Land of the high rollers

Pulled into Monaco yesterday, and it is quite a site, y'all!  The natural grandeur is what most fascinates me, as we are sitting in the Harbor looking up at everything, because, well, Monte Carlo was apparently built into a mountain.  Haven't had much of a chance to explore yet, but perhaps in the next few days.  Until then, it's Monte Carlo livin for a bit, we'll see how it goes down!  Only 3 more days until It-ly!!    

Nice was Nice

Yessiree, I am a fan of Nice and that is for sure.  As we pulled into the Nice Harbor, I had goosebumps as the real and historic France was surrounding us.  Multi-colored ancient buildings, a hugely wide boardwalk which spans the Mediterranean Sea, a sand-less beach covered in smooth stones, and the best farmer's Market I have been to yet.  Whats not to love?  As I approached this incredible Outdoor Market, the smell of fresh Provencal lavender wafted in the air, as did the strong aromas of the Herbes de Provence, at the spice vendors stand and the smell of Croissants from a nearby Boulangerie.  Every day in Nice, this market spans a long section of a pedestrian mall in the Old Town district, and it is unreal.  Tears were shed as my eyes gazed upon baskets of fresh zucchinis with the flower attached, rows of blueberries, raspberries, red and white cassis berries and more, rustic but fresh harvested Garlic bunches, fresh Figs, Provencal Peaches, Cherries, Potatoes, Tomatoes...and the most beautiful sight of all: bunches of fresh-picked Squash Blossoms.  Not to mention the Artisanal cheeses, cured meats, bakeries, etc, etc.  Ahhhh, so Nice and so Nice.   

Let them eat Cake!

Yes, you may have guessed, we made it to France!  Its been about 2 weeks here now, and it feels good to mingle with these laid back country French folk.  They have been quite accomodating, especially to gringos like myself, and the food..and the wine.....ahhhhhh, so nice.  

  Seriously, the quality of food in France is unbelievable.  Ummm, can we say, baked goods!!!!  holy #&%& they are good.  Produce has flavor here people, and it makes my job very easy.  And good quality ingredients really should not be messed with too much.  I ate a raspberry this morning that knocked me off of my feet.  Each little pocket in the little fruity was packed with what tasted like fake raspberry flavor, and when eating these little morsels, each pocket simultaneously explodes in your mouth, and leaves you with a lingering taste of sweetness.....similar to a fine wine.  Seriously, it is amazing.  

  Guests on board right now, and its very busy here (which explains my lack of bloginess in the past week), but we are headed to some really cool places, and looking forward to a few days between the next trip, spent in Santa Margarita and Portofino, Italy.  Ciao, Bella!  The crew is freaking awesome and we are all good little team together, and we all maintain the "work hard, play hard" motto.  Okay, more info very soon, as I vowed to post more often.  Love and miss yall!  Au revoir, mon cheris! 

Ode to a Picnic.

About a week ago, at a park in Barcelona, a few crew members and I experienced a seemingly outdated, yet way under-rated activity:  a picnic.  On a grassy knoll, amidst the cool ocean breezes from the coast of Spain, we spent a late afternoon drinking good wine, eating rustic food (bread, cheese and tomatoes), and making music with our guitars, harmonicas, and voices: the finer things in life.  The best part about a picnic is that there are no rules.  But personally, I think that they work best when done outside, with at least one good friend, maybe some good food and wine, some good laughs, and no worries.  No picnic basket required.   

From the coast of Barcelona.

Coming to you live from the country of Spain.  Upon arriving in this cured ham-eating country, the crew and I were instantly thrown into work mode.  Yet, flying into Palma de Mallorca on a blue-sky day, was incredible in every sense.  As one of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is composed of green covered cliffs, jutting out from the sea, as well as a plethora of seaside fishing villages; some of which truly encapsulate the Mediterranean seaside settings I had envisioned in my mind.  Cobblestone streets, fish shops, teeny tapas cafes, rustic fishing boats, and daunting mountains in the near distance.  Ahhh, Europa.  Another day was spent on the island of Ibiza (and yes, we listened to the vengaboys song "we're going to ibiza" in the galley, on the way there).  Beautiful place, and since we were anchored out, I had my first opportunity to go for my first swim in the Mediterranean...and I could not pass that one up.  The Med is purty chilly, but the clarity is nice and my snorkel gear proved useful, as I swam through schools of some beautiful European fishies.  

 

  Finally made it here to Barcelona (Barcie, as I call it), and finished our first guest trip this morning.  The rest of the day was spent rambling around this increible! city on foot, soaking up the scenery and history, with some tapas to keep us going throughout the day.  Just had a crew dinner with my mates, and I washed down my first real Gazpacho with my first glass of real Spanish Sangria.  Que Lindo!  Feelin lucky, I tell ya.      

  As for my lovie in the Southern Hemi...he is currently anchored out in Bali, about to continue their trip north, with guests on board.  And before you start feeling bad for his busy schedule, don't worry, he will be surfing G-Land for the next few days.  Surfers, you know the power of that statement.  Damn, ey?  Miss the heck out of him though.  That's all for now, but i'll be back very soon with more updates of these floating times.  Love you guys.