anadiomene

The success of a trip can defined by many measure, my weekend in Uruguay, La Barra – truly one of my favorite all time destinations – was not as I expected. The cold was fiercer than I was, and I was nothing but unprepared.  Hence, I spend a lot of time indoors, a lot of time sleeping and an equal amount curled up in bed enjoying all there is to enjoy of a man I truly love and admire “JL Borges”.  Very few writers of his era are able to tease, dance and inspire with the flow and play of words as he does – and actually even less writers are able to do so today.  So other than a top meal at La Posta Del Cangrejo, and a great stay at Le Club, the only other highlight was the discovery of the writer ‘Eduardo Galeano’, I finally bought the book open veins of Latin America, bit of an eye opener – I guess we know all about the history, but rarely do we see it in all its naked truth.  So a cold stormy weekend, turned into the perfect opportunity to enjoy, be inspired and savor time with some of the best writers and thinkers in Latin America has to offer…. am sure there are many more, but I’ll save them for other long rainy days….. 

From Open veins of Latin America:
“We have maintained a silence closely resembling stupidity”  - From the revolutionary proclamation of the junta tuitiva,
La Paz, July 16 1809

‘Pilgrims are poets who create by taking journeys’
Niebuhr

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This goes down as probably the most amazing place that I’ve been lucky enough to have had the chance to visit.  It was everything I had hoped for – other than all the tourists which seem to come as part and parcel with every site nowadays.  The only thing missing was the dragon which you have expected to fly over head and swoop in any minute.  I also slept on the isle, which luckily not everyone does, so after the last buses leave I had the place to myself and on the last day I got up at 7 – and I had the whole place to myself other than a few cleaners. I loved the hotel I stayed at, more like a room at the inn – very simple but comfortable, friendly, affordable and in a great spot. The food was also real basic, but tasty French as only the French can do. On the day I went up into the abbey I was also lucky it was a Sunday, entered just in time for the church service – which was pretty wow – and of course fascinating and sounded more magic as it was all in French, the sage smoke/ music/ singing all set the stage, I have to say that I have never felt more at peace or even closer to god’ if I would be one to say such a thing.  I really felt swept back to as it would / could have been a hundreds of years ago. It was enchantingly magic and I would highly recommend it to anyone – pilgrim or not! 
To read: The art of Pilgrimage
Hotel where I stayed: Mouton Blanc
A friends B&B nearby: Tulip Noir

I missed the last bus and as information was scarce had to catch a taxi, so as a warning and safe guard here at the bus times to Saint Mont Michel from Rennes:
Mon – Sat:                   9.30, 9.40 
Everyday:                    11.30, 17.30
Except Sat:                  18.30
Saturday:                    18.40
Sun & public days:         12.30
If this doesn’t work out you can also catch train to Pontorson as there are more buses from there or a much cheaper taxi.  Good luck.

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Lovely, sunny and ancient. Had an amazing 5 days in Greece, ran around the ancient sites of the Akropolis, Kato Sounio & Delphi. Kept pinching myself – it was incredible to be in the lands of myths, legends, gods and goddesses.  Managed to get in a little shopping – enjoyed the cheap and amazingly good food – and even managed to lounge a little on the roof top pool. I was lucky with the hotel which was a decent price but central, designer and comfortable as well. Was a bit surprised and the growing disparity between rich and poor, races, illegal immigrants and religious factions. There were some serious riots while I was there – and the undercurrent of anger, frustration and hatred could be felt in the area, which is a shame– maybe as it is out on the edges of Europe one of the doorways in?  Not sure what it was, but it is a place to be careful, heard an saw quite a few thefts around me, to the likes I did not even hear about in Latin America. But other than that it is an amazing city – so much to see and do, such a different style to much of Europe – and very relaxed.  5 days was too short, with had more time and some islands to visit too…. But something to plan another time another place.

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Like there is such a thing as life after BA.  But the good thing is I did get to experience a bit of BA here, Fernando Fierro played last week at the Bimhuis – and despite the naff toilet paper decorations they took me all the way back to the crazy energy that is BA. Had a great time… Then headed off for a madcapped 4 days in London attending conferences, catching up with friends and trying to squeeze in a little unsuccessful shopping. But oh how the city has changed, much cleaner, and more spacious – more cyclists, and they are obviously already getting it all ready for the Olympics which is great to see. Just goes to show you can change anything if you really want to.  Next France, then Athens – aiming for full world domination…..