Yeah, I'm not sure about this one. Xalba has said a couple times that I've brought good luck to Spain.
Why? Well, it's been Spain's year in terms of sports. First, they won the Eurocup after decades of never getting pass the quarterfinals. Then Rafa Nadal beats Federer in Wimbledon for the first time. A Spaniard, whose name escapes me at the moment, won Tour de France. And this weekend, Spain took home the championship trophy for Tennis' Davis Cup. Spain's sports fans have definitely had a great year.
Hmmm so maybe I am good luck. If only I could bring good luck to myself! Damn it!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Why I would never survive a fire, a shipwreck, etc….
Because I panic! In times of chaos/emergency, I am like a mad woman. Last night, I was getting ready for bed and was changing into my pajamas. I had literally just taken off my shirt and was searching for my sleeping shirt (which was in the midst of my very messy room) when I all of a sudden heard Xalba dying. At first I though he was just choking but after a few seconds it got worst and it sounded like he was having a hard time breathing.
I, of course, panicked and didn’t know what to do. I knew I had to get out there and maybe do the Heimlich maneuver or CPR, neither of which I know how to do. But I also knew I couldn’t go out there topless. Because I was panicking so much, it took me a few seconds to get my shirt back on. I was like a two year old who didn’t know how to freaking dress herself!
When my arms finally started working, got my shirt on, and I finally got out of my room, poor Xalba was sitting up on his bed trying to breathe. I asked him if he was okay and he could barely talk. Slowly he caught up with his breath. He wasn’t sure what happened and it was the first time its ever happened to him. He said he had been sleeping for about thirty minutes when he all of a sudden woke up and couldn’t breathe. Scary!
It totally freaked me out. This is when I wish I wasn’t in the dumb biology in high school and I was a doctor or a nurse or someone knowledgeable of emergency situations. But then, all my patients would probably die…
I, of course, panicked and didn’t know what to do. I knew I had to get out there and maybe do the Heimlich maneuver or CPR, neither of which I know how to do. But I also knew I couldn’t go out there topless. Because I was panicking so much, it took me a few seconds to get my shirt back on. I was like a two year old who didn’t know how to freaking dress herself!
When my arms finally started working, got my shirt on, and I finally got out of my room, poor Xalba was sitting up on his bed trying to breathe. I asked him if he was okay and he could barely talk. Slowly he caught up with his breath. He wasn’t sure what happened and it was the first time its ever happened to him. He said he had been sleeping for about thirty minutes when he all of a sudden woke up and couldn’t breathe. Scary!
It totally freaked me out. This is when I wish I wasn’t in the dumb biology in high school and I was a doctor or a nurse or someone knowledgeable of emergency situations. But then, all my patients would probably die…
El Escorial
…was the home of King Philip II and is situated just outside of Madrid. I visited it this past Saturday with Maggie (the girl who rented my room this summer) and her friends. It’s huge. It’s grand. It’s ridiculous – much like the other castles/palaces in Europe. This one however was a bit creepy. Don’t get me wrong, some parts were cool but it wasn’t my favorite palace.
El Escorial was built from 1563 to 1584. King Philip - great-grandson of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, son of two first cousins (sick!) and the namesake of the Philippines - brought Spain to the height of its power. He was all about keeping Catholicism alive and making sure Spain remains the world power (Trivia: he married the very Catholic “Bloody” Mary of England, a good political strategy to prevent Protestantism from further spreading…but then she died). Spanish rule didn't end with him, but I don't think it got any better after.
What did I not like about the palace? It was dark. I'm real persnickety about darkness...I just prefer light and lots of color. I feel like the Spaniards must have such a dark history because everything historical I see here is dark. Spanish paintings in the Prado Museum: deprived of color. Churches: creepy. Palaces: gloomy. It’s probably because of it’s Catholic background…ha! Ok, all this isn’t completely true but it’s just a theory that I have. I obviously have to study more Spanish history.
