A few more shots from Spain this week, because--hello!--this was an epic trip that I planned forever and I have to share more.First, did I mention that my friend Becky and I found sea glass on the beach in Nerja, which reminded me of the cover of Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler? We did! It was awesome.
We also sometimes acted very American. Here's Becky posing with our rented BMW and Dave when we went to see Clash of the Titans in Madrid (I love movies on vacation!).
At the Alhambra in Granada, there were gorgeous tiles and wall etchings that made me think of how fashion designers get inspired by patterns and colors:
La Mezquita ("The Mosque") in Cordoba is one of my favorite places of all time. Ah, to have a ball in the middle of this gorgeous structure! (I know that's inappropriate, but I wanted to dance here!) Also: A door at an old silk market in Valencia reminded me of the classic Chanel purses. Just saying.
Maybe because my life was moving more slowly, I noticed so much natural beauty everywhere. Like this orange grove in Valencia and these brambles at the Alhambra (which reminded me of a photo Beth Kephart might use on her amazing blog).
I also noticed funny stuff, like these bathroom signs that cracked us up!
I may have also seen a couple of dresses (this yellow one in Valencia has such a great shape, and the tulle skirt at Mango in Madrid that reminded me of my wedding dress? FUN). I didn't buy either, though I would have snagged the yellow one if it hadn't been *cough* $700.
In Barcelona one day, everyone was wearing amazing hats! And Gaudi's Casa Batllo rooftop? Just dreamy.
Inside the apartments in Casa Batllo: Gorgeous windows with lace curtains and a classic turntable.
We stopped by two special doors. Dave and I posed in front of the door to the apartment in Barcelona where my dad lived in 1959 (he was in the Navy and stationed there); and I posed in front of my old door in Madrid, where I lived junior year of college:
In Madrid, at the Reina Sofia museum, we saw some gorgeous art. "The Gathering," by Angeles Santos Torroella, was one of my favorites, as was this untitled ship by artist Martin Ramirez, who painted in prison.
In Madrid, of course, the best evening was at Casa Patas, where flamenco rules the night! Check it out.
Another great thing about Madrid? Long lunches and indie bookstores EVERYWHERE!
Oh, when can I go back?! Thanks for looking, guys. I so appreciate it. And if you travel to Spain, let me know! I have lots of ideas for you. xoxo.
and on the Balcony of Europe in Nerja:
It was too cold for a Carolina girl to swim (boo!)...
but not too cold for ice cream (yay!)
There were camels in Morocco. I'm not proud of this photo.
And there was spinning in Valencia (I love this!):
There was by-the-pool time with Dave...
and cultural Gaudi time with Becky:
There were boys racing up stairs (yes, this still happens after 30)...
and I stole someone's wedding petals to use in a Becky-in-front-of-charming-Barcelona-chapel photo. Don't worry, the wedding was over. These were fair game!
And through it all, there was... PAELLA!!
Thank you for letting me share!
PS-A quick plaza-in-Granada video, just because I was so enchanted. Spin with me!
