written on May 25:
Last night, I saw one of the funniest things ever! Eurovision! Eurovision is an annual singing contest that includes almost all European countries. The countries first vote within their countries to find the band/singer/performer to represent them. The winner then goes to the finals, the Eurovision.
I’ve never heard of the Eurovision before. I only knew about it because Spain’s participant is a hilarious looking guy. His song is called Baile Chiki Chiki. I’ve grown to love this song and you can find me occasionally bust out the Chiki Chiki dance at the clubs (they don’t play the song in the clubs, I just do it). Chiki Chiki is not a serious singer. He’s actually a comedian. He was on some late night show mocking Eurovision and somehow got entered into the contest and people voted for him. I’ve been told that the Spanish people didn’t even care who was going to represent them because one of the Eastern European countries would just win anyway (they’ve won the past few years since they’ve all been allowed to enter the contest). So Chiki Chiki it is. Check out the song in this video. NOTE: If you want to see it with English subtitles, you can search for it on youtube also.
Last night was the big day. It was so hilarious that it was awesome. The voting rule is that you can vote for anyone but your country. At the end of the show, a representative of each 43 participating countries would announce the top three countries voted by their citizens. This part of the event totally showed which countries would stick with each other if there was a war. For example, Portugal and Spain had each other on their top threes. So did Denmark and Iceland, Norway and Finland, Latvia and Romania. They all vote for their freaking neighbors! It was so unpredictable. Although I have to say I was shocked that almost all countries formerly of the USSR voted for Russia. I mean, they left the country because they didn’t want to be part of it! Why would you vote for them??
The thing that made it more predictable was guessing the winner. Every time a country rep would announce their winners, they would tally up the points on one side of the screen. By the time there were only five country announcements to go, it was pretty obvious Russia would win. They were up by almost a hundred points. Even if the second placer got the highest points from the remaining five countries, there’s no way they would catch up. It was like, where the hell is the suspense in this??!! It was so frustrating. It’s like we all know what country each country is going to vote for! Just announce the winner. It would save them a whole hour!
…and yet somehow I couldn’t stop watching it. It was just that entertaining.
But the best part is seeing the performances. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the performances. We only caught the result part of the show. However, during the result announcements, they would take mini breaks and show brief video clips of the top three performances so far. So of course we kept seeing Russia’s performance and it looked awesomely hilarious. It involved some guy ice skating around the performers. Thankfully, because they won, they got to perform again. We were so excited. We totally wanted to see the ice skating dude. I mean, how many musicians can pull off ice skater spinning around on a mini ice rink. It was too good to be true! I never laughed so hard watching this performance. I hope you enjoy it too…
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ludwig is so gay
written on May 25:
King Ludwig II is known as the Fairy Tale king. His legacy is pretty much the three beautiful castles he had built in Bavaria. The man loved his castles. Ludwig’s life was all about beauty and fun but it ended very mysteriously. A few days before his death, the government had him arrested for mental illness. It is said that he really wasn’t crazy, but that was the only way the government could get him off the throne and stop wasting all the people’s money on extravagant castles. So they took him to Castle Berg on Lake Starnberg. A day after Ludwig was brought there, he went for walk with his psychiatrist at night. They never came back. The next day they found their bodies in the lake. There are many theories as to why they died, but no one knows for sure. Did they kill each other? Did Ludwig kill the doctor and drowned himself, or vice versa? It’s all very curious. It kills me to not know why.
Anyway, people have always wondered why Ludwig never married. He was engaged for ten months and called it off because he decided to stay single forever – this is why he wanted a smaller bed in Neuschwanstein. The man was also obviously obsessed with his good friend, the composer Richard Wagner. He freaking designed an entire castle (Neuchweinstein) dedicated to Wagner. Everything was associated with Wagner and his operas. He apparently has a guest bedroom in the other castle specifically for Wagner.
Interesting (pulling on my imaginary beard)…
I could only come with one conclusion: totally gay!
King Ludwig II is known as the Fairy Tale king. His legacy is pretty much the three beautiful castles he had built in Bavaria. The man loved his castles. Ludwig’s life was all about beauty and fun but it ended very mysteriously. A few days before his death, the government had him arrested for mental illness. It is said that he really wasn’t crazy, but that was the only way the government could get him off the throne and stop wasting all the people’s money on extravagant castles. So they took him to Castle Berg on Lake Starnberg. A day after Ludwig was brought there, he went for walk with his psychiatrist at night. They never came back. The next day they found their bodies in the lake. There are many theories as to why they died, but no one knows for sure. Did they kill each other? Did Ludwig kill the doctor and drowned himself, or vice versa? It’s all very curious. It kills me to not know why.
Anyway, people have always wondered why Ludwig never married. He was engaged for ten months and called it off because he decided to stay single forever – this is why he wanted a smaller bed in Neuschwanstein. The man was also obviously obsessed with his good friend, the composer Richard Wagner. He freaking designed an entire castle (Neuchweinstein) dedicated to Wagner. Everything was associated with Wagner and his operas. He apparently has a guest bedroom in the other castle specifically for Wagner.
Interesting (pulling on my imaginary beard)…
I could only come with one conclusion: totally gay!
Almost to the Finish Line
Written on May 25:
My family left Madrid for Munich on Wednesday. This was going to be the last leg of their trip. They were visiting my German relatives, and my dad and sister have never been there. On Thursday, they went on a day trip to Salzburg, Austria, which I’m sad I missed. Apparently, the city is amazingly beautiful. I can’t wait to go there myself…I totally want to do the Sound of Music Tour.
On Friday, I also flew to Munich to spend the my family’s last few days in Europe with them. The weekend was fun-filled and packed with activity and ridiculous amounts of food, like always when you go visit my German family. I arrived at the airport and met them in downtown Munich. My mom and aunts went and met an old friend from the Philippines. The rest of us walked around Munich and showed Elaine and my dad the usual spots: Marienplatz, the Cathedrals, Hofbrauhaus, the ’72 Olympic park, and the BMW headquarters.
Saturday, we went to see one of King Ludwig II’s marvelous castles. Although I had already seen Neuschwanstein Castle, I went again with my dad and sister. The rest of the family went to the small castle across the way, the Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig grew up. I love Neuschwanstein! It really is a fairy tale castle, which makes one understand why it became the model of the Disney castle. Seeing it makes you want to be a princess. I would totally live there. I’d sleep on Ludwig’s beautiful gothic canopy bed and hang out in the winter garden on cold snowy days, or check out my stalagmite grotto when I’m feeling “earthy”, or enjoy the view of the Alps on stressful days. Note: Que casualidad! A Walt Disney medley just totally came on my shuffle as I'm editing this post. Yes, I have disney music on my itunes.
The rest of the day was spent seeing a baroque church and a lake on the Alps. I’m not very naturey, but when I see the Alps or anything that naturally beautiful, I can’t help but be in awe of it all and just be happy. We also ate a lot during the day. You just never go hungry in Germany. The food is just amazing and so ridiculously hearty. My dad jokingly said he doesn’t want to come back to Germany because it feels like he’s being punished with all the food. He’s always so full but he feels the need to continue eating. It's just that good!
At night, the fam had to finish packing and figure out how to get all their crap home. Each of them came with one suitcase, and yet they all left with two suitcases each…if only they didn’t buy out the grocery store of all their chocolate. They literally went nuts…all the Germans were laughing at us. I also came with just a backpack, enough for my computer and an extra outfit. I, however, came home with an extra bag because my aunt gave me presents also. I got a new top, a ton of chocolate, clothes pins (so I don’t lose my underwear, she says), and a giant jar of Nutella – to go with my giant jar of Skippy Peanut Butter. It was the best birthday present!
Today I had to say goodbye to the fam. I, of course, cried again. I have problems…or I’m just really hormonal at the moment. I think it’s both. It was a very nice visit. I’m glad to have seen my family enjoy Europe…at least I hope they enjoyed it.
My family left Madrid for Munich on Wednesday. This was going to be the last leg of their trip. They were visiting my German relatives, and my dad and sister have never been there. On Thursday, they went on a day trip to Salzburg, Austria, which I’m sad I missed. Apparently, the city is amazingly beautiful. I can’t wait to go there myself…I totally want to do the Sound of Music Tour.
