THE END

Alas, my journeys abroad have ended, along with this blog. I walked around the city today and said good-bye. It has been an experience to meet so many amazing people, learn so many things, eat different types of dishes, and see all kinds of places.

Barcelona

Paris

Madrid

London

and of course…

Valencia

Good-bye, Europe. It was nice to meet you. I’ll return soon.

Blokes and Banter

Welcome to England where the people are royal and their language is proper, or as they would say, “correct.” Welcome to Cambridge, a city one hour north of London and home of the infamous University of Cambridge.

The sun never shines, it’s cold and wet. So, what else to do but spend hours in a pub?

But the people are so nice (especially compared to the Spaniards) and the food is delicious.

Sunday Roast, a typical english dish.

It’s been a wonderful holiday and white christmas.

It snowed a full 6 inches the first day we arrived. See that mini cooper? That’s mine. The only problem is… they drive on the other side of the road. That takes some getting used to.

Welcome to London, capital of England.

I think I’ve mastered tourism. But with the lack of a quality camera, the process becomes tedious. You can thank the thief in Valencia who stole my Canon for these photos.

Find the hot spot – snap a photo – move on.

I saw it all. Picadilly Circus, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, etc.

I am quite keen on the English lifestyle. I’ve met the nicest people and have celebrated a proper English Christmas.

CHEERS MATE!

Theories and Techniques of Photography

Photography meets every Tuesday morning at 10:30 AM (too early to attend) and Thursday afternoon 12 PM – 3 PM. The class on Thursday is what they call “Práctica”, which would be a “Lab Session” at the University of Texas.

The film students here are fortunate enough to have easy access to the best technology. Although the quality of their work is another question. They sit in front of these computers surfing the internet, browsing between blogs, online shopping, facebook, or tuenti (the Spanish version of facebook) while the professors talk non-stop with their spanish lisps, only stopping to take another sip of the best drink from Mercadona, Bi Frutas (milky fruity deliciousness).

In the Práctica class, we have done things such as learn Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, large format cameras and photography, studio sessions with flash, and location shooting. The major elements of photography we focus on include: freestyle, flash, movement, large format, and photo editing.

One day we were given Canons and sent out to the streets to snap some photos.

As boring as the area around the school is, I managed to capture some nice stuff.

There is beauty in everything.

Almost every Spanish person smokes cigarettes, rolling them themselves. What a perfect country to smoke my very first cigarette ever. It’s even better when you’re sick and can’t breathe in public because there’s smoke everywhere.

Recently, we had an in-class studio session, learning about the techniques of flash photography for professional shoots. Obviously, professional models are too expensive, therefore we used each other. I loved this. My model was a girl from germany.

For the most part, this class is quite enjoyable. The Tuesday lectures are boring, thus I don’t make an effort to wake up. The only problem has been to learn Adobe Photoshop for the first time ever in another language. Who knew that “tool” was “herramienta“? It doesn’t help that I decided to make my photo montage the morning after my birthday celebration (no brain cells remained).

This product makes me laugh out loud every time I see it. It is PATHETIC. I wish I could blame it on the language barrier, but that shouldn’t stop a person from producing a photoshopped product successfully. It’s not just that my head is clearly floating in the air; it’s that I, for some inexplicable reason, decided to place myself at a bar with Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Liam Neeson. I’m not that cool. I proceeded to turn this terrible photo montage in for a grade… like a champ.

I think I have a crush on my photography professor.

Je veux qu’on rie; Je veux qu’on danse

Paris, France is a close encounter to New York. The metro system, I imagine, is not as complicated, congested, or contagious with germs, but the vibes are just as strong. Why people rush (literally run) to their next destination, only to wait for the next subway; I do not know. At least I’ve finally grasped the concept of public transportation to the fullest. For example, just to travel back home to Valencia: Bus –> Train –> Subway –> Bus –> Plane –> Taxi –> Home

Nevertheless, this has been one of the best holidays ever ever ever. Tourism is such a beautiful, overused activity.

