Its my Madrid in a box...

Angel with Toledo forged sword standing watch in front of the Toledo fortress...

Day 12

Toledo... The biggest small medieval city within 45miles of Madrid...

My first weekend trip to somewhere out side of Madrid was quite splendid. Kara and I caught the bus out to this quaint tourist trap of 3euro water bottles and overpriced fake swords (S-words). At this point, I am still very much enjoying the touristy things that I am sure will lose their luster in months to come. We met up with some girls from my English course and we started tromping around the pueblo. The Toledo church/cathedral is beyond impressive (as with most churches I have seen here in Europe). The intricate artistry and stonework is so detailed, that it had to take several lifetimes to complete. As amazing as it was, I was not going to pay the 10euro to go past the foyer. But I would have paid a couple hundred euro if they let me go down into the Catacombs... Thats where all the magic happens.

Of course no trip would be complete without me going around the tourist town being louder than necessary, and acting like an octopus. (Soy Pulpo, Soy Pulpo)

After a couple can~as (small cups of beer), some grub, good laughs, and Bebhinn acting like a superheroe, it was time to head back to the homebase in Madrid. And great tourist days always lead into good drinking nites, everyone knows that.

Day 13

In addition to having Kara in towne, my roommates have made our couches available on couchsurers.com... For those of you that don't know couchsurfing, its a free website that connects empty couches with willing surfers. Basically, free rooms for people that don't mind sleeping on a couch. Its quite a cool site and my first experience with couch surfers was a good one. Bridgette and Veronica are internationals (Austrian & Latvia) visiting from Ireland where they work. They decided to pick up for the weekend and check out Madrid. It was great having them and its always cool to have more diversity and fun in the group when you go out... We hit a couple of good bars and showed them some cool parts of Madrid (not that they needed a guide, every part of Madrid is cool) Dancing with friends, Laughing at foolishness, and Rocking out to those American Classics (Ain't no Mountain High Enough was a personal favorite) was the theme for the evenings. Good times, and I hope to see more couch surfers in the near future...

Day 14

After a late night of dancing and singing... The couchsurfers and Kara coerced me out of my cocoon of a bed and herded me toward 'El Rastro'. El Rastro is the large swapmeet that congregates every Sunday in the barrio of La Latina. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors (mainly tourist) gather to buy, sell, and trade things of percieved value. The surfers loved it, I'm assuming because the stopped at every earring stand. Kara and I had enough after about an hour and we moved on to El Parque Retiro. I wouldn't see the couchsurfers again after the flea market, which is interesting to think how people can come and go into your life. A quick two day sharing of life and then life moves on. What kind of impact can people have on your life in such a short time?.... Just a thought... We officially friends since facebook says so, and I will talk to them again, so there is no time for lamenting here, just ponderance.

The park was fabulous as always, and I took a much needed nap underneath the trees and clouds. I have started to make it a habit of keeping my awesome handmade pillow (thank you Beth) in my backpack so I can make sudden stops in the park for the much copied but never replicated, Spanish Siesta. Its so easy, yet so awesome. After some park time, people watching, and Circus performers, Kara and I headed to El Prado, Spains most notorious museum to get our 'art' on...

El Parque Retiro used to its full potential...

One could spend days going thru the Prado discovering every remarkable piece of art and reveling in the skill portrayed. But, since we showed up at 8, we just ran to all the important ones. I have always like Goya, but after seeing the massive canvasses up close and personal, he shot up the ranks of amazing artist in the Angeloco log of awesome artists. (Not that I'm an art major, but he's pretty fantastic) The use of dark colors and shadows is morbid and at the same time amazing/aweinspiring. All this artistry got us hungry, so the next stop of course would be a Tapas Festival....

We headed over to 'El Palacio de Deportes', which reminds me of America West Arena (Now U.S. Airways) , which was filled with about 40 different Tapas Vendores serving up Tapas from Normal to Exotic (Pig ears was the most exotic I got). We filled ourselves full of delicious flavors from all around Spain and rolled ourselves home. A long day to say the least and a good time had by all... More stories too come... Stay tuned my loyal followers, Angeloco is still rolling along thru Spain!!

And as always, the open hospitality offer stands. Just ask Bridgette and Veronica...

-Angelo

Yo Canto a Madrid....

I know its been a while. It has been difficult to update, but I am diligently trying to keep you informed...... and here we go...

Fountain in Plaza de Espana overlooking the playful Madrilenos...

Day 7

I have accomplished a lot since I have arrived in Madrid. I have found housing, I have found my bearings throughout the city, I have purchased my 'abono' which is my month long metro pass which has my picture on the front (It made me feel like a true Madrile~no, and yet i don't know how to put the tilde above the n), and I have taken naps in El Parque Retiro. The first class of Canterbury English went well, not everything I hoped for, but at the same time it is giving me lots of information that will be needed in weeks, months, and years to come...

