Layover in Geneva and Back 'Home'

 Layover in GOOD Old Geneva (A gratifying second glance at a beautiful city)

Still LOVING Geneva and its beautiful people (possibly more than my last trip!)

So, I made a friend on the plane! Her name is Karla, a young and vivacious Peruvian woman in her final year of Medical School in Barcelona (Residency Stage). She is so brilliant, benevolent, light-hearted and funny. I think it’s so great how excited she is about what she is going into – she wishes to specialize in Kidney Transplants.

Karla, my Peruvian Travelmate

My new friend and I wasted absolutely no time during the otherwise brutal 9 hour layover in Geneva. (Spanish-English translation). “Let’s not sit around. Let’s take advantage, get out there and get to know Geneva!” I explained to her that my Tio Mauro lived in Geneva and that I had recently come to visit him for a few days! I told her all about how wonderful this man is. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get through to him during our brief visit!

We were taken aback (well, I was yet again) by how intrinsically motivated people are here! They are actually interested in HELPING you. “It’s Switzerland!, said Mary Jo, a local who offered her mobile to call Tio Mauro multiple times while on her shift! Mary Jo isn’t the only one who took us by surprise. We met a LOVELY woman at the ripe age of 90. She noticed we were a bit unrehearsed in public transit so she took the liberty of walking us up two flights of stairs to the Bus Station (10 minutes out of her way)! The woman was wonderful – she spoke both French and English (at the age of 90! This is very rare, to me, for an individual of that age to speak two languages!)

They are a different species. I guess people always surprise you, no?

A few minutes later, another local offers us one of his tickets so that we can get on the bus to the city; as if we weren’t stunned enough (especially Karla!), a sweet older man stopped to explain the transit system here in Geneva (what’s fastest, most efficient, cheapest, recommended bus lines, etc.) It was so lovely!

 Karla comments:

“2 Chicas extrañas en Ginebra = una Americana y una Peruana. Nos animamos a salir del aeropuerto rumbo a la cuidad. Hemos conocido gente en este pequeño trayecto hasta cojer el tren que nos ha indicado como llega =

1)    Una señora de 90 anos!!! (Con un ingles de 30%) nos llevo a la estación – (and surprisingly walking faster than we were!)

2)    Un chico de +/- 40 anos que nos regalo un ticket de autobús

3)    Un señor de +/- 80 anos con un ingles perfecto tomo como 10 minuto para explicar paso a paso lo que teníamos que hacer para llegar al centro

Cada vez, el mundo se sorprenda mas.

Si había conocido una ciudad (IMAN) como NYC (this is where she has visited for the past week) esta probablemnte la cuidad mas amable en la que he estado

Como dijo Mary Jo (la nanny lady) = ES SWITZERLAND!!!!”

- I love her!

We had three hours in Geneva! It had only just begun and we already awe-inspired (just by the PEOPLE)!

Fortunately for us, the day we stopped in Geneva is an important holidays for the Swiss!  Indeed,

This weekend marks the BEAUTIFUL celebration of L’Escalade (which took place the night of December 11 to 12 in the year 1602.  The locals celebrated the day Geneva defeated France! (This year there are over 800 participants!) 

Too bad Karla and I missed the road running segment, which is apparently “one of the most significant annual events in Geneva, and is one of the most prestigious sporting events in Switzerland”.

Official Website (Google Translated for Ya)

Streets were filled with people selling Soup, a refreshing Hot Juice/Sugar/Wine Drink, Sausages, Hotdogs, etc! I may have fallen hard for roasted chestnuts (at one point within 3 hours, about 400 grams of chestnuts lain in my digestive tract).

The city was even more beautiful than the last time I came to visit! I’m so fortunate I was able to experience this again, with a sweet new friend!

By the way, The term "Escalade" means “to climb” (more specifically on a ladder or any vertical plane)

During the flight home, I watched quite a few films: one that I particularly enjoyed is entitled Going the Distance (featuring Justin Long and Drew Barrymore). Great film for me! 

I almost could not resist Avatar when I opted for Killers. It’s so funny how rarely I watch films, actually. It’s so relaxing.

Almost home! Barcelona to Valencia

Just my luck! The plane arrives in Barcelona airport 30 minutes longer than anticipated, leaving me a precious hour to pick up my luggage (Can’t wait to be carrying with me two 50 lbs bags, a backback and purse!) Baggage Claim took at least 20 minutes.

