The trip over was an experience to say the least. I went from Rochester to Dulles to Frankfurt to Madrid, and I'd have to say the Frankfurt airport was the most poorly-planned structure of all of them. It was a labyrinth, it was like the set of American Gladiators. There are kiosks there that let you use the internet for 2.5 minutes for 1 Euro (the cheapest option when you've promised to let your parents know you've made your connection but it's 3AM their time)... Anyways, they made the keyboard so confusing that my 2.5 minutes was really like .5 and my e-mail to dad was essentially "on waww to Madrid thank". I swear to god there was a niner on that keyboard... and maybe some morse code. Anyways, my flights were good because I didn't have to sit next to anyone directly except for the flight over the Atlantic (of course), which was spent between a not-delicately built man, nay a chatty mouth-breather (with halitosis, I swear!) and an amphibous-looking German who was in the WINDOW seat and had to go to the bathroom every hour on the hour (I actually timed the flight by his bathroom trips)... Also, they played "Nights in Rodanthe" which I could only watch half of before resorting to listening to Lufthansa Radio (German techno) and ordering another v&t (open bar plane)!
So, I got into Madrid's Barajas Airport and went to luggage pick-up and who's there but... FC Barcelona's Basquetbol team (pro bball... played Real Madrid's Bball team on the 28th... all monstar-sized). That was the team NBA All-Star Pau Gasol played for when he played in Spain. I thought it was cool, but I was afraid to stop and take a picture with them because I didn't want to lose 6 months worth of luggage! Also, I was being harassed by a random who wanted me to follow him to his taxi, but he was leading me to the normal passenger parking in the opposite direction of the official taxi pickup. I told him I was waiting for friends. That said, Madrid is the most intimidating place I have ever been. I didn't feel very comfortable until I got a cell phone and the girl I live next to helped me set up my wireless... cell phones are cool here though because everywhere in Spain is a standard local rate. So, I can call my friend Leigh in Oviedo like it's no big deal!
Anyways, obviously there are jerks and nice people everywhere, but I had a very unpleasant experience with a salesman at El Corte Ingles who was rude to me because I didn't know the word for the plastic piece at the end of an internet cable!! Sorry, I've been here 3 hours and I don't know what that is in ENGLISH!!!! Anyways, I got to explore the metro (read: get lost a few times... you have to push a button on the door to enter and leave. Also, you have to keep your ticket out for the whole ride because you need it to get out of the system).
I got to visit my friend Matt and meet all his friends in Alcala de Henares, 40 minute train ride from where I am. That was my first night there, and I was exhausted, but I didn't want to be alone. So, we had a fun night. If you want stories, I got stories, but they are not for the faint of heart. They include but are not limited to: open flames, boots on fire, 80s music, fountains... like I said, you might not want to know.
The Spanish kids on campus are high-strung because it's first semester exams right now, and they travel in packs so I've been a little timid around them, other than the occasional "hola" in the hallway. Their style is very different from ours, they love unflattering denim (we're talking light wash, straight boy-cut jeans on girls that are saggy baggy in the butt). I'll do a fashion post later. I'm mostly astounded by how cavalier the natives are with their bags. Pickpockets MUST target "guiris"... white people haha because these people are asking to by pickpocketed while I sit there making sure my secret pockets are concealed.
I had a chance to go to the grocery today... So cool, so cheap, cheap, cheap. Cheeses you've never heard of, wine from the Rioja Region for cheap, and the seafood section is TRULY remarkable...
I haven't been taking many pictures because I have been mostly doing chores in places that would make me feel vulnerable if I gave off a tourist vibe so... I'll save that for Monday and Tuesday, when I use the Madrid Card I received for Christmas!! I can't wait! Expect another post after that! Hasta luego!
modern tales of quixotry from the land of la vida loca
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Last-Minute Advice
So, I am leaving tomorrow for Spain. Here's to this blog becoming relevant! I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to say goodbye to a lot of family and friends in the last couple of days (and even meet a new family member). I would like to share with you some of the last-minute gems of wisdom they shared with me, advice for the road, tips you won't find on lonelyplanet:
*1. If you see gypsies, run for your life.
2. In order to protect your belongings, look angry. Put on your angriest face, and you will be okay.
3. Wear all black.
4. Don't trust any one.
Well, I guess that's good news for all the gypsy-hatin' goths out there...? :P Wish me luck.
*You can try to guess which family members said what if you want...
*1. If you see gypsies, run for your life.
2. In order to protect your belongings, look angry. Put on your angriest face, and you will be okay.
3. Wear all black.
4. Don't trust any one.
Well, I guess that's good news for all the gypsy-hatin' goths out there...? :P Wish me luck.
*You can try to guess which family members said what if you want...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A few of my favorite (Spanish) things...
