The horses seemed to snort with a mix of impatience and contempt as we approached. The intoxicatingly bitter smell of leather and the creaking of strapping saddles provided a soundtrack to this early morning ritual.

https://open.substack.com/pub/travelogues/p/cowboy-for-the-weekend?r=1834ue&utm_medium=ios

Monday Moodles (WORD OF THE WEEK)

WORD –DEARTH (noun | duh-rth)

DEFINITION – 

a scarcity or lack of something.

USAGE: 

1. Animals are leaving this place because there is a dearth of trees due to deforestation.

2. The dearth of money going into cancer research is putting many lives in danger.

Brain washing. Never let your self get brainwashed. Always seek for the truth. 🧠🚿😌 #wordillustration #pun #illustrationartists #illustration #sketchbetche #brainwash #art #artsy #cute #eyes #purple #tag #tagsomeone #tagafriend #meme #sketchbookdrawing #learning #inspired #sketchbook #followart #followformore #dm (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_g0-VUjbCu/?igshid=m81fmriar0n4

@vsattui is a vineyard of quiet beauty nestled in St. Helena surrounded by the rolling hills of Napa Valley. As we drove along Highway 29 approaching the winery the sun broke through the cloud layers above shooting beams of light across the rows of grapevines below casting shadows that danced along the lush earth that stretched out for miles in every direction. We drove onto the property marveling at the manicured rows upon rows of vines all sleeping silently for the winter, the beautiful ancient oak tree greeting us spreading its branches across the entrance providing shade and a canopy for outside wine tasting and picnics. I strolled around the property gazing across the vineyard, my attention lingering in-between the rows of grapevines. Mustard was growing wildly in a vibrant splash of yellow that contrasted starkly against the greenery of the surrounding landscape. Vineyards stretched out in every direction around us made us stop and take a long deep breath. As we stood looking out into rows upon rows of grape vines stretching out in every direction, there was a realization that there were still places left in this world where life moves at its own pace and is unencumbered by the velocity of a modern schedule. There are still places left in the world that allow one to slow down, to take in the moment and enjoy the view. This vineyard, this valley was a place to be savored, to be taken in and remembered and to be revisited. Read The Full Article: https://post.news/@/marat1/2NSxGc1U7ngpZitDdBr4ARzXHmt #Winetasting #Winery #Napa #NapaValley #VSattui #VSattuiWinery #Somm #SommInABottle #Storyteller #Writer #Traveler #wordillustrator (at V. Sattui Winery) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqLTPo5pdjg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I spotted the mute grey corner building creating a wedge between Columbus and Kearny, the small black and white sign of Réveille Coffee hanging sharply overhead pointing towards the direction of the Transamerica building. I joined the queue and stepped inside, my nostrils inhaling deeply taking in the aroma of freshly roasted and ground coffee beans, the baristas working in a perfect quartet behind the round middle island, steam bellowing out around rapidly moving hands. The air was warm inside and the hum of conversation from the other customers reverberated around the glass room. Croissants, kouign-amanns, eggs and avocado on toast created a sea of aromas all combined with the nutty scent of freshly pulled espresso. As I neared the central bar I placed my order for a cappuccino and a croissant - just the right amount of sugar, butter and caffeine to wake me properly and bring me back to my senses. Read the Full Article: https://post.news/@/marat1/2N1DK1y45qpy6Vu9yg6AvJnA91C #Reveille #ReveilleCoffee #SanFrancisco #ColumbusStreet #NorthBeach #LittleItalySanFrancisco #LittleItaly #Storyteller #Writer #Traveler #WordIllustrator #Travelogue @northbeachneighbors @reveillecoffee @sfchronicle @northbeachfarmersmarket (at Reveille Coffee Co.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpyB0R3PLjy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Strolling down Gran Via is like walking through the pulsing heart of Madrid. I was enveloped by the swirl of humanity that thronged its wide sidewalks. This was Madrid at night; alive, vibrant, engaging, pulling at your every sense. Tourists, locals, hipsters and older generations with their shopping bags, drinks, souvenirs, backpacks and purses all mingled together in a frenetic dance. The neon lights of the movie theaters and the buzzing bars illuminated the street lending an electric jolt to the already charged atmosphere of activity. The scents of age-old tabernas, coffee shops and restaurants opening their doors for the night’s crowds wafted through the air mingling with the metallic scents from the city. It was a sensory overload. A visual feast that left me dizzy and exhilarated all at once. Madrid may be a modern metropolis but on Gran Via the ghosts of its past and the vitality of its present collided in a cacophony of life that was simply impossible to resist. Read the Full Article: https://post.news/@/marat1/2Mpg1TE6HFJ0UdAQHVEwWuR74CK #Madrid #Spain #GranVia #RestauranteBotin #Espania #Storyteller #Writer #Traveler #WordIllustrator #Travelogue #PlazaMayor @restaurantebotin @granviademadrid (at Restaurante Botin) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpnhwcLP3xD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

