Wine is the best part of the meal

Decided to cook for Tio and Consuelo one night. A way to help out and say thanks. Also a way to inject something other than ham into our diets.

Grocery shopping on a Saturday afternoon. Uh, not such a hot idea. The stores are closed on Sunday so it's a battle royale trying to get food. I get a couple items and need to find fish at another store.

I pop in this one fish store I had seen, but find out everything is frozen. It's all in little square compartments that you can reach in and pick up your desired solidified fish. While I watch people do this, the sound it makes is similar to building blocks. Instead of kids and legos - it's adults with frozen fish.

Head up to another grocery store and decide to get some filets. As I wait in line, the fish counter is pure entertainment and amazing. A woman grabs the fish some man selects, hauls it up on a block and takes a cleaver to its head. After it gets brushed aside, she peels away it's skin and keeps working on it for him. Once it's all in good shape, she grabs a garden hose and sprays off the block. They don't have this kind of service in Publix.

When I get home, the family is mulling about outside and I decide it's time to cook. As soon as I do, they all start piling in one at a time to check out what I'm doing. I'm not used to having an audience and begin to get cooking stage fright.

Time for some wine!

I slam a glass or so to get going and also to help me answer any questions they have. They have plenty. Questioning by at least two or three people at the same time and it's about food which makes it even more intense. It kinda scares the crap out of me. Consuelo likes that I'm drinking while working and I give her a little cheers motion. Gotta love drunk cooking. But I'm just joining in - everyone is already ahead of me.

Tio pops in and says "I was not aware that you were a good cook". I tell him in English "You haven't tasted it yet!". I cooked a couple fish filets in wine, butter, garlic, green onion accompanied by sauteed spinach and tomatoes.

The fish and I go glass for glass of wine. It's got to be about as drunk off it's ass as I am. I take the remaining fish stock in the pan and add a little more wine and butter to create a sauce for the pasta. They both like it to my relief.

Been torn a bit about leaving for side trips. I get reassurance from Consuelo when she tells me that one day spent in A Coruna or Santander is plenty. I guess I sense the end is near and want to see things but also soak up as much time in Piedras as I can. I know all of what I've experienced won't be fully grasped until I return to the states, so my job for the next month is to absorb as much as possible.

Evening dinners are the best because Tio is very talkative and not shy with his opinions.

Last night, we get to talking about a relative of ours, Anita. "She was an extraordinary person." Tio says and he's right. She had a sense of humor like you wouldn't believe and was always living it up. Dancing, smiling, singing, laughing - she certainly made an impression.

As I walk around town I notice people sitting on their decks like she did with her family in St. Louis. On any given Sunday you would find everyone at her house as she was constantly receiving visitors. Just like her mom, Mary, who happened to be born in this house as Tio points out the room to me.

After a long battle with cancer, Anita passed away. Even through treatments she still kept her sense of humor. For her birthday, someone gave her a colostomy Barbie which she proudly showed. The altered Barbie had a tiny clear bag attached to it filled with little brownie poo balls. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen and Anita just howled saying how accurate they got it.

Tio has Anita's last message on his answering machine. He tells me she called out to him to tell him she was dying. I tear up a bit. I don't know if it's hearing a person so full of life announce their own death or the fact that Tio tells me he won't erase it from his machine.

Extraordinary people are hard to come by. When we find them, we need to appreciate them while they're here.

Keepin' it Clean.. Maybe.

Keepin' the streets clean. Are Spaniards obsessive compulsive?

My morning walk had me seeing many ladies sweeping their stoops. One who even soaped up her section of the walk and waited for me to pass before sloshing it with water. When I first got here, I had one lady stop me to express her outrage that they weren't cleaning the streets right. She was really pissed off about it.

There is a lot of care in how everything looks. Even at the cemetery the other day, I watched an older lady truck in a wheelbarrow with supplies. Now that's commitment. 

