I have recently regressed back to my teenage years. It's like when I was twelve and I would buy all the Bop magazines (I think that's what it was called) that had pictures of Elijah Wood.
Well, I've been buying a lot of newspapers. Spain has two newspapers solely dedicated to sports, Marca and AS. I've accumulated some the past few days. I love the pictures in them. Today, the pictures were of the team visiting the King and the President and they were all wearing suits! HOT! But for me, they're more of souvenirs. I want to be able to have these things to remind me of the year Spain won Eurocopa and I was there...woot woot!
Also, I'm not sure how much coverage this is getting in the U.S. I'm assuming not much other than the matches themselves. Well, here are some videos from a TV network here that you might want to see. Ladies, I highly suggest you watch the first one! You won't be disappointed, I promise! Disfruta:
ummm...this one leaves me speechless:
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/video_detalle.html?id=EUPA_2821
(I know...a bit homoerotic, but sooo awesome!)
The teams goes nuts on stage:
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/video_detalle.html?id=EUPA_3006
(Amanda, I totally wish I got one of those chupa chup things for you)
Reina's tribute to the team:
http://www.cuatro.com/videos/index.html?xref=20080701ctoultpro_1.Ves&view=ver
Men in suits:
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/video_detalle.html?id=EUPA_2998
The Spanish National Anthem:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RIIjYOwHxyc
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Eurocopa Celebration Videos
My roommates and a friend and I went to the championship celebration in Plaza de Colon on Monday, a day after Spain won the Eurocopa 2008. I was totally dreading it at first. Just imagine a million people gathering in this tiny little plaza in the Madrid heat. Every Eurocup or World Cup tournament, they apparently set up huge screens in Plaza Colon where people can watch the matches. As fun as it sounded, I've also been avoiding going there. The thought of being surrounded by sweaty, smelly people (including me) was just not appealing.
But I just couldn't pass up celebrating with the entire city...plus the whole team would be there. I'm glad I went! It was one of the funnest events I've ever been to. The team was driven on an open bus from the airport to the plaza. It was impossible to get a good spot close to the stage by the time we got there, so we settled in front of one of the big screens but next to the barricade where the bus would drive by. I unfortunately did not get to see the players very well. They were going too fast (at least for me they were), and the guy in front of me was holding up a flag (jerk!). But I still got a glimpse of them so that's enough.
The whole thing pretty much consisted of the team dancing around and giving speeches. I'm pretty sure half of them were drunk which made it more entertaining. They threw Aragones up in the air again which always makes me nervous...the man is old, people! The back up goalie, Pepe Reina, one of the drunks and who they kept referring to as the team's showman, did this whole speech where he said something about each player. It was hilarious and sweet at the same time. I didn't know half of what he was saying but I couldn't stop laughing...and I definitely had a tear in my eye at the end. God, I'm so dramatic!
I took lots of videos again! Check them out...
If you prefer to see these videos bigger, they are also on googlevideo (see links below). For some reason, they're not as clear on google, but just in case.
Yo soy Español...ok I'm not, but for now I am.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4188368391464869887&hl=en
Esperando...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=147521717389656218&hl=en
Here they come...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4756282210200505502&hl=en
A por ellos, oé!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6674971553665026507&hl=en
My boyfriend and grandpa...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8075206377689890516&hl=en
My new crush...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3294863270854685738&hl=en
Que Viva España!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6734969915986103990&hl=en
But I just couldn't pass up celebrating with the entire city...plus the whole team would be there. I'm glad I went! It was one of the funnest events I've ever been to. The team was driven on an open bus from the airport to the plaza. It was impossible to get a good spot close to the stage by the time we got there, so we settled in front of one of the big screens but next to the barricade where the bus would drive by. I unfortunately did not get to see the players very well. They were going too fast (at least for me they were), and the guy in front of me was holding up a flag (jerk!). But I still got a glimpse of them so that's enough.
The whole thing pretty much consisted of the team dancing around and giving speeches. I'm pretty sure half of them were drunk which made it more entertaining. They threw Aragones up in the air again which always makes me nervous...the man is old, people! The back up goalie, Pepe Reina, one of the drunks and who they kept referring to as the team's showman, did this whole speech where he said something about each player. It was hilarious and sweet at the same time. I didn't know half of what he was saying but I couldn't stop laughing...and I definitely had a tear in my eye at the end. God, I'm so dramatic!
I took lots of videos again! Check them out...
If you prefer to see these videos bigger, they are also on googlevideo (see links below). For some reason, they're not as clear on google, but just in case.