As the sun began to disappear behind the Sicilian countryside casting long shadows across the vineyard I sat at the foot of the grapevines sipping on a final glass of the Occhipinti Siccagno and reflecting on the incredible journey I had been on that day. I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment in that moment. The wine was exquisite, the view was breathtaking and the company was nothing short of perfect. The vineyard stretched out as far as the eye could see and the lush greenery surrounding it was almost too beautiful to be real. The warm breeze caressed my skin and the scent of the grapes, soil and herbs filled the air. This was a moment I would never forget - a moment of pure bliss. A moment that embodied the essence of life. It was one of those moments that made you feel grateful to be alive, grateful for the beauty that surrounded us and grateful for the simple pleasures that brought us joy. This was without a doubt one of those moments. Read the Full Article: https://post.news/@/marat1/2MkuTzZzCt5Isr44h6cSUh5zEFj #wine #winetasting #sicily #italy #occhipinti #storyteller #traveler #wordillustrator #writer #wordillustrator @ariannaocchipinti @stanleytucci ❤️❤️ (at Arianna Occhipinti) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpjK_0Dpv9_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

As I walked I marveled at the way one city can gather and put on display so many experiences within a single square block. It was a gift, a feast for all of the senses creating an experience so unique and so enjoyable. I paused, peeking into some of the storefronts admiring the glitz and glamour of the designer clothes and jewelry on display. But even with the artful displays in the windows and the amazing architecture that filled my peripherals, it was the people who truly captivated me. A group of teenagers with brightly colored hair passed by me animatedly laughing and discussing the latest Tik Tok video trending, a couple holding hands leisurely strolling enjoying a moment in time and stealing kisses, a man walking his dog starring at his mobile phone screen with a big grin on his face quickly passing by the leash pulled tight making me wonder who was taking whom for a walk - each person had their own story, their own unique place in this bustling city. Read The Full Story: https://post.news/@/marat1/2MWQV5ToS9MQEgLHCrTyoOjQx0Y #NewYork #NYC #NewYorkCity #EmpireStateBuilding #WalkingJourney #Storyteller #Writer #Traveler #WordIllustrator #Travelogue @empirestatebldg @bryantparknyc @rockefellercenter (at Empire State Building) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpV8qr5vfjQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I reclined in my chair enjoying a third round the sangria surrounded by the lush greenery of the farm. I let out a deep breath feeling exceptionally grateful for this unique experience at the southern most tip of Baja California. The food, the setting and the people all came together to create a truly unforgettable meal. It was a reminder of why I love traveling and experiencing new cultures through food. It was also a reminder to always immerse yourself in the people, culture and language if you can and when you can to gain the full experience of your adventure. And as my car swung around to pick me up taking me back to my hotel I knew that I would be back at Flora Farms again because every time I thought about that meal, I was filled with a sense of longing for more. @florafarms #Mexico #FloraFarms #FloraFarmsSanJoseDelCabo #Traveler #Storyteller #Writer #Travelogue #WordIllustrator #CulinaryAdventures #bajacalifornia (at Flora Farms) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpRUVICryJE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

As I walked through the winding streets of the Marais District in Paris I felt like I was strolling through a living museum. The old-world architecture and quaint boutiques gave the area a charm that was hard to resist and one that is rarely seen outside this amazing city. The narrow alleys were lined with restaurants, artisanal cheese shops and bakeries that exuded tantalizing aromas of fresh cooked meat, aged cheeses, fresh baked croissants and baguettes. As I walked along the narrow sidewalks I could feel the rich history of the place seeping through the cobblestones under my feet with every step. And as I passed by these age-old establishments I felt a deep sense of belonging in this city of love and light like being part of a timeless story that had been unfolding for centuries. Read the Full Story: https://post.news/@/marat1/2MQgXQfswQp0g7gV97YoUcp3cCn #Paris #France #LeMarais #MaraisDistrict #RobertetLouise #Culinary #Parisian #StoryTeller #Writer #Traveler #WordIllustrator #Travelogue @chef.robert_robertetlouise (at Robert et Louise) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpQwc3ISwE7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I stepped inside and walked up an unfinished staircase feeling the rough walls and the sound of my footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hallway. But as I reached the top of the staircase, I found myself transported back in time as an impossible world suddenly opened up to me. The speakeasy bar was a decadent space imbued with ornate wallpapers, artful accents, and the iconic copper tub that gave the bar its name; Bathtub Gin, a place that looked like it was plucked straight out of the 1920s. The decor was classic - plush velvet seating, dim lighting and elegant chandeliers that cast a warm glow on the room. I felt like I was in a secret hideaway, a place where the elite of the city came to drink, dance and escape from the world outside. The curtains were pulled tight shutting out the outside world and keeping the goings-on of this establishment shrouded in mystery. Read The Full Story: https://post.news/@/marat1/2MD2PIo3ohdJB6ChkZWfipUZaIg @bathtubginla #BathtubGin #LosAngeles #LA #Melrose #Speakeasy #Negroni #FioreNegroni #SecretBar #California #Traveler #Storyteller #Writer #WordIllustrator #Travelogue https://www.instagram.com/p/CpERN63JOV0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