I guess it's just taking care of something you love. I also think people just like working in the earth. Tio talks about cleaning up the field for some more planting. He absolutely loves it and it keeps him young. 

Been planning to go visit another section of Spain for a day or two. Pretty much decided that I need to go and buy a bus ticket, get dropped off and find a place to stay. This is an area where there's a whole other dialect that has a bit of Portuguese in it so that should be interesting. More ways to pantomime in Spanish.  

Finally, told Tio that I'm going to Barcelona. Perfect timing as he brought out a driving map of Spain in order to pressure me to get in his car, AGAIN. Jose, MaCarmen and Manuel suddenly disappeared when he began to talk about it. I'm beginning to think that no one wants to tell him no. After smiling and saying no several times, he confessed that buses did run to many of the places he mentioned. Arguing keeps him young too.

This week I confirmed that I'm learning Spanish from dirty old men. After sharing some funny stories with Monica about who's been chatting me up from time to time, she confirmed something I already knew. And I got to hear "they're trying to get into your knickers" in an authentic British accent.

Yeah, there's something not right about a 70 year old Spaniard with a MySpace page. Again, this is something lacking in the Rosetta Stone language school: How to respond to dirty old men come ons. It blows doors off of being able to ask for an apple.

A lot of people have been stopping me to ask for directions. The thing I like best is seeing the questioners face when I start talking. It's a complete "Oh shit." moment which entertains me every time. 

I've been asked about trains, buses, and if I have any pens. Also people like to vent their frustrations about other people. Some lady ranted to me the other day as we both watched a woman with baby in stroller try to cross a street against the pedestrian light. The Spanish are not shy with their opinions.

I find that arguments of any kind help. Passionate explanation is a benefit. The other night while Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, was on the TV, Tio started spouting off. He is a left wing leader and Tio can't stand him. Tio is a Republican which caused me to ask, "If you are from the Right, Why do you like Obama?". He started telling me in much enthusiasm that it's not about the party it's about the person. 

I got some further explanation about Zapatero and his main reason for dislike was a disrespectful gesture of not standing up and saluting the American troops and president. Respect is BIG here. Something I've learned and try to treat them with everyday. Tio is going on about it and I keep asking questions while Consuelo tries to get me to stop. She just keeps looking at me with fearful eyes and a "don't do it" nodding gesture.

I love it. Even though I may not agree with his views, I can respect it. After his speech I tell him I understand. And then I thank him for his explanation. 

To which he and Consuelo find it funny and start laughing because it's quite the opposite of what just happened. He looked like he was going to strangle someone while explaining the object of his dislike.

Hey, it all helps.

Go USA!

Museo Day

Starting to really get into the natural rhythm of things here. My days are flowing easily and finally making sense of the mid-day siesta. I went early to Gijon to catch some museum action and it's cold outside. At least cold for me.

On the way out, the train passes by this yard with a one horse. Today he's hanging with a dog who is stretched out in front of him laying lazily on the lawn.

People are still dressed in their casual fall attire but I am bundled. Once the sun burns bright it's easy enough to strip off layers and it feels good. I really wanted to see this Asturias born artist, Hugo Fontela, but his show had closed a few days before. Not to worry, there were plenty of other museums to catch and all free.

Saw one show that had really cool sketches of balloons in different landscapes that ultimately led to an installation. Then headed over to another building that had photos of the fishing markets from the 1920's. The photographer had great shots of older women with rolled cigarettes hanging out of their mouths accompanied by a giant fish in one hand.

Saw a sketches from a sculptor's sketchbook and the final pieces depicting life in Spain way back when. I love seeing these things, it's a peak into someone's mind. How they see life and what they build out of that vision is amazing.

All of these museums are in amazing old castle type buildings which rival the art they hold. I really dig Gijon. It has a lot to offer.

