The last night with friends.......

So on my last night with my new friends we decided to hangout around town. While we were out late,we found a bar called "Las Cuevas" which is a "sangria bar" only.Headed downstairs and the place is practically full from with bar slogans along the wall and old saloon style piano being played by an ole fellow that works there,and locals,tourists,having a joyous time.For 10 euros you can get a pitcher which is good for 6 and don't be surprised you get another.This is a great place to go for just a mellow night with friends or if you are in the mood bar hop.This concept would be great back in my hometown,i might have to chat wiith a couple buddies to see if they're interested!From the different plazas,which is a local meeting point,hangout,to the numerous cafes,eateries,bars,clubs,great architecture,etc. there is plenty to do here and it's quite a clean city as well.I know quite alot of people already have been here but for those who haven't,make sure you do come.Hostels are fairly priced for the budget traveller and there's something for everyone.Le gusta ciudad o Madrid!Andre and all the new friend s i made and met i'll see you all next summer with better speaking spanish i promise!

BlackTrack.....

I started riding a fixed gear about two years ago.I don't get to ride as much as alot of my other buddies but when i do i love riding.I don't do the tricks like my friends but i ride for the joy of riding and the exercise.Even though Madrid is a car forward city there's still people riding,fixed gear,road bikes,basket bikes etc.So one afternoon when i was on my way back my buddy's place, i came upon this fixed gear shop called "Black Track".No bigger than a maybe three closets put together, this shops carries brands like Cinelli,Velocity,Phil Woodhubs, Aerospoke, Nitto,Vittoria and more.Shipping and ordering is also available.So make sure you stop by this shop to say wassup and to also find out about bike events,hangouts,get togethers etc.

Tapas and Beer the combo.......

The one thing i love to do is eat.I'll try just about anything,not because it's a dare,or i'm crazy,it's because i cook.And cooking for me and many of my culinary bredrens means there's always something new to try.Being in Spain the food has been great,good,and cheap.In Madrid,most places have tapas which are small portions of different varieties of food served in most places for free with the purchase of beer.With beer prices between 1-2 euros it's makes eating a lovely experience depending where you go.What i recommend is just have an open mind and go into a place that looks inviting,busy,or ask a local.Me and my buddy Andre checked out a few places serving choices like, sliced baguette with cheese and "Salchicha" (chorizo),"Tortilla de patata"(potato omelette),light battered calamari,olives,stuffed bell peppers with fish topped with cheese,Morcilla(blood sausage),"Gambas" (shrimps),and more as they change with each purchase of a beer.And with the world cup going on, everyplace is packed. Slices of "Jamon" (ham),"Revuelto" which means stirred is fried eggs with bacon,and potatoes mixed together.These choice are quite typical in Madrid and can be found in one of the few plazas such as Plaza de Mayor,Plaza Santa Ana,or Museo de Jamon.So you can definitely eat and drink on a budget in Madrid no excuses!

The graf in Madrid.....

The art in Madrid was soo cool!So many varieties,from stencils,pastes,graf,political,you name it was there.One thing i noticed on this whole trip is that in europe most shops have the sliding down garage door.This gives any artist a chance to showcase it's talents.I got more pics of art either early in the morning or after at night when most places were closed.It's something about street art which is not a bother to the people or the government or it's the least of their problem.As where here in the US it's an eyesore or wasting they're time about arresting and placing someone in jail.Yeah i know there are crossing the line which i can understand,but the reason for art is self expression,for some who need this and don't have no other outlet.

Madrid.....

So finally after all the drama of getting to Madrid i finally made it.Getting off the bus the station is packed and i gotta call my homie Andre to link up with him.After a quick phone call and directions i hop on the easy very straightforward subway and im at his place in 30 minutes.The neighborhood he lives in is an artsy place with a little bit of everything,tattoo shops,thrift stores,a couple art galleries,little bars,restaurants,cafes,with a little plaza that's a meeting place/neighborhood hangout/kid playground.Since it was a long day i stayed in the first night,and made plans for the next day.So while my buddy Andre and his girl are at work i set out and check the city on my own.Just like any city,busy streets,department stores,alot more cars here than Madrid and of course tourists.But one thing i thought was interesting was the "Jamon" shops/cafes.They were all adorned with prosciutto legs throughout the whole cafe!There was one place i passed by called "Jamon de Museo", it looked like a wax museum of prosciutto legs,but of course the real reason was the choices of sandwiches you can get for 3 euros and under.Next from there i found a plaza called "Plaza de Espana"where there was a museum called "Templo de Debod".This was this ancient egyptian temple rebuilt holding artifacts from Egyptian history such as "Isis" and "Osiris" also they had a miniature scale version of a famous Pharoah's lodgings.For free it was well worth it,also behind it outside is a beautiful view of Madrid.From there i walked around the city checking the architecture such as the "Almudena Cathedral",the "Royal Palace" and courtyards.From there i headed back to my buddy's neighborhood walked around tried a few different snacks of course.I wonder what we're gonna eat tonight?

