#location: tosca cafe.

[spaciousreasoning]

There and Back

Thursday was spent on the road to Santa Fe. We stopped briefly in Albuquerque to replenish the gas tank at one of the Costco locations, then met my old Air Force buddy Mike for a bite at a little Middle Eastern place we stop every time we pass through.

We arrived in Santa Fe before the sun went down, found our little AirB&B, and then settled in for the evening and enjoyed the relatively decent temperatures. Sure, it ran into the 90s during the day, but at least the overnight lows reached the 60s, something not seen in Tucson in several weeks.

Friday we explored the downtown area, right around the plaza, visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and lit a candle for a sick friend, stumbled into a free day at the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, then lunched at the Plaza Cafe.

We looked for a nice chocolate store and we sad to learn that it had closed during the pandemic. Later we found another local chocolate vendor and bought a collection of truffles and other goodies.

We went back to the AirB&B to spend the rest of the afternoon, having gotten so warm during our downtown adventures.

Then, just before sundown, we headed north to the Santa Fe Opera, where we enjoyed a production of “Tosca,” Puccini's musical tale of love and betrayal, long one of Nancy's favorites. It started out a little warm, but by the time the third act was done — at almost 11 p.m. — we were getting a nice cool breeze.

On Saturday we started the day with a visit to the Museum of International Folk Art, where the highlight was a display of “Cartonería,” the Mexican Art of Paper and Paste. We followed up with a stop across the street at the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens. We cut that short because of the heat, but we did get some nice pictures of lavender in bloom attracting bees and butterflies.

Then we had lunch at The Pantry, a cafe we had enjoyed on previous visits to Santa Fe.

After letting our meal settle, we went shopping at Camino Real imports and picked up some things for ourselves and for friends. We have had fun wandering about amongst all the treasures on several visits.

On Saturday evening I went to one of my anonymous meetings and walked into the room to discover a friend who had lived in Tucson for a few years. It was a treat to run into him so unexpectedly. Plus it turned out to be a good meeting.

Sunday morning we got our things together pretty quickly and got on the road toward home. After stopping again in Albuquerque for gas, we continued south on I-25, once again taking the shortcut at Hatch, N.M., the “Chile Capital of the World.”

We found a small cafe that served a nice plate of enchiladas, and then continued the trek home to Tucson. We arrived just about 5 p.m., and we soaked in our air conditioning, got reacquainted with our cats, and turned in early.

There still has been no rain in Tucson during our absence, and while the weather forecasts hint at the possibility, real monsoons are nowhere to be found, and the heat continues in extremis the rest of this week.

[tokyurailwaysandswuproject]

We are waiting for you with the excellent meals.

Today's spot is The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu in Yokohama city.

This hotel is located in the center of Minatomirai area, and it is characterized by feeling the sea breeze and enjoying the beautiful night view of the Ferris wheel in front of you.

“Oshima” is a Japanese restaurant where you can relax. You can enjoy seasonal dishes with famous sake.

“Cafe Tosca” is an Allday Dining restaurant surrounded by 24 genuine palm trees and has great reputation as Buffet restaurant (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Enjoy watching chef’s performing their culinary art just in front of you.

You can ask the Hotel Concierge about the activities and restaurants in the area.

***

The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

Approx. 1-minute walk directly from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line, which runs directly from Tokyu Tōyoko Line

Approx. 10-minutes walks from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Keihin Tōhoku Line, Negishi Line

For details, please check the official website of The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu.

The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu (ybht.co.jp/en)

[yahooin-travel-inspirations]

The best places to travel in Europe in January

Whether you’re seeking snowy slopes or sunny beaches, these are the best places to visit in Europe this month.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

While Monaco’s Formula 1 Grand Prix doesn’t get going until May, winter travelers to Europe’s second-smallest nation can get a sneak peek of the action at the Monte-Carlo Rally, held from January 22 to January 28. The event is organized by the same folks responsible for the Grand Prix, and lets admirers get a closer look at the actual racing cars through an exhibit held at Monte Carlo’s Place du Casino. Glamorous receptions follow the event, including a party at the venerated Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and an award ceremony with Prince Albert.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Way up in the mountains of northern Italy (a two-hour drive from Venice), Cortina d’Ampezzo is something of a legend among ski connoisseurs: the spectacular views of the Dolomites combined with cozy, traditional lodging make it a vacation like no other. This month, book a therapeutic stay at Cristallo, the newest addition to the Luxury Collection (and the brand’s first-ever ski resort outside of the United States), which also has its own spa with relaxing, après ski treatments.