 And then I was OFF to the bus station. AH, I reminisce my run (attempted run, that is, with the amount of luggage I carried) through La Rambla (Thank you, sweet couple from the Aerobus for directing me! Oh! And the group of travelers who allowed me to follow them to the station because I had no idea where I was going!)

I made it to the bus with a mere FIVE MINUTES to spare. I admit - I had a minor panic assailment, but I made it!

Five hours later (2 AM): I was safely back in Valencia and INFINITELY grateful my neighbor, Ruben, volunteered to collect me! I am too fortunate.

Now that I am back…

I can’t help but admit how much I’ve fallen in love with this city. Walking to the center of the city is such a gift. It’s literally a 10 minute walk from the Pont de Fusta metro stop, 

which I can WALK to in less than 15 minutes if I please. I absolutely love crossing he bridge, passing by several soccer practices in session (futbolistas ages 8 to 25+). It is so invigorating having soccer around all the time again! Dad, I can’t wait to share this with you! Oh, and the BUILDINGS (the history behind the beautiful architecture in Valencia) is more captivating now than when I left simply because at home, well, we don’t have this type of scenery. I take it in and count my blessings. I missed every one here in Valencia: my friends, my coworkers, my students (oh, how I adore them), my ESL students (outside of el colegio). I definitely missed how much affordable fruit and vegetables are here (Fruterias are our friends). 

Reading is Music to the Mind 

So, I recently finished a phenomenal read– “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia.” may very well be one of the most phenomenal reads I’ve delved into thus far. Truly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND (Thanks, Chels and Heather Swick). Bali (Part 3) was my favorite, for sure.

After reading the book, I perused the web for other peoples’ reactions to the books. I came across some pretty lovely pages.
Lessons learned thus far (applicable to all! So please do skim!)

• Embrace Failure. Have you lost a job recently? Gone through a divorce? Life has a way of bringing all our well-thought out plans to an immediate halt sometimes. I think that's because our plans are oftentimes too linear. Life is really more like a 2-step dance; you take two steps forward, followed by one step back. Or sometimes two steps back. The point is that when life sends you a flat tire, don't just put on the spare and keep going. This is a great time to also reevaluate the map.

• Be Your Soul Mate. We all spend (or have spent) a lot of time looking for or that perfect life partner, our soul mate. It seems to be part of human nature. But how much time do we spend nurturing the soul mate within? So many of us have busy lives running kids here and there, working, commuting, etc, that we hardly take time to spend time with ourselves. And even when we do get a few minutes of quiet time, do we really spend it trying to know ourselves more? Elizabeth Gilbert took a voyage to Europe and she went by herself. You don't have to go to Europe, but how about a walk in the park? Or a trip to a local museum. Julia Cameron in her book, The Artist's Way recommends weekly dates with ourselves where we treat ourselves the way we act toward someone on a first date. Go to a local cafe. Enjoy yourself. Pay attention to the scenery. Enjoy the moment. Then you can return to your family refreshed and with stories of your own to share.

• Defend Your Happiness. I love this quote from EPL, "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it...And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it." I've never thought of myself as the warrior for my own happiness, but I think it's an idea worth considering. The important thing to note here is that I'm not defending my happiness at the expense of others, but that in fact, others around me will benefit from my happiness. As a warrior for my own happiness, I am much better prepared to be a beneficial presence to those around me than when I'm filled with misery.

Source

 

• You’re Not Alone – Though at times you may feel you’ve entered a long dark tunnel - population one – when you take time to look around, hundreds of people wish you well and do all they can to ensure your happiness and security. Sitting in that dark tunnel brooding over past mistakes and judgements solves nothing. Talking with friends and family, or even a professional can go a long way to help your emotional healing. Make a list of all your friends and keep it open, adding to it daily. Focus on the good things in your life and force yourself to write down at least one a day. You’ll soon see that life balances the good with the bad. Stop focusing on the bad.

• You Can Change Your Life – If you’ve ever driven down a busy highway on the wrong side of the road, it won’t take long before you realize you’re headed towards a nasty collision. You’ll feel it instantly and swerve to avoid crashing. Other drivers will honk at you and scream profanities to let you know your error. Life acts in the exact same way. If you lead your life yet feel like something is not right, listen to that inner voice and become aware of the ‘collisions’ in your workplace and home. Only when you begin to recognize the signs can you begin to turn your car around and start driving in the right lane.