After seeing pictures of fish it was time to visit the aquarium. They had some interesting installations where you could literally pop your head into the aquarium. Bubble domes were in the floor of whatever you were seeing and you just got in and gawked. Gave great views of stingrays, fish, sharks. My favorites were the pufferfish with beautiful designs. As I looked at the big tank, I thought how fun it is to actually swim with these amazing creatures. Before I left town I got to swim in a school of tarpon, it was surreal. Nothing beats snorkeling.

Is is possible to OD on ham? I think I'm going to find out. Eating enough pork products for years to come and I wonder where the insatiable appetite for pig products end. Apparently it doesn't.

A couple of days ago I wanted to check out this tapas/wine bar and had a ham tostada along with a great red. I keep thinking that the tapa I order will be a small nibble but am always surprised by the size of it. Which is what happened when I ordered this and told the waiter it's too big. He just shook his head saying nooooo wagging a finger at me. I ate the whole thing and afterwards he proceeded to jokingly mock me and I nodded that he was right. While eating, the place filled up and I got to see my boyfriend Rafa play against the American. Can't get any better than this.

Went to the beach to hang for a bit and ran into this guy Jose I had met the day before. By the way, every guy here is either named Jesus or Jose. It makes it really easy not to forget someone's name. We started chatting and he asked me if I had email. Spain is definitely on the internet highway. It's great to run into these guys cause I get an opportunity to brush up on my language skills. He also tells me something I'm really happy to hear.

The other day, I watched a coast guard helicopter fly over and do what I thought was an exercise. After rounding the corner, I realized it was a rescue and the helicopter had landed on the beach leaving the victim to be resuscitated. I didn't think she made it but she did. According to Jose, she was swimming and got dragged out to sea. A fisherman saw her floating and called the coast guard. Fisherman have all kinds of skills.

Does the financial circus and U.S. election look as ridiculous over there as it does here? Shook my head as I saw McCain decide to bow out of the first debate and suspend campaigning cause that's what you do in a crisis; avoid talking about it.

He's not going to Washington to solve a problem, he's avoiding talking about his involvement in this f*ck up. Lately when I see him on TV I get an image of the grumpy bald eagle from the Muppets.

Everyone is screaming the sky is falling and want to rush into throwing money at the problem.

Maybe we need a fisherman to step in.

Candas es espectaculaRRRRRRR

Oh Candas. 

Had planned on going on Sunday but there were only a few trains. This day was cloudy which made for some great shadowy pictures. Been to quite a few different cities now and the ones I love the most are these seaside gems. Cities which are literally carved into hillsides. They have a nice flavor.

When I stopped in town, I popped into this great little pastry shop and had a dose of coffee along with one of their creations. These shops are all over the place and really good. Walked a bit and headed to the top of a hill inside a darkened church. 

Very pretty, small and had some great stained glass. On the way out, I saw that I could have paid to see it lighted. There was a "magic fingers" box machine mounted to the wall which I found pretty funny. Who knew it only cost .50 Euros to be illuminated? I wonder if the church would start vibrating too.

Followed the streets down to the bottom and the sea. After visiting a tourist office, I found there were paths along the sea with different monuments which was right up my alley. Every city here has one of these offices that will provide you with a map and other information about the place you are visiting. All you need to do is admit where you are from. I started hiking up to find the art museum and saw some fun outdoor sculptures. 

Really liking the self-timer option on my camera a bit too much. There was a fence post I propped it on to get a cliff side pic. Decided I needed to hop the fence to get the best frame and did so carefully and without much worry even though I'm scared of heights. After seeing the cliff from the other side, maybe it wasn't such a good idea but I got a great picture out of it!

Kept on walking up through woods to another chapel and lighthouse. Such beautiful views of the shore. Candas has a really nice beach with walkway beside. Most people were hanging out or swimming. Came around a bend and saw trailer heaven on the best piece of real estate I have ever seen trailers on. 

Decided to walk to the next town which I saw on the train. Originally I thought the town might be some special government housing complete with Spanish tiled roofs. It had looked a bit run down with bars on the windows but had an amazing coastline. 

