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Gritty documentary about life in the Basque country in the early 21st Century. Amazon synopsis – “A portrait and exploration of the language and traditions of the Basques and a look at the political nature of the region. Featuring archive footage and interviews with the likes of poets, musicians, terrorists and the people whose lives have been affected by violence.” Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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OK, so this is Notes from Spain, and we are going to get back to podcasting from Spain just as soon as we can. Right after we get back from one more trip to Oxford this weekend! Plus, keep an eye out for a couple of exciting new projects in the pipeline. Let’s just say there’ll be more in Spanish and a lot more on food!
Until then, one last pic from India: phoning Spain from the backpackers paradise of Palolem Beach (photo by my father). What a place to make a call! Did you hear the India podcast yet? Or see the photos?
Technorati Tags: India
At last, the India podcast. I hope it conveys the outstanding time I had in those two weeks.
Click here to see the photos.
Thanks again to all that sponsored me – all the money I raised through your generous donations, 1750 pounds sterling (half the cost of the trip), went directly to the charities you hear about at the end of the podcast: The Rainbow Trust, The Mother Theresa Educational And Charitable Society, and the World Wild Life Fund.
Let me know what you think in the comments below, and if you are interested in taking part in Enduro India, then see their web page.
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Luzia – Paco de Lucia
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This was my first introduction to the Flamenco guitar legend Paco de Lucia, and having listened to most of his albums since, this still stands as my long term favorite. It transcends earlier, more traditional albums, with Paco somehow managing to make it sound like he’s playing up to 3 guitars at the same time, jumping from pulse racing tracks that get me jumping out of my chair, to slower, more intense and emotionally charged works. Not one for the traditionalists perhaps, but certainly an evocative, emotional introduction to the skills of the world’s greatest Flamenco guitarist. (If you need more convincing, just check out the reviews via the Amazon.com link below.) Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  |
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A couple for the bikers… UPDATE: Click here to see all the photos.
Y aqui en (terrible) español, ¡para mi foro motero favorito!
For the last two weeks or so, I had been thinking that I wanted to see the film GANDHI by Richard Attenborough again. Coincidence or not, two or three nights ago I was at my parents and what film was on telly that night? GANDHI. But even more funny was what Ben asked me yesterday when he phoned me from Heathrow airport: “Do you know what film I saw on the plane back from India?” For me there was no doubt, it had to be GANDHI… and it was.
There are two things that fascinate me from the film. India; its people, its culture, its history and of course Gandhi himself; his way of thinking based on non-violient resistance and his persistance. I find him really inspiring. If you want to know more about Gandhi, apart from the film which is superb, I would recommend his autobiography called “The story of my experiments with truth”.
Anyway, I’ll be picking Ben up from Madrid airport in a couple of hours, I’m sure he will have more books & films to recommend to put his India podcast in perspective.
Take care,
— Marina.
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The Rough Guide to Spain
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I’ve used this book to travel all over Spain during the last six years and have only been let down once – just watch out for the hostel in Alicante that is described as ‘reasonably clean’. Apart from that this guide is packed with useful information, interesting facts and detailed descriptions of all Spain’s cultural highlights. If you are wondering which of the big guides to go for, look no further. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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I have completed the 2006 Enduro India Rally! 2,000 km around rural Southern India in 2 weeks (11 days riding), on a classic Royal Enfield motorbike – and, despite the most appalling (sorry, interesting) local driving techniques on the planet, I am still in one piece! It has been an amazing adventure, the hardest thing I have ever done, and one of the most rewarding. Thanks again to all those that supported me, you’ll be hearing all about it when I get back and have time to edit the podcast (I’m back in Spain on Saturday 4th)
What I can say is that India is the most amazing country I have ever had the pleasure to visit, with the most radiantly friendly people I have ever encountered. If you have ever thought of doing anything like this, then all I can say is just do it! No more excuses – make a commitment to take that trip, to live in that country for a while, to start that business, to take on whatever challenge you have been procrastinating about for years… believe me, as cliched as it might sound, there is a lot to be said for living your dreams…
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Sex and Lucia
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One of the most erotic films to have come out of Spain in the last few years. Paz Vega is dazzling as the sensuous girl who falls in love with a troubled young writer. A clever, twisting story and beautifully shot scenes of Madrid and the island wastes of Formentera make this a classic piece of cinema. Pick up a copy at: Amazon.co.uk (Europe)  Amazon.com (USA)  |
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Tea in Munnar!
The best day yet today, down stunning mountain roads from Kodai, across the plains then up through spectacular tea plantations that carpeted endless rolling hills – without doubt the most movingly beautiful road I have ever seen.
Two days riding left, then one days rest before heading back to the UK. I feel like I could ride acroos India for months, and hope that very soon I will… Still, this has been an introduction beyond all expectations. I highly recommend it! Hasta pronto!
Notes from Spain by Ben Curtis 