Yo soy Español...ok I'm not, but for now I am.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4188368391464869887&hl=en
Esperando...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=147521717389656218&hl=en
Here they come...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4756282210200505502&hl=en
A por ellos, oé!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6674971553665026507&hl=en
My boyfriend and grandpa...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8075206377689890516&hl=en
My new crush...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3294863270854685738&hl=en
Que Viva España!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6734969915986103990&hl=en
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
El dia 29, España Campeon
Campeones, ole!
Yo soy Español, Español, Español!
A por ellos, oé!
Podemos, podemos, podemos, si! España!
Oh I will so miss singing/shouting/humming these cheers. Eurocopa 2008 is sadly over and we won!!! AAAAHHHHH!!! España is the champion!!!
Here are some observations/highlights:
On a sad note, my camera has been acting weird lately; It refuses to take pictures in the dark, so I turned to taking videos of us celebrating after the win. But more bad news: my camera was on some weird setting that it took the videos in some super fast forward mode. I really wanted to capture the moment after we officially won. I wanted all of you to hear the screams, the cheers, the celebration. But alas, there is no audio in this super fast forward mode. So, I've created a video slideshow of the tournament and added in pictures and music (so make sure you have the volume up)...this is what happens when you are semi-employed. I hope that it's enough to show how ridiculously excited and happy we are. Just to recap the super fast video, this is what happens: we scream, we jump, we call people, we drink more, we watch the team celebrate on TV, we have a dance party, we go out, people are partying on the streets, we go to a bar, we drink some more, we dance some more, we leave the bar, and then a man tries to jump from a building. The end!
And now it's all over! No more futbol until September. What will I do until then???
Well, I can't wait until Copa de Mundial 2010 in South Africa. I'm totally going with my España jersey on!
Que viva España!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2327607636863826605&hl=en
Yo soy Español, Español, Español!
A por ellos, oé!
Podemos, podemos, podemos, si! España!
Oh I will so miss singing/shouting/humming these cheers. Eurocopa 2008 is sadly over and we won!!! AAAAHHHHH!!! España is the champion!!!
Here are some observations/highlights:
- When an important match is on, the city/country is on standby. Everywhere is silent except when a loud "goooool" erupts from inside the buildings.
- I love the Spanish National Anthem. It doesn't have any lyrics and it's beautiful. People sing to it with la la las and I can honestly say I know- and can sing - the anthem by heart.
- Futbol really does bring people together!
- About three minutes before the match was to end, the commentators started praying the Our Father. Hilarious!
- Spain has not won a Eurocup since 1964.
- Fiesta! Fiesta! People are dancing, singing, screaming, drinking, partying everywhere after the Finals. I was more than happy to join in the fun.
- We beat Italy!!! Ahhh! I still can't get over that match. It was the best! I will never forget it!
- Even though all of Madrid had a huge hangover on Monday, 1 million people still managed to celebrate with the team in Plaza de Colon.
- I finally got to wear my cheap fake España jersey. I'm superstitious and didn't want to wear one until they won the whole thing...they kept winning without me wearing one!
- And now, for my own personal MVPs:
- San Iker Casillas: yes, he is a saint...and the team captain! We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his amazing saves during the penalty shoot out with Italy.
- David Silva: He's just so freaking cute!!! Ok, but seriously this guy played his ass out. He might be little but he's good and so humble and modest. I have a total crush on him! And the kid's half Asian...what?!! I am totally going to see him the next time Valencia plays here.
- The defenders: Marchena, Puyol, Ramos, Capdevilla. They barely let anyone get through them. Also, they have rockin' bodies.
- Marcus Senna: the other quiet one, but played amazingly throughout the tournament.
- Luis Aragones: el abuelo (the grandfather). Although he got a lot of crap for not putting the legendary veteran, Raul, on the team, we owe him an apology and many many thanks for selecting the best team ever. I really want him to be my grandpa!
On a sad note, my camera has been acting weird lately; It refuses to take pictures in the dark, so I turned to taking videos of us celebrating after the win. But more bad news: my camera was on some weird setting that it took the videos in some super fast forward mode. I really wanted to capture the moment after we officially won. I wanted all of you to hear the screams, the cheers, the celebration. But alas, there is no audio in this super fast forward mode. So, I've created a video slideshow of the tournament and added in pictures and music (so make sure you have the volume up)...this is what happens when you are semi-employed. I hope that it's enough to show how ridiculously excited and happy we are. Just to recap the super fast video, this is what happens: we scream, we jump, we call people, we drink more, we watch the team celebrate on TV, we have a dance party, we go out, people are partying on the streets, we go to a bar, we drink some more, we dance some more, we leave the bar, and then a man tries to jump from a building. The end!
