Quality of Life

Jen and I have spent the last four days in a small town on the coast of Spain called Cadaquez. It was originally supposed to be my first actual days off in two years, but I still haven’t found anyone who can fill in for me with respect to creating the news stories at PokerNews, so I had to work two or three hours a day, but we definitely made the most of the rest of those days.

We rented a scooter, and drove all up and down Costa Brava. A place that particularly fascinated me was a place called Cap de Creus. It’s the point of land near where the Atlantic, and Mediterranean meet, so the winds can get to 140 mph, and are often in the 20-30 mph range. This place is essentially untouched, and you have about a 140 degree view where you literally cannot see one sign of civilization. Just like it was about, oh, 1,000 years ago. There is a lighthouse at the top of the cape, and, oddly enough, an old, beat up Indian restaurant (at least a restaurant that serves Indian food). The view is unique among all the places I have been in my life, and I’m not sure I wanted to leave.

In Cadaquez, you hear people talk about quality of life…..a lot, and you realize they have it in spades. Sure, there aren’t many places with high speed internet, and there are maybe 10 or 12 restaurants in the whole town. But, the people here lead full, rich lives. Lives that simply aren’t possible in Los Angeles. They manage to make a living, have kids, laugh, and have a roof over their head….all in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The words ‘quality of life’ are dirty words to some people I know, and I think my visit here has prompted me to seek more of it. I hope I can hold to this, and the desire doesn’t disappear when the views do. See you all soon.

Viva Espana!!

I landed yesterday in Barcelona for the EPT tournament here. Jen and I had a big question facing us, which was the host hotel was a ridiculous $500/night (for a Hilton??....I don't think so. I wouldn't spend $500/nt for Paris Hilton. Nicky....maybe. But, I digress), and so we needed to sort out some accomodation. The travel queen came up big, and landed us an apartment right on the water for about $130 a night.



This place is right in the sweet part of town, actually in a park (parca Diagonal Mar), and 5 minutes from the biggest shopping food place in town (also 5 minutes from the host hotel).

the Wifi was broken at first, which sapped my soul for day one, but I am up, and in business now for day two. The apartment is awesome, with Hardwood floors and a great view. There is a court right below us for this fascinating game....1/2 paddle tennis, 1/2 raquetball. There is no out of bounds, and the back wall on each side is in play, so the defensive play is to play a lob off the back wall. Can you tell I was partially raised in a tennis family?



I really want to give it a shot, and my Spanish is probably just good enough, but alas, the 35 pounds working in the poker world has 'given' me probably tells me I should stay on the sideline.

The tournament starts tomorrow, and I am off to the beach. See you soon.