The Emerald Isle.

Day 1 of the European Chronicles

My days blurred together from San Francisco, CA to Dublin, IR. It was like all those times where you wanted time to go by faster because you couldn´t wait for your birthday or Christmas. But this time it actually happened. The day lasted only 12 hours for me. I feel like May 25, 2009 was wiped away from my mental record. A stop in Philadelphi, PA. A stop in Frankfurt, Germany and I finally arrive in Dublin. Now its May 26. I hop off the bus and I find myself in the middle of Dublin´s City Centre. Thinking I don´t have that far to go, I decide to lug my 50lb bag toward my hostel. Dragging a 50lb bag over 2 miles is no easy task unless you just graduated from Navy Seal BUDS. Taking in all the hustle around me I trudge along with my green beast of a bag, and thats when the delightful Irish Rains downpoured. There´s a reason its so green here. The sun never shines, and the rain can threaten you at any time. Its extemely beautiful and green in Dublin, I just wasn´t appreciating it on my long bagwalk. A little look around the hostel, Kinlay House, a small rest from travel, and I head out and about Dublin for a little walk around. A very clean city with wonderfuly friendly people and welcoming to all internationals. The reason: its expensive as all hell. A pint of Guiness (because its almost sacriledge to order anything else) can run you 6 euro (9 bucks). And you´re not even at a football game. I tramped around the Temple Bar District which is full of the international travelers and walked around the open air markets full of fruits and vegetables, and decided to head back in. Its 11pm by this time, and the jet lag just dominated me. I crammed 2 and a half days into one and a half days, and my body knew it.

Day 2 - Part 1

A good nite´s rest in the hostel, reminded me much of my old FT days in the dorms. A quick shower, a piece of toast, and I head back toward the City Centre for some fruit at the market. 5 serving a day right? I walk back to the west side of Dublin for some awesome touristing. A mile or so from the market and I find myself at the Guiness Storehouse, where all the magical Guinessing started. I took the tour because I think Kevin would kill me if I was in Dublin and didn´t appreciate all the Guiness I could. Although the tour is a bit touristy for my liking, it was quite informative, and at the end, you get the best Guiness of your life with a 360 view of Dublin at the Gravity Bar. After my rest at the Storehouse, I trekked toward the Northern side of Dublin to Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. From Golden Gate to Phoenix. The green in Phoenix Park is overwhelming. The serene sense you receive is fantasy like. A white rabbit could have hopped out at any second to lead me on an even more crazy adventure. I looped back around the city and headed back to home camp. A long nite lay ahead due to the upcoming UEFA Cup...

Part 2

A quick nap and I´m awaken by my Aussie bunkmates, just in time for the UEFA cup to start. If they didn´t come bustling in I could have slept right thru it. I tagged along with them for a quick bite at Quizno´s (I know, such authentic Irish food) and a pint, which was the cheapest in all Ireland at 2.5 euros. If it had a tv, we would have stayed there to watch the game. Instead, we found a pub and sat for a few beers to watch Barcelona dominate Manchester United. We moved on soon after to a pub which proclaimed authentic Irish music, but really just played Hendrix and Led Zeplin. That didn´t put a damper on the fun. The Aussies have one of the coolest sense of humor and are extremely playful and jolly. Imagine a laid back California vibe with a sharp sense of British Humor. I can only imagine what they thought of me as I called out every girl and asking them "What part of the States are you from?". I shooting about 25%. We had a blast at the pubs, however expensive they were and headed back to the hostel. A great nite with my new Aussie Friends, Mark, Brent, and Annette (Its official since we´re facebook friends). Pictures to come once I get a computer up and running.

Day 3

I grabbed some Breakfast with the Aussies, gathered my gear up and left to the airport, Madrid bound. Another one of those Days that flies by due to travel. Fill you in more as I start my Spanish adventures.

As always, if you´re in Spain, and would like to ride a train on the plain when it rains, just grita "Angeloco, Angeloco, donde esta"... I´ll find you...

-Angelo

"No man is rich enough to buy back his past."
-Oscar Wilde

Graduation.... And off the continent...

Week of 20-26 (Graduation Week) & Day 27

(Sorry no pics, my computer is on the blink and I need to invest in a power converter)

Graduation week went by like a blur. Justin's long awaited Master's Degree conveyed to him through rigorous reading and tortuous writings is well deserved. I realized that someone with a master's degree is definately immersed in their discipline. There is no real way to fool your committee into accidently giving you a master's. Also, if you want to go into a deep conversation surrounding the public voice found by outlying public groups and how they use that voice to impact change in the public sphere, by all means, call Justin (559)2*7-65*9. Once the degree was officially his, the party officially commenced. A week full of celebrations surrounded by family and friends, as all life milestones should be.