Notre Dame

Quasimodo was on holiday, unfortunately. I suppose it’s best he doesn’t show his face… or hump. Every church/rest area proves to be the perfect place to stop and marvel, sit, stare, breath, escape the bitter cold (-3º C and snowing).

Avenue des Champs-Elysées

Apparently everyone knows this avenue. It’s lined with retail shops and restaurants, all leading up to the Arc de Triomphe. By this time, the snow was falling and bodies were shivering. To see the sights with such blistering weather is a task.

Musée du Louvre

This place is massive. It would take a full week to complete the entire exhibit. After 5 hours, our eyes were exhausted.But finally, I’ve encountered paintings that accurately portray the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as it supposedly happened.

It occurred to me as I was walking through the halls that so many of my American friends have been through these same halls themselves. Somehow, it’s slightly comforting to know, “I’m here, where you’ve been, just on the other side of the world.” The second realization was: People from the 13th century either had really poofy faces, or the artists wanted to make them look ill. Where was the sun?

This painting was accompanied with a sleeping dog, just like so many others. I wonder if they respected dogs enough to name them. I imagine names like “Humbluff” or “Crotheo”. Those names are far more interesting than what I thought was the best name ever for my dog, Boo.

On the second floor, Mona Lisa was waiting. She’s a lucky girl, forever having her own security guards and a fascinated audience from all over the world.

I think she’s a bit like an overplayed song. For example, I could post her photo here; but I’m positive you could draw her in your sleep.

Speaking of drawing, there were tons of students sprawled out on the floor, headphones in their ears, drawing exactly what they were looking at. My participation was necessary.

My Inspiration

A painter has complete control of what they want to portray within their frame. In this sense, they are more fortunate than a photographer. But when your drawing skills are as poor as mine…

My Sketch

Hotel de Crillon is where the millionaires dwell in Paris. Yet, I know a guy who knows a guy. Basically, we walked in and were immediately seated. It’s easy to feel out of place in a palace like this unless you tell yourself, “You deserve this,” even if you clearly don’t. Our faces wondered about the lobby as if we’ve just entered heaven.

Only one photo came out alive, as their customers don’t appreciate being in the background of random tourist photos. As if making millions of dollars can’t quiet them. Anyway, we enjoyed wine, chocolate, desserts, and coffee… for free.

The following are random snaps I’m quite keen of:

I was very fortunate to make great friends from Paris. I met some of the sweetest and truest French people, ate the best cheese, drank wine from all over the country, and toured through the city as if I were a local. I hope to come back very soon. It really was the best holiday. French is the new Spanish.

Bonne Journée!

The Fire Drink

The benefits of living with a true Spaniard include learning about the history, norms, traditional foods, etc. Lucky for us, we were able to try out the “Queimada.” It’s an ancient alcoholic drink made in a ceramic bowl and put under fire.

The recipe comes from Galicia, Spain. Ingredients include: orujo (strong liqueur), sugar, lemon rinds, coffee beans, and cinnamon sticks.

The tradition is, ” as the alcohol in the queimada burns, [a spell] is recited in Gallego, the language of Galicia. It is a call to the earth, wind, sea and fire to purify the drink and share it with souls of family and friends who cannot be here to enjoy the queimada.”

“La Casa Fria Fiesta” turned out to be another one of our successful flat parties. Hopefully there will be one more before the holidays.

People were hesitant to try this foreign, hot drink. Especially after seeing it on fire for 10 minutes. But after blowing off the steam, the entire bowl was gulped down. It tastes like a Christmas drink. Thank you, cinammon. It’s sweet. “I’m not too sure if I like it,” was the common consensus.

This is the closest I’ve ever been to witchcraft. I put a spell on you and now you’re mine!

Spanish Fashion Do’s and Don’ts

The sidewalks along the Center should be coated with a red carpet, lined with lights, and infested with paparazzi. Almost every passing boy and girl is like a real life walking model. It doesn’t matter if they’re going to class, to work, to the post office, or the grocery store. They always dress well, and even better, fashionably pleasant. Before, I went to class in my gym clothes. Not no more.

