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San Isidro Race Track - Buenos Aires

While I was traveling through Buenos Aires I had the opportunity to stop by the horse track that is located not far from the center of town.  It is called San Isidro Hipodromo, and is a pretty cool horse track.  I didn't grow up going to horse races, but after going to the University of Kentucky I became addicted to going to them.  Keeneland horse track was located really close to the University of Kentucky in Lexington, and it is one of the best tracks I have ever been to.   When I heard that there was a track in Buenos Aires I had to go and check it out.

I ended up going with two friends that I had met in Buenos Aires on a Saturday night.  I went with Dan from Australia and Eugenia who is from Bs As.  Neither one of them had ever been to a track before so I was really excited for them.  Eugenia ended up driving us to the track so it was really easy to get there.  It cost like 5 pesos for general admission so it wasn't that expensive.  It turned out to be a great alternative for me, because it was cool to see what locals do and where they hang out.  The horse track is not on every tour guide and "must see" lists in Buenos Aires, but I knew that we'd have a fun day by drinking a couple of Quilmes and betting on a couple horses.

We had arrived with 5 minutes before the betting windows close for the 3rd race.  I usually just lay a bet down no matter what just to do it to see if luck is on my side.  I basically give the house my money, because I never win the first race.  Dan, who bet on a long shot to win, hit the first race and won 90 pesos.  We celebrated a little bit after that, and Dan bought a couple of Quilmes and dinner at the track for the 3 of us.  It wasn't a bad way to start the day!

Casa Caracol - Hostel in Cadiz

One of my favorite cities in souther Spain is Cadiz.  This place is a very popular summer destination, because of its location is right on the beach.  You can't ask for too much more in this little town.  It has a little bit of everything.  You can hit the beach all day, watch the sunset, take a siesta, eat some great food, and find good night life.

I had met some travelers in Tarifa (Spain) who told me that I should stay in this hostel called Casa Caracol (snail in spanish).   They said it was the best hostel in Cadiz.

www.caracolcasa.com and the email is [email protected]

4 Calle Suarez de Salazar

When I arrived at the bus station in Cadiz I was traveling with this girl from Israel.  We got a map of the city and started making our way to the hostel.  It was about a 15 minute walk which wasn't too bad.  When we showed up to the hostel it was 9am.  It turned out there was 1 bed available for 20 Euros.  That really didn't work for 2 people so we were stuck!  This is what happened when you don't book hostels ahead of time while traveling in the Europe during the summer.

Sunset in Cali - Video of the week

The video of the week comes from Pacific Beach, Cali.  The weather has been so so lately, and there hasn't been any sunsets to watch, because it has been cloudy.  I am hanging out with Jason and Rebekah watching the sun go down...too cool.  Peace

5 Euro massages on the Beach in Barcelona, Spain

Here is a video of Hayden getting a massage on the beach in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain is one of my favorite cities in the world.  It has so many things to offer.  During the summer you are able to hit the beach all day long, take a siesta (nap), and then stay out all night!  It is really easy to get to the beach from the street La Rambla.  You just have to head down (south) the street towards the statue of Christopher Columbus.  From there take the Passeig de Colom east around the marina until you can take a right.  Then all you have to do is go straight to get to the beach.  There are 5 main beaches in Barcelona:  Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella, and Bogatell.  I would say that the easiest to get to and closest to La Rambla is Barceloneta.  If you are looking to hang out with the locals of Barcelona I would head to Bogatell!

In this video we were on Barceloneta.  The atmosphere here is unlike any beach I have ever been to.  There is a lot of action up and down the beach.   The first thing you notice is there are women that walk up and down the beach and say "masaje" all day long.  You can get a 5 Euro massage for just your back or a 10 Euro massage for back and legs.  It is kind of weird getting a massage on the beach while everybody around is looking at you, but it is definitely worth it after a long night of partying.   

4th of July outside the States

Being outside the States on 4th of July is definitely a little strange.  After celebrating the 4th of July for 20 years in a row I have been out of the States the last two summers.  I'm excited to be able to B-B-Q and see some fireworks this year.  It is strange being outside the states because no other country celebrates it...I know I know,  why would any other country celebrate our independence day.  Thats not the point.  The point is that I was so used to spending time with friends and family during the 4th.  And having the day off work and just hanging out together is good enough.  When you don't have the same atmosphere for a big day you definitely start to feel a little down while traveling. 

The good news is that you can always celebrate the 4th of July wherever go.  I have been with a lot of people from other countries over the past two years, and you can always get people to celebrate with you.  It is kind of crazy, but I have been in Barcelona the last two summers during the 4th July.  While  I was not able to see fireworks for the 4th I still found plenty to do.

                      

In 2006, Jay, Parker, Gary and me saw The Wailers at Bikini's in Barcelona.  This is probably the best place to see live music in Barcelona.  It is located at:

Deu I Mata   Num 105 and the phone number is 93 322 08 00. 

Ha Long Bay in the morning - Video of the Week

The video of the week is from Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.  I was traveling with Howard, Sven, Zoey, Jen, and Kelly through Asia and we spent 2 days and one night in these islands.  It is very easy to get there.  While you are staying in Hanoi you can book at trip at your hotel or local travel agency.  You do not need to pre-book this trip before you get to Vietnam.  We woke up at 6 am in order to kayak through the Bay.  I was just waking up and able to capture this video...You have to make a stop in Ha Long Bay if you are in Northern Vietnam.  It is an amazing place...