On Friday, I also flew to Munich to spend the my family’s last few days in Europe with them. The weekend was fun-filled and packed with activity and ridiculous amounts of food, like always when you go visit my German family. I arrived at the airport and met them in downtown Munich. My mom and aunts went and met an old friend from the Philippines. The rest of us walked around Munich and showed Elaine and my dad the usual spots: Marienplatz, the Cathedrals, Hofbrauhaus, the ’72 Olympic park, and the BMW headquarters.
Saturday, we went to see one of King Ludwig II’s marvelous castles. Although I had already seen Neuschwanstein Castle, I went again with my dad and sister. The rest of the family went to the small castle across the way, the Hohenschwangau, where Ludwig grew up. I love Neuschwanstein! It really is a fairy tale castle, which makes one understand why it became the model of the Disney castle. Seeing it makes you want to be a princess. I would totally live there. I’d sleep on Ludwig’s beautiful gothic canopy bed and hang out in the winter garden on cold snowy days, or check out my stalagmite grotto when I’m feeling “earthy”, or enjoy the view of the Alps on stressful days. Note: Que casualidad! A Walt Disney medley just totally came on my shuffle as I'm editing this post. Yes, I have disney music on my itunes.
The rest of the day was spent seeing a baroque church and a lake on the Alps. I’m not very naturey, but when I see the Alps or anything that naturally beautiful, I can’t help but be in awe of it all and just be happy. We also ate a lot during the day. You just never go hungry in Germany. The food is just amazing and so ridiculously hearty. My dad jokingly said he doesn’t want to come back to Germany because it feels like he’s being punished with all the food. He’s always so full but he feels the need to continue eating. It's just that good!
At night, the fam had to finish packing and figure out how to get all their crap home. Each of them came with one suitcase, and yet they all left with two suitcases each…if only they didn’t buy out the grocery store of all their chocolate. They literally went nuts…all the Germans were laughing at us. I also came with just a backpack, enough for my computer and an extra outfit. I, however, came home with an extra bag because my aunt gave me presents also. I got a new top, a ton of chocolate, clothes pins (so I don’t lose my underwear, she says), and a giant jar of Nutella – to go with my giant jar of Skippy Peanut Butter. It was the best birthday present!
Today I had to say goodbye to the fam. I, of course, cried again. I have problems…or I’m just really hormonal at the moment. I think it’s both. It was a very nice visit. I’m glad to have seen my family enjoy Europe…at least I hope they enjoyed it.
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| Munich |
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| Salzburg |
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| Neuschwans |
Warning: There ARE pickpocketers in Madrid
written May 25:
My family and I were getting on the Metro when all of a sudden three women surrounded us. They were definitely not around us while we were still waiting for the train. I was immediately suspicious. I wanted to make sure everyone got on, so they were all in front of me. All the seats on the train were taken, but no one was standing yet. So there was a lot of space in between the doors. My aunt was trying to find a good spot in the middle when I noticed all three women standing very close to my Aunt. She was oblivious to this because she was concentrating on having something to hold on to when the train starts to move. There was a lot of room around my aunt; it was unnecessary for them to get so close to her. So I looked down and sure enough saw one of the women’s hands inside my aunt’s purse. I ran to them, loudly said, “Hey!” (the only words I could think of that moment), and grabbed her hand and pulled it out of the purse. Of course she started looking and yelling at me like I was doing something bad and her friends joined in the yelling. They quickly opened the door back up and walked out of the train.
My poor Aunt. She was totally traumatized by it. I swear these people are just so freaking fast. She literally was able to open the purse and the inside pocket within seconds. Fortunately, she was unable to get anything. She picked a mini wallet out of the inside pocket but she must have dropped it back in the bag when she was caught. In a way, I kinda wish she got that wallet. It didn’t have any money inside, only random reminders and phone numbers (ie. Number to call for emergency drugs). It would have been awesome if the woman got it just to find out she got nothing in the end. Fucking ladronas!!!
My family and I were getting on the Metro when all of a sudden three women surrounded us. They were definitely not around us while we were still waiting for the train. I was immediately suspicious. I wanted to make sure everyone got on, so they were all in front of me. All the seats on the train were taken, but no one was standing yet. So there was a lot of space in between the doors. My aunt was trying to find a good spot in the middle when I noticed all three women standing very close to my Aunt. She was oblivious to this because she was concentrating on having something to hold on to when the train starts to move. There was a lot of room around my aunt; it was unnecessary for them to get so close to her. So I looked down and sure enough saw one of the women’s hands inside my aunt’s purse. I ran to them, loudly said, “Hey!” (the only words I could think of that moment), and grabbed her hand and pulled it out of the purse. Of course she started looking and yelling at me like I was doing something bad and her friends joined in the yelling. They quickly opened the door back up and walked out of the train.
My poor Aunt. She was totally traumatized by it. I swear these people are just so freaking fast. She literally was able to open the purse and the inside pocket within seconds. Fortunately, she was unable to get anything. She picked a mini wallet out of the inside pocket but she must have dropped it back in the bag when she was caught. In a way, I kinda wish she got that wallet. It didn’t have any money inside, only random reminders and phone numbers (ie. Number to call for emergency drugs). It would have been awesome if the woman got it just to find out she got nothing in the end. Fucking ladronas!!!
Hot Sexy Men in Suits
written May 25:
Last Monday, I was supposed to have a four-hour class with one of my company executive students. I arrived at his house and found out he wasn’t home. I knew it was going to be a good day. I was getting paid for four hours without actually working. So I went home and hung out with the fam. We went to the Reina Sofia (for free thanks to Juan and his mom!) and checked out Picasso's work. I finally saw the Guernica and it was massive!
After the museum we decided to go back to Sol to eat lunch before I go to my next class. As we emerged out of the Metro, I noticed that there were a ton of people gathering around the Plaza. In the middle was an elevated platform and on it were people with professional cameras and video cameras. On the balcony of the government office was a big congratulation sign for Real Madrid and their La Liga championship. I got excited.
I made everyone wait and stand around. I was so sure that the team would be there. They had to be. There was a big coach bus! Sure enough they were there…all wearing suits. It was awesome! Totally made my day ten times better.
Elaine went picture crazy! That completed her Spain experience. She may not have seen a match but at least she saw the team…in suits!
Last Monday, I was supposed to have a four-hour class with one of my company executive students. I arrived at his house and found out he wasn’t home. I knew it was going to be a good day. I was getting paid for four hours without actually working. So I went home and hung out with the fam. We went to the Reina Sofia (for free thanks to Juan and his mom!) and checked out Picasso's work. I finally saw the Guernica and it was massive!
After the museum we decided to go back to Sol to eat lunch before I go to my next class. As we emerged out of the Metro, I noticed that there were a ton of people gathering around the Plaza. In the middle was an elevated platform and on it were people with professional cameras and video cameras. On the balcony of the government office was a big congratulation sign for Real Madrid and their La Liga championship. I got excited.
I made everyone wait and stand around. I was so sure that the team would be there. They had to be. There was a big coach bus! Sure enough they were there…all wearing suits. It was awesome! Totally made my day ten times better.
Elaine went picture crazy! That completed her Spain experience. She may not have seen a match but at least she saw the team…in suits!
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| Real Madrid Championsh |
Toro! Toro!
I finally saw a real live bullfight. Was it great? Eh, not really, but it was definitely very interesting. I’ve always wanted to go to a bullfight, regardless of how cruel it was. I just don’t think my Spain experience would be complete if I didn’t see one. I had to see what the big deal was.
First let me give you a bit of history. Bullfight season in Madrid officially starts on May 15th, the holiday of San Isidro, although there are bullfights prior to the day. Madrid’s Las Ventas is one of the biggest bullrings in the Spain and it is highly regarded. All the best matadors want to come here. The fight takes place every day until the fall, and three matadors and six bulls are involved in every fight (you figure out how many bulls get killed in one bullfighting season). So basically, there are six single fights for every bullfight (two bulls for each matador).