Anyway, El Escorial just didn’t have enough light and as one guide book said, “looks like a prison”. I have to agree. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I lived there. Especially when most members of the royal family since Philip II have been buried in the castle. We walked through the pantheon with all the tombs and although it was interesting, it gave me the hibby jibbies at the same time. They had one room with this huge round tomb in the middle. Inside that tomb were like 60 members of the royal family who died when they were children. Yeah, creepy.
But of course, there’s good in everything. I loved the palace library. It was massive and it was cool to see all the books that have been there for forever. The library ceiling was painted with lots of colors with the Seven Liberal Arts as its theme. Also, I found it pretty cool to walk through King Philip’s bedroom. You can actually see the room with the bed where he died (at least, they say that it’s the original bed). And last but not the least, I loved the carved doors they had in one section of the palace. These doors were so intricately carved and just so beautiful…too bad I couldn’t take a picture.
As far as the outside, like most palaces, it is beautiful. It has a very nice garden and a ginormous pond. It’s also surrounded by amazingly grand mountains. I definitely preferred the outside of the palace more than the inside. But again, it’s no competition to the Neuchweisntein, which is surrounded by the Alps. God, I just love Neuchweinstein! And Ludwig just sounds more interesting than Philip.
By the way, what is up with the Hapsburgs?! That family seriously married and procreated with everyone in Europe. Greedy, conquering bastards! I had no idea they also existed in Spain! Oh, and is it Hapsburg or Habsburg? I swear I thought it was Hapsburg with a P (that’s what I remember from Vienna, at least), but in El Escorial, it was spelled with a B.
So in conclusion, I give El Escorial one thumbs up. However, I would like to go back again and go further down the street/mountain/whatever and see the Valley of the Fallen, Franco's memorial to soldiers who died in the civil war...another part of Spain's dark past...
El Escorial was built from 1563 to 1584. King Philip - great-grandson of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, son of two first cousins (sick!) and the namesake of the Philippines - brought Spain to the height of its power. He was all about keeping Catholicism alive and making sure Spain remains the world power (Trivia: he married the very Catholic “Bloody” Mary of England, a good political strategy to prevent Protestantism from further spreading…but then she died). Spanish rule didn't end with him, but I don't think it got any better after.
What did I not like about the palace? It was dark. I'm real persnickety about darkness...I just prefer light and lots of color. I feel like the Spaniards must have such a dark history because everything historical I see here is dark. Spanish paintings in the Prado Museum: deprived of color. Churches: creepy. Palaces: gloomy. It’s probably because of it’s Catholic background…ha! Ok, all this isn’t completely true but it’s just a theory that I have. I obviously have to study more Spanish history.
Anyway, El Escorial just didn’t have enough light and as one guide book said, “looks like a prison”. I have to agree. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I lived there. Especially when most members of the royal family since Philip II have been buried in the castle. We walked through the pantheon with all the tombs and although it was interesting, it gave me the hibby jibbies at the same time. They had one room with this huge round tomb in the middle. Inside that tomb were like 60 members of the royal family who died when they were children. Yeah, creepy.
But of course, there’s good in everything. I loved the palace library. It was massive and it was cool to see all the books that have been there for forever. The library ceiling was painted with lots of colors with the Seven Liberal Arts as its theme. Also, I found it pretty cool to walk through King Philip’s bedroom. You can actually see the room with the bed where he died (at least, they say that it’s the original bed). And last but not the least, I loved the carved doors they had in one section of the palace. These doors were so intricately carved and just so beautiful…too bad I couldn’t take a picture.
As far as the outside, like most palaces, it is beautiful. It has a very nice garden and a ginormous pond. It’s also surrounded by amazingly grand mountains. I definitely preferred the outside of the palace more than the inside. But again, it’s no competition to the Neuchweisntein, which is surrounded by the Alps. God, I just love Neuchweinstein! And Ludwig just sounds more interesting than Philip.
By the way, what is up with the Hapsburgs?! That family seriously married and procreated with everyone in Europe. Greedy, conquering bastards! I had no idea they also existed in Spain! Oh, and is it Hapsburg or Habsburg? I swear I thought it was Hapsburg with a P (that’s what I remember from Vienna, at least), but in El Escorial, it was spelled with a B.
