NOT lost in translation

Is it coincidence that Mr. Bean presents himself nightly in this non-english speaking household...I think not!

The Real World

I am now staying with four other solo traveling women representing different countries at an intercultural space called Serydarth in the town of Casale Monferato, Piemonte, Italy. The exact terms and purpose of the living situation were unclear prior to my arrival, but I was pleasantly surprised once I got there. Coordinated and founded by the lovely Cristhian Scoranno,the home is run as an intercultural space inviting volunteers to stay (room and board) in exchange with giving back to the community in some way, whether it be language lessons, workshops, or just volunteering outside of the home. It is sort of a sustainable communal living experiment, and it seems to actually work in the most un-cultish way possible. It’s a great concept…..I assure you. I really lucked out with my roomettes, (and I think we all agree), I have learned a lot. Thank you girls, and of course grazie mille Cristhian!!!

On Wednesday I will be giving a talk on exotic plants at the Piccolo Spazio Interculturale. Check out more about the lecture and Cristhian’s Serydarth vision at: http://serydarth.wordpress.com/

Venice IS breathtaking, but don’t eat bread in front of poor people, please.

Venice is a walking city; full of such beauty the air seems romantic. I took advantage of the exercise, and had an unconventional trip that lacked amore, but was filled with inspiration. Looking around the piazzas you find everyone with a map in hand attempting to navigate the narrow passages and canal crossings. I opted to abandon the guide and just roam, discovering empty churches and neighborhoods filled with locals during my daily expeditions. My visit was during the 53^rd International Biennale, and I often ran into exhibits outside of the main museums that I would not have found otherwise because of this wanderlust. This escape from the crows of tourists surrounding the main attractions was enjoyable.

The biennale gave opportunity to remove your self from the picture takers and smoochers of the city, providing space to reflect. Every two years popular contemporary artists are represented by country throughout the city, with a larger themed exhibit, this year titled Making Worlds, showcasing pieces collectively at the Giardidni, and Arsenale. The contrast of contemporary art and classic architecture, painting, and sculpture gave balance to

the spaces. This unusual presentation brought new life to the frescoes and rooms that hadn’t been inhabited in ages. It was really an experience beyond just entering a museum that unveiled alternative approach to observing art, and allowed you visualize the dramatic differences in style and thought throughout the ages.

I enjoy contemporary art, but now know quickly what I like and dislike. For example, I liked this lengthy title more that the installation itself:

Take this dagger, open my veins, I want to bleed until I die, I don’t want life if I have to see your aloofness, since with out your love it’s not worth it!

Bernardita Rakos, Venezuela, 2009

Everyone has different tastes, and you are bound to enjoy something at the biennale!

I did not eat much food in Venice, but could not resist So’Frito. In the states we have taco trucks, but fish ships? I had to try it. For a hefty14 euro, a lovely woman (in proper yachting attire) serves fresh fish fried to order and a small bottle of procescco. The fish was delicious and fresh chunks of polenta complemented the mix of sardines, calamari, and shrimps perfectly. I indulged but it was well worth it.

I happened upon the finish line of the Venice Marathon after lunch. The energy filled me with emotion having felt the adrenaline before personally when I ran half of the Mardi Gras Marathon, knowing that intense feeling as you cross the finish line. I burst into tears of joy as I wandered through the crowds of spectators. Was it the race? Did the processecco go straight to my head? Or did I just finally realize I was in Italy and made it to Venice?

Wit this said, I left many sights unseen, guess I must return once I fall in love.

XOXO

I became a master at taking fast photos since my camera was not co-operating. This new-style of snapping is reflected in the album…enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120303

Artworld magazine gives a good breakdown of the festival, with recommendations and maps. Here is their site: http://www.artworldvenice.com/

If you have a few days for art, I recommend getting a map of the Exhibitions and viewing:

The Giardini (it is giant, be warned!): RUSSIA, Brazil, Egypt,

The entire Arsenale (especially ITALY!)

Danger Museum

Iceland/Singapore

Making Perfect World

Distortion Library

Unconditional Love

The Library at the Foundazine Querini Stampalia

Marrakesh Express

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116654

After being in Spain for two months the question of where I was going to go next started to come up frequently. This required intensive planning, or no planning at all. I opted to be spontaneous.