A single fight consists of three parts: the picadores, the adornment, and the dance/kill. First a man comes out holding a big sign that includes bull info: age, weight, etc. The bull then comes out and runs around the ring with the “assistant” toreros trying to get its attention. The toreros at this point have to be very careful (and probably very afraid) because the bull is very quick and strong. After a few minutes of running around, the picadores come out. The picadores are two men on a horse. They will attract the bulls attention and when the bull attacks the horse, the man on the horse will stab the bull with a little spear, causing it to slowly bleed. This part makes the bull a little weak, but still pretty strong.
The second part is when the toreros charge the bull and stab them with beautiful looking medium size spears. These spears have two purposes: one is to make the bull bleed some more so it becomes weaker; and two, to adorn the bulls. The spears are wrapped in some colorful crepe paper and it hangs on the bull for the remainder of the fight.
The third part is when the matador does his dance with the bull. With the help of a colorful cloth, the matador leads the bull in a beautiful, artistic dance. Depending on how cooperative the bull is, this dance can be very beautiful. Many people think that the bull is attracted to the color (especially red, which is used in bull runs, etc.). But the bull is actually attracted to the movement. So the matador is able to tease the bull around by moving his cloth. He does this for several minutes until he finally takes his long sword and stabs the bull. If he is lucky, he can stab it straight into the bull’s heart. At times he is not so lucky because he hits a bone and the sword ricochets off the bull. The matador then has to repeat the teasing/killing process.
Once the matador is able to stab the bull, the bull slowly dies. Sometimes it continues to weakly fight with the toreros. Other times, it just stands there confused and defeated. And the worst (at least for me), is when it just walks away from the toreros as if to say, Leave me alone, you ruthless assholes! Eventually, the bull collapses and dies. If it takes the bull too long to die, one of the toreros will stab it one more time with a small knife on the head to relieve it from its misery. And then the bull is harnessed by ropes attached to beautiful horses and are dragged out of the ring.
People say that the closer the matador is to the bull and the less afraid he is, the better he is at bullfighting. However, the best matador can still have a terrible fight if the bull is not cooperative. Thus the success of the fight really depends on the bull.
Many people consider bullfighting as an art. This is very obvious when you see the hardcore fans watching and yelling and waving their arms about. For some reason unknown to me, the aficionados always know when a bull is going to be bad just after a few minutes it comes out. They all look angry/disappointed and make that-bull-has-got-to-go gestures. The bull will usually stay for a bit until it really shows more obvious signs that it sucks! So a cowman and his herd of cows come out to lead the bull out of the ring. When the bull is good and he cooperates with the matador, you will hear a lot of oohs, ahhhs, oles and an applause for the matador.
I did not get any of this. I just don’t think I understand it enough to really appreciate it. It was interesting to watch the first two fights, but after a while it just got boring. It all looked the same to me. I could see a bit of difference between the matadors - who was better at it - but for the most part, they all looked the same to me. Plus, it was just kind of sad. This poor bull was getting teased and mocked and KILLED. I don’t even like animals but this was a bit much for me. I was nervous half the time for the bull’s life and the other half for the toreros’ lives.
Although I have to say I do like the second part of the fight. I think it’s amazing how these toreros run up to the bull and get so close to them. I mean the bulls are still pretty strong at this point. These guys have major balls!! You gotta give them credit for that. Also, some of these matadors are hot! And they have these awesome lean bodies. I always say they must really work out hard to get buns of steel because they all have nicely shaped asses. You have to if you have to wear those uber tight costumes that would not be flattering on anyone else. The costumes have pretty colors…only black can hide the gut.
So that will probably be my last bullfight…unless I decide to watch the ones where the matadors are on horseback…that might be more interesting…
First let me give you a bit of history. Bullfight season in Madrid officially starts on May 15th, the holiday of San Isidro, although there are bullfights prior to the day. Madrid’s Las Ventas is one of the biggest bullrings in the Spain and it is highly regarded. All the best matadors want to come here. The fight takes place every day until the fall, and three matadors and six bulls are involved in every fight (you figure out how many bulls get killed in one bullfighting season). So basically, there are six single fights for every bullfight (two bulls for each matador).
A single fight consists of three parts: the picadores, the adornment, and the dance/kill. First a man comes out holding a big sign that includes bull info: age, weight, etc. The bull then comes out and runs around the ring with the “assistant” toreros trying to get its attention. The toreros at this point have to be very careful (and probably very afraid) because the bull is very quick and strong. After a few minutes of running around, the picadores come out. The picadores are two men on a horse. They will attract the bulls attention and when the bull attacks the horse, the man on the horse will stab the bull with a little spear, causing it to slowly bleed. This part makes the bull a little weak, but still pretty strong.
The second part is when the toreros charge the bull and stab them with beautiful looking medium size spears. These spears have two purposes: one is to make the bull bleed some more so it becomes weaker; and two, to adorn the bulls. The spears are wrapped in some colorful crepe paper and it hangs on the bull for the remainder of the fight.
The third part is when the matador does his dance with the bull. With the help of a colorful cloth, the matador leads the bull in a beautiful, artistic dance. Depending on how cooperative the bull is, this dance can be very beautiful. Many people think that the bull is attracted to the color (especially red, which is used in bull runs, etc.). But the bull is actually attracted to the movement. So the matador is able to tease the bull around by moving his cloth. He does this for several minutes until he finally takes his long sword and stabs the bull. If he is lucky, he can stab it straight into the bull’s heart. At times he is not so lucky because he hits a bone and the sword ricochets off the bull. The matador then has to repeat the teasing/killing process.
Once the matador is able to stab the bull, the bull slowly dies. Sometimes it continues to weakly fight with the toreros. Other times, it just stands there confused and defeated. And the worst (at least for me), is when it just walks away from the toreros as if to say, Leave me alone, you ruthless assholes! Eventually, the bull collapses and dies. If it takes the bull too long to die, one of the toreros will stab it one more time with a small knife on the head to relieve it from its misery. And then the bull is harnessed by ropes attached to beautiful horses and are dragged out of the ring.
People say that the closer the matador is to the bull and the less afraid he is, the better he is at bullfighting. However, the best matador can still have a terrible fight if the bull is not cooperative. Thus the success of the fight really depends on the bull.
Many people consider bullfighting as an art. This is very obvious when you see the hardcore fans watching and yelling and waving their arms about. For some reason unknown to me, the aficionados always know when a bull is going to be bad just after a few minutes it comes out. They all look angry/disappointed and make that-bull-has-got-to-go gestures. The bull will usually stay for a bit until it really shows more obvious signs that it sucks! So a cowman and his herd of cows come out to lead the bull out of the ring. When the bull is good and he cooperates with the matador, you will hear a lot of oohs, ahhhs, oles and an applause for the matador.
I did not get any of this. I just don’t think I understand it enough to really appreciate it. It was interesting to watch the first two fights, but after a while it just got boring. It all looked the same to me. I could see a bit of difference between the matadors - who was better at it - but for the most part, they all looked the same to me. Plus, it was just kind of sad. This poor bull was getting teased and mocked and KILLED. I don’t even like animals but this was a bit much for me. I was nervous half the time for the bull’s life and the other half for the toreros’ lives.
Although I have to say I do like the second part of the fight. I think it’s amazing how these toreros run up to the bull and get so close to them. I mean the bulls are still pretty strong at this point. These guys have major balls!! You gotta give them credit for that. Also, some of these matadors are hot! And they have these awesome lean bodies. I always say they must really work out hard to get buns of steel because they all have nicely shaped asses. You have to if you have to wear those uber tight costumes that would not be flattering on anyone else. The costumes have pretty colors…only black can hide the gut.
So that will probably be my last bullfight…unless I decide to watch the ones where the matadors are on horseback…that might be more interesting…
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| Bullfight |
Just Like Being at the Movies
written May 25:
After arriving back from Portugal on Saturday, my family checked in the same apartment I stayed in my first week in Madrid. Staying there for four nights was cheaper than staying in a hotel for 2 nights. The apartment is nice and clean and centrally located. However, it is also on a plaza that attracts many different types of people. It’s pretty safe but like any plazas, you’ll see interesting things.