So in conclusion, I give El Escorial one thumbs up. However, I would like to go back again and go further down the street/mountain/whatever and see the Valley of the Fallen, Franco's memorial to soldiers who died in the civil war...another part of Spain's dark past...
 |
| El Escorial |
Sunday, November 16, 2008
A mini pilgrimage
I'm for sure going to heaven - I visited Avila, home of St. Teresa. Ok, so I really have no clue who she is or what she did. Twelve years of Catholic education and I have no idea (sorry mom and dad). But whoever she is or whatever she did, she must have been good to have become a saint. And she's brought fame to her little beautiful town of Avila.
Saturday, Tess, Sara and I decided to take a mini-trip to Avila. It's only about an hour and a half by train from Madrid and it's small enough for a day trip. Rosa, Tess' friend, met us at the train station. She's studying in Madrid but grew up in Avila - she was visiting her grandmother for the weekend. She showed us around town and told us about its history. The town dates all the way back from medieval times, hence the famous wall that surrounds it. And of course, Sta. Teresa de Avila was born and lived there.
We really weren't able to do much since we arrived just when everything was closing for siesta hours. We wanted to go up the wall and walk on it, but we just didn't have enough time. So we just walked around a lot, enjoyed the sights from the outside, and savored the silence in the streets - it's just nice to get out of loud, busy Madrid every once in a while.
We also spent a long time eating lunch. Since we couldn't go in any sights, we had a nice long lunch with typical food from Avila. One was patatas ravolcones (sp?). It was like peppery flavored mashed potatoes with a little bit of bacon as garnish. We also ordered churrasco, which is like a steak or something, but the restaurant ran out of it, so we had to settle for a giant pollo asado.
After we finally finished our hearty lunch, we only had an hour left. So we went to St. Teresa's church, which was very small and cozy inside. We then bought some yemas (a typical food of Avila made of egg yolk and sugar), and some corazones (marzapan like cookies) from a store who sold baked goods made by secluded nuns from a nearby convent. I've always wanted to go to one of those convents where the nuns make wonderful baked goods and sold it through a little hole in the door so people don't see them. This wasn't quite what I've seen on travel shows, but it was good enough for now. Someday, I will find one of those convents. As for the yemas and the corazones, we had mixed reviews. The yemas were a bit strange...very eggy...not as good as the Filipino yemas. As for the corazones, they are amazing. I have a box of them in my house and I really, really need to stop eating them. I wanted to take some home for Christmas but unfortunately, they have an expiration date.
Avila was beautiful and very serene. I wouldn't say it was my favorite city in Spain, but it's nice nonetheless...probably more for the religious crowd than a heathen like me.
Saturday, Tess, Sara and I decided to take a mini-trip to Avila. It's only about an hour and a half by train from Madrid and it's small enough for a day trip. Rosa, Tess' friend, met us at the train station. She's studying in Madrid but grew up in Avila - she was visiting her grandmother for the weekend. She showed us around town and told us about its history. The town dates all the way back from medieval times, hence the famous wall that surrounds it. And of course, Sta. Teresa de Avila was born and lived there.
We really weren't able to do much since we arrived just when everything was closing for siesta hours. We wanted to go up the wall and walk on it, but we just didn't have enough time. So we just walked around a lot, enjoyed the sights from the outside, and savored the silence in the streets - it's just nice to get out of loud, busy Madrid every once in a while.
We also spent a long time eating lunch. Since we couldn't go in any sights, we had a nice long lunch with typical food from Avila. One was patatas ravolcones (sp?). It was like peppery flavored mashed potatoes with a little bit of bacon as garnish. We also ordered churrasco, which is like a steak or something, but the restaurant ran out of it, so we had to settle for a giant pollo asado.
