Last night I caught a half-hour program on "The 13 Wonders of Spain" where this particular installment was all about Tarragona. I've been to Tarragona, and I didn't like it. And after seeing this show about it, I can't figure out why I didn't like it! I think it was my fault. I went on a day trip from Barcelona and didn't know a thing about the city or its history and I both went without a map and didn't pick one up. I literally just wandered around, which can sometimes be a fine way to discover a place, but clearly it wasn't right for my visit to Tarragona on that particular trip. I shall return. It looks, on second viewing, amazing.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - Charlie Manton - photo - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Tarragona, Spain ★
Photo courtesy of Charlie Manton

Yikes. Now that's a food fight! I only hope the photographer's camera survived, sans stains. Tomato bits seem like they'd be a B to get off a lens. To say nothing of attempting to remove the inevitable, lingering tomato smell! Yuck.

Ah, Tomatina.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - flydime - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Buñol, Spain ★
Photo courtesy of flydime

I have a cell phone. But it's nearly always off. I've never understood the desire to be available 24/7, to anyone. And texting or SMS? I've finally trained my friends not to. I don't have a plan for that with my carrier, and I don't want - or need - one! But a bike. It's been years since I've owned a bike and that could be really fun and handy. Way more fun and handy than a cell phone. If you ask me.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - vanarts - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Barcelona, Spain ★
Photo courtesy of vanarts

Tapas, anyone? Wish I could teleport to one of these Barcelona tapas spots this afternoon, for lunch. I have a strong craving for patatas bravas right now.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - maartje, unicorns are magical, mickle229 - if they are so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Barcelona, Spain ★
Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of maartje, unicorns are magical, mickle229

I don't know about you, but once I hit 30 it became a chore to drag my butt out to a club. Actually, if I'm being honest, it was a chore to get me out drinking and dancing all the way through my 20s. American clubs are such meat markets. At least the ones that I went to in college in L.A. and Vegas, and as a young adult in the San Francisco Bay Area. Boo! I have better things to do that don't involve a $20 cover and sleazy men reminding me to Smile! and groping me as I attempt to pass by and get to the Ladies Room, which is packed to overflowing with girls on god only knows what, wearing next to nothing, applying another coat of lipstick to reestablish the hooker look. It was fun a few times pre-25 and then, it got old. And so did I. At the ripe old age of 33 now, I refuse to do the club scene anymore Stateside. Outside of The States is another story altogether though. Strangely more tolerable. Enjoyable even.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographers - Alex-Skywalker and b_juhasz - if they so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Spain ★
Photo courtesy of Alex-Skywalker

Location: Paris, France ★
Photo courtesy of b_juhasz

Ever since I first set eyes on a photo of the little whitewashed Spanish town of Cadaques, and learned it wasn't somewhere in Greece as I'd assumed, I have dreamed of going there. I tried in 2002 but had to forgo my plans due to an illness while I was in Barcelona. Another time. For sure. I hadn't considered renting a scooter, but this looks like fun! What a charming-looking little place. I'm so curious to see if it's as lovely as person as it is in pictures.

Your comments on this image are welcome, and encouraged! And a question for the photographer - wyswit - if s/he is so inclined: Is there anything special about this moment, day, trip, or place beyond what you've shared on Flickr that you'd like to add or comment on here? Along with other vivaca visitors, I would love to know more!

Location: Cadaques, Spain ★
Photo courtesy of wyswit