That Saturday, Elaine and I slept in my place because we went out dancing. The next morning, we picked up the “oldies” so we could go to the Rastro. When we arrived at the apartment, my parents said we missed a movie the night before. What movie, I asked. My mom proceeds to tell us about a very young couple who were sitting, making out, on one of the plaza’s benches. As time passed, the boy and girl kept getting closer and closer and eventually, the girl was pretty much on top of the boy. I’m assuming they were just dry humping and not having full on sex (at least, I hope they had the decency to only dry hump).
Listening to the oldies tell this story – and the fact that they kept watching it – was great! It kinda made me wish I saw it too.
After arriving back from Portugal on Saturday, my family checked in the same apartment I stayed in my first week in Madrid. Staying there for four nights was cheaper than staying in a hotel for 2 nights. The apartment is nice and clean and centrally located. However, it is also on a plaza that attracts many different types of people. It’s pretty safe but like any plazas, you’ll see interesting things.
That Saturday, Elaine and I slept in my place because we went out dancing. The next morning, we picked up the “oldies” so we could go to the Rastro. When we arrived at the apartment, my parents said we missed a movie the night before. What movie, I asked. My mom proceeds to tell us about a very young couple who were sitting, making out, on one of the plaza’s benches. As time passed, the boy and girl kept getting closer and closer and eventually, the girl was pretty much on top of the boy. I’m assuming they were just dry humping and not having full on sex (at least, I hope they had the decency to only dry hump).
Listening to the oldies tell this story – and the fact that they kept watching it – was great! It kinda made me wish I saw it too.
Lisboa (\Lish-boh-ah\)
written May 23:
What can I say about Lisboa? Well, it looks worn out, rough, and uninviting. The city, as one student puts it, “needs a paint job”. The buildings are unkempt, the people don't seem to be as friendly (definitely not like the Spaniards), and it evokes a feeling of gloominess (or was that due to the rainy weather). All day I kept trying to figure out what place it reminded me of. And it hit me that the structures were very similar to the ones on the coast of Ghana, of all those old houses/businesses owned by Portuguese business men back in the day when they were into selling slaves.
But underneath the cold surface is a very beautiful city. One minute you’ll want to grab a bucket of water and soap and start doing some renovations, and the next minute, you’ll just stare in awe of the amazing exterior wall mosaics, the grand Cathedral of San Geronimo, the very cool monument for Portuguese explorers, and the eye catching purple flowers of the jacaranda trees all over the city. The city isn’t so bad after all, except for the fact that the men like to stare and it seems to have a deficit of good-looking men. It wouldn’t have bad if the starers were cute, but no one was cute. Elaine and I were very disappointed. Also, it seemed like the old to young people ratio was 20 to 1. It was so rare for me to see young people. Maybe we were just in the wrong area but Lisbon, I swear, only consists of old people and unattractive men. Sorry Lisbon!
The tour bus also took us to nearby towns. We drove through Estoril, which I slept through so I got nothing to say about it. Apparently, it’s a town where all the super rich vacation and exiled politicians live (i.e. the King of Spain during Franco’s dictatorship). For lunch, we went to the town of Cascais, which we all seem to have a hard time saying (try it yourself: \Kash-kaysh\), and we got to taste piri piri sauce and bacalao (cod), their specialty. There we got to see more beautiful homes of the rich and famous (ie. Winston Churchill).
After lunch, we made our way to Sintra to see some old palace. On the way there, we saw the westernmost point of Europe (I’m assuming mainland Europe…minus Iceland). I wanted to stay there. In that area is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (according to the guide) and it’s the beach where they hold the wind surfing world championship. It was pretty cool and the beach was beautiful. The palace was also not so bad. My favorite was the ballroom that had 27 swans painted on the ceiling. The story goes like this: the princess didn’t find a husband until she was 27 , a very old age for that time period (I would be considered an old maid in those days). Before she left to go to France to live with her husband, her mother wanted to remember her by painting the swans, her daughter’s fave, on the ceiling for the 27 wonderful years she had spent at home. Awwww. I even enjoyed the swan ceiling…and I hate birds!!!
In Sintra, we also went to a wine shop that sold Port wine. Port wine comes from the Northern Portuguese town of Porto. We didn’t have enough time to go there, so we had to resign to buying Port from towns a few hundred kilometers away from Porto. The shopkeeper let us try some super expensive 600 Euro wine and it was awesome! Surprisingly, I even liked it. Not surprisingly, I still got pretty tipsy from a fifth of a glass of wine.
Portugal was excellent. I give it a one and half thumbs up (minus half for the lack of hot men!)
What can I say about Lisboa? Well, it looks worn out, rough, and uninviting. The city, as one student puts it, “needs a paint job”. The buildings are unkempt, the people don't seem to be as friendly (definitely not like the Spaniards), and it evokes a feeling of gloominess (or was that due to the rainy weather). All day I kept trying to figure out what place it reminded me of. And it hit me that the structures were very similar to the ones on the coast of Ghana, of all those old houses/businesses owned by Portuguese business men back in the day when they were into selling slaves.
But underneath the cold surface is a very beautiful city. One minute you’ll want to grab a bucket of water and soap and start doing some renovations, and the next minute, you’ll just stare in awe of the amazing exterior wall mosaics, the grand Cathedral of San Geronimo, the very cool monument for Portuguese explorers, and the eye catching purple flowers of the jacaranda trees all over the city. The city isn’t so bad after all, except for the fact that the men like to stare and it seems to have a deficit of good-looking men. It wouldn’t have bad if the starers were cute, but no one was cute. Elaine and I were very disappointed. Also, it seemed like the old to young people ratio was 20 to 1. It was so rare for me to see young people. Maybe we were just in the wrong area but Lisbon, I swear, only consists of old people and unattractive men. Sorry Lisbon!
The tour bus also took us to nearby towns. We drove through Estoril, which I slept through so I got nothing to say about it. Apparently, it’s a town where all the super rich vacation and exiled politicians live (i.e. the King of Spain during Franco’s dictatorship). For lunch, we went to the town of Cascais, which we all seem to have a hard time saying (try it yourself: \Kash-kaysh\), and we got to taste piri piri sauce and bacalao (cod), their specialty. There we got to see more beautiful homes of the rich and famous (ie. Winston Churchill).
After lunch, we made our way to Sintra to see some old palace. On the way there, we saw the westernmost point of Europe (I’m assuming mainland Europe…minus Iceland). I wanted to stay there. In that area is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (according to the guide) and it’s the beach where they hold the wind surfing world championship. It was pretty cool and the beach was beautiful. The palace was also not so bad. My favorite was the ballroom that had 27 swans painted on the ceiling. The story goes like this: the princess didn’t find a husband until she was 27 , a very old age for that time period (I would be considered an old maid in those days). Before she left to go to France to live with her husband, her mother wanted to remember her by painting the swans, her daughter’s fave, on the ceiling for the 27 wonderful years she had spent at home. Awwww. I even enjoyed the swan ceiling…and I hate birds!!!
In Sintra, we also went to a wine shop that sold Port wine. Port wine comes from the Northern Portuguese town of Porto. We didn’t have enough time to go there, so we had to resign to buying Port from towns a few hundred kilometers away from Porto. The shopkeeper let us try some super expensive 600 Euro wine and it was awesome! Surprisingly, I even liked it. Not surprisingly, I still got pretty tipsy from a fifth of a glass of wine.
Portugal was excellent. I give it a one and half thumbs up (minus half for the lack of hot men!)
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| Lisboa |
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| Fatima |
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| From Lisbon to Madrid |
Traveling Senior Citizen Style
written May 23:
Everyone knows that a bus tour means it’s an old people tour. I’m not trying to be mean, but seriously, how many bus tours have you seen with young people besides a school field trip??? This is pretty much the reason why Elaine didn’t want to go to Portugal with the “oldies”, as we called them during the trip. Plus the tour was like a little pilgrimage to the city of Fatima, where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared to three children. Elaine didn’t want to go there either.
As much as she tried to avoid this senior citizen tour, she got involved anyway...and so did I. Once we found our parents early Thursday morning, they were about to leave for the Lisbon part of their tour. My mom thought we should just join them. Elaine and I, exhausted and completely out of it, agreed – more time with the family and we thought it might actually be nice to have someone show us around Lisbon.