When I arrived I found out it was a vacation town that currently looked like a ghost town. There was an overgrown mini golf course in the beginning and the run down houses were a lot like summer cottages from Wisconsin. Kept hiking to the top to take some more pics of these great pine trees until I saw rats running between the trail. 

Candas was espectacularRRRR!

 

R.I.P. Ipod

May my Ipod Rest in Peace. It died a watery death yesterday as I was in rock climbing mode. Plopped into a watery pool and it was the day the music died. Laughed big as I watched all the water run out when I shook it. This is the second Ipod I have survived and let's hope the third time's a charm.

The sun came out full force yesterday so after hanging my clothes to dry, I headed down to the beach and decided to do some rock climbing. There's a spot to the left of the beach that has a small cove. It's beautiful and I took some pics but decided I needed a person in the frame. Seeing that I was the only one person there, I decided to jump in. As I was playing around with setting up and framing the picture, that's when the Ipod slipped. Oh well, now it brings me out of the Ipod bubble I tend to get in and it will force me to talk to more people.

No sooner then I think that, it happens. After the rock climbing excursion, I headed back to Piedras plaza to check out the tapas festival. Not too much happening yet, so I sit on a bench for a minute to rest. Jesus shows up. It's like he has a honing device for these benches. We start chatting a bit and he is very complimentary. It's nice but I like Jesus as a friend, he has other plans. Including a trip. I have to end our conversation after he tells me he thought I was 18 and gives me one more compliment. I never thought I'd utter the phrase: Jesus says I have bedroom eyes. I laugh and agree.

Go to the library for a bit to check something out and then decide to try to head back to the plaza but get stopped again. "Chica! Chica!" A man is yelling running towards me. "Yes?" I say.

"Hola chica. Que tal?" He wants to chat. He starts asking me where I'm from and after I tell him the U.S. he asks if I know Jamie Lynne Spears, Hannah Montana or Britney Spears. Good God, we export a lot of crap.

He asks me if I have an email address and when I respond yes, he whips out a small card with his email address all over it. I laugh, take it and tell him thank you. He is a little person but not a "little person" and in one swift move he jumps up and wraps his arms around my neck; pulls me down to his level, gives me a warm hug and lays a fat juicy kiss on my cheek. I'm a little surprised but the surprise quickly wears off after the fourth time. He asks me if I smoke and I when I say "no" he runs across the street in search of a smokey treat.

I duck into the corner pub I wanted to sit at and enjoy the great weather with a cerveza and my book. I had to sit inside a bit to obscure my presence in case Jose, the man I just met, wanted to talk about Paris Hilton. I've come out of the bubble in a big way.

When I arrive back at the farm, Tio is in the yard and I go up to say hi and greet the dog. We start talking about the plans he has for the farm; what work he needs to get done. I always ask him if I can help but he laughs and says no, but thank you. I want to ride the tractor.

At dinner we started talking about world history and politics. He is well versed on many subjects especially these. I told him that after being here, I realized how much I don't know about world leaders. I am ashamed by it and plan on studying more. Surprised how my Spanish is coming out to describe this, I also tell them that this trip is so I can learn about Spain and the world. When I walk, I see people and things and learn. Spain is different than the U.S. It is very different.

They both smile, agree and I think they finally get it.

Oviedo - Finding my own way...

Mass transit rocks. It's so easy to hop a couple trains or buses and end up somewhere new each day if you want. I wish we had these systems in the U.S. cause it's cheap and fun to explore.

Yesterday I visited Oviedo. A city similar to Madrid in it's feel and streets but cleaner. They were having a fiesta so the streets were packed and ready for a parade.

Walked around the city a bit and found the train station. The other reason I wanted to visit Oviedo was to buy tickets to Barcelona and get a lay of the land. I've got to travel out of Oviedo and I've decided I'm going out on a train and back on a bus.