Last nite, Mark, my new roommate took me out to discover all the different barrios of Madrid... Bars varying from Rock/Punkrock/Rockabilly with the tattooed societal rejects to the Corrida (Bullfighting) bar with the 50-60 year olds dancing the Flamenco at 2am, to the Flamenco bar, where no one was dancing the flamenco, but the walls were adorned with the guitars of the Flamenco greats. The variations found throught out the City Centre of Madrid puts any international city to shame... When I come across a city that can rival Madrid's culture, people, and pride, I will let you know. The beauty of the landscape, the culture, and the women (I couldn't leave them out) is breathtaking.... Lots of walking, and a lot of city to take in one night, but with a guide like Mark, the city is very manageable.

After class, I head toward Plaza de Espana to relax and take in the city. I enjoy watching the city dwellers enjoy their Monday afternoon. I don't feel the stress of a normal industrial city. I see people removing their shoes, rolling up their jeans, and tromping around in large fountains. I watch the adults play in the fountain like children, as the large statues oversee, guardians of the peace and facilitators of play. Again, I'm reminded that priorities lie in the right places in Madrid. People live to live, instead of live to work. Priorities that can be forgotten amidst the hustle and noise of large American cities. As much fun as I am having walking all throughout the city, my feet are taking a beating. Blisters that I have not had before start to pop up. Walking a minimum of 5 miles per day will do that I guess. Especially when the most walking I ve done before is from my truck to my office. Its amazing how much better you feel when you walk more than you sit in front of your computer. Everyone should enjoy a great Metro system, walk everywhere, and lose your car.....

Day 8

Another day of pleasant surprises. A day full of much needed classes and quick nap (siesta) and I'm prepared to face my evening. Madrilenos all know the need of a good afternoon nap. How else can you stay up till 3am every night? I meet up with my friend Cat right out Parque Retiro. We catch some drinks with some new found German and English friends at an Italian cafe, and then we head into the park. The moon has just risen as we stroll thru the well lit trees and gardens. The orchestra is playing classics that I don't know the name of, but yet it still fills everyone with tranquility, hope, and peace. That is when the fireworks start. A random tuesday nite and I find myself listening to the Madrid philharmonic accompanied by fireworks towering over the lake in Retiro Park. The explosions puncuate the drum beats and the 'rockets red glare' illuminate the faces of children and adults alike. Not much can top an orchestra concert and fireworks. I grab a few late nite drinks with my new German friends and I head back home. Just another Tuesday in Madrid.

Smoke filled air surrounding the horsemen in the middle of the Lake at Parque Retiro.

Day 9

Tonite I said goodbye to a good new friend, Daniel. He is a French national leaving Madrid to head on to Peru for more studies. I head over to his going away party which consisted of some awesome cake and some well mixed drinks. Lots of good bye hugs and kisses were bestowed upon him from all his Spanish friends. I will miss him especially because I was very comfortable speaking with him in Spanish (he knows at least 3 languages, like most internationals I meet here) He is one of the nicest people I have met along my travels thus far, and I can't wait to visit Paris in the very near future.

Michael, Daniel, y Nico.... at the end of the good bye party....

Day 10

My first visitor from the States has arrived. WKRP Madrid is in towne, broadcasting live!! Kara has put aside living the auditor dream for 3 weeks and has taken me up on my offer of room and tour guide in Madrid. After class on Friday I go pick her up from downtown and bring her to my esquisite apartment. Kara and I take a small stroll down my street, just so I can show her parts of Madrid that are not tourist central. We head back to my 'Palace on Extremadura' and we get ready for the night. We get ready and head out to a Canterbury English gathering of teachers and students for some jarras (pitchers) de sangria. A couple hours of schmoozing and jabbering and we head out with a group of 20 to some bars. We started with 20, but the walk to the next bar took us an hour, so we ended up with only 10 when we finally go there, but it was worth it. The club played a variety of 90-early 2000 pop along with several Spanish favorites. Everyone was reminded of there teenage years as 'Backstreet's Back Alright' Pulsed thru the speakers. I mean, i'm not Nick Carter Conisseur, but to see all the girls scream, laugh, cry when the BB came on was hilarious. And they just love dancing to that shit.... go figure. After hours of dancing, and drinks, Kara and I catch the niteline busses home. Thankfully they drop us off right in front of my doorstep, and the night comes to an easy close.

Kara and Angelo in Toledo... Story to come...

So, my time thus far has been good, and I look forward to more escapades. As always, if we are both in Spain, and you are outside, and feel like hanging out.... Just start yelling... I mean... thats what Kara did.......