Source: Travel+Leisure

London, England

After the holiday crowds recede, January is a great time to soak up London’s bustling shopping alleys and centuries-old attractions. And while there’s always something new in this fast-paced British capital, travelers should bed down at Dukes Hotel in Mayfair, which is currently celebrating a top-to-bottom refresh of all rooms and suites. The hotel sits on the site of King Henry VIII’s 16th-century palace, though its newest attraction is an intimate all-day restaurant and wine bar named GBR.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Lausanne, Switzerland

At the sumptuously appointed Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne (an hour train ride from Geneva), white-capped bellmen and sweeping marble staircases underscore the hotel’s roots as a hideout for dignitaries and heads of state from all over Europe. January is the last month to check out Ruinart Evasion: a pop-up Champagne bar erected in the hotel’s 10-acre gardens offering Swiss fondue and distant but dreamy views of the Alps.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Vienna, Austria

Back in the early 1900s, the imperial city of Vienna was a thriving cultural center, with masters like Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, and Otto Wagner calling the city home. Now, those accomplished residents are being honored in a new year-long exhibit celebrating a century of modernism in Vienna. Also of note? Close to the center, PhilsPlace — a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts — will be opening its doors in January with 135 stylish, serviced apartments surrounded by a massive city park and the convenience of an on-site Italian restaurant.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Gstaad, Switzerland

Each January, the town of Château-d’Oex, in western Switzerland, comes alive with a hot air balloon festival like no other. The nine-day festival attracts pilots from 20 different countries, not to mention a host of eager spectators, dazzled by the sight of the enormous, colorful shapes floating over snow-capped mountains. Even if you’re only in town to ski, the skyward vessels will make a nice backdrop as you go whizzing down the slopes.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Source: Travel+Leisure

Valletta, Malta

With a location that’s roughly equidistant between Sicily and Tunisia, Malta offers a more exotic take on the traditional Mediterranean island hopping experience. It’s no surprise, then, that Malta’s capital, Valletta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has been chosen as a 2018 European Capital of Culture. Kicking off the year-long celebration on January 14, there will be various pop-up theater performances, a Baroque Festival, and a one-night spectacle known as Erba’ Pjazez taking place in four squares throughout the city.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Oxford, England

While summer can mean busloads of tourists and long queues at Oxford’s big attractions, January is a quieter time to enjoy places like the Ashmolean — Britain’s oldest public museum. Once you’ve tired of the Greek statues, Egyptian mummies, and Japanese woodblock prints, go warm up with spiced carrot cake and tea at Browns Cafe, one of the charming shops housed inside the Covered Market: an old-time European food market dating back to the 1770s, where vendors sell everything from hand pies and jewelry to locally produced cheese.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Azores, Portugal

If it’s unspoiled nature and quiet seaside village vibes you’re after, head to the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago that’s situated in the middle of the Atlantic. This month, a brand new hotel opens with rates starting at just 150 Euros per night, making the Azores perfect for an affordable weekend getaway. Perched on the edge of the ocean on São Miguel Island, in the small town of Lagoa, White Villas & Suites features a pool as well as contemporary rooms with kitchenettes, private terraces, and sparse, oceanic-themed decor.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Hamburg, Germany

In Germany’s northernmost reaches, Hamburg is set along the Elbe River, which opens into the North Sea. The harbor town’s unique history is documented at places like the International Maritime Museum, though this month, many travelers will be flocking to The Fontenay. This brand new Leading Hotels of the World property opens on January 15 on the banks of the Alster. Marked by a curving, geometric exterior, the luxury spa hotel boasts an atrium that soars to 88 feet.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Budapest, Hungary

Opera season is already underway in Eastern Europe’s romantic capital, Budapest. With handsome 17th-century spires lighting up the skyline, and numerous szimpla, or ‘ruin pubs’ to warm up in, the city is simply breathtaking during the mid-winter months. With productions like Porgy and Bess, Tosca, and the Hungarian operetta The Gypsy Baron being staged throughout January, it’s a fantastic excuse to see one of Europe’s most treasured opera houses come to life.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Faroe Islands

Summer is undoubtedly high season for the Faroe Islands, but the winter months are no less magical. January is one of the best times to experience a cozier, more mellow side of this remote archipelago. (It’s a particularly good time for home-cooked Faroese meals of fermented fish and lamb.) This month, locals are celebrating the opening of Mikkeller, a new Danish microbrewery and bar in the town of Tórshavn that’s housed in a 500-year-old building.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Tromsø, Norway

If you missed out on a white Christmas and are still yearning for a true winter wonderland, Tromsø should be at the very top of your January bucket list. With Norwegian Air offering some of the cheapest flights to Europe, getting to the Arctic Circle city isn’t hard. Furthermore, there’s plenty of snow on the ground this time of year, and a dog sledding tour is a must. With rates starting from $126 per person, the magical sleigh ride lasts four hours, and includes a traditional Norwegian meal of bidos (reindeer soup) as well as all the hats, boots, and gloves needed to keep you toasty.

