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Hungry in Spain
By Dhani Jones on April 10, 2009 11:09 AM | Permalink | 50 Comments
One thing about traveling that I've found is that you have to be ready for anything, and I do mean anything. It could just be the smell of a new country. It could be the attitude of the people. Heck, it could be the climate and the ever-present heat or the depressing and bone chilling cold. You have to adapt and get ready for what's next. You have to expect the unexpected and be open for it. That's exactly what happened in Spain.
Now you may look at me and say, "Oh boy, that's a big guy, he must really like to eat." But the truth of the matter is, I don't really like food at all. I'm telling you -- grapes, oatmeal raisin cookies, vanilla ice cream, Sprite and Twinkies are what this young man was raised on. No more, no less. My mother will attest to the fact that her son, Dhani Jones, although very big in size, eats like an anorexic schoolgirl. I know it's harsh but its true. Food is definitely not in his vocabulary.
Enter San Sebastian -- the Basque region of the ever-popular destination of Spain. When I got off the plane I knew I was in for it. Number one -- we had just finished a hard, long shoot, and I mean looooonnnnnggg shoot in Switzerland and it was the end of the 40 day adventure around the globe in the second installment of Dhani Tackles the Globe (DTTG).
There were beautiful people. The beaches were packed and the weather was like San Diego, California. It was so nice and I was hungry. Never in my 30 years of life have I ever stated, except during the season when they keep us on the field too long, that I was hungry. I just don't like to eat. So, what was the first thing we did, we went to the beach. The entire crew, who had been working just as hard as me, if not harder, went to the ice cream stand, grabbed ice cream sandwiches, some drinks and it was downhill from there.
Now, I know what you're thinking ... ICE CREAM SANWICHES ... What!!! It gets better. I was learning Jai Alai, Pelota, whatever you wish to call it. Every day, I had practice with my teammates Imanol, Mikel and Inaki and after every practice we had chuleta. It is the biggest, baddest steak I have ever had and it was amazing. I can still taste the amazing flavor, the smoked infused meat, so savory and incredible. I'm hungry right now.
Then, we had fish and potatoes. A simple meal, but when you add it up over the 10 days that we were there it ADDDDDSSS up. Mix that up with tapas and sangria and it's over. Here's a guy that didn't eat anything growing up, to now chowing down on steak, fish and tapas (little appetizers that add up as well... could be anchovies, shredded pork, tortilla espanola, chorizo, olives, etc). Once a skinny man who didn't eat, becomes one who indulges in amazing flavor in the Basque region ...what can I say, I've changed. My mother is happy though... She says finally, if it takes him traveling the globe to learn how to eat, so be it.
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FIRST!
Wow, Dhani you are an odd one. lol. Never met a man (an athlete especially) that did not want to eat everyone out of house and home.
Try Middle eastern food for some tasty variety. Fresh baked naan and baklava is the best!
Wish I had that "Not liking Food" gene. I love it all. Vacationed in San Sebastian years ago. Loved it. Think I gained abt 10 lbs. Food was delicious.
Hey Dhani,
This is a first right. Talking about the show before it airs. You can do that though.=) Very interesting to learn that you don't eat much cause you are always saying your hungry on all the episodes so far. I had to cook and eat growing up. My mom fixed food and you had to eat period. Going to McDonald's was like Christmas for us. REALLY!!!We would get too excited about that and even then it was someone in the family coming to visit that would take us. My parents never took us out to eat, but my mom always cooked. We never went hungry.
Then when i was about maybe 10yrs old, she made me start cooking. I use to cry and say you don't make Jr. and Edward cook why you make me do it? She would say they were men and would get wives one day that would cook for them, but that i would get a husband that i would cook for. That made me cry worse.=) I told her no. I was not cooking for anybody. I cook for all my friends now. Still no husband yet but maybe he's on his way. Who knows? Glad your liking to eat better though. Great story! Glad your mom's happy too! Take care Dhani/ you too Mrs. Nancy. CK =)
Great story Dhani! Glad you started eating more than Twinkies and such. Plus You made your mom happy in the process. Win, win situation! Take care Dhani. CK
You should try some food from Ghana, West Africa. If you can handle spicy, you'd love it.
So when your not chowing down on Spanish food, who do you eat to maintain the physique?
can't wait for this week's episode! Jai Alai has always been a fave sport of mine, besides football. I love watching it whenever I get to Florida, so i'm seriously ready to see you do this!!
