Who knew? Quien sabe? Javea, Spain

Finding a non-traditional vacation destination has certainly become easier with the internet. It all starts with what you want to do, followed closely by how much time and money you want to spend. With those questions in hand, a few Google searches bring the answers directly to your computer.

We wanted to find an exotic locale with warm weather, near the water and in Spain. We insist on quiet and comfortable (but not lavish) accommodations with cooking facilities. And not expensive. After some www digging, we found a small town on the east coast of Spain that felt right: Javea. The town is north of Alicante and south of Valencia on the Costa Del Sol. After really looking for the best deals through various US website and renters of villas, we found Starvillasjavea.com

There are many options on the website and I compared what we wanted with the other "agents" around the world that were interested in trading our money for their rental properties. After settling on the four bedroom villa (with two pools and a killer view, as seen here) that was going to cost less than 100 bucks a night, we worked directly with the staff of Star Villas (who are actually on site, in Javea, unlike the majority of these other agents) and booked the villa. After that, we started looking for a rental car by doing multiple web searches for the least expensive and correctly sized vehicle. And after all that searching, we ended up coming back to the Starvillasjavea.com website and used their link to Victoria Auto Rental. They were the least expensive and most responsive.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, we were personally met by the Victoria representative who shuttled us to their operation, about a five-minute drive. After 15 minutes of paperwork, we were on our way.

As for Javea, the locals are not used to seeing Americans. During the peak Euro vacation months of July and August, the villas fill up with lots of UK residents, as well as visitors from Germany, Italy, Ireland and, of course, Spain. The town of Javea has an old port with an active marina as well as a newer section that caters more to the tourists. English speaking residents can be found, particularly in the newer section of town but speaking a little Spanish is a great plus.

I will post more of a travelogue later but so many people have asked about our Spanish holiday, I wanted to get the Starvillasjavea link on the blog. This is a great time to be in Spain. Airfares are down and it has never been easier to find the out-of-the-way locales that don't look like Disneyworld. If you're looking for a place that doesn't look like every other place, consider renting a villa in Javea. It's much less expensive than you think, much more comfortable than any hotel and offers the privacy and comfort of a home away from home.

Peacham, Vermont.

Not visible in the photograph is the snow on top of Mt. Washington and other parts of the Presidential Range. Peacham is, purportedly, the most photographed town in Vermont.

Just beyond the park's gates..tourists, picnics, cameras, kids, runners and life going on. As usual.

Luxembourg Gardens.
Paris, France September 2008

Sometimes it feels like you are the only one in the world navigating a complex relationship but we are all in good company. Trouble, even in Parisian paradise.

South entrance to Luxembourg Gardens.

You have to wonder what this generation remembers; what the city of Paris was like only half a lifetime ago. Still, there is tolerance, survival and renaissance. This woman was finding a moment in the Luxembourg Gardens to come to terms with the day. Maybe more.

Warm and green

Four distinct seasons always present themselves so dramatically. And while some don't seem to last long enough, we are always happy to see what's next. (Yes, even winter..) Spring is winning here and the colors are unrelenting. As is the gratitude for such surroundings.

Retreating Snow, Advancing Spring

The temperature variations in Vermont bring complex landscapes that change by the minute.  The snow melts and exposes the ground that his been hidden since December, leaving fog and mud.  And more mud.  (The fifth season.)  But, the geese are passing through, robins are finding good feeding and, it appears, springs is starting to win.    

New landscapes every day.

There isn't a day that goes by here in the Green Mountain State when the dynamic nature of..well, nature..doesn't expose brand new dimensions. The scenery is never dull. As the radio crackles with news of fires in California, tropical storms in the Dominican Republic and (gasp) snow in the upper elevations of Vermont, it's difficult not to be humbled but whatever is coming next.

Just another (spectacular) autumn day

The last six months in Vermont have been beyond description (but that won't stop me) with breathtaking weather and color. With the season so dry and warm, I have been hard-pressed to convince myself to spend any time inside sitting at a computer. And the season continues. Global warming? Climate change? Yup. But we might as well take in the view while we try and fix it.

April Snows Bring May's ...

