Patrick

Arrival

Patrick — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

So...

Arrival is an odd beast. On one hand you are happy to be home and to be with people that you have seen in like forever! On the other hand you are sort of bummed out...You adventure IS over!

So the flight how was WAY better than expected. It was actually GREAT AMAZING! I had about the best food, Vegi Lasagna on Aer Lingus! WOA! Also, I was thinking I met some of the coolest people on the plane. I was seated next to a guy name George and he was librarian for Trinity College in Ireland. If you don't what Trinity is...it is like one the OLDEST school in the world I believe. It was so cool talked to him...

Till Later.

Patrick

Arrival

Patrick — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

So...

Arrival is an odd beast. On one hand you are happy to be home and to be with people that you have seen in like forever! On the other hand you are sort of bummed out...You adventure IS over!

Till Later.

Patrick

barcelona

Patrick — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

hello everyone, i am sure you are all getting ready for the big day, we are watching the crazy activities from here. we spent last night at a german bar and had a great time i got a little drunk on my mojotio but it was great we had the best pizza i think i have ate in my life we did get the ingredients and might try it at home..the place was a mom and pop and when we left we felt like family. there was one thing that happened that was so funny these people came in and set next to us they were chatting away and all of a sudden the man fell flat on his back legs in the air the whole bit we were laughing and dave yells ole we were just laughing our buts off. he was a little drunk so it was ok. we spent the day seeing many sights the one that sticks out was a park that i wanted to see it was done by gaudi never the less when you see the photo of me at the top of this hill staight up the we climbed you will go i cant believe she did it. the view was amazing and the sea was so visible fromn the top. today we are going on another walking tour, we are meeting more friends of pats tonight for dinner it is really nice to hear someone else speaking english. please excuse no caps but i have not figured out the keyboard yet it is a little different than ours. have a great day all and write back, hope all is weathering the snow and you hve power. has anyone talked to beth to see how things are going'
HOW ARE THE KITTIES ....

catching everyone up

Patrick — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I know it has been awhile but we have been going non stop daily and nightly. It is so hard to get caught up with the people and there ways that is eating late. I will say though these Spainards are a little rude, if they spoke my language there would be some serious battles. Oh well enough about that. We have seen some wonderful sights while in Madrid, the Christmas displays are just out of this world. They line a whole street when I say street I am talking miles and it is with very ornate lighting from fiber optic to wording I will try to get a photo this is done on all the streets, they have planted poinsettia all around the plazas and fountains. This may not seem like a big deal but there is a plaza about every 4 blocks and fountains in between them so all you can see is alot of red. If you have ever watched a film and you see a 100's of cars going around in circle with a fountain in the middle that is how it really is there are jettas of each side and you have to be in the right on our you will get honked at these people love there horns.....I have never seen so many people out walking and shopping I am talking body to body it is stressing. They really don't have big malls they have little shops that line the streets. You walk to EVERYTHING AND YOU CARRY EVERYTHING WITH YOU, laundry, carpeting,furniture we saw two people carrying a sleeper sofa down the street can u image what that sucker weighed? I think if I spoke the language I could learn to like the hustle of it all. Today we went to the Royal Palace and saw how the better half lived my god there was more gold and silver in there rooms than I have ever seen, dinning room table that could feed 70 people a room other than the bedroom that the king prepared to dress in? what's that all about they were not talking the bathroom this room was done in silk, gold and statues. Like I side were the other half lives. We had dinner at a place called vips it is like a dennys rest. it was good. Here is a concept of the cost of things a lady bought 5 packs of stick orbit gum her cost 5.40 euro me I bought 1 hershey candy bar and was asked for 2.00 euros I think I got the better deal? Well enough about us. I am so sorry to hear that you have freezing rain and snow, also heard there has been some power outages hope everyone is weathering that good. Ellen have you checked on my kitties? Here is something funny we were eating breakfast today and these two young women were behind us speaking our language and we keyed into that and they were from St. Louis andd get this one of them went to slu and roomed with a stumpe from jerseyville Sally Stumpe my friendd kathy steins sister in law what a small world we live in. Well to bed I must go have to be ready by nine and it is 11:30 p.m. past my bed time.
Till next time stay warm and try to find us on a map.....

