Adios to Spain and Sevilla,as it is said here

I dont have words to discrib Seville. I told Eddie that I thought Madrid was more beautiful than Seville. Madrid keeps itself better maintained than Seville. Ofcourse Madrid is the capital of Spain and probably has more funds and has greater need to keep an appearance internationally.

Seville has a history and definite uniqueness all of it´s own. It has some spectacular buildings inherited from the Moors when they ruled in Seville in the 9th and 10th century. They have left a legacy that is felt and affects the character of Seville even today.

Being my last day I decided to splurge and be a tourist,tourist. I have tried seeing Seville by walking to all the places and basically living like the locals. But today after walking all over I decided to see Seville on a horse and buggy. I enjoyed that so much. This ride started at the Plaza Espana, a beautiful architectual wonder. Even the spokes on the bridge is covered with tile. Infront of this magnificant structure is a huge garden called Parque of Marie Luisa. Yesterday I walked in it and just sat and enjoyed being there. Today I rode through it driven on a horse drawn buggy. It was just wonderful. It also took me along the river and throughout the city. I waved at everybody. I felt so wonderful.

I wrote a whole list in my journal about my reflections about Seville and its´people,etc.
It will too long right now. I need to get back to my monastery. I leave early tomorrow morning.

The train takes me from Seville to Cordoba. Then from Cordoba to Algeciras,a port city, where I catch my ferry which crosses the Gilbralta straits. I am looking forward to that experience.

In Rabat I will be meeting Joy Tamaribuchi´s good friend. She has been so helpful to me.

Buenos Dias and Adios Amigos. Joanne

I am here in Seville

The Atocha train station in Madrid is impressive;palm trees and oasis. I am so lucky to have Eddie. He helped me get to where I need to go.Like at the airports your baggage need to go through security check. Then you need to go through ticket check before entering the next room where there are 15 exists to get you to your right train. Without Eddie I couldn´t know when and where to go. My ears have a hard time understanding the annoucements. Finally when you get to your ¨super speed train¨knowing how to read your ticket to get to the right coach. I got on 6 instead of 8. Lugging your luggage in those narrow aisles and lifting your luggage to the shelf above I had to step on the seat...I guess I could have asked someone taller. The train began moving on the dot. If you are one minute late...adios amigo!!!
No time...of course the train must be traveling at 200 miles or so because I have noticed that both Eddie´s parents drive 120 miles an hour on the roads. It is legal. On both sides of the train first smaller farms but when we got closer to Cordoba olive groves rows and rows up and down mountains as far as one can see. The smaller farms alternate the fields with other crops like corn,hay,and sunflower.Makes a beautiful pattern to the country side.
Lucky that I live in Kekaha,the hot side of the island. I was warned that Seville is much hotter than Madrid. True it is hot probably in the 90s. I feel that my conditioning helps me to take the heat.
Today as soon as I got off the train I decided to take a taxi to the monastery. The one I was suppose to go to outside of Madrid was closed.
I am so happy I had Eddie call first. They have a sister monastery right in the center of Madrid. I am again very blessed. They have only 5 rooms and I got one. The room has a double bed and a private bath for 40 Eur. Meals are not included,but Mary who I was introduced to as soon as I got to my room speaks English. She is writing her thesis on international relations and comes from Valencia. She showed me the nearby markets,etc and also directed me where I could find the Turisto Information Center and from there learned how to get to this Internet center. The cost here is twice Santiago. There is another place so I will need to check that out. My time is almost up.

On my way I met several English speakers. I met three girls from California here to learn the Spanish language. Later met an elderly couple from Ireland. In the tourist office a mother and teenage son from Belgium. I learned that English is a second language. Parts of Belgium speak French and the other mmm what was it now?