After continuous commencement celebrations, it was time to head out of Fresno, CA and move on to San Francisco, CA just for the night. Justin & Beth sent me off in true style. (And with one of the coolest plane pillows ever, and it totally worked, i'd be even more dead without it right now, Thanks Beth) Walking around Union Square and hitting a couple shops for that last American sentiments. We grabbed some sushi with Jacob and Christa and then it was time to savor the last of the SF nitelife. The Gold Dust drinking hole is located just across the street from Union Square and it has boot kicking ditties playing all nite long. Koji along with his crew of crazy asian compratriots joined us along with Evan and Ed. Gather more than 4 gauchos in a room and tornado sirens start going off. Jameson and Guiness were the orders of the nite due to some friendly Irish we met, coincidence. We shut down/Eiki got booted out, at around 2. A few more good byes and it was off to the airport. Jacob dropped me off approx. at 4am and off to Dublin I went.

A 4 hour layover in Frankfurt,Germany turned into a 6 hour layover due to delays, which didn't help my headache from lack of good sleep and excess of firewater. Another quick jaunt over the channel and I find myself put up in Dublin, Ireland. Which is where I am talking to you today.

Tomorrow lies Guiness factory tours and various other Emerald Isle excursions.
If your on this side of the Channel and you want to see how the Mexi-American do it in Ireland...give me a call... I'll be around...

This concludes 'The California Chronicles'.

-Angelo

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -Lao Tzu

P.S.: If you would like a cool post card, or something of that sort, email me your address and I'll see what I can do?!?! AAAustin63@gmail.com

I found my friends, in San Francisco....

RoNo standing in front San Luis Reservoir, located en route from the San Jose to Fresno via State Route 152, Pecheco Pass.  Grey skies and gusty winds accompanied me for the majority of my crossing from the Bay Area to the Central Valley.

The following is a recount of the past weekend, Thursday 14, 2009- Sunday 17, 2009. One to be remembered in infamy. Enjoy.

Day 17

A beautiful Thursday afternoon greeted my Mom, Gramma, and I as we ventured West to Monterey, CA for a great day at the beach. We took in the perfect sea breeze and truly enjoyed the vibrant and green beach which lines the Monterey Bay. After the best bowl of Clam Chowder west of Boston, MA we called it a day and headed back into San Jose, CA. I'm glad I got a California beach day in before jetting off as I will miss the Pacific a lot. I'll let you know how the Mediterranean treats me.

Day 18

A quick Caltrain ride, and I was my San Francisco weekend was underway. I arrived closed to union square to enjoy some of the energized vibe from the hustling city. After spending about an hour taking in the sights and sounds of 'civilization' at its finest, I received a phone call from my friend Emily, more commonly known as Punk Rawk, to meet up at a bar in the SOMA district. We met on a street corner and take a small stroll into the bar, and step into a world stopped in time. Dozens of motorcycles circa 1940's and earlier hung from the ceiling and were attached to every inch of wall space. A two man piano/sax band were drumming up old time ditties which filled the air in backrooms and speakeasy's during the Prohibition giving Eddie Rickenbacker's a great cultural vibe which is so iconic of the City.

A few beers and we moved onto a free show at The Barrel House, that along with a great art studio/concert venue atmosphere, also gave out free beer (I know, it sounds like a small paradise). Koji, my 4 year Gaucho Roommate and Japanese liaison, graced us with a his presence and we jammed out to the experimental instrumental band offering up the free tunes. After taking advantage of the hospitality of the free venue, Emily, Koji, and I made a quick stop to the Mission District for some of the best burritos in San Francisco County. (And the best five finger discount nachos..) All together a great night of filled with music, arts, and good friends. Best of all, the entertainment was conducive to the budgeted traveler. Hoo Rah.

Day 19: Gauchos! Unite!

Every half year or so, a certain binding force brings together approx. 10-15 of my closest friends from my time at UCSB.  This was definitely an impromptu reunion, but several of us make it a priority and shifted schedules, and travel vast distances to come together and enjoy one another's company.  It is one of the best parts about being in my group of college friends and I would like to thank everyone who came out on short notice, and for those that couldn't make it, rest assured you were still laughed at and made fun of.