My, was it a trip?! We were definitely the youngest people on the bus. These old people were crazy. There was one Brazilian woman who was everyone’s best friend. She was super friendly, talkative, and loud. She was always dancing and singing and providing lots of entertainment for all of us. At one point during the tour, the tour guide mentioned the famous Portuguese explorer Magellan and how he was killed in the Philippines. I jokingly did the fist pump with a “YES!!” and then she looked at me and gave me an approving nod and thumbs up. She was a hoot!
By the end of that day, Elaine and I were exhausted. Not only were we tired from the lack of sleep the night before, but also from having to keep up – or actually, slow down – for the old people. Friday, we still refused to go to Fatima and walked around Lisbon on our own. Saturday, we spent one more day with the oldies for the bus ride back to Madrid.
Some observations about old people tours:
• They are expensive! If I was on my own, it probably would have cost me a lot less if I had taken the Metro everywhere and stuck to some cheap ass restaurants.
• Old people will buy anything! Every time we made a stop for photos or whatever, there were always souvenir vendors waiting there. And of course, the old people would buy something from them all the time! Every time they got back on the bus, they would always have some new tapestry or magnets or whatever.
• Old people tours are SLOW! I think what we saw in four hours, I would’ve seen in two and a half. If the tour guide said to be back in the bus in ten minutes, they would come back in twenty. They were always taking their time!
So the moral of the story is that as amusing as traveling old people are, I cannot travel on their time and money. I really hope that I do not get to the point where I have to go on these bus tours. But now that I’ve just said it, I probably will!
Everyone knows that a bus tour means it’s an old people tour. I’m not trying to be mean, but seriously, how many bus tours have you seen with young people besides a school field trip??? This is pretty much the reason why Elaine didn’t want to go to Portugal with the “oldies”, as we called them during the trip. Plus the tour was like a little pilgrimage to the city of Fatima, where the Virgin Mary supposedly appeared to three children. Elaine didn’t want to go there either.
As much as she tried to avoid this senior citizen tour, she got involved anyway...and so did I. Once we found our parents early Thursday morning, they were about to leave for the Lisbon part of their tour. My mom thought we should just join them. Elaine and I, exhausted and completely out of it, agreed – more time with the family and we thought it might actually be nice to have someone show us around Lisbon.
My, was it a trip?! We were definitely the youngest people on the bus. These old people were crazy. There was one Brazilian woman who was everyone’s best friend. She was super friendly, talkative, and loud. She was always dancing and singing and providing lots of entertainment for all of us. At one point during the tour, the tour guide mentioned the famous Portuguese explorer Magellan and how he was killed in the Philippines. I jokingly did the fist pump with a “YES!!” and then she looked at me and gave me an approving nod and thumbs up. She was a hoot!
By the end of that day, Elaine and I were exhausted. Not only were we tired from the lack of sleep the night before, but also from having to keep up – or actually, slow down – for the old people. Friday, we still refused to go to Fatima and walked around Lisbon on our own. Saturday, we spent one more day with the oldies for the bus ride back to Madrid.
Some observations about old people tours:
• They are expensive! If I was on my own, it probably would have cost me a lot less if I had taken the Metro everywhere and stuck to some cheap ass restaurants.
• Old people will buy anything! Every time we made a stop for photos or whatever, there were always souvenir vendors waiting there. And of course, the old people would buy something from them all the time! Every time they got back on the bus, they would always have some new tapestry or magnets or whatever.
• Old people tours are SLOW! I think what we saw in four hours, I would’ve seen in two and a half. If the tour guide said to be back in the bus in ten minutes, they would come back in twenty. They were always taking their time!
So the moral of the story is that as amusing as traveling old people are, I cannot travel on their time and money. I really hope that I do not get to the point where I have to go on these bus tours. But now that I’ve just said it, I probably will!
Misson: Find Missing Parents
written May 23:
The day before my family left Chicago, I found out that I would have a four-day weekend on their first weekend in Europe. Thursday, May 15th, is San Isidro Day and it’s a holiday in Madrid. I would have worked on Friday but all my students decided to cancel classes so they can enjoy a long weekend as well. For this reason, Elaine and I decided we needed to take advantage of my time off and do some traveling. We had three choices: 1. Go to Granada and see the Alhambra, 2. Go to Morocco, and 3. Meet the parents in Lisbon. We wanted to get out of the country so we scratched off Granada. We preferred Morocco over Lisbon, but we kept hesitating. The airfare was not so cheap and we would only be there for a day. But the thought of going to Morocco and shopping in the souk for Moroccan slipper and head scarves was really tempting. We were so indecisive that by Wednesday night, when we absolutely had to decide, the tickets to Marrakech increased to an unreasonable level. Thus, to Lisbon we go.
But before going, we wanted to make sure our parents knew we were meeting them. I got a bunk SIM card for my Aunt’s phone, so I couldn’t call her on it. We called the hotel the bus tour had set up for them, but the hotel said there was no one of that name. They said the tour had arrived, but our parents are not in the hotel. Our parents and aunt were officially missing in Europe. Freak out begins!
It was already 8:30 PM and the bus for Lisbon was leaving at 11 PM. Elaine and I would have to leave my house before 10 to give us enough time to buy tickets and get dinner. I was freaking out. We didn’t have tickets to and from Lisbon; we couldn’t decide how to get home (by plane or by bus again); we didn’t have a place to stay; and we knew absolutely nothing about Lisbon or know any Portuguese. We decided we would just figure out everything when we get there. My mind was so all over the place that I didn’t know where to start. I was packing furiously, hoping that everything would be okay and that we would somehow find my parents. Elaine had to calm me down. This is how I know I’m old. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have thought about anything and just got on with it knowing I don’t have a concrete plan. This time, I was hysterical!
Luckily we did make it to our bus on time and even had a few minutes to spare to buy sandwiches to eat on the bus. It was surprisingly packed, packed with shady ass people! We were of course in the back of the bus and surrounded by 90% men who just stared as we got on. The bus ticket provides each passenger with an assigned seat. We were assigned separate seats, across the aisle from each other. Someone was occupying Elaine’s seat. While figuring out what was going on, all of the passengers around us started talking loud and in Portuguese. We were very confused. One man started speaking English and said that no one is following the assigned seats and we can sit anywhere. At this point, I was getting nervous. I wanted to make sure we sit together. I wasn’t going to spend 7 hours on a bus constantly wondering about the shady person next to me. So I asked the same guy if he could take one of our seats so Elaine and I can sit together (no one was next to him). He rudely responded with, “NO! I want to be alone!” I wanted to punch him! Fortunately, another guy was nice enough to move and someone eventually sat next to the douchebag!
The whole time I was too nervous to sleep. Everyone was talking and laughing and we couldn’t understand them. We were pretty sure they were talking about us; Elaine saw the woman behind us not so discreetly point at us. When I did fall asleep I slept with my arms tightly around my bag. I was also still thinking about my parents’ whereabouts. My sister in Chicago and my Aunt in Germany got involved and were also looking for them.
We arrived in Lisbon at 5:30 AM, too early for the Metro and too early to do some parent searching. So we sat inside the bus station waiting for the sun to rise and for people to wake up. By about 6:30, the Metro opened up. We were hoping to take the Metro to our parent’s supposed hotel (just to make sure again they really aren’t there), but of course there was no tourist information booth/office open and we had no map. The Metro map didn’t help at all. So we took a cab, knowing it would drop us off at the exact place. Luckily, it was just a 5 Euro cab ride.
At the hotel, I asked the front desk and again the answer was, No your parents are not here. I was starting to be nervous again when he said, “Half of the tour is here and the other half in another hotel. If you wait for another hour, we will be doing a wake up call for the tour guide and we’ll ask him which hotel.” He was nice enough to let us wait in the lobby. As we waited, we also called another hotel that was listed on the tour info. They were also not there.
An hour later, the front desk guy told me the hotel where my parents were staying. He said, “Do you know where that is?” Ummm no. “Follow me,” he said. We walked right outside the hotel door, he pointed up to a building across the street and said, “right there!”