As the city of Florence slowly emerged from its slumber, I found myself alone in the Piazza della Signoria surrounded by the silent ancient buildings that have stood witness to so much of the city's history. The sun was just beginning to rise casting a warm, orange glow across the empty square. As I witness the empty piazza bathed with the morning light of the day, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder slowly washing over me. Sitting here in this magnificent piazza, I felt an overwhelming connection to this magnificent piece of history alone in this moment in time. Red the Full Article: https://post.news/article/2M9X8MRp2NhjhiOEIuRf7LJjNII #florence #firenze #italy #italia #piazzadellasignoria #sunrise #sunriseinthepiazza #storyteller #writer #traveler #wordillustrator #travelogue @uffizigalleries (at Piazza della Signoria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpBFj7nP_U9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I've been to some beautiful cities and restaurants in my travels, but there is something truly special about Restaurant Es Boldado on the island of Ibiza. Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the views from this place are simply breathtaking. This place has everything that makes a meal unforgettable – stunning views, delicious food and great company. I arrived at the restaurant just in time for sunset as the sun was casting its golden light over the Mediterranean Sea. I was greeted by the warm smile of the hostess who showed me to my table on the terrace. From my seat I could see the shimmering sea bathed in the light of the setting sun, the boats bobbing in the distance, and the rocky coastline dotted with white-washed buildings. Read The Full Story: https://post.news/article/2M9FmaDc9V5VUICoemUYoZX9xGX #Ibiza #Spain #BalearicIslands #Paella #SpanishFood #Storyteller #Traveler #Foodie #Writer #Somm #Chef #WordIllustrator #Travelogue @restaurante_esboldado (at Ibiza, Balearic Islands) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA0xh4pgGH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Our host masterfully produced a bottle of the 2019 Monte Bello Cabernet, a wine that represents the epitome of elegance and sophistication. As luck would have it, this bottle had been opened for twenty four hours prior to our arrival giving it ample opportunity to mature all of its hidden complexities and flavors. As I lifted the glass to my nose, I was immediately struck by the depth and complexity of this amazing cabernet. The aromas of blackcurrant and dark chocolate were intense, almost overwhelming in their richness. On the palate, the wine was full-bodied and velvety with flavors of ripe black cherry and toasted oak that lingered long after every sip. But what truly impressed me was the balance of the wine - it had both power and finesse, a perfect representation of the Monte Bello vineyard's unique terroir. This is a wine that demands respect, one that would pair well with a hearty steak or a rich, creamy cheese. It was a true masterpiece and a testament to the art of winemaking and to the power and beauty of California Cabernet. Read the Full Article: https://post.news/article/2M6doOPVF81PBPY4NGujSranOtr #RidgeVineyards #MonteBello #MonteBelloCabernet #Cabernet #Healdsberg #Sonoma #Napa #Storyteller #Writer #Traveler #WordIllustrator #Travelogue @ridgevineyards (at Ridge Vineyards - Lytton Springs) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-dPk1vOw4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I stepped off the trolley in downtown San Diego and made my way onto India Street, feeling the rush of the city around me. Walking down this historic street, my senses were immediately awoken by the vibrant colors, fragrant smells, and energetic sounds that surrounded me as I entered this amazing city’s Little Italy neighborhood. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow on the bustling street, which was alive with the energy of locals and tourists alike, it was as if I had entered another world entirely. The aromas of freshly baked bread, simmering sauces, and roasted espresso beans wafted through the air, beckoning me to explore further as people wandered up and down this breathtaking street taking in the sights and sounds of the packed cafes, gelaterias and trattorias. Read The Full Article: https://post.news/article/2M45wiqcJUSZvoMgS2v4RMMwsNo #SanDiego #LittleItaly #SanDiegoLittleItaly #Coffee #Cappuccino #Espresso #Pappalecco #CaffeItalia #Civico1845 #cafezucchero #Piazza #PiazzadellaFamiglia #PiazzadellaFamigliaSD #Storyteller #Traveler #Writer #WordIllustrator #travelogue @littleitalysd @caffeitalia_sd @pappalecco @nonna.zucchero @civico1845 #giacomoconternobarolo (at Little Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co8Ibu_S9aX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=