And now it's all over! No more futbol until September. What will I do until then???
Well, I can't wait until Copa de Mundial 2010 in South Africa. I'm totally going with my España jersey on!
Que viva España!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2327607636863826605&hl=en
Friday, June 27, 2008
Hot and Bored
I'm seriously hot! There is nothing to relieve my hotness right now. And I'm not talking about Paris Hilton's definition of "hot". God, I'm far beyond from ever being that hot, especially at this moment. I'm sweaty and gross. I haven't showered knowing that I'll just get sweaty and gross again. And it's not fair that women can't just walk around shirtless. My roommates just hang out without their shirts and look so much more comfortable. And here's me with my shorts and t-shirt. All I want to do is take off my clothes too, but that might just scare my roommates away. Madrid has been sweltering the past two weeks. It's been around 35 degrees (low 90s in farenheit) and this is just the beginning. Apparently, it gets worst in July. Yay for me.
The thing is Madrid has dry heat, which I totally prefer over Chicago humid heat. If you just stay in the shady side of the street you are fine. But walking on an East West street means no shade. Once that sun hits you, you just sweat profusely. Really, the only problem is most places don't have A/C. So when I'm at home, like right now, I'm just constantly hot and bothered. I don't even have a fan! God, I really need to invest in one. One upside to this heat is that my laundry dries in hours. Yesterday, I hung out my clothes at 2:30 and they were dry by 7. Awesome! Less chances for birds to shit on them.
I also understand why people have siestas. It's so hot that you just automatically get tired and sleepy. In Chicago, this would happen to me too but the minute I walk in the house, that cold A/C air just rejuvenates me. Here, not so much. I definitely took a two hour siesta today, but that still didn't relieve my hotness. I had to make myself get up and find a place where I didn't feel so useless and nasty. So now I'm hanging out in our little "balcony" trying to get relief from the sporadic breeze that blows through the windows. It's way better than being in my room.
On another note, I'm staying in all weekend (except for a dinner, or two, with Andrew...it's too hot to cook). Today I started freaking out because I hadn't receive a schedule from my school (they send us one usually on Thursdays). I thought I was going to be completely unemployed again in July. Thankfully, they called me about 20 minutes ago and told me about next week's classes. Although I only have like five classes, it's better than none. So I don't really know how my cash flow will be in the next three weeks until I go home, hence the staying in all weekend.
I'm sure you all know about this, but Spain is going to the Eurocup finals!! Wahoo!!! Estoy muy emocionada! I'm totally going to make nachos for the match on Sunday. Yeah you're probably thinking what does nachos have to do with it? Nothing! I just feel like making nachos. To my German relatives: see you in Vienna!!! I am not going to eat any of my delicious chocolate from Germany all Sunday! Vamos España!!!
The thing is Madrid has dry heat, which I totally prefer over Chicago humid heat. If you just stay in the shady side of the street you are fine. But walking on an East West street means no shade. Once that sun hits you, you just sweat profusely. Really, the only problem is most places don't have A/C. So when I'm at home, like right now, I'm just constantly hot and bothered. I don't even have a fan! God, I really need to invest in one. One upside to this heat is that my laundry dries in hours. Yesterday, I hung out my clothes at 2:30 and they were dry by 7. Awesome! Less chances for birds to shit on them.
I also understand why people have siestas. It's so hot that you just automatically get tired and sleepy. In Chicago, this would happen to me too but the minute I walk in the house, that cold A/C air just rejuvenates me. Here, not so much. I definitely took a two hour siesta today, but that still didn't relieve my hotness. I had to make myself get up and find a place where I didn't feel so useless and nasty. So now I'm hanging out in our little "balcony" trying to get relief from the sporadic breeze that blows through the windows. It's way better than being in my room.
On another note, I'm staying in all weekend (except for a dinner, or two, with Andrew...it's too hot to cook). Today I started freaking out because I hadn't receive a schedule from my school (they send us one usually on Thursdays). I thought I was going to be completely unemployed again in July. Thankfully, they called me about 20 minutes ago and told me about next week's classes. Although I only have like five classes, it's better than none. So I don't really know how my cash flow will be in the next three weeks until I go home, hence the staying in all weekend.
I'm sure you all know about this, but Spain is going to the Eurocup finals!! Wahoo!!! Estoy muy emocionada! I'm totally going to make nachos for the match on Sunday. Yeah you're probably thinking what does nachos have to do with it? Nothing! I just feel like making nachos. To my German relatives: see you in Vienna!!! I am not going to eat any of my delicious chocolate from Germany all Sunday! Vamos España!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Joder! It's already June!