The commercial center will literally beg of you to spend your hard earned money inside one of its stores. I surrendered with open arms, massive lumps of clothes hanging over each.

It’s such an amazing discovery to find new stores I’ve never seen or even heard of in the United States. (Probably because the majority of my shopping money goes towards Good Will.)

The most exciting part is how popular and abundant boots are, my favorites!

With that being said, it must be known that some fashion styles I would never be caught dead in… maybe.

Check out these sexy pants!

Whoever said poofy pants with the crotch part down to your knees was fashionable was “seriously disturbed.” To make matters worse, they’re TIE-DYE. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! It’s like a failed attempt of Aladdin-turns-groovy-in-the-70’s.

But wait! There’s more. And this… this is my FAVORITE spanish style ever!

DREAD-LOCK MULLETS!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion expert, but… WHAT. THE. HELL?! It is so fun to discover the variety of styles. It reminds me of home. Austin is the most socially free city I have ever lived in. I can’t wait to be back with the homeless, hippies, and hipsters.

“discoteca” sounds better than “club”, no?

This is an update on my life that has turned from boring to something a little better. I could describe it as “fun”, but I don’t want to make you jealous. The following photos were terribly captured on my little itty bitty digital camera.

Indiana is a CLUB located on the south side of The Center. Upon arrival, we waited outside the doors in what I call a “sardine jam”. There were so many people pushing to get inside, I could have lifted my feet and remained intact within the crowd. I couldn’t even lift my hand to my face. We were beyond squished.

I denied my intoxication the entire time. But, hey, at least I got into the club… Tom. My hangover the next morning led me to believe I had drank (drunk? dranked? dranken? What language do I speak?) more than I thought. The following photos justify that:

This is one of 5 photos I snapped during my lovely trip to the bathroom. Reason: This is literally the nicest bathroom I’ve ever visited. And I’ve seen plenty in my days, believe me. Luckily, I was able to capture this memory for all and forever.

Must I explain this photo? This beautiful young lady decides to spend her nights in clubs with half her butt hanging out. Dad, I’ve found my new career. I just had to take a snap.

I mean, she looks like she’s having so much fun, thinking to herself, “I am the Spanish Lady Gaga.” Some of them walk around with large platters serving food. I don’t know who thought it would be a good idea to mix a late night club with fancy food, but this is Spain. Anything goes.

Before I proceed, I will explain Indiana (from what I can remember, but more from what my pictures told me). It is the coolest club I have ever seen. There are 5 different massive rooms, each with their own bar, music, lights, theme, etc. I did not dance, I did not drink, I EXPLORED.

This is my favorite room, equipped with trippy lights and more of my idols – the dancers, duh.

The lights were oh so cool with the magical DJ turning out the oh so cool music. I told you you’d be jealous.

Tom, I’m sorry you’re banned from entering Indiana. It’s a shame. How’s that for a shout out?!

Common Attractions (attractions?)

Every corner you turn, I promise you there will be one of the following:

A hair salon:

A pharmacy:

A bar:

Or a Doner Kebab stand:

So if you are an aspiring hair dresser with a mild cough looking for a place to binge only to drunkenly eat very unhealthy Indian food afterwards at 4 in the morning, come.

Today was my day

Even if I’ve been happily practicing my right to consume alcohol since September, my 21st birthday still held a huge significance. All my life, I would never imagine myself to be on the other side of the world, in a country I’ve never been to, arriving with out knowing a single soul, all by myself. This has been a very interesting journey. I’ve learned a lot about Spain, but even more about myself. After one semester, I’m ready to come home.

I have made some of the best friends here. The morning of my birthday, I woke up to a very thoughtful and cultural breakfast:

English breakfast tea from the Cambridge Boy. French croissants from the Paris Girl. I love them. I gladly wolfed it all down as I read, “Happy Birthday!” over and over again on my Facebook wall. Hearing back from home feels so wonderful.

