(Manarola, 08/27/11)

(Manarola, 08/27/11)

We made a point to sit outside for meals whenever possible. Upside: you can watch the sunset and smell the ocean. Downside: smokers. (Hasn't Europe been informed about lung cancer?)

Luckily, we found a (cheap) cafe on the water just as the sun was setting on our first night in Cinque Terre. I sampled their delicious pesto lasagna. In fact, pesto was invented in that region. Probably in that very cafe. 

(Barcelona, 11/25/11)

Cava, the spanish equivalent of champagne. Happy New Year!

(Firenze, 08/23/11)

We saw many statues in Florence--Perseus/Medusa, fake David, etc., but Poseidon was the best.

Wikipedia calls it Neptune. I prefer my own reality.

(Barcelona, 11/27/11)

Unintentionally awesome picture of a fountain in Barcelona's cathedral courtyard.  

Why thanks, it is amazing. I appreciate the praise.

(Salamanca, 12/02/11)

When my friends and I realized that our time in Spain was limited, we made a Salamanca bucket list. 

The Convent of San Esteban was a beautiful church/grounds we walked by fairly often but always assumed we'd go in later. When we finally shelled out the 3 euro entrance fee, this is what awaited us.

(Barcelona, 11/27/11)

The sardana, a typical Catalonian dance. After sunday mass at the cathedral, the people of Barcelona take to the streets and perform. Though a lot of tourists stop to gawk, I was assured they dance only for their own amusement. 

It reminded me of this.