After watching a 10 Euro bill get eaten by the bus ticket machine the other day and being told by the bus station guys "tough luck", I thought it wise to purchase my tickets in person than online. My instinct was correct when I visited the train station and watched two people extremely frustrated with an online reservation. Some old school methods are still the best way here. Nothing beats a paper ticket in your hand.

Took a peek around checked out the giant cathedral and walked around the university campus. The cathedral had some holographic pictures of the church's treasures. It was odd to look across the way and see Mary with a greenish glow on her face from the holographic machines. This church was spectacular with stone carvings and beautiful ornaments everywhere. It was also one of the few churches I've seen open and free.

I confess. I brokedown and went to McDonalds yesterday. It was nearing siesta time and I wanted to get a quick non-ham meal that I could eat and run. Plus I was really in the mood for a hamburger and the last time I ordered one they asked me if I wanted it with or without an egg - it just wasn't the same. McDonalds filled the bill and when I opened the doors the smell was a taste of old Americana. I imagine they have a generic container of fry scent that franchisees pump out cause every McDonalds smells exactly the same. I haven't been in one in years and they've gone a bit upscale. Flatscreen TVs and this one even sells beer. I'd love to see a drunk Grimace or Mayor McCheese.

Watched a bit of the parade which had horsemen playing trumpets while they rode. Pretty damn impressive. The nuns in the church on the corner had the best view. Knowing Jesus on a first hand basis does gets you some VIP perks. If you left any sort of space in front of you people would try to squeeze themselves in. Had several of them try a few times but they were deterred by the guy chomping on sunflower seeds to the left and another guy finally telling people to go somewhere else on my right.

I wanted to visit the day before but got a late start after a discussion with Tio. He REALLY wants me to get in the car and travel with him. I just can't do it. It's not good to spend the entire time bracing for impact. He really should not be driving. He offered to take me to Oviedo and other places in the mountains but I asked him if we could travel together in something other than his car. Nope.

A good chance for me to brush up on more of my Spanish in a "disagreement" with him.

Here's something I kinda knew already, the Spanish like to argue. It's more of a debate with punctuated with dramatic flair. It gets all wound up and then dissipates into a friendly smile, acknowledgment of a good fight and served with a side of ham.

He gave me every excuse in the book why he couldn't take a bus and kept coming at me with saying that I don't want to see the most beautiful monuments in Spain. After hearing these statements taunting me, I slammed my hand on the table and said "Look, what you are saying is not true. I want to go but not in the car because it is dangerous." I then shot back "You go on a bus for your pensionista trips (senior spring break), What is different?". I love a good debate and threw some points back at him. Consuelo loved it and just smiled.

We went another couple rounds until he told me, he would not ask me again to take me anywhere. (This is the fifth time he has said this) We ended our debate with agreeing that he just wants to see me have a good time here and I said I was. Then smiles and food. Just makes me want to get some more vocabulary under my belt. I'm just as stubborn as he is so it's a draw. The "disagreements" are the largest kick in the pants to expand my language skills cause it's like fighting with one hand tied behind your back.

I'm starting to think he doesn't like it that I'm self-sufficient. That plus the comments that "I'm running around in the streets" to which I reply "Yes." with a smile. I wonder if he thinks I'm hooking?

Most of the time I get confused looks when I tell the family where I've been or where I'm going. There's no set schedule and I decide the day when I get up where I'm gonna go or what I'm in the mood for. Can't wait to spring Barcelona on them!

Better brush up on some vocab.

Spanish 101: Speaking with the Gents

I've always liked talking with the boys. Must have started young when I grew up with all boys on my street. We played games, built things, and screamed bloody murder. Every spring I found someway to end up with a black eye or major bruise to go with my dainty Easter dress. Always made a pretty picture and all because I was hangin' with the boys. Even here. It makes sense cause when you're outside climbing things you're bound to run into a lot of dudes. It's a nice perk.