After we finally finished our hearty lunch, we only had an hour left. So we went to St. Teresa's church, which was very small and cozy inside. We then bought some yemas (a typical food of Avila made of egg yolk and sugar), and some corazones (marzapan like cookies) from a store who sold baked goods made by secluded nuns from a nearby convent. I've always wanted to go to one of those convents where the nuns make wonderful baked goods and sold it through a little hole in the door so people don't see them. This wasn't quite what I've seen on travel shows, but it was good enough for now. Someday, I will find one of those convents. As for the yemas and the corazones, we had mixed reviews. The yemas were a bit strange...very eggy...not as good as the Filipino yemas. As for the corazones, they are amazing. I have a box of them in my house and I really, really need to stop eating them. I wanted to take some home for Christmas but unfortunately, they have an expiration date.
Avila was beautiful and very serene. I wouldn't say it was my favorite city in Spain, but it's nice nonetheless...probably more for the religious crowd than a heathen like me.
 |
| Avila |
Japi Jalogüin
I know this is a super late post but I can't not report on Halloween. My roommates and I had our biggest party to date. I was nervous at first because many had rsvp'd and asked to bring others. I wasn't quite sure how to accommodate all in my tiny little apartment. But in the end, I said screw it! The more the merrier.
I dressed up as a leprechaun. Nothing too special. I didn't want to spend too much money so I my friend Tess gave me the idea for my costume. All I had to buy was a vest from H&M for 15 Euros. I already had the green shirt and black pants and Sara provided me with a Guinness leprechaun hat. It was great! You all know how I secretly wish to be Irish.
As for my roommates, I was very proud of them. I told them it was mandatory for them to dress up. I could tell they were nervous at first since Halloween is not really that popular in Spain. This great American tradition is slowly becoming a Spanish one, but not quite. My roommates have never dressed up before. They didn't want to do too much. I think they just didn't want to have to go in public in some ridiculous costume. They wanted to be dressed up but also look semi-normal. So I tried to give them ideas for quick simple costumes but in the end, they surprised the hell out of me. They went to the Chino stores and got themselves geisha costumes. It was pretty sweet...and totally unexpected. I didn't expect them to go all out in the end. They asked me to put make up on them and I couldn't stop laughing. They make such ugly women that I couldn't look at them. My favorite was when a Chinese man stopped Iñaki on our way to the bar and gave him a two thumbs up for his costume.
There were all sorts of characters that night: nurse, rock star, witch, sailor, etc. But the best one was Tess'. We were costume shopping a few weeks before the party and we just couldn't find anything. In a moment of ridiculousness, I thought she should dress up as a Control condom dispenser and make money on Halloween. When you walk around the streets of Spain, you'll randomly see a condom dispenser outside of stores, pharmacies, etc. So she got a box, decorated it, and made two slots - one for the money and one for the condoms. It was great although we were disappointed she only sold two...3 Euros may have been way too much...ha!
So Halloween, Español style, was a blast. Everyone - Americans and Spaniards...and French - had a great time. This was proven the morning after when I saw the remnants/evidence of the night before all over the house. If only I had a picture of that...
I dressed up as a leprechaun. Nothing too special. I didn't want to spend too much money so I my friend Tess gave me the idea for my costume. All I had to buy was a vest from H&M for 15 Euros. I already had the green shirt and black pants and Sara provided me with a Guinness leprechaun hat. It was great! You all know how I secretly wish to be Irish.
As for my roommates, I was very proud of them. I told them it was mandatory for them to dress up. I could tell they were nervous at first since Halloween is not really that popular in Spain. This great American tradition is slowly becoming a Spanish one, but not quite. My roommates have never dressed up before. They didn't want to do too much. I think they just didn't want to have to go in public in some ridiculous costume. They wanted to be dressed up but also look semi-normal. So I tried to give them ideas for quick simple costumes but in the end, they surprised the hell out of me. They went to the Chino stores and got themselves geisha costumes. It was pretty sweet...and totally unexpected. I didn't expect them to go all out in the end. They asked me to put make up on them and I couldn't stop laughing. They make such ugly women that I couldn't look at them. My favorite was when a Chinese man stopped Iñaki on our way to the bar and gave him a two thumbs up for his costume.