Source: Travel+Leisure

Sierra Nevada, Spain

Parts of Europe may be cold in January, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little Mediterranean sun. Sierra Nevada, Europe’s southernmost ski region, offers more than 65 miles of pistes that are ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. What’s more, the main resort town of Pradollano sits only 30 minutes from Granada and 90 minutes from Malaga — both of which have international airports — so you can enjoy a bit of nighttime skiing before driving down to the sea and warming up on a beach the following afternoon.

Source: Travel+Leisure

[rollinbrigittenv8]

5 Weeks in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (A New Experiment)

Wandering Earl

On the wall is some graffiti that I can’t make much sense of. I think there are small round robots buzzing about, working on computers and talking on the phone. The table where I sit is long and white. There are four of us sitting here, laptops open, yet eight seats still remain empty. Inside this space it feels modern and industrial, yet welcoming enough, with wires hanging form the ceiling, a minimalist design and a front door that opens with the use of an app.

Outside plastered on the wall across the street is an advertisement for rum, next to a brown door that leads to a currently closed nightclub. In front of the wall and the door stands a tall green parking meter on the sidewalk.

How did I end up here in the Canary Islands? I hear a coffee machine rumble in the back of the room. There is a small yellow wooden duck on wheels only inches from my laptop, its black dot of an eye staring me down since I got here. It is the duck that won’t stop asking me how I ended up here. A middle-aged man with a worn out backpack, holding in his hand a salad in a plastic container, straight from the supermarket, just walked in to the room and sat down across from me.

I need to pee.

It reminds me of high school. Not the duck or the salad or the robots. The need to pee. Too often would I be at a high school party or a gathering at a friend’s house and despite the need to use the bathroom, I would just remain seated on a sofa or chair, for minutes, hours actually. My fear was that I would stand up, walk across the room and trip over my own two feet. And people would laugh. So I wouldn’t get up.

I’m more confident now of course. If I need to go, I go.

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind at the most random of moments, the thought that I’ve been traveling for 18 years. The funny thing is that no matter how long that thought stays in my head, a half a second or ten minutes, it always leaves my eyes ever so slightly covered in moisture. They are not tears though. It’s an impossibly thin layer of wetness that appears and then dries up almost immediately afterwards.

Is it a quick wash of these old dusty eyes? I like to believe it is the flash of a transparent curtain that marks yet another scene in this never-ending adventure.

Scene #4281: 5 Weeks in Las Palmas

Yes, this current scene takes place in the Canary Islands. I’m hunkered down in the town of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria. We’ve rented a large apartment near the ocean, for five weeks, five whole weeks in Las Palmas, rented on Airbnb for 1000 Euros. A routine, a closet for my clothes, a renewed dedication to my push-up regimen, a sea breeze as soon as I walk out the door and two extremely chill pugs sitting on the street corner that I look forward to seeing every day.

Our apartment is far from being homey though. A couple of hallways and empty spaces too many, cold areas that seem to serve no purpose. But my stuff is scattered around nonetheless and this apartment is slowly becoming that place I return to and which I recognize. How odd indeed.

Only two small blocks from our pad on Calle Fernando Guanarteme is where you’ll find Playa de las Canteras. Sometimes I think I need the beach to be happy. It’s a golden black beach here, far from the white sands we dream of, yet it’s still an ideal location for an hour or two sprawled out on my cheap beach towel, Kindle in hand. Low constant waves, cool and lightly tinted turquoise water, topless sunbathers, flocks of surfers, views of the town and distant mountains whenever I sit up and look around.

Behind the beach sits the long boardwalk, the Paseo Las Canteras, that stretches perhaps two miles from the funky-looking Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in the south to Calle Prudencio Morales in the north. We walk much of this boardwalk every day. It’s alive with tourists, locals, cafes and bars, the occasional street performer, runners and groups of friends. I like the energy in the evening, the low lighting, the chatter, the boom of the waves.

