People, Places, Things

Seattle, WA, USA.

OK, that's my town, there's a whole page about what I did in a couple of weeks there. Click here to read it!

Corsica, France.

Although it’s probably true that the lifestyle I lead might seem like a permanent vacation to most folks, the truth is that the travel, the gigging, the recording and all the rest is hard work and it is certainly tiring. Ok, it’s not digging ditches, working a farm or in a factory somewhere (and I haven’t forgotten those days either!) but all the miles do add up after awhile and the chance to get away from it all for just relaxation is just as important for me as for any other "worker". I had the chance to visit the island of Corsica for 7 days in late June and I am so lucky that I did.

Corsica is located to the south of France in the Mediteranian sea and it’s basically one big mountain made of granite sitting in the middle of the sea. It’s a large island with the largest city and capital being Ajaccio which is located in the northwest. Most of the population lives very near the coast and so the interior is sparcely populated but that’s nice if you need a little room to breath. Corsica is full of tall and very rugged mountains, some of them still snow covered even in late June. Those mountains pretty much run down the middle of the island just like a backbone. From there the rest of the land gently rolls down into the ocean. It’s very green everywhere that I saw but admittedly a visit of seven days doesn’t allow for a whole lot of sightseeing (especially if your main occupation is hanging out on the beach, soaking up sun and swimming in the clear and warm waters of the Mediteranian). I did have the chance to drive through some of those mountains though and it’s really worth the effort if you can. Many of the roads are quite small and narrow and often in poor repair (basically just paved sheep paths) so it’s a trip that should be taken slowly and carefully. There’s a lot of bad drivers on the islands I must also say and mixed into that there are the tourists who are not paying any attention to where they are going so it’s a dangerous combination. Do take care when your driving but nevertheless it’s so beautiful high up in those rugged hills and mountains. There are lots of backpackers and camping from what I saw. There’s a great internet site that I found that you might look at if you interested. It’s fun reading, interesting as hell and all you have to do is click www.corsica-isula.com/. I stayed in Sartena which is located towards the south of the island. This little village of about 3500 people is located at the top of some steep mountains with only one road in and one road out but it’s also only 13Kand an easy drive to the beachs of Propriano where I spent most of my afternoons. Sartena is built from granite stones and is full of beautiful little streets with alleys and stairs and balconies. You need good leg muscles though because there is a lot of climbing to do here. Located on a hilltop like it is, the vistas where really stunningly beautiful. I found the people here to be quite friendly and kind, not like the folks who live in the more touristy coastal towns. The nearby ocean waters were clear, clean, green and wonderful to swim in. To compliment that the days were hot and perfectly suited for beach life (it’s going to be really difficult to swim in the cold waters by Concarneau I think!). Really, I did nothing more during these 7 days then sleep, eat, read, swim and, and ………. I guess that’s about it. Oh yeah- I did play my 12-string everyday but playing guitar is something I do everyday, not because it’s work (which it IS at times) but because I enjoy playing my guitar just for the pleasure of the music AND to be able to do so in such a beautiful place is really just one of lifes great rewards. A new song just naturally climbed out of the guitar during that week and it’s no surprise that the song is a happy little jump. I do hope I get the chance to come back to Corsica one soon! Higly recommended!!

Hokkaido, Paris, France.

I just want to tell you about a restaurant in Paris. A simple place that serves sushi. Is this strange, me telling you about a Japanese restaurant in Paris? Perhaps. I've just recently discovered this wonderful food but I love it immensely. The name of this place is Hokkaido at 165,Av. Jean Jaures- 75019 Paris (Metro: Ourcq). Phone at 01 42 01 85 17. This is a small place with maybe 15 tables. Their specialty is Yakitori sushi sashimi but they also have barbecued meats like chicken, beef and pork served on skewers. Of course why eat this when you can have the wonderfully prepared raw fish with rice? Hokkaido is owned and run by a nice, smiling man and his wife. He buys the fishhimself early each morning and prepares it for you at a small bar in front of the restaurant. I watched him do so last night and he is a true artist with that knife. The fish is always fresh and so tasteful. I always take the "S" menu which is 5 different kinds of fish on top of rice balls and 5 nice pieces of maki (rice and fish rolled up in fresh seaweed).We also drink a nice bottle of Tavel wine which never overpowers the delicate flavors of the main coarse. Served with miso soup and a small salad, the 2 of us ate for less than 250 FF. It's also quite filling. Perhaps this is not such an exotic "place" to write about but hey, I love it and I know you will too. Check it out if you can.

Concarneau, France.

I guess it would be appropriate to write here about my 2nd home. Many friends ask me "Why Concarneau, France"? Well, besides the friends that I made on the first night I ever gigged there, Concarneau is also a pretty little seaside city in the very west part of France (Bretagne). It has a perfectly restored fort in the middle of the harbor that was built in Napoleons days and miles and miles of perfect sandy beaches for summer swimming, girl watching or just hanging out on. Concarneau is basically a fishing town with a medium size fleet of boats that bring in lots of tuna, mackeral and other kinds of seafood. There is also a very active ship building center there that keeps lots of men and woman working year around. I guess tourism is the largest industry though. The city swells from maybe 8,000 in the winter months to over 20,000 during the summer. Folks from all over Europe spend their vacations there. I enjoy it mostly because my friends The Blind Doctors live there but I have lots of other friends as well. People in this part of France have a long tradition of being travelers and Ifind them to be very comfortable with strangers and foreigners like myself. I also have learned to love the Celtic traditions of culture and music that is so much a part of these peoples lives. I don't want to sound like a commercial here because, like most cities, it has its problems. But for a visit or 2 I think you'll see what I'm talking about. Like all of France, the food, wine, scenery and people has helped make Concarneau a place I like to think of as home.

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