Hasta Luego . . .

I'm finally leaving! Whoo Hoo! Spain has been on my “must see travel list” for a while now and this year I decided that it was finally time. In only a few hours I’m off to Spain for three weeks.

First I'll arrive in the pulsating energetic city of Madrid with a day trip to the famous sword making town of Toledo, next I’m on the fast track via the high speed Ave train to Soulful Sevilla with a day trip to see the Mesquita in Cordoba, then it’s the cool sea breeze of the southern coast in the oldest city in all of Western Europe, Cadiz, next I move east to see the famous Jewel of Andalusia “The Alhambra” in Granada, then I’ll stand high above the gorge on the “new bridge” in the white village of Ronda and finally I’ll mosey on over to see Picasso (the museum) in Malaga before flying home! HERE is a Google Map of my complete itinerary, which is also located on my side bar.

It has been an absolute joy discovering Spain during my planning, research and preparation for this trip. I read guide books, Internet websites/articles, all the Slow Travel Trip Reports, Travel Notes and posted threads on Spain, I viewed photos and YouTube videos, I watched Spanish movies, Art Appreciation DVD’s and TV shows recommended by my blogging pals and I learned all about Spanish Art, History, Music, Flamenco Dance, Tapas Bar Hopping, Churros, Jerez and Cava! And now I get to live it all for 3 fantastic weeks! Whoo hoo!

There’s free Wi-Fi available in a couple of hotels that I am staying in and I also hope to find some Internet Cafes along the way, so I can do some travel blogging (Maria was kind enough to e-mail me from Spain on where I can find an Internet Café in Sevilla). Cool! So I promise to blog as soon as I arrive in Madrid and as often as I can, unless of course I get distracted! :)

I want to say thank you to the Slow Travel Community and moderators (especially Shannon, Roz and Marta) for all the wonderful trip reports/notes, photos, posted threads and links to articles about Spain. I most especially want to say a special thank you to my regular blogging pals and those who commented on my trip planning (AnnieNC, Marίa, Girasoli, Sandra, Leslie, Anne, Marta, Menehune). Your recommendations, tips, comments and encouragements have been so helpful and inspirational to me.

I plan on bringing back reviews and photos so I can return the favor and share with others. Also to my family (Hi Sis!) and friends, thanks so much for your continued support and encouragements. This trip would not be possible without all of you.

I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures . . . I mean experiences! I apologize in advance for all my spelling and grammar errors, but I’ll blame that on the unfamiliar keyboard, my inability to find the spell check feature and the time pressure of blogging before my time is up! :)

And saving the best for last . . . I am so happy and excited that we elected Barack Obama to be our next President of the United States. On January 20, 2009, Barack will take center stage to become our 44th President and along with that the weight of our entire nation on his shoulders. The road will be bumpy and yes there are many things to fix, but Obama has the knowledge, skills, passion and heart to lead us in the right direction. And you know what . . . I believe!

So from one of my favorite American Idols . . .



Hasta Luego!