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Ready. Steady. Spain. Miles of sunflowers, not so easy Easy Jet, off the path islands, a hefty amount of ham (don’t tell my rabbi) and a whole lot of house. Weekend recap from start to finish…go!

Stay. Marques de Riscal.
Friday. 10 PM.

As I arrive at Marques des Riscal hotel, the quiet of night descends upon Elciego, a small town in the Rioja region. But even under the wash of night, it’s clear that this isn’t your average hotel. Designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry, Marques des Riscal is a sensory experience. The architecture brags, the Baccarat stemware chimes, the avant-garde culinary creations stews…  It’s a clash of titans here, so keep your eyes, ears and taste buds peeled… and some serious sipping. 

#FollowFriday: What kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t take you w/ me? Hit the road… #Gehry designed hotel #Spain http://bit.ly/aYUTVg 6:51 PM Aug 13th via TweetDeck

Frank Gehry architecture, Riscal #Wine, dreamy view of vineyards and now, some sleep. (@ Marques de Riscal) http://4sq.com/bHaMFn 7:04:06 PM EDT via foursquare 

Ransack Vineyards.
Friday. Midnight.

Marques de Riscal was founded in 1860 and was one of the first wineries in the Rioja region to introduce French winemaking techniques. Gehry may have reconstructed the original cellar and hotel, but don’t’ let the pink and gold titanium fool you; the 19th century, Bordeaux chateaux still produces the radest rioja in the region. And if you’re one of the lucky 14 to snag a room, you get to grope the grapes all night long…right outside your door…. brimming your terrace… in the comfort of your robe. 

Drive. Elciego to Madrid.
Saturday. 9 AM. 

Take the high road from the medieval town of Elciego in Northern Spain. This is Basque Country, where limestone mountain ranges and chamomile valleys whisper a story of a vibrant culture and great history. It’s a place where family recipes and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next; where food is King and wine… well she’s the Queen. Don’t let those Hertz agents fool you - there are automatics here. But be warned… the roadies will laugh at you, and honk at you, and belittle you with their engines. Just steer clear of the left lane…  for more notes from the road follow up with Follow (Me) Friday

 #Sunflowers for miles… The road from Rioja #Spain. Beautiful. 7:23:49 AM EDT 

Pit Stop. Segovia.
Saturday. 2 PM. 

Thanks to friend and tweeter @xoxojojo, a spontaneous pit stop in Segovia was in order. Neighbored by Burgos and Valladolid to the north, Avila to the west and Madrid to the south, Segovia’s prime location on the route of the Camino de Santiago de Madrid is super convenient, and story-book beautiful to boot. Recognized as a world heritage site in 1985, Segovia is overflowing with Spanish spirit. Young couples kiss along the ridge overlooking the point where the Rio Eresman and Rio Clamores meet; families snap shots in front of the stone aqueduct; bikers glide through the cobblestone town and lazy backpackers wander the shops surrounding the plaza. You could simply spend a day, or let yourself get lost in its charm…  

Pit Stop. #Segovia. At the suggestion of @pattymayo116 and @xoxolovejo #spain! via UberTwitter 

 As good as its reputation? Or a tourist trap? Let’s see… (@ Meson Candido) http://4sq.com/bnnzs3 August 14, 2010 9:01:26 AM EDT via foursquare 

#ViewFrom Segovia… http://tweetphoto.com/3893279 August 14, 2010 12:14:02 PM EDT via UberTwitter

Take Off. Madrid to Ibiza.
Saturday. 7 PM. 

Dialogue: I’m sorry but nothing about @EasyJet is easy… #Bigmistake #airline August 14, 2010 12:28:23 PM EDT via UberTwitter

@EasyJet: @jetsetfarryn Sorry you experienced problems with us. Let me know if you need any help 7:17 AM Aug 15th via CoTweet in reply to jetsetfarryn

 I’m wondering if I can woo them with wine… RT @InsiderPerks: @jetsetfarryn It’s easy to get frustrated :) via UberTwitter 

Viva La #Ibiza (@ T1 - Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas (MAD)) http://4sq.com/92OV5K August 14, 2010 1:41:26 PM EDT via foursquare