Why "Bitching isn't cool!"

Patrick — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HELLO!

So, yesterday was a great day! We went to the El Museo del Prado. The Louvre of Spain, but not quite as high one the "wordly" must see lists.

So, I have been reading some entrys of a fellow blog-a-bond user and decided to address them head on.

1.) QUIT BITCHING ALREADY ITS NOT ATTRACTIVE!

2.) Traveling is the experience of life time, and people lots of people give anything to have the opportunity that you have!

3.) IT'S FREE! This trip is free with for you! It is "included" in your year long stay package to BCN. You therefore have the chance to do what you want when you want to do it! You don't have to go on all the "death marches" you can sit them. I know that Tim isn't going to force any one to do something that they don't want to do. You should enjoy life!

4.) SNAP OUT OFF IT!

With Lots of Love,

Patrick ;-)

Madrid old Madrid

Patrick — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This walking for 3 hrs. has got 2 stop!!!! Dad a Mom can not take it anymore. We have taken in so much words can"t describe it. The buildings every turn you make there is another one just as granduar. Thersa we visited Alhambra in Granda and thought of you with the history. Yes i have done it I have drove on the autovia and I was able to maintain my speed at a little over 100mph and people were still passing me. Pat has did alot of the driving and he has done great, David is the co-captain he is suppose to watch for the street signs but he forgets what he is doing. Before we left seville we visited Santiponce a village that contains one of the most important and largest Roman ruins in Spain. This was GREAT the streets, buildings, amphtheate was still there type in santiponce and see what u can find. gotta go we are heading out for breakfast and then to a muesuem. find us if u can

MADRID!

Patrick — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

So today we arrived in Madrid! It is a great city! We did alot of walking today! We walked down like Mall Avenue in Madird full of shops. Mom went to Corte Inglese. She tried on a Gucci watch. It was about 1,000 USD. HOT DAM...no!?!?! We also ate some good food, I had Lentil Caserole and Turkery Planks. Dad had Consume and Ox Tail (mmmhhhmmm!). Mom had Veggi Puree and Beef Ragu! It was SO good. We got wine and desert and after dinner booze too!

Tomorrow is going to be a big day! We are going to the Prado and some other places! I am really really excited about the Prado it is sort of like the Louvre of Spain just not quite as big. Also, we are going to be doing some shopping mom needs to buy her spanish purse and dad is getting antsy. Not in a good way mind you!

Later.

A Note.

Patrick — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

To Whomever:

I would like to clearly to state that whomever thought that sticking two cavins and one dungy inside a car for 5 days should be shot. I am not certain what does it, but I do know that the situation is definitely less than "friendly." We get in the car and with out reason voices and blood pressure raise. In the following 20 minutes phrases like "What the F*** are you doing!" start and "You either need to drive or look at the scenery!" too!

Nonetheless, this trip has been simply simple amazing! I don't think that words can begin to explain the Mezquita of Cordoba and the Alhambra of Granada. They are simply breathtaking. I really liked the Alhambra I just think that the Mezquita in all that it is cannot even come close to the intricate work and inlay of the Alhambra. Also, we went on a drive through the mountains, the Sierra Nevadas, and the view was amazing! It was of those sort of foggy days and the sun was bouncing of all the light from the water and the fog. I will try to add pictures soon!

We are now in Malaga and from the first look it seems to be the most "unspanish" of what we have seen so far. For mom it has LOTS of shopping. Funny moment today, so we are walking down the street and up ahead we see this HUGE HUGE market like at least 6 or 7 blocks long. Dad sees it and then forces Mom to cross the street on the pretense that "its quicker that way" ;) Thats Love!

ALSO, We got a Toyota Prius for a rental car! Very cool! It's a great car in my-o-so humble opinion. We have a V6 with a red exterior and grey interior. It's cool to watch the way the car deals out of the energy.