Over here every chance I get to further my Spanish happens to be with the men. Something I started thinking about when I was perusing the fall issue of Vogue on the rock lounge and a nice gentleman came up and asked me the time. When he asked I paused and had to think about the response. He immediately knew I wasn't from here and asked if I spoke English. I smiled and said yes in Spanish and we continued our conversation.

He spoke in English and I responded to everything in Spanish. Even though I don't know it as well as I like, I refuse to give into using English. "What are you doing over here? How long is your visit?" The two different languages were volleying back and forth. It was a cool conversation. I notice when I don't think about it, it just comes out naturally.

I have to admit it, sometimes it's just easier for me to understand the boys. Don't know if it's the way they speak or that I meet up with them in places that we both enjoy.

There are so many dialects over here. The one spoken in this region is Castillian and at times one sentence can sound like one word. Lots of THs and when it flies I wonder if I'm going to get a loogie along with the question. Depending on who you're talking to it can be a clear constant conversation or a bewildered whipped up storm. Either way, you always learn something.

We talk a bit more and introduce ourselves. I get the standard greeting which is a handshake accompanied by two air kisses on either cheek. I feel very cosmopolitan each time I do it and who knew you could feel cosmo on a rock. He tells me he hopes he runs into me again so we can discuss things. I tell him in Spanish I hope we do too.

The older men are always up for a conversation and there are the brave young ones too. They are very considerate and inquisitive which I like. Started with Nacchio on the bus ride up and has continued on. It helps.

At dinner, Tio and I discuss what's going on in America right now. It's the topic du jour at the house. Making a point in Spanish is very dramatic and you can spot a political conversation from a mile away. I race down to hear them. It helps cause I love politics and I really want to know what they think so I'm straining to understand the quick conversation.

After the evening news is finished, the movie Fearless comes on complete with some Karate action. Tio loves movies and has over 700 of them. He brought one down the other day and told me we'll watch it sometime. It's an Errol Flynn movie and at first glance I thought it was Johnny Depp. That Errol Flynn was pretty hot.

Tio and I are entranced by the movement and he keeps saying how incredible it is. I just nod in agreement as I watch this guy fly through the air and take out his opponent. Consuelo huffs and shakes her head, she prefers telenovela love stories.

I start cleaning up and Tio says to me in English how funny it is. I say in Spanish "Funny? but it's so pretty. It is like dancing."

Tio just shakes his head and laughs.

Giving Gijon a Second Chance

After the Spanish infomercial disaster that was Gijon, I decided it was time to give it a second chance. Really glad I did. It's an amazing city and Tio and I really didn't see much of it that day. We were too busy watching potato peeling and non-stick cooking pans.

Out of the train station not knowing where I was going but just started walking. Stopped in a cafe for a dose of coffee and walked out to find a street demonstration. Whistles, a large sign and walking protest of kids and parents. Cool.

Kept walking on into a store. For some reason, the 80's are back and as much as I loved 80's music, I can't fathom trying to put on a neon, shoulder hanging, T-shirt that says "Don't hate me cause I'm hot."

Took a couple turns till I hit a large dose of wind and a breathtaking view. Wow, what a beach and right on the edge of a metro city - the best of both worlds.

Walked around the Plaza Mayor and saw an old town Gijon mixed in with a little new. This city has a wonderful blend of old and modern. Sprinkled with lots of art museums. Found a bunch I want to check out when they're open, one in particular hosting a New York artist who was born in Asturias. It's a big old castle looking joint and after peaking in to see some cool wooden horse sculptures, it's definitely on the list.

Went up past the harbor to a park which had some huge outdoor sculptures, people snoozing for siesta and one hell of a basketball/soccer court that looked out over the ocean.

Went back down past another private swim club smack dab next to the giant Catholic church looking over the beach. Thought it was pretty funny that the two were right next to each other. One promising redemption and the other promising a good martini. The Catholic church holds some damn fine properties all over the world kinda like McDonalds.