Where the hell did time go? I've been slowly saying goodbye to students the past week or so and it hit: not only is it June, but it's almost July! Craaazzyyy!!! About 80% of my classes are finished by the end of this week.
So here I am saying my goodbyes once again. It's seriously an occupational hazard! But I think I'm getting better at it. I was sad saying goodbye but not that sad. Although I have to say I was very surprise that I was even actually sad to say goodbye to my 13 year old student. I remember not so long ago when I was so sure he'd ruin my life. But he actually grew on me. Yes he was still a brat at times and rolled his eyes at me when he was frustrated/bored or straight up told me "NO!" when he didn't want to do the verb tense exercises.
But in the end we both realized we had to be there whether we liked it or not. Once we both realized that neither of us really cared - what a great teacher I am! - we just had fun. We'd talk about futbol (Vamos España!), or about his band, The Electric Eels (so lame but so cute). He'd make fun of my taste in music, and I'd mock him for obsessing over video games. He'd tell me about his gig as an extra for the upcoming Jason Bourne movie and how he got 100 Euros plus 4 Burger King bacon cheeseburgers for it, and he'd laugh at my lame ass for donating my Batman wages. He'd tell me how he wants to join the military so he can flirt with the girls in his uniform, and I'd tell him that it doesn't work and bad things will happen to him (I'm such a mom!). What a kid! I'm gonna miss that little brat.
Now, if only my class with the 9 year old would end soon. She makes me want to poke my eyes out.
So here I am saying my goodbyes once again. It's seriously an occupational hazard! But I think I'm getting better at it. I was sad saying goodbye but not that sad. Although I have to say I was very surprise that I was even actually sad to say goodbye to my 13 year old student. I remember not so long ago when I was so sure he'd ruin my life. But he actually grew on me. Yes he was still a brat at times and rolled his eyes at me when he was frustrated/bored or straight up told me "NO!" when he didn't want to do the verb tense exercises.
But in the end we both realized we had to be there whether we liked it or not. Once we both realized that neither of us really cared - what a great teacher I am! - we just had fun. We'd talk about futbol (Vamos España!), or about his band, The Electric Eels (so lame but so cute). He'd make fun of my taste in music, and I'd mock him for obsessing over video games. He'd tell me about his gig as an extra for the upcoming Jason Bourne movie and how he got 100 Euros plus 4 Burger King bacon cheeseburgers for it, and he'd laugh at my lame ass for donating my Batman wages. He'd tell me how he wants to join the military so he can flirt with the girls in his uniform, and I'd tell him that it doesn't work and bad things will happen to him (I'm such a mom!). What a kid! I'm gonna miss that little brat.
Now, if only my class with the 9 year old would end soon. She makes me want to poke my eyes out.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Podemos, si!
"Yes we can" (Podemos, si) is not only Barack Obama's slogan. It is also Spain's, in this summer's 2008 Eurocopa. And yes, we so can!!! Aaahhhh!!!
Tonight was the last quarter final match in the tournament and it was between Spain and the world champions, Italy. I've been nervous about this match since Tuesday after Italy beat France, which meant Italy and Spain would face off in the quarter-finals. Even the most die hard España fan had doubts about tonight. I mean, it's freaking Italy. They always win and Spain always lose. As most of Spaniards I know say, "The Spanish footballers are good, but they just never win." Although Spain played better in the first round (Spain was undefeated; Italy won two and drew one), Spain was still the underdog.
I seriously didn't know what to do with myself tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit throughout all 120 minutes of the match. I didn't know if it was the huge ass frapuccino I had right before the match; or the heat; or the hunger. I was nervous...very nervous.
The two teams fought it out - although I think Spain overplayed Italy - like crazy in the two 45 minute periods and neither scored a goal. They finished extra time still scoreless. My roommates and I were freaking out. You all know how much I heart penalty shoot-outs, but that's only when my team's not involved. Plus, I think it's pretty much known that the Italians are way better than the Spaniards when it comes to shoot-outs. Even though my boyfriend, Casillas, is an amazing goalie, Italy's Buffon is pretty damn good. Nothing gets through that guy!
So the teams were forced into penalty shoot-outs. I couldn't even keep still. Me and my roommates each found our own spots in the living room to pace around in. I could barely watch! In the end, we freaking did it! Spain missed one, and Italy missed two. My boyfriend totally saved the day! We went nuts!!! My roommates and I were screaming/running/jumping everywhere!! It was so freaking exciting. And the vomiting sensation was definitely due to the match. It went away right after we won. And I'm so excited that I totally forgot about my hunger...or being tired from the heat. It's almost 3 AM and I'm still thinking about it...hence this blog post.