Reading about all that food, made me super hungry & ready to toss some steaks on the grill!
I'm really looking forward to this weeks episode! Jai Alai has always been my number 2 sport : football being number 1. Can't wait to see you have a go at it!
Reading about all this food has made me super hungry & ready to toss some steaks on the grill!
I LOVE YOU...:)
Where have you been all my life? Just met you on the Travel Channel....love that network! I have to confess I'm not a big Football fan...and our family are Cleveland Clowns...I mean Browns Fans....I just might have to shake it up and jump on Begal Bandwagon....had to look you up and get more aquainted....wish you could do the same. XO
Hello Dhani, how are you? Great show! I enjoy watching the Travel Channel and with your new show, the enjoyment is even greater! Do you plan on visiting any countries in Africa? Well, keep doing what your doing! God Bless you, your family and have a great football seaon! LB
Travel Channel is my favorite channel. I have been a "No Reservations" fanatic for many seasons. Now you are giving Anthony a run for his money. LOL! I want to commend you on being a very well-rounded African American young man. I teach on the high school level. As a young African American, I feel obligated to expose my students to different cultures and experiences. You had a fan when I watched your Switzerland show and you were looking at a shirt that had edelweiss on it. You said "Isn't that a song?" I was screaming YES FROM THE SOUND OF MUSIC!!! Thanks for a great show!
Dhani,
As a former professional Jai-Alai Player (pelotari) and all around cook having played and lived in the Basque country I know what you mean..these people embrace the "good life". Although pelota is what I got paid for I'm a great fan of all 3 major sports (I was 15 and got to see all 17 games the dolphins in 1972...season tickets 30 bucks for 10 games...priceless).
Dhani,
I'm sure you fill up on Skyline when you're in Cincinnati. Love the show.
Great Show. I look forward to each new show and I will watch the Benglas more closely.
I LOVE your show. Such a change from the norm. Your show is the only show that I schedule my evening around. Thank you Travel Channel and it is about time!
Great show! I didn't make it to the Basque country but I did have many tapas in southern Spain; and the tortilla espanola was the best!
And as you played for Michigan, I just have two words for you--Go Hawks! :)
Great show, Dhani. I was a little apprehensive about it at first, as I'm quite protective of the Basque country and our beautiful game of pelota, but I must say, I really liked this episode.
Watching you eat around Donostia (San Sebastian) was very tempting and I miss a good bottle (or two... or three) of txakoli!
Eskerrik asko [Thank you] for showing the world a glimpse of the beauty in the Basque country!
The thing I like best about travel is the trying the different food, seems like you are a new convert. Good show, pelota price 1 euro, one basket propulsor 25 euros, watching you dodge a ball moving at 200 mph.......priceless
Great Show, very interested in the TXAKOLI :-)
Could someone elaborate more on this wine, is txakoli the grape, the producer??? Could someone help with this, I would really like to try it.
My hubby and I are hooked on your program. We find your personality and sense of humor contagious and we often find ourselves smiling throughout the entire program. We are so relieved we record it so we can forward through the commercials to get right back to the action. Keep up the great work! We can't see how a nice gal hasn't snatched you up by now, but maybe the wait is worth it. Hope to see another season of this fantastic program... it has opened our eyes to so many other cultures.
I'm surprised that you didn't like to eat before going to Spain. It is obvious in this episode that you are absolutely enjoying the food and drink! The song you sang definitely shows that! Spain is an incredible country and one of the best places to fall in love with food. What you need to do when you travel is travel with a chef. I've traveled all over and can honestly say...I have never eaten anything bad!
Hi sunshine,
Well Dhani, I just enjoy watching that big infectious smile of yours. I'm wondering when I can join you so I can eat and have a glass of wine! I'm not sure you are ready for an amazing beautiful black woman with a mind of her own but hey, let me know. Until then, always smile, have fun and travel safely.
Love the show!!! This was my 1st time watching.
Tortilla española is the best especially with chorizo...damn you Dhani, making me hungry!
OMG! I love your show, I can't stop watching you because your sense of humor cracks me up and you remind me of people I grew up with, oh and you are so dayum fine!! You have a body that won't quit! Keep up the great work, a sista that will be visiting Basque country real soon. Looking forward to more shows Dhani and great job!!
Dhani,
You realy did justice to the sport I asked my father to watch the show with me and we laughed (sorry...but it was funny)when the kids schooled you and when did the whole MATRIX thing. Having played in Durango Spain against the the hardest thrower in the world "Elorduy' sometimes you feel it's either catch or die. Don't know how long you were in Biarritz but the breakfast of of fresh oysters and and Dom should have been a bargain!