Let see...Today we had a good Spanish lunch. What are the keys to a good Spanish lunch you say?

1.) Eat after 2:00 PM
2.) Don't finish till 4:30 PM
3.) Wine is always included.
4.) Coffee too.
5.) Tapas are for tourists
6.) A wait staff that doesn't want to give you the bill
7.) Good food.

Luego.

here it goes

Patrick — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have walked a million Miles probably not that much but my footies feel like it. we visited Alhambra today what a wonderful temple. we went up into the sierrie neveda mountains yesterday they had got the first snowfall and all the skiers were out. the terrain is somewhat like the southwest very arid and mountainess and some great peaks in the valleys. we are at the lady gaudaloupe hotel it is nice the wifi is down so i am working on a different computer so bear with the mistakes. We are headed out to another location i dont remember i will have to look at my list. gotta go
talk again soon love the cavins

hello r u forgetting something??????

Patrick — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have spent another day exploring. we have seen some wonderful sights
we visited the Cathedral of Seville it had some very interesting and beautiful paintings and the iron sculptors. We also went to the Plaza of the americas this place has some outstanding ceramic tiles they encompassed the entire area. This was also the place that we saw the largest nativity scene in the world. The weather is wonderful here we are enjoying Spring like weather. We are off to cordoba Dec 7th this will be the most trying time because dave will be driving. Ellen and Jo it is so cool here they honk there horns ALOT WITH attitude god i cant wait till i drive.....gotta go its late AND PAT gets us up REALLY REALLY early. Dave says hi...nos vemos pronto (see ya soon)
Darla

p.s. we have added more pictures

Dad's First Entry

Patrick — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

We have ARRIVED! Sorta...Patrick's Entry

Patrick — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Sleepy TIME

HI ALL!

So, we have finally reunited as a family! It feels great! I was thinking about it the other day and it has been like more than five months since I have seen all my friends and family because I was only back in Jerseyville for less than a month after I finished my internship! I don't think that I want to keep the time that short ever again. I mean I guess that I have realized that I like Jerseyville, but what I really like about Jerseyville is all the people that are inside. It's almost like there is this part of me that could take a part of Jerseyville with me wherever I go! I me Internet makes easier, but not that easy. I don't what I would have done with out skype! I mean clearly it has made things a whole lot easy. THANK YOU SKYPE! I don't know if they heard that but ohhh what the hell...We are staying a very nice hotel here in Madrid and we had a good dinner. We have some Cava (Spanish Champagne) to celebrate that we were all together it was great! I think that I arrived just in the nick of time though because my parents where trying to order some food, and God bless them...but they don't know a lick of Spanish...I think that the waiter was actually sweating for the conversation (oh internationalism!). We are together and that is the most important part...At the end I was really getting antsy to see them again! More things...Tomorrow we are off to Madrid. It is going to be awesome! AWESOME! I am so excited to see Reales Alcázares, Torre del Oro, and Los Archivos de Indias! Dad's already asleep...You guys should all chastise him for not be internet savy!I took a picture for proof! Well...Till Later!

Also, AirEuropa = GREAT AIRLINE! (www.aireuropa.com)

Till Later,
Patrick

We have ARRIVED! Sorta...Mom's Entry

Patrick — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

MOM:

Well hello everyone, me and David have made it. The trip was fine and very long Me and David did a little searching around before Pat arrived. Ellen and Jo you will like this they have the same concept here as I do Park were u can, my god they were right up on the bumpers in the lined spots.
The weather here was a little foggy when we landed cleared up by mid day and it was sunny. Beth I will ask this a hundred times I am sure....how are the cats? Me and David ventured to eat out while we were waiting for Pat his plane was late. We set down and the waiter speaks no english i am asking for a hamburger David is asking for the type of beer they have the waiter is looking at us like we have 2 heads we are going ok ok god knows what we would have ordered THANK GOD pat showed up I am thinking the waiter was to he hadd the deer in the headlight look like how did i get these people? We had a great dinner some great wine and we then promptly went right upstairs to our room, we were tuckered out...till next time

No.