I started planning my trip to Madrid six years ago. Well, seeing as I was only 14 years-old then, it was more of a pipe-dream than a plan. One of the assignments for my 9th grade Spanish Class was to write a sample itinerary for a 2-week trip to any Spanish-speaking destination. I chose Madrid. Again --given the opportunity to study abroad and my ever-growing Iberophilia (potentially a made-up word)-- I have chosen Madrid, and my trip has finally been extended beyond paper (and even blog) to a real-life adventure of more than five months. So, before I embark on this trip, I want to share a list of some of the things that have stoked my interest in all that is Hispanic over the years:
(1) The 
Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway-- The Spanish edition of this novel is titled Fiesta... and that it is. This jaunt of a book details the adventures of an American expat with war-induced arrested development living out the ultimate romantic dream. Jake Barnes is a writer in Europe engaged in an unpredictable and passionate romance that is doomed from the start. With self-reflection limited to the bottom of a pint glass, Barnes is a protagonist that any escapist can embrace. Based on the travels of the author, "Don Ernesto" Hemingway, the title Fiesta alludes to the annual bull-fights in Pamplona, where the novel culminates and Barnes comes across a young bullfighter whose courage and independence inspires him to re-evaluate his values and friendships in the "Lost Generation" of post-WWI Europe. This book includes many of Hemingway's old haunts in Madrid.
Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway-- The Spanish edition of this novel is titled Fiesta... and that it is. This jaunt of a book details the adventures of an American expat with war-induced arrested development living out the ultimate romantic dream. Jake Barnes is a writer in Europe engaged in an unpredictable and passionate romance that is doomed from the start. With self-reflection limited to the bottom of a pint glass, Barnes is a protagonist that any escapist can embrace. Based on the travels of the author, "Don Ernesto" Hemingway, the title Fiesta alludes to the annual bull-fights in Pamplona, where the novel culminates and Barnes comes across a young bullfighter whose courage and independence inspires him to re-evaluate his values and friendships in the "Lost Generation" of post-WWI Europe. This book includes many of Hemingway's old haunts in Madrid. (2) Shakir
a -- At first, I was reluctant to embrace her tunes as her vibrato can be eerily strong... BUT at the end of the day, my head said "no" and my hips said "yes." Even listening to her ballads makes me shimmy! What can I say? Her music can most aptly be described as No Doubt goes Latino, in which she undoubtedly (no pun intended) fulfils the stylish and strong female Gwen Stefani-role. Some of her English-crossover radio hits include "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes," and I would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't heard "Hips Don't Lie" (as I think I read somewhere that it broke the world record for the most radio play in history). My favorites include proud and uber-dancey "La Tortura," and the romantic ballad, "The Day and The Time," an adaptation of her "Día Especial." Her music is really catchy and the Spanish songs have really helped me get used to the rhythm of the Spanish language in an enjoyable way.
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a -- At first, I was reluctant to embrace her tunes as her vibrato can be eerily strong... BUT at the end of the day, my head said "no" and my hips said "yes." Even listening to her ballads makes me shimmy! What can I say? Her music can most aptly be described as No Doubt goes Latino, in which she undoubtedly (no pun intended) fulfils the stylish and strong female Gwen Stefani-role. Some of her English-crossover radio hits include "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes," and I would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't heard "Hips Don't Lie" (as I think I read somewhere that it broke the world record for the most radio play in history). My favorites include proud and uber-dancey "La Tortura," and the romantic ballad, "The Day and The Time," an adaptation of her "Día Especial." Her music is really catchy and the Spanish songs have really helped me get used to the rhythm of the Spanish language in an enjoyable way.(3) The films of Pedro Almodóvar-- As far as I can tell, Almodóvar (inset, on the set of his 2006 "Volver") is Madrid's unofficial spokesman and its most high profile film-maker. His films show an unfaltering devotion to the Spanish landscape as the background of complex stories that combine serious domestic issues with mystical superstitions. He blends reality and dreams in a way no other story-teller has. His works are like Dalí paintings come to life. His glorification of woman as both mother and muse is fascinating as is hi
s blend of colorful aesthetics with compelling music. One of his most popular (and controversial films) is "La Mala Educación" (2004) (a.k.a. "Bad Education"), which is as brilliantly mysterious as it is explicitly passionate; with a well-founded NC-17 rating, this film is far from the traditional love story as it centers around sex, gender play and Church scandal. I understand that is not everybody's cup of tea, so I would suggest giving the charming and mystical "Volver" a chance (2006- stars Penelope Cruz at her best, as the maternal protagonist having to confront past ghosts in order to re-evaluate the present) and then, if you like that, I would suggest the Freudian case study that is 2002's "Hable Con Ella" ("Talk to Her"). "Hable Con Ella" is my personal favorite. It is about the delusions of loneliness and the beauty of the ethereal (one character captures the film's theme beautifully, “de la muerte emerge la vida, de lo masculino emerge lo femenino, y de lo terreno emerge lo etéreo”...from death comes life, from the masculine comes the feminine and from the earth the ethereal emerges).