(Crocodile Hunter voice) Notice how the elusive Gaucho Loco is drawn to the bars with the widest variety of lagers and ales, and the cheapest tabs.  Pictured: EScud, Evander, Kojina, Druncle, Kuhnster, Kim's Mouth, Kim, Xtizzle, Nichizzle, Punk R., and MikeSux

The reunion culminated on the porch of the biker chic patio bar, 'Zeitgeist'.  The outdoor area was packed full of people searching for bench seats and table space.  At one point, every leather clad biker and hipster chic girl was staring at our group thanks to the screaming entrance made by Kim and Christina.  If the eardrum piercing screams didn't grab your ear's attention, Kim's red/pink cabbage-patch dress was loud enough to grab your eyes attention, and make them bleed.  Many pitchers were ordered and several memories were commiserated, along with several new ones created.  A great night to come together and shut down a bar in a group as was former college fashion.  Although, staying out all night was not the best preparation for tomorrow's activities.

Day 20: Bay 2 Breakers, the Free Spirit Symposium

The more official and objective definition of the Bay to Breakers foot race can be found here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_to_Breakers

The actual definition: The largest gathering of people, drawn together for the sole purpose of having fun, with or without the aid of large costumes or clothing.

I was not quite prepared for the event known as Bay to Breakers. I heard stories of the crazy costumes or lack thereof, but the full demonstration of energy and power cannot be understood, until seen first hand. I think the point at which I was dancing in a rave atmosphere underneath a San Francisco underpass with a thousands of people, when I realized this party was a few levels above anything else I've experienced. There were people dancing on top of the Port-a-potty's. Nuff said.

Gaucho Locos reveling along with thousands of other San Francisco's best.

This race epitomized the heart of San Francisco and it is the reason why the City holds the title of 'Sanctuary of the Free Spirit'. (I just made that up, but it sounds about right doesn't it?) One should be pushed outside their normal comfort area and be able to observe and respect the free will and creativity of others. San Francisco takes this frame of mind to heart and has no problem announcing it to the world. Although it was a long day (thanks to the late night and pitchers), and a long walk (7.2 miles of party), it was a successful and eye opening experience. Definitely a check off on the Bucket List. Flights were missed, feet were sore, stomachs ached, but all in all, the Gauchos put together a strong showing at B2B. Ole! Ole! Ole! Gaucho! Gaucho!

And on the following Monday, Angeloco rest.  I am now reporting from the Central Valley bringing you all the hard hitting action.  Coming up, Fresno State graduation and celebration.   Stay tuned.

I want to thank all those who attended the festivities this past weekend with a special thank you to that Skirball girl we all know and love, Kristen Schiltz.  She put me up for the weekend, allowing me to crash and giving me full access to her sweet apartment in the City while she was busy studying for upcoming exams.  Thank you so much for giving the mini-Gaucho reunion a launching and landing pad.  Love ya.

-Angelo

"Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it. "

-Budda

To live in die in the bay... Days 14 - 16

Day 14

After waking up really early, around 10am, I started to round up all my gear, and latch it to my trusty steed, "RoNo" (Short for Rolling Nomad). The 100+ miles were a little chillier than expected, but I shouldn't have expected anything less traveling to the bay. Cold day for the Cold bay. I met my mom and Gramma at her home in San Jose, and before the day would end I would receive a small history lesson. My mom took this opportunity, while we had the family historian (Gramma), to show me various places throughout San Jose and give me a glimpse into my family's past. Lets take a stroll down la avenida del historia...

My Great-Grampa Navarro (My Mom's Mom's Dad) settled his family down on the corner of Whitton Ave and 31st Street. All funds for the initial down payment of $2000 and a remaining $2000 balance were earned through picking various crops of prunes, stringbeans, tomatoes or whatever other crop was available at the time. No family member was exempt from working, in the fields or in the home. The family pooled all funds and paid off the home within 6 months and THEN moved into the house, my grampa would have it no other way. Plenty of chivos (small goats) were eaten in the backyard (killed, skinned, hung, bled, cooked, then eaten) and several good families got their start at the humble beginnings at 1498 Whitton Ave. That is how my family came to settle in the Santa Clara Valley from the Mid-west, and why I am traveling throughout the bay this week.

Everyone got their start somewhere, where did you come from???....

Day 15: California Daze

Tuesday I hopped on my bike to get some personal City time for myself. I haven't been to SF since the 3 day music festival 'Outsidelands' in August of 2008, in which may or may not have been the wildest and most shagadelic days of my life. For more info on that, just throw in a Rodrigo y Gabriela CD and I'll yap your ear off about how AAAAwesome it was.