Italy? France? They were neighboring countries. Then there was Morocco. I never thought I would travel into the continent of Africa but since I was SO close, I just couldn’t resist. I had family friends (the lovely Murcia, aka Terri Merlo’s family!) to contact and found a travel partner who expressed interest in going to North Africa while working together on the finca…so all signs pointed to go! I was off on the road to Morocco!

I met my friend in Granada and we had a nice visit to the Alhambra. The architectural wonder was only a precursor for what was to come. The next day we were on the bus Algeciras, from there our destination was just a ferry away! We embarked and landed in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave of Morocco…then onto the border.

Borders crossings are very strange places and seem to harbor equally tense energies all-over the world. A tip when entering Morocco- if someone helps you through, make sure to tip them, we made the mistake of not having small change before crossing. Tips are most often expected for every small service given, at times even just for simple directions. Beware of children used a pawns. Once we made it through we were in a taxi to the Murcia’s home in M’Diq!

Our welcome to Morocco could not have been better, and I feel if I did not have the initial connection with people there, my experience would have been entirely different. I had an amazing time with the Murcias, and it was a real treat to have the comforts of family in such a foreign place. With this said, meeting them and getting a taste of living in Morocco was worth the trip in itself (reminiscing about family in the Bay Area was an added bonus!) After spending a few days together and taking a couple day trips, we set out on our own. A ferry, Buses, trains, and Moroccan taxis, mixed with Spanish French, English and Arabic languages somehow got us around the northern half of the country and back to Spain in one piece!

The brief but inclusive trip went as follows:

Ceuta-M’Diq-Tetouan-Chefchaouen- Tangier-Marekesh- Meknes- Fez

Tetoan’s windy medina was our first introduction to the souks. These local shops serve as little cameos, peeking into the lives of the medina dwellers. Small rooms were full of textiles, spices, and other goods that covered every inch of space, leaving little room for the shopkeeper to take a nap or wave you in for a visit. On our way home we stopped at the beach and enjoyed a beautiful sunset, singing all the way home.

My interest in agriculture was indulged the next day on our way to Chefchaouen when we pulled off the road to visit a local farm. I was pleasantly surprised when the farmer allowed me to plow his field. He cultivated the land in a traditional way using mule power to pull a large blade through the small plot he was planning to plant turnips on. It was less efficient but surprisingly effective. When I embarrassed myself enough, we headed back on the windy road to Chefchaouen. The town is situated at the foot of the mountains and is beautiful. There is a very relaxed sense about the village and the pale blue wash on the walls creates a soothing atmosphere for wandering. On our way home we had a bit of a mix up that involved the police, and provided more than enough entertainment for the evening.

Tangier was our first destination without guidance. We ended up walking the entire day exploring the city and taking in the beautiful view of the sea from the Kasbah. The markets in Tangier were the best I had seen on the trip. Food was displayed in a way that made you want to buy, and the colors and smells made if hard to resist. At night, when making our way to catch the overnight train to Marrakesh we happened upon another set of indoor food stalls that were dark and dingier. There were chickens being sold by young boys and cafes filled with shady characters. It enticed me in a way I can’t explain, I was drawn to the darkness. We took an overnight train to Marrakesh and made the mistake of purchasing a second-class ticket. The hard plastic seating was similar to the muni bus and was extremely uncomfortable for traveling nine hours. On the platform I had an unfortunate experience with a religious extremist, that ended well but made me a bit uncomfortable.

When we arrived to Marrakesh sore and tired, we dove right in finding a hostel that was extremely cheap in a central location. My advice would be to ease into Marrakesh, it is very touristy and I think it can give you a bad first impression, but it is filled with such life! With this said I think it is a must see, especially if you combine your visit with day trips to the villages surrounding. I stayed right in the heart of the old town near the famous Djeema El Fna Square. The square, which is rather dull during the day, turns in to a spectacle at night, filled with steaming food stalls and street performers. Circles of people stand watching snake charmers, contortionists, and other strange talents. Food raging from snails to goat’s head is prepared by a number of men in crisp white. The hassling is unbearable in the stalls which makes it easier to take a seat at the first stall that seems decent, but I would advise to take a quick look see what type of food you fancy before settling down just anywhere. Juice stalls are good meeting points if you get lost and provide a refreshing pick me up.

