PROJECT BEACH SHACK

We showed up to Monte Clerigo beach ready to work hard creating a surf hostel in exchange for room and board.  We were brought to a cute little structure on the dunes that was black with mold on the outside and a hoarders paradise on the inside. After two weeks of sweat blood and and couple tears this was the end product.... then we were told we had to find somewhere else to stay. Although we were sad to leave our little paradise that we had worked so hard to create; we were extremely happy to leave our host who never once said thanks. 

Its always ourselves we find at the sea

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me) its always ourselves we find at the sea. -E.E Cummings 

While editing these photographs this E.E Cummings poem popped into my head and it just seemed to fit.

You know when you find a place that just seems to make sense in your life, all 
the pieces fit together and when you need it the most you feel incredibly at home although your far from it? You wake up in the morning ready to conqure the day, the world even! This small part of the Algarve, Portugal has had exactly this 
affect on me. The cliffs of Monte Clerigo and Arifanna plummet to the sea where 
incredible beaches are nestled in coves between spectacular rocky points, fresh 
fish grilled whole with a splash of salt is the evening fair, 

local music fills your ears, and friendly people make up your days and nights. 

When I travel im always inspired by the people, landscape, local foods, etc but I dont always feel like I fit in, and very rarely do I find a place that I could 
stay and make a home. Its a beautiful thing to find that special place 

where you could spend the rest of your days.

MONTE CLERIGO

 (Photos by Thomas Van Hollebeke)

Taking walks on this beautiful beach first thing in the morning is the best way to start a day. 

Wild

Truckin

We have been driving and camping along the Spanish coast now for a week, what a beautiful place it is. Blissful days filled with beach snoozes, hikes through green fields, surf, friendly people, and the best cafe con leches I have ever tasted. Nights full of cricket songs, tumbling waves, and veggies cooked on open beach fires. I love Spain.

Te amo San Sebastian

Stairway to the sea

Picked up these little leather treats at an open air market (had to get two, one looked too lonely)

The enchanted wood around the castle

Teeny tiny natural planter on the roof of the castle

awestruck

TAPAS TAPAS everywhere

(Photos by Thomas Van Hollebeke and Me)

We just spent three magical days in the city of San Sebastian where life seems to be utterly perfect. Not only does the city have georgous immaculate beaches (one for surf, and one calm bay for swimming), but its also complete with a castle nestled on top of a lush green hill covered in wildflowers and neon moss. The river that runs through the center turns an impossibly beautiful cobolt blue at sunset, bike/ longboard lanes snake through the entire city, the architecture is a wonderful balance of old and new,  and the people are some of the nicest I have encountered thus far.... the list could go on and on. But the food... ohhh the tapas are to die for. When you walk into most bars in the old town they cover the bar just waiting to be gobbled up. Fresh seafood on skewers drizzled in delicious sauces, brochettes, frogs legs, grilled vegetables... to many choices, its impossible to choose just one.

So as you might be able to tell i'm heartbroken to be leaving this heaven tomorrow.... but very exciting things are on the horizon.

Recycled Leather

 (Photos by Thomas)

I got these black leather shorts at a store in Paris called Kiliwitch. They are made from recycled leather jackets and are the perfect combo of sporty, chic, and comfy. Now that the sun is out I finally get to recover them from the bottom of the bag. 

We made it to Spain about two days ago and have been wandering around the majestic city of San Sebastian. I have fallen completely in love with this city by the sea. The past couple days have been absolutely perfect. I have so many photos to share when I recover from my tapas hangover.

Au revoir France

  One of my favorite purchases in France was this Elixir ( I must admit I bought it just because it had the word elixir in it). A spritz on my face after putting on mascara to give myself that slept in my make up, disheveled look I strive for.

 (Photos by Thomas and Me)

After spending the last week frolicking around southwest France then camping on the magnificent beaches in Biarritz and Anglet it seems ill do anything to prolong my stay. Then I remember my next destination is San Sebastian Spain and all dread melts away. Well France its been a wonderful four months, thank you for all you have to offer.

Yummy

This tasty little Framboise tart will be in my dreams tonight. My chalet in Val D'isere was right next to a world famous bakers boulangerie (bakery) that sold the most delicious (unhealthy) treats. I couldn't walk past the shop without drooling at the pretty little cakes in the window. Why don't we have stuff like this in the states? It was just so beautiful i had to share it with all of you.