The city of Porto........

I was only in Porto for seven days,but it was a well spent seven days.From the tile all over the city,the street art,the very efficient light rail system,the port wineries,the pleasant locals,and of course the food.The beach which i didn't get a chance to hang out at was beautiful,the architecture,cobblestone streets,Sao Jao Festival,all of it was great!Not a hectic,overpacked,tourist infested city like Lisbon but a bit more laid back,scenic and beautiful.Now Ryan Air flies there with more connecting flights to,Madrid,Granada,Barcelona and more in the next few months will make this city alot more interesting to see besides there big brother city Lisbon.By far the prettiest city on my trip.I mean i did love the beach like city of Bari,but beach cities pretty much have the vibe you'll expect.It's nice to come to a city and be able to relax without the hustle and bustle of packed streets,unclean air etc.All i'm saying is come to Porto before you goto Lisbon i guarantee you'll have a blast especially if you're here for the festival!

Leaving Porto heading to Madrid........

So after saying my goodbyes to Rafael and his family.Clara's father gives me a ride to the train station,i board my train and i'm on my way.Aboard the train i sent and think about the last couple months,where i've been,all the long bus rides,train rides,and wondering whats next.As the time flies by we finally reach the last stop and it's 1105pm with 30 minutes till my next connection.I get off and realized im in Lisbon!.Now according to the ticket guy he told me what time i would arrive and that i would have a 15-20 minutes till my next train to Madrid.So of course i did not look at the train stops and now i'm stuck in Lisbon for one night!NOT COOL!NOT COOL AT ALL!Now i have to find a hotel for the night and buy a new ticket.70 euros wasted!So i get some directions where to go in town to find a hotel which meant a 30 minute subway ride,then the hotels i find are all high end places and its after midnight,so i check in the first place right upstairs from the station.77 euros for the room.The next mornig i get back to the station and they tell me there isn't an available train till 1030 at night and on top of that i can't get a refund on my ticket unless i send the ticket back to my buddy's place in Porto where he can get the refund of 30 euros but it would take atleast a month to get it back!Now i'm more pissed!But he tells me to goto the bus station and see if theres a bus to Madrid.I get there and there's one bus available for 40 euros and it's 8 hours!No choice but i do it and im off.Almost 200 euros within 24hours spent all because i didn't check the stops.Number one rule when riding the train abroad:READ THE STOPS !IF YOU DON'T KNOW ASK A PASSENGER!

Art in Porto......

Well you already know i love art no matter what form.But one thing Europe has alot more of than the US is graffiti and street art in general.The styles varied in Porto from traditional graf, to stencils with a political or comical image,to pasting of unusual figures.The are here was amazing,too bad i didn't get a chance to meet any artist while i was there.I spent a whole day walking around the city taking pics.Hopefully on my next visit i'll get a chance to meet of few artists.

Two days in the country..........