The computer says I have 10 minutes left. The buildings are impressive..old 11-12th century and lots of Moslem influences. On Sundays some of the museums are free so I will try to schedule myself that way.
I notice Eddie and his family are very aware of taking advantage of saving..economically wise. Eddie and his friends learned of a promotion in Madrid that gave them free airline tickets to Brussels and Switzerland. He and his boy friends the same ones that went to Toledo with us. They had to wear bathing suits in the square before noon. They got there at 8am.
I have 2 minutes so Adios Amigos until next time.
Aloha,Mahalo,& Malama Pono. Joanne

Back from Armenteira and Pontevedra

This will be a short one although a great deal has happened. It is a little before 7am. In half an hour Eddie and his dad will take me to the train station and I will be heading for Sevlle or Sevilla as they say here. Eddie´s dad is so thoughful. Yesterday we went shopping again to the huge super market in Mahadrahonda which is a town closer to Madrid city and where they lived for 20 years before moving to where they are now. They have been in Villanueva Padilla only 5 years. It is just a little further from the city of Madrid. He bought me some pears and arare for my train ride. He saw the snack was from Japan so he thought I would like it. After shopping he took me to where they used to live. They have a long large mall where cars are not allowed like forth street in Honolulu,but this one is in the center of this neighborhood. There were lots of people strolling and sitting on benches placed under a tree having a relaxing time visiting with famliy and friends and animals and children. Lots of Cafe,and shops of all kinds. We sat down to have gin and tonic(Eddie´s dad)and ice cream for me. He said this was the best place for ice cream. There was a couple next to us with two young children having ice cream also. Eddie´s dad confess he is looking forward to being a grandpa. There oldest son who is 26 will be getting married in September of this year to a girl he met in France. We saw many many baby strollers being pushed by grandparents. Eddie´s dad said Seville is THE place where people really know how to relax and have fun. I see my time says 7:15am. Eddie said that we are to leave at 7:30am sharp. I must say Adios Amigos for now. I´ll have to find an internet cafe in Seville to continue my story. Aloha,Mahalo, and Malama Pono, Joanne

I can´t believe how blessed I am!!!

Today has been an exceptional day so before leaving Santiago I felt I needed to tell you what happened.
When I entered the monasterio de San Pelayo the nun gave me a card with schedules. I noticed besides the time for meals and closer times which she emphasized listed was a time for morning prayer. Being an early riser I asked if I might participate through the help of an interpeter. Not being familiar with Catholic ways I didn´t know the seriousness of my request. The nun quickly replied that was not possible.
Well last night they said this morning the nun from Belgium and I could join their morning prayer session. We would meet in the dinning room at 7:45am next day before breakfast.
In the morning we were lead outside by the nun who has been serving us our meals. She however did not come with us. I was surprised so I asked about that. Marie Theresa,the Belgium nun,said of yes,but she will enter a different way from us. Once outside the building we entered through another door which had to be openned for us. We entered a chapel and sat down,but was quickly led to another room. There were nuns already there. No one talked. It was very solomn(spl)More nuns game filing in. We never see these nuns so I hace no idea there were so many. The chairs were high back wooden chairs with arms too high to put your arms on. Later I realized the arms were for the books. There were two rows-double level-arranged in U shape against the wall only one side of the room. On the back wall was a statue of Jesus. On the oposite side a huge black iron net covered the wall. Through it I could make out another chapel beyond with lots of gold figures and ornaments. On the walls of the room we were in protruded pipes (organ)vertically and horizontally. Later in the Cathedral I saw organ pipes like it except more and bigger. I thought about Ruth. I never saw horizontal pipes just like these.
The ceiling was curved and covered with 3 different desgn patterns in circles repeated across the entire ceiling.
The whole half hour was done in singing with short readings in between with organ accompaniment. Beautiful singing. They sounded like angels. The acoustic sounded so good.

