ElizabethB
Guru
@Francesca you inspired me to start this thread.
I am constantly amazed at how well traveled you all are. I forget that traveling in Europe is like traveling from state to state in the U.S. Geographically. Many of our states are larger than countries in Europe.
I also sometimes forget that, historically, my Country is a baby compared to European countries. Forget all of the chest banging, ha hoo and foo foo of our politicians. When it comes to history we are neophytes.
I have been blessed to visit Europe twice. England once and Spain once. Both times thanks to Uncle Sam - USN Reserves.
I visited Spain in 84. Rota was a lovely, quiet, quaint town. So safe. I had no fear walking the streets alone in the wee hours. There were three of us from my USNR Unit. It really was a shame - we never worked more than a half day. Lots of time to play and explore. We toured Seville, Cadiz, Jerez, Gibraltar (I know - British rather than Spanish - very interesting) and my favorite Puerto de Santa Maria. We wanted to see a bull fight but none were scheduled during our stay.
Puerto de Santa Maria was a night out visit. We were told about a "must visit" club. For the life of me I can not remember the name of the club. Something about a "Hangover". We arrived about 9:30 p.m. In the U.S. music usually starts between 9 and 10. The club was empty. We were told to return at 11 p.m. We walked around the town laughing and joking - typical obnoxious American tourist.
When we returned to the club the change was amazing. The place was jammed with Grandparent, Parents, children and infants in strollers. We quickly learned that babysitters are unheard of.
When the music started we were entranced. Pure, unadulterated Flamenco. Absolutely the most sensual dance I have ever seen with no body contact!
Not show stuff - neighborhood dancing.
You have three clueless Americans sitting at a table with jaws on the floor.
@Francesca your country men/women pulled us on to the dance floor and tried to teach us how to do this beautiful dance.
OMG! What a wonderful, amazing experience.
In the U.S. lights are usually dimmed while the music plays. Not in this club. Full lights until midnight. Then lights were dimmed, a spotlight shown on a niche with a statue of the Blessed Mother. Everyone stood with glass in hand and sang a song to Santa Marie.
The lights came back on and the party continued.
I spent an additional 4 days in Madrid. The enormous flea market, The Prada and the Sophia museums, a side trip to Toledo.
The most beautiful people, beautiful culture and amazing food!
@Francesca I was blown away! That is a very precious memory that I hold dear to my heart.
Another time I will tell you all about starting a riot in front of the American Embassy in London - stone, cold sober!
I am constantly amazed at how well traveled you all are. I forget that traveling in Europe is like traveling from state to state in the U.S. Geographically. Many of our states are larger than countries in Europe.
I also sometimes forget that, historically, my Country is a baby compared to European countries. Forget all of the chest banging, ha hoo and foo foo of our politicians. When it comes to history we are neophytes.
I have been blessed to visit Europe twice. England once and Spain once. Both times thanks to Uncle Sam - USN Reserves.
Wow .. I had no idea you were in the Navy and were stationed in Rota .. Fantastic !!
I am sure you had a grand time surely on a " Tapas Crawl " as it now labelled in British English .. Tapas Hopping is a blast to say the least, going from one bar or tavern to another to sample the specials of each bar which vary depending on the owner & creator of the Tapas ..
I visited Spain in 84. Rota was a lovely, quiet, quaint town. So safe. I had no fear walking the streets alone in the wee hours. There were three of us from my USNR Unit. It really was a shame - we never worked more than a half day. Lots of time to play and explore. We toured Seville, Cadiz, Jerez, Gibraltar (I know - British rather than Spanish - very interesting) and my favorite Puerto de Santa Maria. We wanted to see a bull fight but none were scheduled during our stay.
Puerto de Santa Maria was a night out visit. We were told about a "must visit" club. For the life of me I can not remember the name of the club. Something about a "Hangover". We arrived about 9:30 p.m. In the U.S. music usually starts between 9 and 10. The club was empty. We were told to return at 11 p.m. We walked around the town laughing and joking - typical obnoxious American tourist.
When we returned to the club the change was amazing. The place was jammed with Grandparent, Parents, children and infants in strollers. We quickly learned that babysitters are unheard of.
When the music started we were entranced. Pure, unadulterated Flamenco. Absolutely the most sensual dance I have ever seen with no body contact!
Not show stuff - neighborhood dancing.
You have three clueless Americans sitting at a table with jaws on the floor.
@Francesca your country men/women pulled us on to the dance floor and tried to teach us how to do this beautiful dance.
OMG! What a wonderful, amazing experience.
In the U.S. lights are usually dimmed while the music plays. Not in this club. Full lights until midnight. Then lights were dimmed, a spotlight shown on a niche with a statue of the Blessed Mother. Everyone stood with glass in hand and sang a song to Santa Marie.
The lights came back on and the party continued.
I spent an additional 4 days in Madrid. The enormous flea market, The Prada and the Sophia museums, a side trip to Toledo.
The most beautiful people, beautiful culture and amazing food!
@Francesca I was blown away! That is a very precious memory that I hold dear to my heart.
Another time I will tell you all about starting a riot in front of the American Embassy in London - stone, cold sober!
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