All I could think of was, Oh My freaking God! Right across the fucking street! So Elaine and I hopped over to the other hotel, and asked the front desk guy the same question we’ve asked ten different times, “We’re looking for our parents; Are they in this hotel?” The man, liked everyone else, tried not to laugh at such a ridiculous question and politely gave us their room number. We went up to their room and knocked on the door. It was so nice to see their surprised faces on the other side of the door.
Whew! Mission accomplished!
The day before my family left Chicago, I found out that I would have a four-day weekend on their first weekend in Europe. Thursday, May 15th, is San Isidro Day and it’s a holiday in Madrid. I would have worked on Friday but all my students decided to cancel classes so they can enjoy a long weekend as well. For this reason, Elaine and I decided we needed to take advantage of my time off and do some traveling. We had three choices: 1. Go to Granada and see the Alhambra, 2. Go to Morocco, and 3. Meet the parents in Lisbon. We wanted to get out of the country so we scratched off Granada. We preferred Morocco over Lisbon, but we kept hesitating. The airfare was not so cheap and we would only be there for a day. But the thought of going to Morocco and shopping in the souk for Moroccan slipper and head scarves was really tempting. We were so indecisive that by Wednesday night, when we absolutely had to decide, the tickets to Marrakech increased to an unreasonable level. Thus, to Lisbon we go.
But before going, we wanted to make sure our parents knew we were meeting them. I got a bunk SIM card for my Aunt’s phone, so I couldn’t call her on it. We called the hotel the bus tour had set up for them, but the hotel said there was no one of that name. They said the tour had arrived, but our parents are not in the hotel. Our parents and aunt were officially missing in Europe. Freak out begins!
It was already 8:30 PM and the bus for Lisbon was leaving at 11 PM. Elaine and I would have to leave my house before 10 to give us enough time to buy tickets and get dinner. I was freaking out. We didn’t have tickets to and from Lisbon; we couldn’t decide how to get home (by plane or by bus again); we didn’t have a place to stay; and we knew absolutely nothing about Lisbon or know any Portuguese. We decided we would just figure out everything when we get there. My mind was so all over the place that I didn’t know where to start. I was packing furiously, hoping that everything would be okay and that we would somehow find my parents. Elaine had to calm me down. This is how I know I’m old. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have thought about anything and just got on with it knowing I don’t have a concrete plan. This time, I was hysterical!
Luckily we did make it to our bus on time and even had a few minutes to spare to buy sandwiches to eat on the bus. It was surprisingly packed, packed with shady ass people! We were of course in the back of the bus and surrounded by 90% men who just stared as we got on. The bus ticket provides each passenger with an assigned seat. We were assigned separate seats, across the aisle from each other. Someone was occupying Elaine’s seat. While figuring out what was going on, all of the passengers around us started talking loud and in Portuguese. We were very confused. One man started speaking English and said that no one is following the assigned seats and we can sit anywhere. At this point, I was getting nervous. I wanted to make sure we sit together. I wasn’t going to spend 7 hours on a bus constantly wondering about the shady person next to me. So I asked the same guy if he could take one of our seats so Elaine and I can sit together (no one was next to him). He rudely responded with, “NO! I want to be alone!” I wanted to punch him! Fortunately, another guy was nice enough to move and someone eventually sat next to the douchebag!
The whole time I was too nervous to sleep. Everyone was talking and laughing and we couldn’t understand them. We were pretty sure they were talking about us; Elaine saw the woman behind us not so discreetly point at us. When I did fall asleep I slept with my arms tightly around my bag. I was also still thinking about my parents’ whereabouts. My sister in Chicago and my Aunt in Germany got involved and were also looking for them.
We arrived in Lisbon at 5:30 AM, too early for the Metro and too early to do some parent searching. So we sat inside the bus station waiting for the sun to rise and for people to wake up. By about 6:30, the Metro opened up. We were hoping to take the Metro to our parent’s supposed hotel (just to make sure again they really aren’t there), but of course there was no tourist information booth/office open and we had no map. The Metro map didn’t help at all. So we took a cab, knowing it would drop us off at the exact place. Luckily, it was just a 5 Euro cab ride.
At the hotel, I asked the front desk and again the answer was, No your parents are not here. I was starting to be nervous again when he said, “Half of the tour is here and the other half in another hotel. If you wait for another hour, we will be doing a wake up call for the tour guide and we’ll ask him which hotel.” He was nice enough to let us wait in the lobby. As we waited, we also called another hotel that was listed on the tour info. They were also not there.
An hour later, the front desk guy told me the hotel where my parents were staying. He said, “Do you know where that is?” Ummm no. “Follow me,” he said. We walked right outside the hotel door, he pointed up to a building across the street and said, “right there!”
All I could think of was, Oh My freaking God! Right across the fucking street! So Elaine and I hopped over to the other hotel, and asked the front desk guy the same question we’ve asked ten different times, “We’re looking for our parents; Are they in this hotel?” The man, liked everyone else, tried not to laugh at such a ridiculous question and politely gave us their room number. We went up to their room and knocked on the door. It was so nice to see their surprised faces on the other side of the door.
Whew! Mission accomplished!
I'm back!
written on May 23:
The past two weeks have been a blur. There is so much to blog about that I don’t know where to start. My parents, my aunt, and my sister (again!...lucky bitch) arrived in Madrid on May 12th. We’ve done so much that I feel like it’s been forever…in a good way. It has been very nice to see them and it’s been great getting free meals and a birthday dinner at my fave restaurant (ha!).
They spent the first two days of their Euro trip in Madrid. I put them on a bus tour because I had to work and I couldn’t show them around. On Wednesday, my parents and aunt left for a bus tour to Portugal (mainly Lisbon and Fatima). Elaine didn’t want to partake in a bus tour, aka pilgrimage to Fatima, so she stayed behind. I let her wander around Madrid on her own, which was probably a bad idea. I think she bought out all the clothing stores within an hour. Thursday to Saturday, Elaine and I met our parents in Lisbon – more on this later.
Sidenote: I am writing this in Madrid’s airport waiting for my flight to Munich (where I will meet the fam). The crew just walked past and the pilots are HOT!!! I’m pretty sure I was staring.
Anyway, the fam stayed in Madrid until Wednesday, the 21st (my birthday!). We stayed in the apartment I stayed in my first week here in Madrid. It was awesome because my mom cooked those only-mom-can-make food I haven’t had in a long long time. We hung out some more and finished off their Spanish experience: souvenir shopping, the Reina Sofia, a bullfight, hot Real Madrid players, Spanish PDA, etc. Hopefully I can recap all of these experiences in more details in the following posts.
The past two weeks have been a blur. There is so much to blog about that I don’t know where to start. My parents, my aunt, and my sister (again!...lucky bitch) arrived in Madrid on May 12th. We’ve done so much that I feel like it’s been forever…in a good way. It has been very nice to see them and it’s been great getting free meals and a birthday dinner at my fave restaurant (ha!).
They spent the first two days of their Euro trip in Madrid. I put them on a bus tour because I had to work and I couldn’t show them around. On Wednesday, my parents and aunt left for a bus tour to Portugal (mainly Lisbon and Fatima). Elaine didn’t want to partake in a bus tour, aka pilgrimage to Fatima, so she stayed behind. I let her wander around Madrid on her own, which was probably a bad idea. I think she bought out all the clothing stores within an hour. Thursday to Saturday, Elaine and I met our parents in Lisbon – more on this later.
Sidenote: I am writing this in Madrid’s airport waiting for my flight to Munich (where I will meet the fam). The crew just walked past and the pilots are HOT!!! I’m pretty sure I was staring.
Anyway, the fam stayed in Madrid until Wednesday, the 21st (my birthday!). We stayed in the apartment I stayed in my first week here in Madrid. It was awesome because my mom cooked those only-mom-can-make food I haven’t had in a long long time. We hung out some more and finished off their Spanish experience: souvenir shopping, the Reina Sofia, a bullfight, hot Real Madrid players, Spanish PDA, etc. Hopefully I can recap all of these experiences in more details in the following posts.
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| Random Madrid Pics with the Family |
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm alive, I swear!