The Hamam Experince- A trip to the local hammam (or public bath) serves a backpacker well, and also gives an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture! An oasis for women in the area, the bathhouse serves as a social space. It is also one of the only places where you have a chance to meet local women, and really reflect on our cultural differences. The workers in a restaurant directed me to an older hammam and once inside I was instructed by an old woman to strip down and wash up. It was wild. For a mere 60dh (around $7 US), the treatment includes access to the bath, a very intense scrub, a thorough washing and massage. I was first told to rinse off and enter a dark and steamy chamber to soften up I suppose, while my lady scrubbed another bather. Echoes and chatter roared through the concrete vault, and being face down I could only rely on few senses. It was a strange atmosphere that conjured similarities to what I believe Chinese water torture would be like in prison. A call to prayer sounds and a neighboring mosque fills the space with devotion creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. After the steam I was scrubbed clean and washed. I left squeaky, clean feeling and like a newborn baby, not knowing what to think of the experience, but glowing nonetheless.

Some other sights I would recommend: Garden Marjorelle, The museum-Ben Youssef-mosque pass, Having a drink overlooking the giant storks nests atop the palace’s ruins at kozybar, Koutoubia Mosque, the Kasbah (saddian toumbs), try all of the foods, the spices give wonderful favor and aromas!

In Marrakesh particularly, the constant harassment when you’re a woman alone, and questioning when your partnered, would lead me to advise against Moroccan honeymoons, but recommend a travel partner…all of your true colors show when you’re immersed in such intensity so choose your company wisely (keep in mind I was traveling on an extremely tight budget, which adds to the frustration). I did wear a band on my ring finger to avoid further bother.

After spending two full days in Marrakesh we felt it was enough. We tried to book a bus to Fez, but it was full. The next bus went to Meknes at 2 am. We luckily got the last two spaces and since we now had the day to spare, asked our hostel manager Mohammed about taking a day trip. He quickly set up with a friend of his to drive us to the Ourika Valley, home to a series Berber Villages about 45 minutes outside of the city. The villages produce many unique textiles and natural products, and the farms and mills were impressive. Setti Fatma was the furthest village on our route and we hired a local guide to take us up into the mountains to see the seven cascades in the Big Atlas Mountains. On our way to the seventh and highest waterfall we encountered monkeys and snacked under their walnut tree, families howling at us as we cracked nuts and went on our way. It was a great break from the city…and the fresh mountain air was much needed.

My day in Meknes gave time to rest from the high-energy environment of Marrakesh. I saw a beautiful Riad and took the opportunity to catch up with writing in the peaceful garden. The sunset from the hostel rooftop was a sight, completed by the call to prayer ringing throughout the city. I really enjoyed myself there, and inquired about their school of agriculture……who is to say if I will return in the future?

Fes is the land artisan crafts, beautiful pottery, leather, and other goods adorn the walls of shops and restaurants. The windy maze-like medina is one of the oldest in Morocco, and it is very difficult to navigate through the series of narrow streets, tempting you to hire a guide. If you do, be cautious, at times they are genuine, but many just want to make a quick buck and can leave you stranded, far from your hostel.

A visit to the tanneries is a smelly but rewarding experience. The seemingly archaic methods of making leather painstakingly produces the most beautiful goods I had seen. The skins (of sheep, goat, cow, and camel, in range of strength) are sent from slaughter outside of the city, rinsed, soaked in pigeon droppings, cured and cleaned before the dying process begins. The natural dyes range from ground amethysts and poppies, which produce brilliant purples and reds, to hand dyed saffron resulting in a bold beautiful yellow. At the end of the tour you are allowed to see the artisans at work, making shoes, pouffies (bean bag seats), and bags, which you can purchase before exiting.