Dhani - I too wasnt much of a foodie til I traveled, and now its one of the highlights of any trip! We americans are a bit squeamish with our food, and often seek the comfort of familiar chain restaurants abroad. However, I can say that eschewing the chains for the local fare has enriched my life in ways I couldnt have imagined.
This episode was awesome just like all the rest. I don't know why I found your busted lip funny lol. You still looked very cute. Big lip and all. All man. Maybe one day I can travel the world unfortunetly I'm stuck behind a desk.
Love the show Dhani!
Hi Dhani,
I must say that I haven't seen you play football, but I am truly impressed with how you embrace each sport that you participate in! A true Athelete, Coo-doe's to you!! I absolutely LOVE your show! I DVR it every week, so as not to miss an episode. I must say, when I first saw you, I fell in complete infatuation with you! I used to be an athelete in high school (I threw Shot and Disk) so I understand the difference between and "endurance athelete and a strength one". Keep doing what you do, for you are truly inspiring!
Hey Dhani,
I just read your poem "The Dancing Leprechaun," it was beautiful, and you signed it with your middle name which topped it off perfectly. I also really enjoyed the show last night. I have officially gotten the Monday's now as well as the travel bug. You know Dhani it's really sweet how your just a big kid at heart. Sometimes watching you, it's like you did'nt grow up,and your this kid in this grown up body traveling the world and having adventures you day dream about as a child. That's got to be liberating. Sorry about the lip accident even though i know it's all better now. It was bad, but I'm sure it would not stop the girls. Not ME!!!! I can not wait to see what adventure the kid inside will experience next. Take care Dhani. Both of you! CK =)
Hi Dhani,
The Basque Country/pelota episode was great. I admire how you introduce a new culture via sports, and I enjoyed learning more about Basque's athletic obsession. The food and wine was so tempting. I can't wait to track down some Txacoli this summer. Thanks for your fun and edifying show.
Best,
Eloise
I just wanna say that I am so jealous that you took my dream job! But for what its worth your show is entertaining and interesting, what a great idea.... to showcase a culture through sports. Thanks Mr.Jones
Now what is this about you considering moving to Spain?? Lol, I don't blame you. I love food and can't seem to convince people of it because I don't look like I do. They don't know where it goes, neither do I (giggles). My good metabolism is the secret I guess. You look great there. You crack me up during your episodes. The things you say and do...too funny. You make it enjoyable to watch you get hurt (not saying I like to see you get hurt) or when eating strange foods. Spain is a beautiful place amongst the many locations you've been. Wish I could travel the globe as you & so many. Still dreaming. But do watch out for Spanish cuisines, the pounds will creep up on ya, lol (smile).
I love to travel and recently came across your show during my break from law school. Fabulous! Your honest and comedic style is contagious. BTW, I love your first name, Dhani.
Hi Dhani, I have been watching ur show since u fist aired, and i really enjoy it. But i'm not on here for myself. i also cought the comersual about u telling what type of woman ur looking for. well i have someone for u to consider. if ur interrested in coming to Dallas, Tx. u will not be sorry. so please think about it and hopefully u will take sometime out of ur travels u will seek out this person i have for u to meet. for more info. u have to email to contact me and i will tell all.. i will leave u with this, she is my sister. hope to hear from u soon.
kisses,
lilmama
hey Dhani, ive been a big fan of yours for a while, since you played for big blue. i met you once and you had some thick glasses bro glad to see that you switched to contacts. shows awsome. england was cool liked the cub. be good stay cool
Dhani, lol. I am a kid in high school who loves the show. This does happen to be the first time I have read your blog, dude you are funny. I watch your show EVERY Monday. You have inspired me, i hope my soul mate is able to travel with me, or I'll be single forever. *wink* Love ya Dhani, keep it up Mr.Jones!!!
i'm watching the Spain episode right now. For some reason i thought the thing you use to catch the ball was some animal jaw. Weird. I will read the comments after i finish watching the episode to not spoil it. Dhani is yummy. Oh, that's it no more multitasking for me today, they are at the beach right now.
FIRST BLACKMAN SHEEPHERDER IN SPAIN (LOOK LIKE DENNIS RODMAN IN THAT GET-UP) TERRIBLE!