There were all sorts of characters that night: nurse, rock star, witch, sailor, etc. But the best one was Tess'. We were costume shopping a few weeks before the party and we just couldn't find anything. In a moment of ridiculousness, I thought she should dress up as a Control condom dispenser and make money on Halloween. When you walk around the streets of Spain, you'll randomly see a condom dispenser outside of stores, pharmacies, etc. So she got a box, decorated it, and made two slots - one for the money and one for the condoms. It was great although we were disappointed she only sold two...3 Euros may have been way too much...ha!
So Halloween, Español style, was a blast. Everyone - Americans and Spaniards...and French - had a great time. This was proven the morning after when I saw the remnants/evidence of the night before all over the house. If only I had a picture of that...
 |
| Halloween in Spain |
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Election '08: A View from Across the Pond (PART VI: Oh yeah!!!)
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on November 4, 2008? That's a question future generations will ask me someday. My answer? Well, I was in Madrid, totally nervous/antsy and going nuts because the time difference was killing me. With Spain being six hours ahead of America's eastern coast, the west coast was only half way through its voting period by the time I was ready to go to sleep. So, I decided to sleep early so I could wake up early and watch the results and the Chicago rally in Grant Park. My alarm went off at 4:30 A.M. and I quickly turned on CNN International. By 5:15, they had called it. Then I started crying, alone, with dimmed lights...so dramatic! Soon after, Juan calls from Chicago to ask me if I was watching the news and added, "Are you crying??!!" I have no idea how he knew I'd be awake. At about 5:30-ish, I watch Obama's victory speech and cried some more. I then continued to watch the news until I had to teach at 8.
All day, my students said congratulations to me - one even gave me congratulatory kisses on the cheeks. I wasn't quite sure how to react to that. I mean, I didn't win the race. I didn't become president. I was merely a supporter of the winner. But then, as my brother pointed out, America won simply by voting despite long waits and all the other crap they had to deal with. It was like they just wanted their effing voices heard! It didn't matter who you were going to vote for, people just voted. Although I'm clearly for Obama, I really just wanted people to vote (see previous post).
Anyway, I think all that I want to say about this historic election has been said. For me, it's not only historic because he is black - although we have to recognize that of course. It's historic because I have not seen Americans this united in eight years. Well, maybe right after 9/11...but that didn't last too long. Freaking Virginia, Indiana...all those "red" states turned blue! Even though, there are still about 55.5 million out there who didn't support Obama, it was still refreshing to see the joy on people's faces. I mean, I don't know how anyone cannot be emotionally affected by the rallies, the random celebrations on the streets, the tears of joy, everything that was happening late Tuesday night. The whole event was really emotional for me. I was crying on the train yesterday as I read Time Magazine's article on Obama's win. I'm so lame!
So, way to go America! I've never felt as proud of my country, my fellow Americans and to be American as I was on Wednesday night. It made me wish I could go home and join the celebrations. But since I couldn't, I resigned to singing the Star Spangled Banner in my head all day.
P.S. On other election news: I'm very disappointed in Californians for passing Prop 8! WTF! Did they not see Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi's beautiful wedding??? Seriously though. What a-holes!!
All day, my students said congratulations to me - one even gave me congratulatory kisses on the cheeks. I wasn't quite sure how to react to that. I mean, I didn't win the race. I didn't become president. I was merely a supporter of the winner. But then, as my brother pointed out, America won simply by voting despite long waits and all the other crap they had to deal with. It was like they just wanted their effing voices heard! It didn't matter who you were going to vote for, people just voted. Although I'm clearly for Obama, I really just wanted people to vote (see previous post).
Anyway, I think all that I want to say about this historic election has been said. For me, it's not only historic because he is black - although we have to recognize that of course. It's historic because I have not seen Americans this united in eight years. Well, maybe right after 9/11...but that didn't last too long. Freaking Virginia, Indiana...all those "red" states turned blue! Even though, there are still about 55.5 million out there who didn't support Obama, it was still refreshing to see the joy on people's faces. I mean, I don't know how anyone cannot be emotionally affected by the rallies, the random celebrations on the streets, the tears of joy, everything that was happening late Tuesday night. The whole event was really emotional for me. I was crying on the train yesterday as I read Time Magazine's article on Obama's win. I'm so lame!