Observing daily life in the medina was what I enjoyed most about my visit. From children doing schoolwork on blackboards on the walls outside of their homes to motorcycles whizzing through the narrow streets, at times replaced by mules pulling carts. Taking in beautiful architecture and intricate wood and textile work that adorns the surrounding buildings, viewing the bright jalabas that mysteriously cloak most women, and devouring incredible street food full of flavors are an indication that you’re far from home. Overall, the trip was wonderful; I really would have missed out had I not taken the chance to visit. I would love to go further south into the Sahara next time, and am excited to return. Thank you to the Murcias for opening up your home and sharing your beautiful culture with me, my trip would not have been as amazing without you. XOXO

A REAL Moto Guzzi....

I am now in Mandello, Italy, near Lake Como, birthplace of Moto Guzzi motorbikes, and home to my dear friend Jo. This is my view from the loo:

and my new tattoo (for my brother boos):

Milan tomorrow...Morocco update very soon! Ciao! XOXO.

Update from Ally (aka. Utilizing my existing and under-represented now travel blog.)

To all of my family and friends,

I am alive and well and still in Spain!

For those who do not know my first project fell through in Granada :( I guess the funding did not suffice so it was postponed until next spring. This unexpected event resulted in a whirlwind month of travelling in Spain with friends both new and old! The short notice of my work cancellation led to the most economical decision to rent an apartment in Madrid for the month of August with my friend Sandra, because for those that don’t know, in August everyone in Madrid goes on holiday, (YES, VACATION, a difficult thing for most Americans to grasp!) leaving their rooms for a month until the unsuspecting pair of American girls decide to take advantage of the vacancy. This was a good move for the both of us, providing a kitchen to cook inexpensive meals (disastrous tortilla espanolas were my contribution) and a safe place to store our things during our various side trips.

Madrid is a very easy, and very beautiful city to live in. The apartment was in a great location next to the park Retiro, and had easy access to the very convenient metro system, (Angelinos please take note of the emphasis of the metro’s EASE and be jealous!). The buildings have been around for centuries and there are amazing monuments at every corner you turn (the park is a perfect example of this!). Spain is a very social culture and everyone has a great appreciation for enjoying life with friends, food, and drink. With this being said, it can be difficult to plan your day, in summer especially, because the hours businesses are open coincide with the siestas and such. It is also looked at as strange to travel solo, even to the park, so I definitely stuck out at times. The daily routine has also taken some time to get adjusted to. People wake up later than the US (which is great for me, since you know I am not a morning person!!) eat very little for breakfast (usually just a coffee), and eat a larger lunch around 2 or 3. From 2:30 to 5 almost all businesses are closed, then around 8, 9 or 10 people have dinner. The nightlife does not end and it is not unheard of to stay out until 6 am on the weekends! Madrid does not sleep! Since arriving to Spain, we have met wonderful friends that have given us a proper introduction to the city and added an element of comfort to being in a foreign country. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102328&id=693271938&l=8038673450

This style of travel has proved interesting and at times frustrating because you don’t know where life is going to lead you! I had planned to work a grape harvest in northern Spain but it also fell through. Fortunately, with the aide of the help-exchange website, I was able to quickly find a replacement project with a wonderful and generous woman named Marjolein. I am now working on her finca, La Vida es Bella, outside of Madrid, which is why I have time to sit down and write without any distractions. I love the Spanish country lifestyle and have been balancing working on the property with creating little projects for myself (for example harvesting grapes and juicing them with my feet!)

So far I have built the walls of a shed out of burled grape wood to keep firewood dry and am trying to figure out how to construct a roof that will be waterproof, before resorting to a plastic cover. I am experimenting with weaving poplar branches together tightly, but don’t know if it will work…any suggestions? The finca is off the grid completely and is powered with solar and wind. The neighbors have similar properties and I have learned a lot about sustainable building and permaculture from one couple in particular.

With observing these sorts of properties, my research and documentation of sustainable/communal- farming/gardening has begun, and any insights or links to similar projects will be appreciated as I travel. I have started a directory and it can only grow!

From this point on, I will be posting updates on the blog along the way, so check in periodically as posts may be more frequent when Internet access is available. Subscribing to the blog will give you email updates, otherwise I would hate to be sending you junk mail.….. now you all will have a look to my vagabond lifestyle at your leisure! I will also try and post interesting places, events, and of course restaurants and foods as I move through Europe and beyond!