So the day after the the Sao Jaon Festival,the family decides to head out to the country for a couple days.Leaving concrete,large buildings,abundance of cars,trucks,buses, etc.The kids in the back seat just sleeping,yappin away as Rafael and his wife and i talk about the plans for the next two days.It's a beautiful day with clear blue skies a bit of a breeze as the scenery changes to miles upon miles of grape vines,wineries,olive trees and hills of trees.The further we drive the less cars become passing through Sandeman and other port companies.With about 20 or so minutes left before we reach our destination we come upon the last town which has one gas station a few stores a church all on one strip then we are back with the countryside again.Finally we reach a town called "Pereiros" population a couple hundred maybe with olive trees,farmland,trees produced to make cork,tractors old stonemade homes,farm animals in every other person yard.We pass a local hangout where a few are drinking and laughing as we approach the house.A few minutes later another family arrives as we introduce each and get settled in.The house is beautiful,with a small garden on the very top with various herbs a couple fruit trees,while inside the house woods floors,a brick oven,antique kitchen equipment along with family history pics etc. adorn the walls.After a light dinner and the rest of the families show up we nod off to bed preparing for tomorrow. First stop of the day is a trip to a local wine making company getting a tour of the property,the type of grapes they are producing,the explaining of how wine and port is made to even how the labels are placed on the bottle.From there we moved on to having lunch at a local favorite place called "Cafe Restaurante Cantiflas" to enjoy some great food while watching Portugal in the World Cup.The first dish was a beef dish that marinated in just garlic olive oil and some herbs which was cooked to med rare with potatoes.Dam that was good!A pork dish was prepared with fried potatoes,rice,while the pork was smothered in ratatouille of some sorts which was good also.With a salad consisting of grilled green bell peppers,onions,tomatoes and lettuce,and of course wine with a Portugal win made for a great afternoon.Next we headed for a hike to see a beautiful view of Pereiros and the grapevines covering most of the land.After that hike and a bit of rest it's time for dinner.We head just a 2 minute walk to a house with a sign above the door saying "Ernestus" Cozinna Regional.This is the local favorite place to eat with pure Portuguese cuisine being prepared by Chef Lidia Sobral. As we step inside, the far wall is made of stone with a shelf clay baking dishes as well as a few products she makes such as the tomato jam which i later purchased.The place isn't that big,with a long table set for about 20,a table with a scale and register and her husband and i do believe their son as our hosts/waiters for the evening.I'm not exactly sure what was for dinner but it was suppose to be a surprise.But before we have dinner she gives us a tour of her kitchen.A small operation with one stainless steel table ,a countertop and a couple other kitchen utensils needed for preparing food.Then there's the smoker.The one thing Lidia is known for, is her smoked meats.With some already smoked meat hanging to the right,head,sausages etc.Below there is a huge black pot sitting atop some coals used for cooking her masterpieces.I pretty much got the jist of what she was explaining how the smoking is done with some help from a friend when asking questions.After wine is poured,appetizers come to the table.Bread with two types of sausages.One was made with bread giving it a heartier texture and taste and the second one a darker smokier spicier one which both paired nicely with the red wine.Next up was the entree which was rooster cooked slowly in it's own blood with,spices,and rice.Now that was the bomb!The richness of the sauce was nice with the very tender rooster was very filling even though i had thirds!That's right i said rooster!Finally for dessert we had a flan/creme brulee like dish which was the size of large pie.Creamy,rich and very good.This little lady can really cook.She even offered me a chance to stay a week to teach more about her cooking!I should have taken her up on that but hopefully there will be a next time.A few pics and hugs i thank her for a fabulous meal.To Clara and her family I thank you for welcoming me in your home and seeing a part Portugal no tourist would see!ABBRIGADO!

Sao Jao Festival.......

My buddy's wife is not feeling well so his kids and i decide to head out to meet up with a few other friends for the festivities.Up a few floors of my friends place you can hear the horns throughout the city,yells,car horns,as the festival is about to begin.We hop on the train to take us into the central part of the city,it's packed to the max with people excited about tonight.Kids ages ranging from 6-7 months old to 17-18 years donned in country flag colors,the plastic hammers,giggles,conversations,positive energy throughout everyone.As we get off the train with the masses the city is alive!Nonstop sounds,packed streets,locals,tourists,are everywhere with the jumbo screen showing football games,food stalls showcasing simple local eats,sweets from cotton candy,chocolates,fruit,whistles blaring,as we meet up with our friends and slowly and i mean slowly walk toward the water to enjoy some of the festivities such as live music,light show etc.We finally get to the water and it is packed,too packed you can't get through.We're talking Mardi Gras,Carnival,all wrapped up in one on one night!1 euro beers,2-4 euro eats,TV celebrities hosting the early night events with a cool breeze blending in with warm air.Finally after getting a good place to view the fireworks show,we chat it up for a while police are nowhere in sight and its an all night party.Midnight arrives and the river becomes pitch black and the music begins.Fireworks up and down the river from boats placed,lasts for a half hour.The show was alot of fun as people begin to head down to another part of town to celebrate more till 8am!The kids are tired i'm tired so we call it a night about 1am,so now we have to make it back to the house!After a hour and a half we get back and fall asleep.In the end you should come to Porto to enjoy a couple days of partying!