The monastery was started between 1100-1200. It was first occuppied by monks followers of Apostle James. It is now occupied by nuns, except the Chaplin Jose who has been having breakfast with us every morning. It was he who told us of this special happening at 3pm this afternoon at the Cathedral. This Cathedral has one the huggiest Botafumeiro,the incense holder the priest swings. Today they were testing it. It is quite a fete. The rope hangs down from the high ceiling. I was told several months ago they replaced the old rope. The Cathedral has a very very high ceiling. A man had to climb up to the top. Lots of preparation. It was scary. And when they finally had the botafumeiro tied and started swinging it almost the lenght of the Cathedral it was scary and unbelieveable. Anyway I am told it is only used at very very special ocassions so this was a rare event.
I have been blessed with many special and rare happenings. This in Santiago and seeing Prince or King Juan Carlos in Madrid. He lives outside of Madrid and only comes to the Palace in Madrid for special ocassions like when a foreign dignitary is in Spain.
I must get back to the monastary beore I am locked out. Tonight dinner is served extra early. This begins a special time for the nuns. They have added meetings.
This is extra long,but I wanted you to share in this very very experiences.

I leave tomorrow for Pontevedra which I understand is nearer to the sea. I think the monasteri that I will be going to is less formal....Santa Maria de Armenteira.

Aloha and Adios, Joanne

I am in Santiago de Compostela. The train ride from Madrid took nearly 8 hours, but I loved it. The tracks seem to run along the mountain tops. I really got to see the country. Eddie noticed that a guy in blue shirt spoke English so later I did go to the next car to talk with him and his female companion. They were from Indiana and touring Spain for three weeks. It was nice talking them. Eddie´s mom also made sure that a young teenager boy let me know when I should get off the train.
I really having a great time. The train arrived a little late so athough I took the taxi from the station I didn´t make it in time to get into the monastary. They close at 9:45pm and I didn´t get there until 10pm. These monastaries were built in 1200 and have huge doors and no way can you be heard. We did phone earlier,but no way could we get in. I thought I might have to sleep in the streets for one night. After going around looking for anyone who spoke English I finally found two girls. They were from Barcelona and had done the Camino or trek to Santiago and learned to speak English in school. I was thrilled to say the least. They were so nice. They said that this is what the camino is all about...helping each other. They were so nice. After trying to get me into the monastery, they walked the streets to find me a very nice pension. Since this was Saturday night they were at an outdoor rock concert,but was willing to leave the concert to help me. I feel that they were angels sent to me by God. Next morning there was a Lady at the desk at the pension who spoke a little English. I asked her to call the monastery and see if now I could stay there. I had to write everything down for her.
Anyway on my way to the monastary I bumped into the same girls again and they were kind enough to accompany me to the monastary and explain everything since the nuns don´t speak English. It has been great. Next day two from Belgium arrived who spoke English. The following morning the priest who does services at the Cathedral came for breakfast. He speaks English.
It is so nice to have company at meals and what meals!!! The cost is 30 Eur per day which includes breakfast and dinner. The first night I thought the noodle soup and bread was it this being a monastary. That was the first course. It was followed by a big serving of fried chicken,french fries and lettuce salad. And for dessert a variety of fruit. Breakfast was big,too.

I love walking the streets. They are narrow and winding. It is easy to get lost. The Cathedral is in the center and the monastery is across it so eventually I find my way back.

When the guide said that the train station is very near. You soon realize the word is relevant to who ever is speaking. She said you don´t need to buy the tickets ahead of time. However I am glad I walked to the station today and bought the roundtrip ticket to Pontevedra to get to the next monastery on Wednesday. Not being able to speak the language does present some problems. However I did it and am very proud of myself. I did do some preplanning and it helped.
What´s also fascinating is that those two ladies who I met at the monastey,one is in her middle 40´s and the other just completed law school rode their bicycles from Belgium to Santiago.
I will have to ask them how long it took them. They did stop in various countries to rest.

Eddie told me about Tapas. Most people have Tapas between breakfast and dinner. Dinner is not until 9pm or after. When you buy a drink...Coco Cola is very popular...you get some pupus..Spanish kind. Beef and buns is very popular,but also finger food with seafood and rice.

I better quit now. The monastery is very strict about being on time for meals and the heavy doors are locked during specific times during the day. At night the doors are locked at 9pm.
I may have to sleep in the streets if I don´t get back on time.