The boardwalk is our real base. It’s the foundation of our stay here so far and unlikely to change over these five weeks in Las Palmas. There won’t be a day that we do not stroll upon it, at least once.

Fresh seafood, tapas of all sorts and home-cooked delights are found on every corner in Las Palmas, along the water, in the small, still lanes, on the main avenidas. A table on the boardwalk, a bottle of local wine, paella for two. 20 Euros. Potatoes arrugadas con mojo with grilled octopus, some grouper and a plate of fried cheese. 20 Euros. And satisfying. La Taperia, a cozy restaurant that we blindly entered on our first night, has proven to be a favorite. La Tosca Lonja around the corner served up Spanish seafood in divine form. That alluring Spanish flair helps of course, from the surrounding architecture to the bustling about of the dedicated waitstaff to the loud conversations that hum like meditative chants.

On Saturday we went for a long afternoon walk. One and a half hours each way. Through the commercial center of Las Palmas and along the other coast, the more residential and affluent section, with its streets loaded up on villas, private schools and language institutes. Twenty minutes later and things shifted. A bit darker, a bit more rundown, with people just sitting on the curb smoking their cigarettes and giving us a quick, grumpy ‘what’s your deal?’ kind of glance. And then another street crossed and we found ourselves in the most quaint and atmospheric neighborhood yet, and we cut straight through it along the overly pleasant pedestrian lane of Calle Perez Galdos, with its sense of art, active residents, attractive eateries and charming street lamps.

Las Palmas has it all.

After some time lost in conversation and smiles, we came upon an old, blue, mint condition palace. It’s now a music conservatory. We passed a small park with a colorful playground. And then a Burger King and the Catedral de Santa Ana before we landed on the steps of the Casa de Colon, right among the weathered, empty structures and narrow passageways of Vegueta.

We spent an hour wandering this museum, sprawled among four historic, connected Canarian homes, all while learning about Cristobal Colon, or Christopher Columbus. We also battled two giant parrots that fiercely guarded a courtyard leading towards the exit. Columbus visited the Canary Islands on several occasions. The first time in 1492 in order to stock up his fleet and fix a rudder on the Pinta before heading off towards the unknown. It appers he spent several weeks in Las Palmas too.

Columbus seemed unable to sit still. Each time he returned home from a voyage, he soon set off for yet another.

I also have trouble sitting still. Maybe that’s why I worked on cruise ships at one point. The constant journeys to New Worlds. New Worlds to me at least.

When I stay in one place, I do get anxious. It’s as if my body and mind still think we are constantly on the go. They get confused by the closet with my clothes inside, by the sight of the same bed for more than a few nights, by the lack of urgency to explore. As I attempt to sit quietly, they instead shout, “Do this, do that. We must do and see everything there is to do and see here by this Friday.”

Not this time. We will visit the neighboring island of Tenerife in due time. We will drive around Gran Canaria, climb mountains, visit villages and get lost, oh yes, in due time. We have plenty of that now. Time. And my body and mind will have to learn to live with it.

Last night on a stroll through the lively Parque de Santa Catalina I actually saw two cruise ships docked in port. As always, I was nostalgic for a few moments as I recalled my old teammates from around the world and those quiet times when I just stood on the open deck watching the flying fish and wondering what lay beyond the horizon.

But these two mighty vessels I saw yesterday, and all their passengers, would of course be gone by morning, without me. As would the flights and buses and trains of the world.

Now I shall stay put. An exchange of New Worlds for New Experiments.

And what better place to give this a shot than Las Palmas. Life is easy here. You can enjoy your surroundings within minutes of arrival and there really isn’t much to worry about. Food, people, atmosphere. Easy.

My eyes have watered again. 18 years. I feel hungry right now as I sit here at the Coworking Canary Islands location in Las Palmas. The one with the robots on the walls and the long white table. And the duck staring me down.

I start to think of volcanoes and ferries. But then I think of making a salad in my kitchen.

This is me trying to make sense of being a traveler in one place for some time.

I think I can handle five weeks in Las Palmas. I’m excited to find out.

Thoughts on slow travel? Have you been to the Canary Islands?

[yolocountyfood]

Farm Dinner - Watsonville- Santa Cruz Co.

Farm Dinner – Watsonville- Santa Cruz Co.

Date: September 24, 2017 Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Contact: lonelymountainfarm@gmail.com, 650-504-5976 Sponsor: Lonely Mountain Farm/Tosca Cafe Location: 161 Pioneer Road, Watsonville, CA