For lunch, we gathered on the terrace to sit in the sun, soak it up, and munch on my favorite restaurant: 100 Montaditos (who deserves its own post). Luckily, it still feels amazing outside and I’m allowed to wear shorts.

Had class not been mandatory, I wouldn’t have gone. But, of course, the first time I actually have work to do for school, it starts the week of my birthday. Therefore, I went to class on my birthday. “Why am I hereeeeeeeee?” But, it wasn’t so bad. I enjoy class. Afterwards, we went out for my birthday dinner at an “American” restaurant. Foster’s Hollywood. They claim that everything is made the American way. The menu consists of free soda refills, hamburgers, mozzarella sticks, ribs, french fries, and my favorite: “The Stars Apangled Banana Split”.

It’s not a big deal, but they have the perception of American food all wrong. It amazes me to hear some of the ideas Europeans have about Americans. Most of them are true, but really, I don’t wear cowboy boots and own a ranch. Mary Margaret and I were strong critiques on their menu, jokingly putting it down, “This isn’t fat enough, this isn’t big enough, this isn’t fried enough!” I sure do miss American food. It’s sooooo much more tasty!

Afterwards, we went to a bar for some quality-21st-birthday-drinking.

Alex and Mary Margaret take care of me. I would not be stable without them.

We ordered fun drinks like Piña Colada and Sex on the Beach. After about 15 minutes, they started rushing me. “Annette, you need to down that drink. You’re taking forever.” Whoa, what’s the rush?! I just ate a big meal and it’s my birthday! Then, they proceeded to drink my birthday drink for me. What the heck?! “We have to go home, Liza set the kitchen on fire.” Yes, she burns her food quite frequently, but what is going on?!

So we leave the bar, and they’re walking so fast to get back home because clearly it’s on fire. As we exit the elevator to our front door, I notice that it’s open. They literally pushed me in.  As I enter, I hear voices. I turn the corner and there are people in my living room! “SURPRISE!!!!”

Miss frenchie, Liza, had organized a surprise birthday party just for me. She has the biggest heart I have ever encountered. I don’t know how she can be so nice and giving. She reminds me so much of my mom, peppy and happy always. I was so excited to see all my friends here for me.

I am constantly reminded of all the good things in life. Here are people that I’ve only known for a couple months gathering to celebrate the day of my birth. I’ve never had a surprise birthday party. They pulled it off so well, I didn’t even suspect it the slightest bit.

It’s friends like these that will give me a warm and lasting memory of my 21st birthday and the time I lived in Spain.

The Best Form of Transportation

Valencia has been credited for its amazing sources of transportation. They have the tram, the metro, the taxis, the buses, and VALENBISI! There are so many possible ways to get around without a car.

It’s  “a new concept related to individual urban transport by bike.” How convenient! Valencia is a strong bike community. Along the dry river bed, many cyclist ride miles/kilometers for their daily exercise. And throughout the city, people of all ages and attires ride to their next desitnation. It’s not uncommon to see a man in a business suit riding down the street with his briefcase in his front basket. Half of that population uses Valenbisi.

Here’s how it works.

Bike stations are well situated throughout Valencia, maybe 7 minutes apart from each other in populated areas. The trick is catching a station when there are still available bikes or parking at a station that has enough room! Normally, it’s not a problem. Upon arriving at the station, swipe your membership card.

Then, enter your pass-code, choose an available bike, walk up to it and yank it out. Then, you have thirty minutes to get to your next destination, which is more than enough time.

Everybody uses this service. It’s popular, smart, convenient, and easy. I should have purchased a membership upon arrival in Spain. But, I was observing first. Then, I pounced. A year membership only costs 18 €. All the more reason to buy it! It’s so worth it! Austin should invest in something like this, considering I no longer have a car to go back home to. Well, CAR2GO will have to do for now!

And then, you’re there! Park your bike and continue your day :)

It’s my birthday!!!!