Adios, Amigos. Joanne

Tomorrow I leave for Santiago de Compostela

Including tomorrow I will have been here for 6 days. It seems I have been here so much longer. I have gone to and done so many things. Eddie and his father and mother and brother have been so very very kind to me. Eddie has been a perfect guide and interpreter. His dad has prepared all kinds of Spanish foods. His mom has taken us to Toledo where we spent all day walking inside the walled city. Toledo was the capital of Spain before Madrid,and has an amazing history which I had very little knowledge. July 5 was Eddie´s 18th birthday so he invited two of his friends to come along. The night before they camped out in a small cabin in the back yard made for such occasions. Being teenagers they had hardly any sleep,but were ready to go the next day. I enjoyed their company. There is too much to tell so I will need to leave it for when I get home. To day his mom drove Eddie and me to visit Segovia. Eddie´s grandma who he worships was born and raised in Segovia. Segovia I am told is a place known for its´food and great chefs. Also the place where the Kings´Summer´palace is located. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and 26 fountains,very ornate. I could easily imagine in it´s time the lavish parties held there with royalty from many countries in their finest strolling in the gradens,or on horseback riding through the trees on this gorgeous estate that extends for miles and miles. Because Eddie´s grandmother is from here they were able to meet with cousins Eddie had never met before,one first cousin about his mom´s age and her son and daughter Eddie´s age. I didn´t understand a word they were saying but I could tell they were very happy to see each other from the non stop conversations and face and body language. Eddie apologized later for taking so much time and not being able to follow the conversation, but I was happy because they were so happy. This was a wonderful happening. In the next town we stopped we got another rare threat. In San Lorenzo Del Escodorial they wanted me to see Escorial Palace built by King Felipe II. It was a stark contrast to the Palace we just saw in Segovia. According to Eddie King Phillip II wanted it to be very very plain and wanted a catheral built in the center court which is usually designed for a beautiful garden. Today there was a large youth choir from San Francisco visiting. They gifted us with a concert in the Catheral. They were magnificant. The sound was so beautiful. They sang three numbers. The first sounded like a Latin cant,the second a spiritual, and the last Shanendoyla (spl)well known Irish song. I don´t know if I will have access to a computer in Santiago. Eddie´s older brother has kindly allowed me to use his computer. One day he even had some Big Band music like Glen Miller,etc. playing for me while I was on his computer. I am so grateful that Eddie will take me to the train station and see that I get on the right one. I will be returning to Madrid on 16th for two days before taking off for Seville and Morocco. The Euro Railway comes back to Madrid before I can go south. Eddie suggests that I leave one bag with them and only take my packpack. I will do that. I wanted to do that from Kauai, but couldn´t quite get everything in. Until next time Aloha and Malama Pono. Joanne

Not only is Madrid beautiful in appearance;beautiful buildings-castles,museums,cathedrals,universities,municiple buildings,fountains,parks,tree lined streets,but it is so well planned that it doesn´t feel like a Big metropolis. It doesn´t feel crowded. The side walks,street crossing are extra wide. The transportation system is excellent. Even the subways,bus stations, train stations are not crowded like New York City and it is apparent that money is put into maintenance and up keep. This city has a heart. The governments attitude toward gays and immigrants are commendable. Eduardo says that after the dictatorship of Franco when gays were treated harshly there has been a complete turn around they have the same rights as all citizens. Infact, the gay community is an intregal part of the city. New business like to begin there. The trendy stores are there so it attracts many shopers.Just last week the European Gay Community held a huge convention in Madrid said Eddie. It attracted thousands of people. New immigrants are encouraged by the government,especially those who left Spain during Franco´s reign. On Tuesday while we were eating a snack on a bench on the side of the main highway a motorcade with Prince Carlos passed by. Later we discovered the Palace gardens were closed to visitors and we witnessed the departure of the Prince from the Palace. Wednesday we walked through the streets of the Gay quarters which is very near the center of Madrid. We also visited part of the huge University campus and a huge park which used to belong to royalty and now saved for ordinary people to come to meditate and find a peaceful place near the city. There is a huge man made lake in the park where Eddie and I had fun paddling around the lake. I saw some red fish that looked like carp. Today Thursday July 5 was Eddie´s eighteenth birthday. Three things he did was apply for his drivers license, open his personal bank account and give blood. He was a little too late so he and his friends plan to give blood on Monday. Today we also went to Toledo, Spain. His mom drove and Eddie invited two friends to go along. I found Toledo and the history surrounding it most fasinating. The Romans built a walled fortified city with a river circling it. The huge stone arch ways have Roman,Christian,and Muslin designs. Lots of fasinating things. Tomorrow we are going to Segovia. It is pass midnight so I better turn in. Every evening we eat about 10pm. This is the Spanish way.

