark Twain.

A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it. John Steinbeck

People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home. Dagobert D. Runes

There is nothing safer than flying -- it is crashing that is dangerous. Theo Cowan

. . . there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. Mark Twain

Quotable Quotes

"Criticizing is easy, art is difficult.

"The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself." O. Wilde

Those who criticize our generation forget who raised it.

“The only graceful way to accept an insult is to ignore it. If you can’t ignore it, top it; if you can’t top it, laugh at it: if you can’t laugh at it, it’s probably deserved.” Essayist R. Lynes.

Don’t argue with Idiots.. They will bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Dutch Names

“When Napoleon invaded the Netherlands he forced the Dutch to adopt surnames (last names) -- something not all of them had thought of doing. Those without had to adopt that extra name quick-smart and, assuming it would be a temporary measure and that once the invader had been sent packing they could resort to their old way of life, people thought up all sorts of odd names so that they could have a good laugh at the unwitting French officials’ expense. But the joke backfired. Today there are families burdened with such names as Naaktgeboren (‘born naked’), Hoogen-boezem (‘high bosomed’), or Poepjens (‘pooh-pooh’).”

(Shamelessly taken from the excellent book Xenophobe’s Guide to the Dutch.)

Aigues-Mortes

The first document mentioning a place called "Ayga Mortas" (dead waters) dates from the 10th century AD.

Yet another vain Louis, the IX, built the port in the middle of a marsh/swamp (ring Monty Python and the Holy Grail Bells, anyone?") in the 13th century as France's only Mediterranean port at that time, since Marseille was still an independent nation. He wanted a port of his very own from which to launch His Crusade in the 1200's.

Apparently it was such a wasteland (marsh, mosquitoes, malaria), that he had to bribe people to move there. Other people. Not him.

(When pondering European history, I've found it helps to remind myself that it was basically made by adolescent boys in gangs.)

It was and is a vibrant city -- I was completely surprised! Very cool. We walked the 1 mile ramparts along the city walls. And took too many photos -- some more.

It was also the site of many battles and massacres -- in one there were so many bodies that they were salted and stuffed in the tower -- until it was safe to bury them outside the city walls!

To this day there are huge salt "factories" there -- see white salt mountain photos below.

Tai and Zahra were particularly interested in the "toilets" and a long discussion re: pooping on attackers and the risk of an arrow in the butt ensued. Did I say "looonggggg" discussion.

Narda's News

30 July 2013

Made it to Madrid

29 July 2013

Good Luck Start

28 July 2013

And how am I enjoying my last day stateside? . . . . . .

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