Election Day and the Spanish Revolution

Everyone knows that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence... but what happens when you pick up your things and move to that green place? (or in my case, a place a little more desert like on the other side of the Atlantic...)


I always have put Spain on a pedestal, a really high one. The perfect country. Ideal for living. Problem and care-free and "hey lets get some tapas and wine and sit at a cafe 'til our hearts content" type of country
The truth is... that it still kind of is

HOWEVER I am a little more educated now after being here for 9 months and acting like a little investigative cultural detective. I recently read a book called Ghosts of Spain. This book was written by a British journalist living in Madrid. He nicely picks apart Spain and explains how their past has shaped their future. Many Spaniards who saw me reading it were a little taken aback at first sight of me reading this book (perhaps because of Picasso's Guernica and the Basque flag on the front) but really, the book is a fair portrayal of the country and provides excellent explanations and historical background as well as explanations of today's society and cultural.

Anyway, today was a big day in Spain.... Local and Regional Election Day!

Vote or die, right?

WRONG. Spaniards gathered throughout 52 major cities to peacefully protest the elections, starting what they call "The Spanish Revolution" (yes, in English) This made big news! First off because many popular squares became campgrounds for many. People literally dragged out couches, mattresses, ropes and tarps, and any cardboard boxes they could find. They have been camped out for days, peacefully, making signs and banners, singing, telling stories, and even painting childrens' faces. And since there is free WIFI in these squares, many "tv" stations have been set up on the internet where you can see the happenings and interviews of participants. Also, kitchens are set up to feed the protesters or any bystanders. Those who are not sleeping in the squares are volunteering their time to help or donate supplies such as food, markers, cardboard, blankets, water, gloves, etc.

knitting to make a large unified quilt

What is special about these protests is also that according to the law, protests are illegal within 24 hours of election day (or something). But since the protests have remained peaceful, the government has decided not to intervene.

Why are they doing this? Well Spain's unemployment rate is the highest in all of Western Europe, at 21%. Even more, 42% of 'young people' are unemployed. There is corruption and all in all, many Spaniards have lost faith in their government.

rest in peace democracy

"This is serious, this is not a botellón"

Spain has a fairly new and young government, with its new constitution written in the late 70's/early 80's. A friend the other night referred to Spain as a new country! I think that this is a reason people are so upset with the government; should it be failing them already? There have been so many changes in this country since Franco's reign, and Spaniards will not tolerate being mistreated by their government again. I think they're right. Government is there to protect you, and if the government is not doing its job, then something is wrong.

However, from living in America I know damn well that no government is perfect. There is always corruption, there is never a solution to make everyone happy, and things will never be perfect. Should we accept this as a fact of life? The 'Hey, that's the way the cookie crumbles' attitude?Will protesting get them anywhere? Many argue that no, these protests will not get them anywhere. But I think its great. It is a powerful, peaceful way to get a message across where thousands can also show their support. Many people donate money or buy wrist bands to a cause like curing cancer or sign petitions to try and get their points across, but does this mean it will really happen? No, but it's all about support.

People leaving thoughts and wishes

The childrens center. Pez para la paz? Fish for peace?

So when the polls closed today, it was announced that a new party, the People's Party has taken control for the first time in 30 years! This party is considered "conservative" and the socialists are out. Im not really much into politics, but I think this is comparable to the USA's elections this past November, when the Republicans took over the Senate and the House. Bad news for Obama

What does this mean for Spain? Will the country improve? Will more jobs be created? Will people be more satisfied?

Who knows with government these days.... Buena Suerte, España

Malta- not the home of Malt liquor

Malta is a teeny tiny island in the Mediterranean in between Sicily and the western coast of Africa. It is one of the worlds smallest and most densely populated countries! It is composed of 4 islands. One island has zero residents, and one island has 3 residents. Yes three. And hotels (but all the employees live on other islands)

Malta was once described to me this way: the Cancun of Europe. I find this pretty dead on with loads of people in skimpy clothes, hot weather, and lots o cheap drinks. I also found it to be close to the Jersey shore because everyone looked totally guido but also like Adam Lambert of American idol.... and there was fist pumping and cat fights.