So, way to go America! I've never felt as proud of my country, my fellow Americans and to be American as I was on Wednesday night. It made me wish I could go home and join the celebrations. But since I couldn't, I resigned to singing the Star Spangled Banner in my head all day.
P.S. On other election news: I'm very disappointed in Californians for passing Prop 8! WTF! Did they not see Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi's beautiful wedding??? Seriously though. What a-holes!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Election '08: A View from Across the Pond (PART V: The Absentee Voter)
Tomorrow is the big day! Yikes! I hope everyone exercises their right and votes. It doesn't even matter who you vote for...I think it's just good to go out and vote. I believe it's a privilege people take for granted. As some of you know, this is my first presidential election where I can actually vote. I didn't become a US citizen until 2006 so the first time I ever got to do it was during the midterm elections. I was really excited about that one so you can imagine how I feel about this one.
I know it sounds really lame but I really think voting is empowering. Think about all those other countries where they don't even get to vote. As much as we bitch about our politicians and their dirty politics, at least we have a choice - even if it's to choose the lesser of two evils. Shit, if I had the money (or had a sugardaddy) and could afford to go home to cast my vote, I would!...that's how excited I am to vote.
But alas, I'm not that lucky. Thank god for things like absentee ballot. I received mine via mail two and a half weeks ago. I was so excited about it. My roommate handed it to me and I noticed an "Obama please!!!" written on it. At first I thought the mailman had decided to write on my mail...turns out Xalba had done it. I decided to bring it to my classes (before I cast my vote, of course) and everyone was so interested in it. The fact that we get to choose almost all government officials was so interesting to them (See post on Spanish Presidential Election). I mailed it in early last week (via regular mail because it would've cost 35 euros by DHL), so hopefully it's in Chicago already.
The past two weeks, I've been wearing my Obama pin on my coat. My awesome friend, Ebs, sent me one in the mail and I've been representin' since I got it. Most people have approved of it, which goes to show that if the Spaniards could vote, most of them would vote for Obama. They all seem so sure that Obama would win, but I'm a bit pessimistic - I can't help it considering we've had Bush for eight years - and I'm not calling it until the results are all in Tuesday night. My eyes will be glued to the TV/Internet tomorrow. I hope I get to celebrate on Wednesday...aaaahhhhh!!!!
I know it sounds really lame but I really think voting is empowering. Think about all those other countries where they don't even get to vote. As much as we bitch about our politicians and their dirty politics, at least we have a choice - even if it's to choose the lesser of two evils. Shit, if I had the money (or had a sugardaddy) and could afford to go home to cast my vote, I would!...that's how excited I am to vote.
But alas, I'm not that lucky. Thank god for things like absentee ballot. I received mine via mail two and a half weeks ago. I was so excited about it. My roommate handed it to me and I noticed an "Obama please!!!" written on it. At first I thought the mailman had decided to write on my mail...turns out Xalba had done it. I decided to bring it to my classes (before I cast my vote, of course) and everyone was so interested in it. The fact that we get to choose almost all government officials was so interesting to them (See post on Spanish Presidential Election). I mailed it in early last week (via regular mail because it would've cost 35 euros by DHL), so hopefully it's in Chicago already.
The past two weeks, I've been wearing my Obama pin on my coat. My awesome friend, Ebs, sent me one in the mail and I've been representin' since I got it. Most people have approved of it, which goes to show that if the Spaniards could vote, most of them would vote for Obama. They all seem so sure that Obama would win, but I'm a bit pessimistic - I can't help it considering we've had Bush for eight years - and I'm not calling it until the results are all in Tuesday night. My eyes will be glued to the TV/Internet tomorrow. I hope I get to celebrate on Wednesday...aaaahhhhh!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)