Patrick — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HI!

So, I am done with all my tests and I came all the back to the University just to write a blog entry. This time with out have the internet in Piso...SUCKS! Haha...Sort of make me lame that I feel this way, but hey what you can you do..I dont know. My parents are coming in less than a week! I AM SO EXICTED. I am not certain what all we are going to do while they are here I just know that we are going to have an awesome! So, tonight we are going to Chupitos. It should be amazing! It´s this all shots all the time bar in Barcelona...WOOT!

Today, was sort of a bad day also...I made someone cry. I feel really bad about though. Some friends and I were joking about this event that had happened when she freaked out and started crying. It was terrible. We are just wishing that she would have said something earlier when didnt know that she found what we said iretating. I mean we had talked about this several times before. IDK...

So, I am in the early planning stages of a trip to India. It should be awesome. Any Ideas of where I should go?

Time.

Patrick — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

So my days in the great city of Barcelona are starting to wind down! I am sad and excited at the same time and it has given me the ability to make some final reflections about the city that I hav called home for about three months. Barcelona is GREAT, but its the city that the guide books and people make it out to be...I came here think that Barcelona was the Rome inquivalent of the Milan / Rome complex...no. Barcelona is a HUGE busiling metrolopis where Spanish isnt the primary languare. I think that this one of the things that was most frustrading...You want to watch the new ehh? We it is generally in Catalan which as it is similar to Spanish isnt closely related to where you can understand it...

Also, the city lacks something that for me turned out to be more important that I ever though...Green Spaces! They dont have them her...they have brown spaces, but that arent green and when they have green spaces they are not for laying in, taking naps in, playing in...all things that us Knox students grow accosted to in the smalled levels.

Also, the city has some great museums...I didnt like the quote "popular museums" I really liked the Museum of Egptology and the Museum of Martimes which were so cool...I think that La Sagrada Familia is over-rated and ugly. Sorry Dali...Also, I think that Picasso Museum could be a moving work but intested is to pale and white like classical museum..Sorry travel guides....

Let's see...Palacio Nacional is amazing! It has some of the best art in all of Barça. Also, I was thinking that ever one here should SKIP the way croweded strees of Passeig de Gracia and instead wander through the street of Gran de Gracia if you REALLY want to Knox what Barça life is like...Also, lets see. If you get a change the going to this one bar to this one bar called Catedrá its on the corned of Gran Via and MontBau...IT IS AMAZING! Make sure that you Suizo or Irish Coffee...Or 43 and coke! MMMmmmHHHmmm...Lets see. There is more....You have to go Chupitos! WOW! Go on a Th cause Fri. it is so full of people and smoke you think that your eyes might fall out of your head...Also, if you got the need to "to pop lock and drop it" you have to go to Catwalk or Bikini...so good! Bring your A game though or you won´t make it through the door.

Also, Tibidabo is waste.

Montjuic is cool and you can spend a whole day just wondering around the old Olympic Park and everything...I think its better than Parc Gruel just cause there is SO many less people...Also, I was def recommend getting coffee at this bar place called....mmm...Midnight Something...It is good!

So Barça overall you are like 7.5 Stars out of 10. It´s not you falt that the city is lame. I blame Catalan in sweet loving sort of way while I quite try to take off of this planet.

The Arc of Constanstinable

GOOD BYE...Rome. La Cíta Eterna.