In Malta they speak Maltese. It is quite an interesting language because it is a mix of Arabic and Italian and English!
Thankfully, the Maltese start English studies at age 3 so butchering the Maltese language is not necessary. =)

I embarked upon this trip with a fascinating mix of people, and ended up with even more fascinating and entertaining stories. The thing that was different from this trip in comparison to all my other trips, is that this trip was spent with ONLY guys. I must say, it was so refreshing! However, I then remembered that guys can be pretty incapable and its the woman's job to pick up the slack and take responsibility ;)

My first companion on this trip, was my friend Jordan. I met Jordan through Fulbright, he is from Kentucky (accent and all!) and is teaching English in Madrid.

My second companion was Cody, who I consider to be my bff in Valencia. We met at a bar, so clearly we're destined for fun together. He is from Virginia and is also an English teacher. He is also a very large guy.

The third companion was sort of an add on: Matt, Cody's childhood friend. Matt was quite an interesting fellow. He flossed in bars, and stole my toothpaste so that he could also brush his teeth between drinks while we were out. Gotta love the ones that keep it entertaining!

With these guys and all the other people we met along the way (shoutouts to peruvian Pierre, our galego boys, and the sevillano) we sure had an interesting trip. We got separated a few times but we all got to do what we wanted to do, and it made for some good laughs (again, thank you cody for the drive by)
Other highlights from the trip: The views, the views, the views the views. Malta is GORGEOUS filled with nature and unlimited beauty and history!
I highly recommend a trip!

Salt bins... where salt is basically farmed, collected and sold for your food or skin!

really cool statue in Sliema, the reflection of the upside down statue says LOVE <3

Azure Window, the 17th natural wonder of the world

A view of the country of malta- all 4 islands!

A view of one coast of Malta, from the Silent City

I don't know what to wear!!!

This question has stuck with me since childhood. I would constantly complain to my mom and dad that I didn't know what to wear, or more likely that I didn't have anything to wear. Which I did, but I just never liked it or maybe I didn't know how to match shirts with pants, but that's besides the point. Now a days as a 24 year old independent adult, I find myself asking this question almost daily, but mainly for a new reason.
I know I've stressed earlier that I just want to fit in here in Spain. But their customary dress code makes it a little difficult!
Exhibit A: Yesterday, it was just about 80 degrees (26 c) And I got on my bathing suit and summer dress and left for the beach. It was perfect weather outside. But as I walk towards the tram, a young woman passes me, wearing leggings, boots, and a jacket. We kind of exchanged glances, as if saying to the other one "girl, you crazy!"
Growing up in New York, as soon as the weather hit 70, you go outside in your spring/summer clothes. One dresses based on the temperature outside. You check the weather daily and make your decision on what to wear based on the forecast.
Here in Spain, Spaniards dress to the season. If it's winter. Heavy coat and lots of layers (even if its an indian summer day of 65 or 70 degrees outside!) But as soon as the calendar said it was March 21st, all the spaniards put away their winter jackets and out come the spring jackets and floral print clothing.
Back in January we had a lovely day where it was around 70 degrees. Adaliss and I went out in t-shirts and flip flops and were perfectly comfortable-even slightly sweating when in the sun! But those spaniards stared us down from under their down jackets and boots... probably sweating and cursing us under their breath for being so smart and practical!

Anyway, The weather looks as though it will be "beach weather" from now on from this New Yorker's point of view.  And until June 21st when it's officially summer here in Valencia, I will just dodge the dirty/puzzling looks from the ciudadanos here in Valencia and enjoy the sol (without forgetting the SPF!) 

Life as Cultural Ambassador

In the past 8 months (omg only 2 months left!) I have done all I can to share my culture with Spain. Here a few examples:

1) Sharing candy corn with my students and sharing how we celebrate halloween
2) Making thanksgiving dinner for our friends
3) Christmas cookie party
4) Sharing candy canes and christmas carols with my students
5) Pen pals from NY
6) Superbowl party and explanation at school
7) Burgers and cole slaw back in october (followed by dancing to soulja boy)
8) April fools day
9) Cheerleading team
10) Cinco de Mayo party!