-Angelo

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-Helen Keller

First Contact...

Much has happened since we last spoke, so lets not waste our breath.

Park right by the Royal Palace and 15min walk from my apartment. Notice how the fountain accents the sunbathers so perfectly.

Day 4
My arrival was not marked with any spectacle. The Barajas airport provides enough action that nothing exciting needs to happen to me, I was happy being an observer. Still dragging my imitation punching bag around, I am trying not to look like a big American tourist with a giant target on my back saying "Pick my Pocket". Fortunately nothing of the sort happened and I ambled on to the Metro. I didn't see much outdoor scenery on my underground trip into the city,but I was so intrigued by the Metro itself, I didn't need any. I had my directions to my hostel,and had studied them, but putting those directions into action in a busy airport is someting completely different. I arised from the Metro station expecting the Sun to be down as it is now 9:30 when I arrived, but to my surprised it was still early twilight. (not the book, Riggs stop screaming like a girl)

Pretty exhausted from last nite and with an early morning ahead of me I decided to call it an early and have a night in. Fortunately for me, there's a bar in my hostel. Cat's Hostel was highly recommended for its well managed facilities and high concetration of international youth all meeting at their bar. I met travelers from all parts of the world, most smoking their fags (cigarettes) and drinking their liters (yes served in liters and it is a quarter of the price of a pint in Ireland). Several aquaintances made quickly each giving their story of how they made it here, where they plan to go, and what crazy shenanigans have occured along their way. Like I said, I hung out with these travelers, had a beer, and called it a nite around two. The rest of the young global spelunkers headed out to the bars at 2 as per normal with this part of the world....

Day 5

Today was my orientation for Canterbury English, the english academy I will be taking courses from this month, in order to receive my TEFL certificate and start to generate some income to support my travels. Much information was given and many new friends made. About 9 students showed up in the morning and with quick introductions all around, I've made an instant 9 new friends in a foreign country, which is double Gabe has in his hometown. Two of them, Marcus and Caroline, are from Tempe and lived less than a mile from my house off Broadway. The chances of meeting in Madrid have to be up there with my catching swine flu. (Which is
about nil to 0 for all you hyperchrondriacs out there)

After the orientation, I headed out to go find a roof over my head. I had been emailing Mark, a canterbuty grad, and went out to check out the digs, and I am very glad I did. The apartment is nothing super special, but its big for Madrid (and a lot of other places) standards,it has two balconies, and is really international. The roommates consist of 1 italian, 1 german, 1 frenchman, and 1 american (Mark). We hung out for a little bit and I decided that this would be a great place, especially under such quick circumstances.

I headed back to my hostel where I my room full of Irishmen and women. We exchange stories and jokes and political views. My time with them only reaffirmed my belief that the Irish are some of the friendlies people on the planet. With that being said, everypeople have their flaws. In the middle of the night, with everyone asleep, one of Irish, snockered to all hell,fell face first out of the top bunk, proceeded to stand up, find the closes locker, and give it a golden shower. He came perilously close to peeing on the Irishgirl in the bottom bunk, but thankfully she snapped out of bed and took him to the head. Just another night of hostel living.
Que loco. This all happened in the dark at 5 in the morning.

Back to earlier...I had a beer with them, got ready, and
headed back to the city centre to meet up with my new found Canterbury friends.
Our group met at Sol,the tourist nigthlife center of Madrid, in front of the Bear and strawberry tree. (Apparently the most famous of spanish statues) We start tramping around Madrid led by Cat, a Madrid resident since January but new to the class. She new a few sweet spots including the underground Sangria bar 'Sesamo'. The smoke fills your lungs and clouds your eyes as you adventure underground to find people laughing, talking, singing, and of course drinking as they listen to the Spanish pianist throw out some classic spanish ditties (Ditties Ditties Ditties).
A little touristy, but I feel a bit like a tourist at this point, so it was good.

Three or four more bars with all my new friends and I call it a night. A great first night out in Madrid with brand new friends. The City at night is beautiful beyond compare and the people are non-stop. A great time was had by all, and sleep was needed... I head back to the hostel for some Irish escapades as mentioned before...

The first two nights have gone well, and additional post are on the way... My comp is still down hence the long waits between posts.

My friend Kara has already taken me up on my offer to come stay with me in Spain! She arrives in two days! And you too can enjoy what really matters in life... food, drink, friends, and siestas!!

You know where to find me...

-Angelo

"Nothing should be out of reach of hope. Life is hope."
-Oscar Wilde

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

Countdown...

I'm leaving in less than 6 hours. ThAnks to everyone who's helped me along the way. Stay tuned. I promise more updates very soon. Viva espana.


"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, Learn as if you'll live forever." -Ghandi

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