I'm not dead...obviously! Some - actually just one - of you have wondered why I haven't been blogging and seemed worried about me. Well, don't worry. I'm still kicking. I've been MIA because my family was here in Madrid and I was busy with that and work and spontaneous travels, and so much more. I have so much to write about and I promise I will get them on here hopefully by next week..my family left for Munich today and I'll be meeting them there on Friday, so I can't promise.
As for now, this is all I can write. It's my birthday (woohoo!) and I'm celebrating it by not doing anything (besides work, of course). This much is all I can do today...that and drinking port wine I got from Lisbon while watching the Champions League final (I heart penalty kicks!).
Ok, I think I need to go past out. Head...throbbing...
As for now, this is all I can write. It's my birthday (woohoo!) and I'm celebrating it by not doing anything (besides work, of course). This much is all I can do today...that and drinking port wine I got from Lisbon while watching the Champions League final (I heart penalty kicks!).
Ok, I think I need to go past out. Head...throbbing...
Friday, May 9, 2008
You're fired!
If there's one thing I will gain from this living/working abroad thing, it would have to be indifference to job instability. This week I lost two classes. The funny thing is I just started both the the past two weeks. One, I've only had class once, and the other, twice. One class is canceled because of the company is currently having financial problems. They decided to take away this benefit from their employees. The second class was taken away from me because...(whispering) I don't have a work permit. Apparently the office building is making sure that all their tenants only employ legal persons. Now, even though I'm not working for that particular company, I am still considered an employee since I conduct the classes there. Thus, I am not allowed in the building...boo!!!
Oh the life of an illegal immigrant! After all those years of mocking and joking around about me being an illegal alien in the States, now I am actually living the life of a real illegal immigrant. Granted my life here is not as difficult or complicated as many illegal immigrants in the States, I'm still getting a little taste of it - unstable work, lack of health insurance, having enough money one day and not the next, lack of a real family, etc. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how my family will be notified if something bad were to happen to me, or if I die here. Who's gonna call them? It's not like I gave someone my emergency contact info...this ain't a field trip! (Ma, please don't freak out! I'm just being crazy!)
Anyway, I think this will all just make me a better person...I hope. I'm just so used to constantly changing classes that it doesn't even matter anymore. As long as I can put a roof over my head and feed my fat ass, I don't care.
So if for some reason I ever hear the words, "You're fired!", in any of my future "real" jobs (if I ever decide to go back, that is), well, then, it will just be like losing another class.
Oh the life of an illegal immigrant! After all those years of mocking and joking around about me being an illegal alien in the States, now I am actually living the life of a real illegal immigrant. Granted my life here is not as difficult or complicated as many illegal immigrants in the States, I'm still getting a little taste of it - unstable work, lack of health insurance, having enough money one day and not the next, lack of a real family, etc. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how my family will be notified if something bad were to happen to me, or if I die here. Who's gonna call them? It's not like I gave someone my emergency contact info...this ain't a field trip! (Ma, please don't freak out! I'm just being crazy!)
Anyway, I think this will all just make me a better person...I hope. I'm just so used to constantly changing classes that it doesn't even matter anymore. As long as I can put a roof over my head and feed my fat ass, I don't care.
So if for some reason I ever hear the words, "You're fired!", in any of my future "real" jobs (if I ever decide to go back, that is), well, then, it will just be like losing another class.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Gotta love those Asians!
Ok, I know I said I'm going on blog hiatus, but who am I kidding???!! I can't keep my mouth shut!!! There is way too much shit that goes on in my head and really, no one here can understand me so I might as well get it in writing.
This morning, I was trying to push my way into a Metro train when I noticed an Asian man with a surgical mask on. I couldn't help but laugh and think, "Oh shit, is SARS back???" Hahahaha. Maybe I'm being inappropriate and totally rude, but seriously??? A mask? I haven't heard of any SARS outbreak...just that terrible virus currently spreading among Chinese children. But that's just in China, right? Wow, I sound like a heartless asshole! Not that I'm not concerned about the children, but as far as I know, it's not happening here. So no need to go crazy. Am I maybe just completely removed from American media, which tends to scare the hell out of people - SARS, threat level orange, etc.? Or is there really something serious happening and I just don't know about it because I can't understand Spanish? Or maybe the Asian man is sick and he is kind enough to protect the rest of us from his virus.
I have no idea! But considering there was only that one Asian man with a mask on, I'm gonna assume everything is alright. He's just being Asian. Loove it!
...I swear one day, the Asians are gonna take over the world and just laugh at everyone, especially at Asians who like to make fun of other Asians. I should move to China...
I went to my 8 AM class today just to find out from my student's employee that she is sick and couldn't come. As annoyed as I was about getting up early, I was also excited to get paid for doing nothing. That's a whole 25 Euros and 50 cents!!! Woohoo! I heart late cancellations!
This morning, I was trying to push my way into a Metro train when I noticed an Asian man with a surgical mask on. I couldn't help but laugh and think, "Oh shit, is SARS back???" Hahahaha. Maybe I'm being inappropriate and totally rude, but seriously??? A mask? I haven't heard of any SARS outbreak...just that terrible virus currently spreading among Chinese children. But that's just in China, right? Wow, I sound like a heartless asshole! Not that I'm not concerned about the children, but as far as I know, it's not happening here. So no need to go crazy. Am I maybe just completely removed from American media, which tends to scare the hell out of people - SARS, threat level orange, etc.? Or is there really something serious happening and I just don't know about it because I can't understand Spanish? Or maybe the Asian man is sick and he is kind enough to protect the rest of us from his virus.
I have no idea! But considering there was only that one Asian man with a mask on, I'm gonna assume everything is alright. He's just being Asian. Loove it!
...I swear one day, the Asians are gonna take over the world and just laugh at everyone, especially at Asians who like to make fun of other Asians. I should move to China...
I went to my 8 AM class today just to find out from my student's employee that she is sick and couldn't come. As annoyed as I was about getting up early, I was also excited to get paid for doing nothing. That's a whole 25 Euros and 50 cents!!! Woohoo! I heart late cancellations!
Happy 100!!!
This is my 100th blogpost!!! Woohoo! Considering I didn't quite know how to do this whole blogging this when I started in November (Ok, I admit I didn't even know what a blog was until about a year ago), I'm pretty proud of myself. Yup, I'm giving myself a P...O...B.
To celebrate my 100th post, I've decided to post more about futbol...you all must be so sick of me talking about it. Frankly, I don't care. Plus, I don't know what else to talk about. As Amanda says, she don't like a stale blog. Guess what, now that I've reached 100, this will be a stale blog...hahaha. What more can I possibly talk about??!!
Anyway, Real Madrid has just won the La Liga championship. Yay! Let me just give you a quick explanation as to how the championship works. The league doesn't actually have a playoff period. A team can win the championship by accumulating the most points of the season. Every match won is 3 points, a lost is 0 points, and a draw is 1. As of Sunday, Villareal, the team right behind Real Madrid was 10 points behind. Late afternoon on Sunday, Villareal won and got them closer to Madrid. At about 11 PM, Real Madrid won the cup by beating Ososuna during a really close match that ended with a score of 1-2 (Madrid score both goals in the last 10 minutes of the match). They were able to secure the championship title with that win - there are only three matches left in la temporada, the season; thus, even if Villareal won their last three matches, it's just not enough to pass Madrid's 10 point lead.
So Madrid celebrated and everyone gathered at Plaza Cibeles. It is a tradition for Real Madrid to celebrate with the fans and also for Raul, the captain, to wrap the Real Madrid scarf around the statue of Cibeles. I, of course, really wanted to go. But I had to come to my senses and decided not to. The team played in Pamplona, which means they would still have to get clean, fly back to Madrid, and take a bus to the Plaza. By the time they would get there, it would be the crack of dawn. Instead, Iñaki and I watched the celebration on TV and didn't go to be until 3 on a "school" night. I will definitely go next year if they win again.