Countdown to the festival

The jumbo screen showing the cup is setup in the middle of city.Stalls selling festival gifts such horns,toy hammers which are the tradition which replaced the giant garlic flowers but those are still available.As each hour passes more and more people are heading into town,heading to the river for the live music,firework show and more.Now i know most of you have been to mardi gras or some type of event like that.Well imagine mardi gras time 3 in one night!Well that's what happened!Streets are packed with people hitting each other with hammers or getting tapped in the head with garlic celebrating having a great time,various foods being sold like bifahnas which is pork slow cooked in a tomato based sauce shredded and served on a bun,sangria,beers,churros,burgers,you name it was there!Every alley, side street,car,subway was packed with joyous people,from elderly folk to little tikes only 3 and 4 months old!The party really gets going after the firework show at midnight which is 30 minutes of light fun.During the show live music is played with the party moving down 6-7 miles to another part of town till 8-9am!I was with Rafael and the two kids and two other families,so when the fireworks were done we headed out.I'm not a big partier but you should come check this festival,you will have alotto talk about!

Sandeman Port Wine tour.........

We decide to goto the other side and see the port companies and decide on checking out Sandemans. What was cool about this place is all the port companies sitting next to each other, offering tours for a small fare but most are free.You can do as many as want if your stomach can handle it.Tables are setup at just about everyone with people sitting outside enjoying sun the scene of the river sipping on a glass of good port.We step inside with a museum of old port bottles to the left and on the right an actual museum on the history of the brand showcasing old tools,labels,bottles etc.After a a little wait,we begin the tour with a woman dressed in the cape and hat like the logo as we begin to enter the first room.This was my first time doing a wine tour so i was intrigued.The first room was amazing,large french oak barrels with different dates on each one as our guide describes the history and process.As we walk through there is a cage with old ports dating back to 1904!I can imagine what that tastes like!At the end of the 20-25 minute tour which also featured a short film about the company,you get to sit a table and enjoy two of their flavors.Both had a distinct taste of their,the white one was a bit strong but the red would go perfect with a creme brulee. But before you leave check out the gift shop and pick up a bottle or something to take back with you to remember the great time you had cuz i did!

First day in Porto......

So after a few hours of sleeping,i wake up so does Rafael,he decides that we should see a bit of Porto.So we head down to the river to take in the view of all the old boats that were once used for shipping port back and forth,to the port brands setup,from Sandeman,Graham's, etc.We find a place and of course he orders Bacalao which was the first i said wanted to try!So we ordered bacalao,grilled sardines,and soup.Yeah in the middle of summer having soup!But it's a common staple here for lunch and dinner especially for the kids.They are mostly a potato based soup with vegetables consisting of,cabbage,green beans,carrots,rutabaga etc.The bacalao was really good!The salted cod went perfectly with the sliced onions and boiled eggs.The sardines were pretty good but Rafael says he knows a better place for them.Grilled whole with a bit of lemon the flesh comes right off the bone and the soup was good,but what made the meal was seeing their 2 year old son Andre eat that soup like it was his favorite meal!Seeing kids eat vegetables is great besides the typical corn and carrots.After the meal we decided to check out some more of the city,churches,old architecture,which was really cool.The city is not like a Rome or Palermo or it's big brother city Lisbon,but seems to have a pace of it's own,which is what i like.Tour buses,tourists and locals flood the area as the city prepares itself for the St. John's street festival on wednesday.Stages,food stalls are being built all over the city while the decoration give the city a vibrant color.Definitely looking forward to tomorrow!

Porto.....

The view from the plane of Porto is gorgeous!Blue waters,green lands of the countryside to the port side of this city.We land with Clara, my friend (Rafael) wife is standing there with a white board showing the letter T.After a brief introduction we head to the house and discuss plans for the night.I'm up for anything but deep down i want to sleep.Mind you Rafael just got in a day or so ago and he's tired too.So after meeting Clara's parents to sleep i go, night night!After a few hours of sleeping we decide to take the family and see the city.While walking they both talk about history,growing up in Porto and how much they love their city.Now compared to the hustle and bustle of Naples and Rome,Porto is more my speed.Not as hectic and tourist packed like the previous cities i've been to.Plus the old architecture is great too see along with the new and modern buildings popping up here and there to the view of the famous port wine companies setting across the river make this place a must to visit.So what's for dinner?

On my way to Milan and arriving......