(4) La Eurocopa 2008 and the boys of Real Madrid-- I love soccer, a
nd I have a soft spot for the under-dog. That is why this past summer's Euro Cup tournament was especially enjoyable. The young Spanish national team fought its way to win the cup (pictured) and changed the world's perception of Spain as futbol's chronic underachievers. I would be lying if I said hunky goalkeeper Iker Casillas had nothing to do with my enthusiastic support of both Spain's national team and La Liga's Real Madrid. Honestly, I'm impressed both teams manage to win any games, considering I'm about 98% sure Real Madrid recruits based on looks... okay, so every team has a Marla Hooch (Pepe?), but look at Casillas, Fabio Cannavaro, Raúl, and even the Val Kilmer-esque Sergio Ramos... Hola, my theory speaks for itself and if you are STILL unconvinced, keep in mind that Beckham used to be on Real Madrid, and they tried to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo pretty aggressively... hahah just saying.
s blend of colorful aesthetics with compelling music. One of his most popular (and controversial films) is "La Mala Educación" (2004) (a.k.a. "Bad Education"), which is as brilliantly mysterious as it is explicitly passionate; with a well-founded NC-17 rating, this film is far from the traditional love story as it centers around sex, gender play and Church scandal. I understand that is not everybody's cup of tea, so I would suggest giving the charming and mystical "Volver" a chance (2006- stars Penelope Cruz at her best, as the maternal protagonist having to confront past ghosts in order to re-evaluate the present) and then, if you like that, I would suggest the Freudian case study that is 2002's "Hable Con Ella" ("Talk to Her"). "Hable Con Ella" is my personal favorite. It is about the delusions of loneliness and the beauty of the ethereal (one character captures the film's theme beautifully, “de la muerte emerge la vida, de lo masculino emerge lo femenino, y de lo terreno emerge lo etéreo”...from death comes life, from the masculine comes the feminine and from the earth the ethereal emerges).(4) La Eurocopa 2008 and the boys of Real Madrid-- I love soccer, a
nd I have a soft spot for the under-dog. That is why this past summer's Euro Cup tournament was especially enjoyable. The young Spanish national team fought its way to win the cup (pictured) and changed the world's perception of Spain as futbol's chronic underachievers. I would be lying if I said hunky goalkeeper Iker Casillas had nothing to do with my enthusiastic support of both Spain's national team and La Liga's Real Madrid. Honestly, I'm impressed both teams manage to win any games, considering I'm about 98% sure Real Madrid recruits based on looks... okay, so every team has a Marla Hooch (Pepe?), but look at Casillas, Fabio Cannavaro, Raúl, and even the Val Kilmer-esque Sergio Ramos... Hola, my theory speaks for itself and if you are STILL unconvinced, keep in mind that Beckham used to be on Real Madrid, and they tried to recruit Cristiano Ronaldo pretty aggressively... hahah just saying.
(5) Woody All
en's Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)-- I really enjoyed this flirtatious movie about two American best friends who vacation in Spain and encounter a charming, passionate painter with a psychotic ex-wife. The Woody Allen humor is there, with his command over character quirks that leaves the audience laughing and thinking "he/she WOULD say that. that is SO like him/her."... This film was fun and light. I'm pretty sure I read that its production was partly funded by Tourism Barcelona (hence the title), and it certainly shows off Barcelona's architecture and other picturesque tourist sights like an antique amusement park. Also, part of the film is set in lesser-known Asturias and highlights its humble, exotic beauty. The acting was great, starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem (sans the Anton Chigurh pilgrim hair-cut, thank God) and the almost animal-looking Penélope Cruz (who is always very striking and beautiful but, I swear, a million times better at acting when she is speaking her native Spanish, which she got to do in this... I read Allen let Cruz and Bardem do a lot of improv when the script called for them to speak Spanish in this film. It made for a pretty amusing dynamic between the two).
en's Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)-- I really enjoyed this flirtatious movie about two American best friends who vacation in Spain and encounter a charming, passionate painter with a psychotic ex-wife. The Woody Allen humor is there, with his command over character quirks that leaves the audience laughing and thinking "he/she WOULD say that. that is SO like him/her."... This film was fun and light. I'm pretty sure I read that its production was partly funded by Tourism Barcelona (hence the title), and it certainly shows off Barcelona's architecture and other picturesque tourist sights like an antique amusement park. Also, part of the film is set in lesser-known Asturias and highlights its humble, exotic beauty. The acting was great, starring Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem (sans the Anton Chigurh pilgrim hair-cut, thank God) and the almost animal-looking Penélope Cruz (who is always very striking and beautiful but, I swear, a million times better at acting when she is speaking her native Spanish, which she got to do in this... I read Allen let Cruz and Bardem do a lot of improv when the script called for them to speak Spanish in this film. It made for a pretty amusing dynamic between the two).
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