With the season ending, I've decided to rate the jugadores, players. This is based on hotness and talent...mostly hotness. Here are my top jugadores de Real Madrid:
1. Casillas - Sexy Hot: portero (goalkeeper); Madrid, Spain; 26 years old (only a day older than me!)
2. Raul - Veteran Hot: delantero (forward); Madrid, Spain; 31 years old
3. Marcelo - Cute Smile Hot: defensa (defense); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 20 years old
4. Sneijder - White Man Hot: medio (midfielder); Utrecht, Netherlands; 23 years old
5. Cannavaro - Italain Hot: defensa; Naples, Italy; 33 years old
Enjoy everyone! This might be the last time you'll hear from me for a while. I'm going on blog hiatus!
To celebrate my 100th post, I've decided to post more about futbol...you all must be so sick of me talking about it. Frankly, I don't care. Plus, I don't know what else to talk about. As Amanda says, she don't like a stale blog. Guess what, now that I've reached 100, this will be a stale blog...hahaha. What more can I possibly talk about??!!
Anyway, Real Madrid has just won the La Liga championship. Yay! Let me just give you a quick explanation as to how the championship works. The league doesn't actually have a playoff period. A team can win the championship by accumulating the most points of the season. Every match won is 3 points, a lost is 0 points, and a draw is 1. As of Sunday, Villareal, the team right behind Real Madrid was 10 points behind. Late afternoon on Sunday, Villareal won and got them closer to Madrid. At about 11 PM, Real Madrid won the cup by beating Ososuna during a really close match that ended with a score of 1-2 (Madrid score both goals in the last 10 minutes of the match). They were able to secure the championship title with that win - there are only three matches left in la temporada, the season; thus, even if Villareal won their last three matches, it's just not enough to pass Madrid's 10 point lead.
So Madrid celebrated and everyone gathered at Plaza Cibeles. It is a tradition for Real Madrid to celebrate with the fans and also for Raul, the captain, to wrap the Real Madrid scarf around the statue of Cibeles. I, of course, really wanted to go. But I had to come to my senses and decided not to. The team played in Pamplona, which means they would still have to get clean, fly back to Madrid, and take a bus to the Plaza. By the time they would get there, it would be the crack of dawn. Instead, Iñaki and I watched the celebration on TV and didn't go to be until 3 on a "school" night. I will definitely go next year if they win again.
With the season ending, I've decided to rate the jugadores, players. This is based on hotness and talent...mostly hotness. Here are my top jugadores de Real Madrid:
1. Casillas - Sexy Hot: portero (goalkeeper); Madrid, Spain; 26 years old (only a day older than me!)
2. Raul - Veteran Hot: delantero (forward); Madrid, Spain; 31 years old
3. Marcelo - Cute Smile Hot: defensa (defense); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 20 years old
4. Sneijder - White Man Hot: medio (midfielder); Utrecht, Netherlands; 23 years old
5. Cannavaro - Italain Hot: defensa; Naples, Italy; 33 years old
Enjoy everyone! This might be the last time you'll hear from me for a while. I'm going on blog hiatus!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
My future husband
As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am quite infatuated with no other than, Iker Casillas. Never heard of him??? Well, it's about time you get to know about him. He is the goalkeeper for Real Madrid and he is amazing. I love watching Real Madrid games because he always puts a smile on my face. I have also regressed back to my teenage years and I have recently adorned my room with pictures of him. Hopefully, these videos will show you what he is all about.
If you think I'm creepy, I'm definitely not as creepy as the person who made this video...but I do appreciate her (or him) for making it.
Now you may think he's only a pretty face, but this kid's got skills too!!! He's considered one of the best in the world; definitely the best in Spain.
When I watch him in interviews, he always seem so nice, someone you can take home to mom and dad. And best of all, he's got a good sense of humor. I love these commercials with him...they're pretty funny.
One of my favorite things in futbol (besides Casillas, of course) are penalty kicks. I heart penalty kicks. Now, most of you might know that penalty kicks are like freebies; most football players will make the goal because it's difficult for goalkeepers to save the ball. But when the goalkeeper does get to save the ball, uuuff! It's pretty freaking awesome...well, unless he's for the team you want to lose...then that just sucks.
There you go! That's my man Iker Casillas.
Now, if only I can get him to break up with his former Ms. Spain girlfriend...bitch!
If you think I'm creepy, I'm definitely not as creepy as the person who made this video...but I do appreciate her (or him) for making it.
Now you may think he's only a pretty face, but this kid's got skills too!!! He's considered one of the best in the world; definitely the best in Spain.
When I watch him in interviews, he always seem so nice, someone you can take home to mom and dad. And best of all, he's got a good sense of humor. I love these commercials with him...they're pretty funny.
One of my favorite things in futbol (besides Casillas, of course) are penalty kicks. I heart penalty kicks. Now, most of you might know that penalty kicks are like freebies; most football players will make the goal because it's difficult for goalkeepers to save the ball. But when the goalkeeper does get to save the ball, uuuff! It's pretty freaking awesome...well, unless he's for the team you want to lose...then that just sucks.
There you go! That's my man Iker Casillas.
Now, if only I can get him to break up with his former Ms. Spain girlfriend...bitch!
Friday, May 2, 2008
I've fallen and I can't get up
After last week's craziness with all the traveling and stuff, I got to thinking how much things change in just a few years. Five, six years ago, the last time I was in Europe on non-vacation status, traveling within Europe was not so expensive. I could hop on a train for about 25 Euros round trip and be in another country. Granted I had a eurail pass then, but it just seems more expensive now. It's rare to find a round trip ticket to another country (or sometimes a city just a few hours away) for less than 100 Euros. Same with low cost airlines. They ain't so low cost anymore. You'll see ads everywhere for 10 to 20 Euro flights, but when you actually go on the website to book a flight, it ends up just being a little less than on a normal airline. They always end up adding all these fees to it!
Note: I teach a class at the Spanish equivalent of the FAA and I got to talking to my student about low cost airlines. She gave me some insight into low cost airlines and basically, DO NOT fly on a low cost airline. I am so done with Ryan Air! So long Easy Jet! Screw you Vueling! I think I'd rather pay 20 Euros more than die.
Anywhoooo, I am also realizing how I'm starting to get old for traveling. I know I'm not old old, but I'm not 21 anymore either. I remember having so much more energy during my Roman times. I traveled every weekend and slept minimally, yet I never got tired! Last week, I was exhausted after 3 days. My body was aching (my back, especially), my head was pounding, and now I'm sick. It's ridiculous! What the hell happened to me?! Thank god I decided to do this whole abroad thing now, not when I'm having a mid-life crisis. Soon, I'm going to have to be one of those oldies that go on bus tours of Europe (no offense to my parents/aunt who will be doing the same in a couple weeks)! How horrible!
I think the day when I can no longer carry that big ass backpack, get on a train or bus, and make my way through cities without a human guide, will be the day I die. I better get to Peru soon and walk that 4 day Inca trail before I get too old to walk it. Machu Piccu, anyone????
Note: I teach a class at the Spanish equivalent of the FAA and I got to talking to my student about low cost airlines. She gave me some insight into low cost airlines and basically, DO NOT fly on a low cost airline. I am so done with Ryan Air! So long Easy Jet! Screw you Vueling! I think I'd rather pay 20 Euros more than die.
Anywhoooo, I am also realizing how I'm starting to get old for traveling. I know I'm not old old, but I'm not 21 anymore either. I remember having so much more energy during my Roman times. I traveled every weekend and slept minimally, yet I never got tired! Last week, I was exhausted after 3 days. My body was aching (my back, especially), my head was pounding, and now I'm sick. It's ridiculous! What the hell happened to me?! Thank god I decided to do this whole abroad thing now, not when I'm having a mid-life crisis. Soon, I'm going to have to be one of those oldies that go on bus tours of Europe (no offense to my parents/aunt who will be doing the same in a couple weeks)! How horrible!
I think the day when I can no longer carry that big ass backpack, get on a train or bus, and make my way through cities without a human guide, will be the day I die. I better get to Peru soon and walk that 4 day Inca trail before I get too old to walk it. Machu Piccu, anyone????
Team Bobo Reunion: Images
There's a ton, so I apologize in advance, but they are awesome! Make sure to check out the videos.
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| Amanda's Spain Pics |
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| Lisa's Spain pics |
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| Team Bobo Reunion |
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