As i'm taking the train to Milan to fly out to Porto,i sit an view the endless acres of lush green and i think about how beautiful untouched land is.The scene by train is far more inviting than by bus,or rushing it on a plane.Town after town i pass as the time flies i finally arrive in Milan about 11:15pm.Now i know there's one more bus still available to Bergamo tonight, but i have to find it.Sure enough i find the stop and the bus already left for the night.I have to be in Bergamo by 6am.So i had no choice but to spend 80 EUROS to get there!Another lesson learned,always arrive earlier in the day to be sure you make your next destination or you might be screwed like i was.So i get to the airport about 1230am,and i see people camped out sleeping,on the internet,listening to music.Looks like i'm sleeping,but right when i want to settle and sleep, the airport security tells me that this part of the airport is closed and we have to move to the already cramped area till 430am.You think i slept,Nope!I tried didnt work,hard floor plus i was by the always opening closing doors leading to outside bringing in a cold air made it not comfy one bit.So the ipod became my best friend for the few hours before my flight.Finally the time goes by,and i check in,on board heading to Porto.

Inspiration........

Even though my time was limited in Naples and Rome i still had a great time!This part of the trip was longest part of it covering three countries,Italy,Portugal,and Spain.I do hate the fact of having to leave my girl,but i'll make it up to her full fold.This was well needed because there were times i thought about giving up cooking and persuing a different career.But i was meant for cooking,it is in my blood,my whole family cooks and this is what i'm good at and want to to become a much better cook in the future.Italy has taught me the meaning of appreciation.Appreciation of how fruit and vegetables are to be grown,the freshness of seafood, the treating of how cows,sheep,lamb etc. should be treated and fed,to how food should tastes when it hits your tongue.The simplicity.The idea of how only a handful of ingredients pretty much being used in just about every dish can make a great, satisfying, pleasurable, intensifying meal!I can't wait to to get into school and be student of the culinary world truly,and understand the meaning food.I can't wait to walk into Pam's and smell the curries listening to Pam cook away,watching,learning, observing.I know in the beginning i had said i would plan on opening a street stand of my own,but that has changed.I feel the best thing for me is to educate and excel in my cooking,then i will know i'm ready for the next step.So for now i'll see you in Portugal and once again to everyone i met in Italy i truly thank you in every way.CIAO!

3rd and final night........

Well hanging out with Alessandro has been a huge inspiration for me and my cooking.So we figured what a better way to end my time here in Italy than by cooking a nice meal!So we begin planning,deciding how many courses,poultry or fish,etc.Finally we plan it out and have decided on a four course meal consisting of,snapper,mussels,calamari,octopus,and tuna.I have to say i haven't had this much seafood in such a long time.All through Italy the seafood has been great from the southern tip of Sicily to right here in Rome.I mean even the grocery stores here have huge choices of shellfish,various types of fish of the finest quality.After a few errands to the store we have everything we need to prepare our feast.Back at the house we setup the photo area in the kitchen put on some blues and begin chopping away.Plates were picked,table set,we first prepare the "Tartare di tonna" (tuna tartare) with two vinaigrettes,that came out very nice,next was the "Ensalata di polpo" (octopus salad),which was fresh,crunchy from the carrots and celery and a nice zing from the balsamic,third course was "Fiori di zucca intempura" (tempura fried stuffed zuchini flowers) came out perfect with a stuffing of snapper, mozzarella and a couple other ingredients with a light tempura batter was nice finish.And the last course was "Cozze in saute" (mussels sauteed in a spicy marinara) which was the perfect ending to a great dinner.He decides a my visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to his family owned farm.So the next morning we head out to the farm with miles of olive trees and lush greens painting the land.During the drive we talk food,history of his family's farm Alessandro being the 3rd generation enjoys his work and has plans for his business.We arrive and there's endless olive trees,hazelnut trees,chestnut trees etc.Right they export olive oil,hazelnuts,chestnuts,primarily.They also harvest and sell zucchini,lettuce,beans,tomatoes,fennel,eggs and the list goes on.After meeting a couple family members he gives me a tour of the farm.Chickens running freely,100% organic fruit and vegetables no pesticides.This was great for me because i've never really spent any time on a farm.They even offered me to come visit or work on there farm whenever i want.I'm going to have to take them up on that.My man Alessandro thank you for inspiring me to take my cooking to another level and looking forward to meeting up with you in Seattle for a bbq eating tour!