Also, I'm totally David Silva's new fan. That little guy is awesome. I used to feel bad for him because in every La Liga match he would get punched/hit/kicked around like a doll. But that kid works harder than anyone else. He does everything!
If you would like to see some videos of the match, check out the link below. You can see it on UEFA's website but they make you pay for it...bastards!
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/listado-videos.html?id=EUPA_2419&page=1&orden=
Vamos España!!! Let's kick some Russian ass on Wednesday!!!
Tonight was the last quarter final match in the tournament and it was between Spain and the world champions, Italy. I've been nervous about this match since Tuesday after Italy beat France, which meant Italy and Spain would face off in the quarter-finals. Even the most die hard España fan had doubts about tonight. I mean, it's freaking Italy. They always win and Spain always lose. As most of Spaniards I know say, "The Spanish footballers are good, but they just never win." Although Spain played better in the first round (Spain was undefeated; Italy won two and drew one), Spain was still the underdog.
I seriously didn't know what to do with myself tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit throughout all 120 minutes of the match. I didn't know if it was the huge ass frapuccino I had right before the match; or the heat; or the hunger. I was nervous...very nervous.
The two teams fought it out - although I think Spain overplayed Italy - like crazy in the two 45 minute periods and neither scored a goal. They finished extra time still scoreless. My roommates and I were freaking out. You all know how much I heart penalty shoot-outs, but that's only when my team's not involved. Plus, I think it's pretty much known that the Italians are way better than the Spaniards when it comes to shoot-outs. Even though my boyfriend, Casillas, is an amazing goalie, Italy's Buffon is pretty damn good. Nothing gets through that guy!
So the teams were forced into penalty shoot-outs. I couldn't even keep still. Me and my roommates each found our own spots in the living room to pace around in. I could barely watch! In the end, we freaking did it! Spain missed one, and Italy missed two. My boyfriend totally saved the day! We went nuts!!! My roommates and I were screaming/running/jumping everywhere!! It was so freaking exciting. And the vomiting sensation was definitely due to the match. It went away right after we won. And I'm so excited that I totally forgot about my hunger...or being tired from the heat. It's almost 3 AM and I'm still thinking about it...hence this blog post.
Also, I'm totally David Silva's new fan. That little guy is awesome. I used to feel bad for him because in every La Liga match he would get punched/hit/kicked around like a doll. But that kid works harder than anyone else. He does everything!
If you would like to see some videos of the match, check out the link below. You can see it on UEFA's website but they make you pay for it...bastards!
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/listado-videos.html?id=EUPA_2419&page=1&orden=
Vamos España!!! Let's kick some Russian ass on Wednesday!!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Schweaty balls
Madrid is getting hot! After strange sporadic periods of rain and cold (very unusual for this time of the year), the city is finally feeling the heat. Or maybe it's just me. Yesterday I was walking home from one of my classes behind a man and a woman. The man was wearing a suit. The woman wearing a suit jacket. All I could think of was, WTF!!! It was already 7:30 at night and yet I was still sweating my ass off. These people didn't seem bothered by the heat. It was like being in the Philippines and seeing people wear long sleeve turtleneck shirts or sweaters in very humid 80 degree weather. At some point the woman starts taking off her jacket. I thought, finally!!! But no! Underneath her jacket was a sweater!!! I think I got heat exhaustion just looking at her many layers of thick clothing.
I seriously could not stop sweating yesterday. All I wanted to do was go home and take a nice cold shower but there was just no time. My poor students! They probably thought I was so gross - me and my freaking sweaty self and huge pit stains. Someone seriously needs to invent a real anti-perspirant deodorant. No one likes a girl with sweaty pits. It's just not attractive. To top it all off, no one else here seem to be sweating as much as I am. Everyone looks as comfortable and elegant as ever, and here's me, the nasty sweaty smelly Chicagoan. And to think this is only the beginning. Great! Just great!
I seriously could not stop sweating yesterday. All I wanted to do was go home and take a nice cold shower but there was just no time. My poor students! They probably thought I was so gross - me and my freaking sweaty self and huge pit stains. Someone seriously needs to invent a real anti-perspirant deodorant. No one likes a girl with sweaty pits. It's just not attractive. To top it all off, no one else here seem to be sweating as much as I am. Everyone looks as comfortable and elegant as ever, and here's me, the nasty sweaty smelly Chicagoan. And to think this is only the beginning. Great! Just great!
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