Now let's discuss this last one, shall we? So in school I said:
-"its cinco de mayo! a big holiday in the US/Mexico?"
-oh really? whats it called?
-Cinco de mayo!
-thats the name of the holiday?



ugh, I should have known this would happen after failed attempts at mexican food here in Spain.

So when I gave my explanation to what cinco de mayo was, I just left it at "Mexican pride day" and skipped the part about exuberant amounts of margaritas and tacos.


Anyway, so on the siete de mayo, we celebrated the cinco de mayo in Javea and beautiful Rosemaries paradise apartment.

I was so excited for this fiesta, that 5 days before, I began my homemade piñata!

We even played pin the tail on the donkey after our margaritas and fajitas!

Just another episode of Fulbright showing off American culture!

pinata on the roof!

Spring Break Mathematical Synopsis

Whoa what a trip!

Let's start out by saying that I was not really looking forward to this trip: The thought exhausted me! Nora literally had to come into my room and coax me into me leaving the piso. I was not prepared for 12 days of travel! Yes of course some aspects were exciting, but it was raining and I just wanted to lay in bed in Valencia!!! In spite of the dreary weather and the obstacles I could only imagine I would be confronted with, I left the piso and embarked on a pretty cool spring break!

Now because there is way too much to cover, I am going to steal Molly's terrific idea of spring break by the numbers (pounds to molly cositgan- check out her blog link on the right or click here)

*12 Days of Traveling: Depart April 21st Arrive in Valencia May 2nd
*6 cities: Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Brussels

Plaza España, Seville

View from the Alhambra, Granada

Cordoba

One of the many man made canals, Amsterdam

Antwerp

Brussels

*3 Hour delay at Valencia Airport
* 10 kilo maximum luggage (i think i was at 9.3!)
*4.5 days of rain (3 in Sevilla and 1.5 in Granada) which resulted in:

procession retreating to dry land

* 1/10 of a procession... the whole reason I scheduled a trip there!

Checking out the view of the Alhambra, under an Umbrella

* 5 hours in Córdoba to see the 1 and only Mezquita!

* 13 hours worth of bus rides
* 7 home made salads... some made in bathrooms, with plastic cutlery from burger king

one of our gourmet dinners thanks to a kitchen in seville. Our granada salads were not so lucky

* 1 kilo's worth of Home made granola bars (delish) to get me through!
* 2 nights of free tapas for dinner in Granada (and 2 nights of good excuses to indulge in wine)

Pitcher of sangria + tapas.... 8 euros... Enjoying it with Norita: Priceless

* 7.5 hours total flight time
* 1 afternoon in the Jardines of the Alhambra

* 2 broken umbrellas
*1 crazy bus driver who drove down from el Albacin with the bus doors open
*60: The amount of Euros I lost/ was stolen from me =( no use crying over dissapearing euros! Chin up and move on! Too much to enjoy!!
* 22 km rode through the country side in Amsterdam

* Too many: amount free samples of Gouda cheese

*6 Fulbrighter friends forming a windmill

*1 museum: Anne Frank House in Amsterdam (thats right, just ONE museum!)
* 5 different beds (2 hostels, 1 pension, a boat and a hotel)

Roy was a fantastic captain! Ill be back roy!

* 30 hours of much needed solidarity in Antwerp

*2 beautiful Main squares in Belgium

Grote Market in Antwerpen

Grote Market in Brussels- Caution: picture does not do it any justice! It is more beautiful than you think!

* 1 unique peeing statue

The symbol of Brussels: Mannequin Pis... not sure if city symbols get any worse?

* 1 afternoon of a self guided Belgian Chocolate tour (these are not offered, we just went in and out of chocolate shops testing all the free samples)

This leopard print piece of heaven in my hand is dark chocolate filled with mango and passion fruit: 2nd best piece of chocolate of my life

* 10: The score I give to my Belgian waffle that beat any other waffle i've ever encountered (sorry, eggo)

* 3 hours laying in a Park and bonding 

* an estimated 30 miles of roaming the streets of these cities (its just an estimate, i honestly have no idea... but it feels like a lot!
* 4 Languages I finagled my way through: Spanish (with an Andalucian accent), Dutch, Flemish, and French
*1 happy Chelsea to arrive back in Valencia after 12 days away from my home on the Mediterranean!
=)