Patrick — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

So Guys...Tomorrow we leave the Eternal City. This is my third time to Rome, and I am still in love with it! I couldn't believe how much more there was to see on this third visit. This time new...I went to Bascilica San Giovanni Laterno and Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore. They both have their own distinct set of features. Sante Maria Maggiore is a 5th century Romanasque church. The inside is brillant. It has some many little naves which were amazing! Also, the style is very similar to Monreale in the north of Sicily close to Palermo. Also, we went to Bascilica San Giovanni Laterno. AMAZING. It was the papal palace until the late 14th Century when Saint Peter's was completed and then began to house the pope. It's inside was full of mosaics which is amazing. Also, the cloister was amazing. It had all these old artifacts from the church and everything which was associated with it. It was built by Constanstine which is just cool. The only thing which is annnoying about the church is that...It is cool and almost equally cool to Saint Peter's but they are doing little to keep it up...If the restored the cloister and everything it would be so amazing. It would incredibly amazing. Also, I went back to Saint Peter's this trip. It is still moving. You feel something each time that you go inside...It just so immensly large and tribute to one the eternal Powers of the world. No matter you opinion of the Catholic Church. I think that I have to feel some respect for somthing so awe-inspiring. Also, we went to Trevi fountain...many other things. Also, we went to see this FREE choral concert (check out: www.40concierti.it) it was good. I think they have many throughout the year and is definetly worth of time! We are going HOME!

Looking for a name?

Patrick — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hello! So my parents are coming in about a week...I cannot wait, but I need something to call this adventure. We are going to Spain, France, and the UK! I need help. GIVE ME IDEAS!!!!

News...Of the City

Patrick — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Hey! So today was day 1 of the three in Rome..We were really tied and I think that we didn't get at much done as we were hoping to get done...We did get to go Saint Maria Maggoria Chiesa...Which was AMAZING! If you have been to Monreale in Sicily it looks like the entire of that church because it is of the same special Siclian Style...Anyway, Today we met his really nice girl from Denmark in our hostel. We are going to go the Vatican Museum, San Pierto, Pantheon, Colosseo...And much more! It is going to be awesome! AWESOME! No?

So yesterday was the Turkey Day in the states...I missed everyone SO much...In am so excited to hear that everyone what have a good day and able to enjoy it. Enjoy it!

Patrick

Sometimes I just wonder...

Patrick — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Okay...So this picture is completely random, but in the end I am glad that I took the time to take it. This was a sandwich bar that God sent from heaven to fill the very hungry stomachs of some happy travelers! It was so GOOD GOOOD. It's name as you can tell is Giroki...If you go. I would with out a doubt in the world get a Pechuga sandwich. That's spanish for chicken breat sandwich...which is amazing! I think that we ate there like 3 times in the end...So back today. I just got to Rome and checked into our hostel. We are staying at hte Backpacker's Hostel...How original no? :-) Sotimes, I think that I should be slapped. Anyway, It's quite nice and it has all this writing EVERYWHERE. On the walls, floors, tables...I would sure hate to clean this place. Anyway, Rome is going to be amazing. I was just here in August, but I am so excited to come back. The Vatican, The Roman Forum (as if there would be an other forum in "Rome"), The Collesseum...WORD! Also, I am excited because I am here with some of the funnest people that I have met in recent years. I will have to post some pictures of them...Their names are Kevin, Yvonne, and Zach. Sometimes we take Yvonne out of the fun catergories and put here in the "otra" category...but ya know. So the parents are coming...IN LESS THAN A WEEK! You should be excited because I know that I am...December 2, 2007! The second set of adventures start. We need to come with a good name for this trip...Any suggestions?

Those last days...

Patrick — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Big "E"

Hey folks...So my time here in Barcelona in starting to wind down. I just realized that I just payed for internet once again...I was try to avoid doing before I had to leave to begin the world adventures with my parents. I am actually excited because I have seen them in about five months! They are coming to Madrid on December 3, 2007. It should be awesome. AWESOME. We are going to be doing the world-wind tour of Europe and everyhting.

The rought plan is

Madrid then off to Sevilla and then Cordoba, Grenada, and some other place. Then back to Madrid then Barcelona then Paris for xmas!!! YEAH BABY! Then London! WOOT.

I am super excited. I am in process of trying to put of the pictures for like the last five months of my life. Be awhere that I have gotten behind. So, it will take me awhile. I hope that I will have it all done soon. SOON I say...

Till Later,

Patrick L. Cavins