The only thing I saw that the swim club had that I wanted was the natural swimming pool that allowed water in from the ocean. The church has one too but the steps down are a little more rocky. The church pool and private pool do eventually both meet in the middle and share the same water. An interesting commentary - one has a rocky path another has a groomed one but we all end up in the same place.

As I sit on the dark stone steps in front of the church trying to warm up I realize that all bums sitting in front of churches aren't looking for God. They're looking to warm up on the black stones laid out in front of it. All churches have these stones. The church is a marketing king and works it. In case you didn't know who brought you this warmth, there are huge concrete crosses on the stone wall all along the beach. They like their logo everywhere.

Decide to head back home and after getting off the train, my feet are screaming at me. Not a surprise, since I've been wearing the $8 shoes I bought back in Hawaii to go skateboarding. Went into a Piedras sports store and found some cute walking shoes. That right there is an oxymoron. Why is it that any kind of shoes that are supposed to be good for you have to look orthopedic? Either that or nature shoes look so bulky and scream to people that you are a tree hugging freak.

In any case, found a cute Spanish pair that were on sale. When I got home, the family was more interested in my purchase than what I did in Gijon. I pulled the shoes out of the bag and felt like I was back at the first day, all of them grabbing the shoe and asking questions accompanied by a blaring TV. They start nervously asking me a question, I don't understand until they mime it. "But did you try them on?"

Ok, I officially think my family believes I'm retarded.

I give them a look and tell them "Uh yeah, I tried them on." They're infatuated with them. Can't understand why they're open in the back or on top and tell me that "but they're open? what happens when it rains?" I just shrug, my other shoes would have let in any type of water but these are non-shoe shoes that my feet are already thanking me for. Products are a big thing with the family. From day one I was asked about my sunglasses, computer, what kind of face cream I use. I don't really think much about this stuff - when I need something or really like something, I buy it.

Tio overhears me talking about wanting to go to Oviedo. After dinner he says to me "I hear you want to see Oviedo."

Oh, crap.

I tell him yes, I plan on going one of these days. He offers to go with me and he'll drive. He says "I know you don't like to ride in my car." I shake my head looking down at the ground laughing "No, I don't." I ask him why don't we take the bus or train, I like them the best. I really would like him to accompany me on these trips sans the car. He shakes his head no. He only likes to travel in his car and if I change my opinion of his driving we'll go.

Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. I'm not ready to head out to that big McDonalds in the sky just yet.

These boots were made for walkin'

I am Arturo's grandaughter. That is for sure. 

It is always interesting to speak with Tio. Being over here gives me an opportunity to see how the other half lives but it's also a good mirror in which to see how I live. You really don't get to examine how you are living your life until you take yourself out of it for a while. 

After being out the whole day and arriving back at the house around 9:00pm Tio starts talking to me about walking. He just doesn't get it. He asks me if I do this in Key West and I tell him yes accompanied by some bike riding. 

"You do this during the day? But you work, when do you sleep?" he asks. 

I look back at my life in the U.S. and surprisingly rattle off my schedule. "I work at night and am on the water 2-3 days a week. I sleep from 1:00am to 9:00am. Then I get up, ride my bike, paint, go to the beach". I don't even tell him that I'm on my feet in all my jobs too. 

My grandfather would understand. Anytime I saw him he was on his way out. Always was on the move, he told me proudly how he walked at least a mile a day. He used to play pro-soccer so maybe after he retired from the sport, someone forgot to tell his feet. In any case, he always had a smile on his face.

Tio doesn't think it's good to be walking so much. I try to explain it another way: "You work all day in the farm, it's the same thing." 

"No, it's not." because he tells me he's moving his whole body working in the field. I laugh and tell him I'm not just walking for 12 hours straight. I walk, sit, climb, swim, read, paint, watch. "There's a lot of things to see and do." I explain.

He thinks I need to sit more.

There's a lot of sitting in life. Behind a computer. In front of a TV. And a lot of times it involves watching what someone else is doing. 

Speaking of which, time to go... It's a beautiful day outside.