FIRST BLACKMAN TO TAKE A DUMP IN OPPONENTS (Jai Alai SPORT) LOCKER ROOM BATHROONM IN SPA1N! (THANKS FOR SHARING) TERRIBLE!
“YOU CAN TAKE A MAN OUT OF THE COUNTRY “ BUT “YOU CAN NOT TAKE THE COUNTRY OUT OF THE MAN”
THE PEOPLE SEEM VERY NICE, POLITE & EXCITED ABOUT SHARING THEIR PASSIONS OF THEIR CULTURE & LAND (THE GRAPES, THE VINEYARD & TXAKOLI). THE WINE IS VERY GOOD BUT YOU NEED QUITE A FEW BOTTLES TO FEEL A BUZZ (IT CREEPS & YOU FEEL VERY NICE!
IT WAS COOL TO SEE YOU WORK ON THE XISTERA (AS YOU SAY ARTS & CRAFTS) YOU ARE FUNNY REMIND ME OF MYSELF. THAT’S WHY I WATCH THE SHOW NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE ANOTHER HUMAN THAT FLASH & FLOW JUST TO LET YOU KNOW (SOME JUST GOT IT LIKE THAT).
IT WAS JACKED-UP ABOUT YOUR LIP! THEY JUST LOOKED A LITTLE BIGGER. DIDN’T STOP THAT FOOD & DRINK YOU WHERE INDULGING IN (NEVER, NEVER, EVER WASTE THE DRANK)!
MY THREE BROTHERS LIVE IN SAN DIEGO. I LOVE DIEGO ON SOME HIGHWAYS YOU CAN GO @ LEAST 120 - 160MPH BUT YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR THE HIGHWAY PATROLS THEY STAY TUCKED TO CATCH SPEEDERS OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE NEED FOR SPEED (LOVE THE RUSH OF THE SPEED). THE WEATHER IS BEAUTIFUL, BEACHES, CLUBS & THE CASINOS. I LOVE TO BET!!!!
HAVE A GOOD ONE – STAY HAPPY & HEALTHY
Where can I get a Hi - Li Jersey?? Please I need help...
I have to admit, I just started watching because you were one of my favorite Wolverines...but I LOVE your show, and I LOVE you! Your personality and your smile shows through. I have all my friends and family hooked on the show now, and I can't wait until the next weekly episode and what the Renaissance Man will do! I wish you'd play up your Michigan roots a little more...you know, a t-shirt or subtle "go blue" here and there...
I've been watching the Travel Channel for years (mainly No Reservations) and I have a passion for traveling and learning about cultures. So I last night I decided to watch this episode for the first time and I am in looove! You're so down to earth, sweet, relaxed, funny and obviously attractive. Tall, the body of a god, nice lips, awesome hair, beautiful smile... I would watch this show anyway since I love travel shows but since you're the host I'll definitely look forward to watching it every week.
Yo, you needa stop eatin all that food on your show, that's that other dudes job on travel channel, lmao kick some ass for us, go bengals!
Dhani,
I'm so glad you went to the north of Spain! My boyfriend and I (who is Spanish) thought for sure you would do Futbol in Spain, but were pleasantly surprised that you did Jai Alai. I lived in that area for 2 years and loved it. I was a little disappointed that you didn't hit up a sidraria, but it may not have been sidra season while you were there. Anyhow, it's a treat to watch your show. I wish I could be travelling now, but your show gives me a little taste so I don't go nuts! Adventure on!
I watched your Jai Alai episode and I would have never guessed you had a long standing aversion to food. You didn't wince when you ate those anchovies! But I did! Maybe it was a camara trick...I'll continue to watch your show your very entertaining.
I recently came across your show and feel inspired by your quarky humor and zest for life as you compete all over the globe.
As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I spent years outside the U.S. living in another country, feeling its heart beat, and traveling all over the neighboring countries (climbed an active volcano, canoed through a rain forest…).
The end of a relationship with my last boyfriend left me heart-broken and depressed for most of the last year.
You’ve helped remind me of who I use to be…who I’ve always been… a fearless person who loves to learn about other people and places. I’ve decided it’s time to live again so I bought a ticket and I’m headed to visit friends in Geneva this summer. I figure this will be a good start. CARPE DIEM! Thanks for reminding me to live life with zest. Good luck with the show and I look forward to seeing more episodes.
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I was not cooking for anybody. I cook for all my friends now. Still no husband yet but maybe he's on his way. Who knows? Glad your liking to eat better though.