Eduardo and Madrid,Spain

July 1 JFK to Madrid on Iberia Airlines..Spain´s National Airlines. We flew into a very beautiful modernistic airport. It is Beautiful!!! We arrived early in the morning. From the aircraft a blazing red sunrise greeted us and I had to pause and thank God. I feel very very blessed. Eduardo and his mom came to pick me up. It took over an hour to go through customs and baggage. I was so happy when Eduardo´s mom called my name as I was about to look for a telephone to make a call. It was so wonderful to see Eduardo again. He looked taller and trimmer than when he left a year ago. On the way over I met couple ladies who were with a New York Catholic tour group. We greeted each other like old friends when we met again at baggage. I also met in the airbus a girl home for the summer who has taught Spanish for 5 years in Phillidelphia, Pennsylvania and another girl from Toledo,Spain who works in Scotland. She said that I must visit Toledo. Eduardo lives on the outskirts of Madrid in a beautiful gated community. This afternoon we are planning to take a walking tour of his community. It is a beautiful clear day and it doesn´t get dark until around 9:30pm. I was exhausted when I arrived so took a bath and napped. Then tried to work on the computer but had trouble...everything in Spanish and the key board a little different and me not being computer wise. But with Eduardo´s help finally got to my blog to make a new post. I had trouble on Helice´s computer in San Diego and Hailing having just moved to her new coop apartment wasn´t hooked up to the internet so it has been a while, but finally I can get you caught up on the wonderful and interesting things that has happened. Highlights after leaving Montebello,CA. Sitting in on Helice´s presentation to two groups of about 120 kids was amazing. Both were from the Probation and Correction Center of Orange County. The morning session was with kids who are totally confined. The p.m. group are kids who are at a center all day but return home at night. Helice is really good. She was able to connect with them all. Even the center`s probation `leaders or officers were impressed. For her work besides monetary compensation she received several ¨perks¨. Overnight at a the Balbao Country Club and two nights at a Beach House in Newport Beach. WoW!!! did we live it up. What was fun in Long Island, New York was showing Hailing`s mom and Alicia how to get around the neighborhood. Because they were afraid to venture out themselves and Hailing had to go to work everyday. Hailing´s mom boasted that now she knew the neighborhood better than Hailing. We also took the Long Island Railway and subway to downtown Manhattan and to Forest Hill and had homemade Chinese food with old friends from China. They had many questions about Hawaii. They had twin 11 year old boys who were extremely precocious and kept quoting all kinds of statistics about New York. and asking many questions including those on politics. I just returned from taking a four hour walking tour of the town Eduardo lives in. I couldn´t have gotten a better guide. After returning from Kauai he became the Youth president of the Liberal Party called the `People´s Party and has been working closely with the Mayor. To his credit when he left there were 13 members. Since he returned the membership has grown to close to 57. At a recent election all the people they backed won. They have the first woman mayor. The improvements she has been able to complete and working on are incredible. I have been here only one day and can´t believe the things I have learned and seen. Eduardo amazes me. Tomorrow we are planning to go to the center of Madrid. I am very excited. Adios, Amigos