For those that are not on the crazy online social network known as Facebook, I have at least been posting a photo representation of my trip along the way because it is convenient to upload and quickly share. I will provide those album links on the blog so you can see photos as well!

Hope all is well stateside! I would enjoy updates from your lives when time permits! Sending lots of love XOXO Alex

Here are very brief descriptions of those side-trips I mentioned and other interesting links:

Bilbao: The Aste Nagusia/ Semana Grande (or great week) in Bilbao is a weeklong festival of Basque culture. We met a great group of transplants from the US (and England) that showed us a wonderful time and housed us in a lovely flat! Basque country has natural beauty and the culture is quite different from the rest of Spain. While everyone also speaks Spanish, the Basque language itself is pre-Latin and was impossible for me to understand. We took the necessary trip to Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim and I was thrilled to find that one of my favorite artists Cai Guo Quiang’s I Want To Believe exhibit was showing (I had missed by a week during my last visit to New York!). It was amazing and worth the whole trip!

Pintxos (pronounced pin-chos) are the Basque’s version of Tapas, and was one of my favorite parts of visiting Bilbao. The quality and range of flavors these small bites provided made for an unexpected culinary experience, and presentation of the food was even more interesting. A selection of different pintxos are laid out on the bar, and, at your leisure, you pick and choose depending on your mood. From the traditional tortilla patata to more sophisticated creations, the freedom and complexity of pintxo bar dining was extraordinary. Hoping that this small bite style of eating catches on in the states!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107557&id=693271938&l=29c3596b0e

Lisbon, Portugal: Sandra and I were off too a rough start in Lisbon, but the 5-day jaunt was worthwhile. The city drew many parallels to San Francisco with the rolling hills, cable cars, and it’s very own golden gate bridge. I was pleasantly surprised to meet a man there that sold tillandsias and bromeliads at a flea market; apparently he is the only person that sells them in Portugal! Lisbon has delicious, inexpensive food and wonderful outdoor coffee kiosks that were great places to sit and people watch. We stayed in a hostel in the Barrio Alto and area full of bars and Fado clubs. The streets were packed nightly with young people from all over the world! I wish we could visit more of Portugal and would consider a longer trip in the future.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107562&id=693271938&l=8373d4d046

South of Spain: You all know I love a road trip! Getting to Spain’s southern beaches proved quite an adventure, but camping at San Pedro beach, Cabo de Gata in Andalusia was one of the most relaxing destinations I had ever experienced. The contrasting energy made it one of the most memorable and fun road trips I had taken thus far, and gave me an opportunity to see parts of Spain that I never would have otherwise. A million thanks to my driver J! On our way back we made a stop in Granada for lunch and I briefly saw how charming the old city was, I will definitely have to make it back sometime to see the Alhambra!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107575&id=693271938&l=574e0b34b4

La Noche en Blanco (The White Night): In Madrid (and apparently all of Europe) there is a surprising number of cultural events each month funded by the city and in this case the smaller banks of Spain. The white night is a good example of this sort of event. It was spectacular, and affirmation that Madrid does NOT sleep! Sandra and I did not either…except on the metro. http://lanocheenblanco.esmadrid.com/lanocheenblanco/

Hope you enjoy these updates! Send me questions if you have them, and any recommendations from you are always appreciated, I would love to report back on places you have heard were worth visiting!

SXSW 09'

I love Austin, I love Liz Howard, I love Music, I love Queso from Torchy's and I love Rabbit Fur Coats! What a weekend....Ask and you shall receive.

Green Porn!

Isabella Rosellini's green porn is fascinating! She managed to reveal insightful information on the sex lives of sea creatures while making me giggle uncontrollably...Kudos! 

Check out the porn:

Then take the quiz:

I was

PRAYING MANTIS-THE GIVER

You take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. Sure to satisfy your Green Porno lover no matter what the cost, you'll keep giving and giving until you literally can't give anymore. If only you knew when to pull back, you might avoid repeatedly losing your head in relationships. It's a pity that your lovers don't always appreciate your generosity and attentiveness. Needless to say, you're always ready to get back on the stick and give it the best you've got despite the inevitable odds.