I started trekking thru Golden Gate Park, which contrary to popular opinion is 174acres larger than NY's Central park, and I made one turn and I found myself in a freaking tropical jungle. Its a interesting experience to be surrounded by beautiful and lush fauna, and furthermore surrounded by one of the largest metropolis in the world. I felt like I was inside biodome inside the deathstar. After my Pauly Shore/C3PO adventure, I found my bearings, put some Jimi Hendrix on the iPod, and headed over to the infamous Hippie Hill.

I picked some flowers for you

As I was walking over to the Hill, I was offered various forms of mild altering substances ranging from "Fresh Green Buds" to "Acid Hits". I was only solicted about 8 times, which is below average. Its usually at least 12, and I'm usually already 'OK'. I declined all offers this time around since I had to head back on the road on the bike, and I figure I'd give you a 'Fear and Loathing' entry, sometime in Europe.... disappointing I know, but stay tuned....

Hippie Hill was as interesting as ever, with various forms of Bums (Pirates, Bicyclist), Druggies, Hippies, Religious Shouters, and Drunks interacting and entertaining with antics and shenanigans. Quite amazing how entertaining juggling sticks, playing guitars, and/or just spinning in circles can be. I'm glad that there is still places in the world, where anything goes, and no one really cares. (Within very large reason of course.) And I would be sacreligous if I did not give a fair mention to the never ending drum circle, consisting of at least 10+ drums and people at any given time of any given day. After sitting next to my favorite tree on the Hill for about an hour, I felt it was time to round out my 60's flashback and head down to the Haight-Ashbury.

Nothing extremely notable about my visit to the Haight, but thats not to say it was enjoyable in the least. I find in fun and necessary to take a stroll up and down the old blocks, stop into Amoeba Music, and just take in all the sights and sounds of area which birth such new trends and societal changes. If you haven't been, put it on the to do list. It doesn't disappoint.

I received a quick call while heading back to the bike and made some quick dinner plans with Kristen, Kim, and Evan, all Gauchos Locos. We all met up at some Mexican Restaurant in San Mateo, CA, where they apparently have no noise level restrictions, because Kim said she's been there on more than one occasion. Two pitchers later (which we all concurred, were the smallest pitchers ever) and tales of old times at Cordoba parties, Cocktail soirees, and Highlighter gatherings were recounted. Good times. Kim was utterly impressed with the service.

Kim being 'totally f*cked on ice'. (She practically yelled that at the waiter, while he was still pouring her drink...) But thats why we love her.

Day 16

A day spent in the East Bay, in a wonderful world, where the vineyards are neverending, the fountains flow with wine, and the streets don't know crime--Welcome to Pleasanton, CA.

Kevin M. (of Santa Monica, CA fame) was visiting his new born niece in they bay, so I decided to swing out there and make my presence known. Jessie, Kevin's sister and 12 day brand new mom, was gracious enough to interrupt her baby schedule and allow me a visit with the newborn Rebecca. Something about new borns that bring a certain reverance and awe. (I think its the small finger nails.) It is completely obvious that I'm a rookie at baby handling, since I held Rebecca like she was a ball of unstable nitro-glycerin ready to blow. Kevin's a little better at it, but only like one level on Street Fighter better.

After baby awe-ing, a quick beer, 2 games of air hockey (in which I beat down Kevin with a combined score of 14-1, and I cut his finger), it was time to pick up the ultimate wine afficionato from the BART station, Bill 'Bota Bag' Manson. Kevin and I were thinking of heading to a sport bar to catch the bball playoff game, but once the cork was popped, there was no uncorking in sight. Kevin's dad, Bill, is a purveyor of the finest wines throughout California and the World. He gave me a quick tour of his extensive collection, and proceded to give me a crash course in wine selections and tastes, in addition to all the extensive relationships the different wineries have with one another throughout California. Learning about wine is effing awesome, especially when the professor is funny, informed, and heavy handed. If you need brush up on your wino skills in Northern Cal, give Bota Bag Bill a jingle and I'm sure he'll be obliged to give you a quick course.

Laying waste to the finest of collections

Onward to Monterey, CA in the morning and even further in the future, to the weekend, lies the wasteland known commonly as 'Bay to Breaker'. If you're in the Bay, and desire your greatest wishes to come true, give me a call, and I'll see what I can do for you.

-Angelo

"Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."

-Albert Einstein