23 Comments
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Amran Gowani's avatar

This is what happens when you groom and indoctrinate an entire country. Pretty soon America will have to contend with work-life balance, 21st century infrastructure, and healthy consumption habits. Color me triggered.

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Michael Jensen's avatar

🤣🤣🤣 Busted!

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Meg Howe's avatar

So gay I love it 🔥

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Me too!

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Nancy Whiteman's avatar

Thanks...Valencia was on our list. Now we know when to go.

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Michael Jensen's avatar

We liked Valencia just fine. But Las Fallas truly made it special. Highly recommend it!

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Kate Yager's avatar

What a great edition! Thanks for sharing. I am currently in Amsterdam for 3 weeks. Looking forward to museums and lots of relaxation. Any recommendations?

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Three Van Gogh Museum is wonderful!

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Marianna's avatar

The Wereld Museum https://amsterdam.wereldmuseum.nl/en a museum of culture. The Rijks, of course. The Houseboat Museum is a little quirky https://houseboatmuseum.nl/ And, last but not least, for a visit outside of the city, the island of Texel which is reachable by train and ferry. Plan to rent a bike on the island.

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Patti Petersen's avatar

I'm not gay, but certainly enjoyed the artwork, bright colors and the article. Now about the fires, I don't like fire, so that didn't go over great, but still a fun share!

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Stories From Sevilla's avatar

Thanks for sharing, reading your post makes me want to prioritize visiting Fallas on my to-do list. I have a few friends that live there and rave about it, it's like the equivalent of Feria de Abril here in Sevilla. Love that you got to speak to the artist and share his story here!

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R. S. Hampton's avatar

I understand that burning is part of the process, but it’s sort of heartbreaking to see something so detailed, interesting, insightful and beautiful burned to a crisp.

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Michael Jensen's avatar

💯 but that's what makes it powerful and a great metaphor for life!

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Jenn H's avatar

People sure do like celebratory fires! I'm starting to envision a "festival bingo card" that would include things like "giant sculptures," "fireworks," "parades," "burning things" ... hmm, what else should be on it?

But seriously, it's nice to see Gual's colorful, triumphant work.

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Oooh, that's a good idea! Within reason if course. No witches or heretics!

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Molly's avatar

Love everything about this story and your insightful and colorful (!) writing. You brought so many elements to life. And perhaps not George Clooney, but I did notice the artist is easy on the eyes.

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Mr. Gual is quite handsome!

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Robert's avatar

Fantastical, brilliant, and heartwarming! Thanks for sharing this Michael and congrats (and hubba hubba) to Mario Gual!

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Michael Jensen's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Joe Prince's avatar

It’s camp. It’s heartfelt. It’s exquisite.

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Chris Tharp's avatar

Love it.

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Betty Carlson's avatar

It's absolutely fantastic that you met the artist!

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