I've never woken up to a Vermont snowfall that wasn't breathtakingly gorgeous. But a few have taken me by surprise. This is a bit unusual for April as the ski resorts are winding down and the sugaring season comes to a close. It just means that mud season will last a little longer. It's always worth it. Let's hope the occupants that take up residence in these bluebird houses feel the same way since their arrival is imminent.

Croatian Sister

This photograph was taken in the central square in Zagreb. Quite the happening place. It was a perfect September evening for being outside, listening to the local musicians, taking advantage of the plentiful eateries and contemplating the changes that this country has gone through in the last 15 years. Yet, this women seemed consumed by sadness. She noticed me right after I took the photograph and didn't seem all too pleased that I took an interest in her. So, I put the camera in my lap until she moved on.

Triptych

Trio Triptych performs in Saxtons River, Vermont at Main Street Arts on April 7, 2007. The concert is double billed with House Blend, an a cappella choral ensemble whose repertoire is as eclectic as its character.

Winter gives way

This is the time of year in Vermont when winter and spring co mingle to form the daily landscape dynamic. As the ice gives way to water, the frozen roads give way to mud (our fifth season). As the frost level rises, surely the buds are not far behind.

Going someplace?

If it looks like this at home or at the airport..


Contact your airline before you leave home. It's likely that the phones will be busy because staffing has been reduced in favor of promoting website usage. The website can tell you the status of the flights and, in many cases, you can have the airline send you a text message if there are any changes in departure or arrival times. Even so, check the website for any last minute changes. You may even want to make a preemptive reservation at a motel near the airport in case things don't go your way (and you'll beat the rush). And, bring food, entertainment and patience. Keep your toiletries and medications with you (don't put them in checked baggage). Airline delays are triggered by safety concerns. How the individual airline treats you during that disruption will make the difference when it comes time to book your next flight. But bear in mind that gate agents are pressured by schedule and occasionally unreasonable demands from employers and passengers alike. Being as patient as possible will generate timelier resolutions.

A funny thing happened on the way to the airplane..

In every craft, there are those trusted colleagues that think they deserve your money more than you do. But how does the betrayal transpire? What leads us into making these bad decisions that we end up regretting? This article addresses the exposure and an on-going investigation into a former airline pilot. Click the fltops.com link on the first page of the blog or just click here: http://www.fltops.com/article.asp?ID=5674&Gateway=Industry

Babe in the Woods

Fred Picker was fond of pointing out that most photographers put their cameras in the wrong spot. For capturing the moment that moves you (the decisive moment as Cartier-Bresson would say), you must be uncompromising in all respects, including camera location. Usually, the weather is bad, the roads are dangerous or you're wearing the wrong shoes. If you're lucky, you'll get all three. In this photograph, I was heading south along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia when I spotted this billboard. Since there is every possibility that these hills were still laden with land mines, I thought it would be best to stop the car, press the button, and get going. Sometimes the light and clouds cooperate. Apart from the content of the photograph, it means as much (or more) to know what was going on around me (including the cars rapidly approaching from behind.

Triptych

The people of the Republic of Georgia are known for their hospitality, polyphonic music and gratitude for the many gifts that touch their lives. Trio Triptych was formed to celebrate Georgian music and culture and integrate music from various traditions from the United States and other countries in the Western World. With more to come. The members of Triptych are planning a singing tour of Georgia (on bicycles) in the fall of 2008. Sponsors are being lined up to support this intercultural exchange. For additional information on how to Sponsor Triptych contact us directly: mail to: simcocreative@hughes.net

Everything old is new again

Taken from a square in the old city of Dubrovnik, this beautiful young woman was kind enough to favor me with a glance while vestiges of an older generation serve as chaperon. The Dalmatian coast is known for the beautiful women. They become even more stunning and breathtaking knowing that they have survived the hardships of war to evolve into happy, motivated citizens of the world.

And they're off..

This is the place for expressing only three things: Likes, dislikes and everything in between. Think about things that move you. Or don't. Restaurants that meet or exceed your highest standards and those that dissapoint. Somebody do a good job changing a tire? Cleaning your windows? What do you like about your dry cleaner? Tell them why. Or why not. Make it better. 'Spress yourself.