• There Are Worse Things Than Being Alone – Being in a dead-end relationship or one that leaves you feeling battered and abused (whether emotionally or physically) signals danger. Heed relationship don’ts and get out. If, like Gilbert, you spend the middle of the night sobbing on your bathroom floor, you must realise that something is wrong. Find the source of your pain. Do you want to remain in the relationship? Or is it time to move on. Thoughts of being single at any age conjure fear and uneasiness, but nothing kills your self image and worth faster than remaining in an unhealthy relationship. Fix the relationship with yourself first, then find solutions to your other problems. Once you feel better about yourself, everything else will fall into place.

• Let Go Of Control – Trying to control every last detail of your life can make you sicker than you realise. Life is about living. Life is not linear, rather it spins off into many directions. Trying to control everything is like an octopus trying to juggle with all its tentacles at the same time. Eventually it will tangle its arms into a knot and the juggling pins will crash down on its head. Control the things you can and assume the strength and wisdom to cope with those you can’t.

Source: 

If you happen to check out the book, I found a few excerpts particularly interesting (at least go to Border/Barnes & Noble and check out the following sections. Make sure to follow up with me):

•  Pg. 16-17 (if you find the text online, I believe it is page. 13-14), Gilbert's discussion about her take on "God". On Point!
• Pg. 175, The author's take on the notion of "Faith" (STIMULATING. I loved it). In fact, I read it three times over.
• Pg. 177* Discussion about fate/destiny. 

 The concept of the perception* of "pain" is fascinating to me, particularly after reading this work. It really is ALL mental. "It all goes away" (It is truly only temporary.)

Take some time for some self-discovery, my dear friends (men and women alike).

Ask yourself a few questions (who knows, these few minutes may change your life):

Think about it — when was the last time you asked yourself…got quiet…got in touch with your heart, and asked:

• Who do I really want to be in my life?
• What is my definition of success?
• What are some of the things I want to experience in this lifetime (And, do you have a plan in place to turn them from fantasy to reality?)?
• Am I really alive in my life or just passing through without much engagement?

See more

My (All too brief) Trip to my Beloved EEUU

10/17

I’ve been hitching a ride with Mar (Sea), one of Barranquet’s three Preschool teachers (maestras de infantil), the past few weeks. She is saving me quite a bit in transportation costs! When I tell her she is an angel, she simply replies with "Si, caído del cielo" (Yes, fallen from the sky). Mar is so sweet and a really great teacher!

She is only 24 years old and has teaching down PAT. I hope that I, too, will be this fabulous when I have my own classroom of 3 to 5 year olds (X = 40) – pardon me as a I slightly hyperventilate.

A few days ago, I witnessed what may be one of the most hilarious AND awe-inspiring conversations between several second graders. For a quarter hour, they literally spoke of the past, present and the future; debating over what they inherently…ARE. They agreed to disagree, although my buddy Pau (Pablo in Castellano) adamantly believes that the past is the present which is the future. I’m not sure how else to describe their behavior, but I feel as if my students (even some first graders!) act like little adults (most of the time!) Seriously. Fascinating!

12/10/2010

The Week of December 3^rd. A (much too) Brief Return to the Homeland

                                                                                                                    

I will ask this again in the near future: Why am I so lucky sometimes? I could not believe I left Valencia (Thursday evening) before the STRIKE (Friday)! One of my coworkers, Raf, lost his flight to Istanbul! Chels was not able to travel to Bilbao to visit her friend. Que lastima.

Ms. Spurka

Simone The Sweetheart

29 hours to the US. Yes, that’s right. I saved a few hundred Euros, but certainly felt the repercussions. Nevertheless, I bumped into fellow Fulbrighter, Ms. Spurka and new Italian friend, Simone (Such a sweetheart!

I found it interesting that his father is a Gynecologist. I have such respect for this profession. It is not easy, I gather), in the Valencia airport on my way to Barcelona (first layover…) This was a treat! I met an extremely nice individual from Mallorca, traveling on business. 

What a philosophical man! I could hear him talk for hours – in all seriousness!

The night in Barcelona was rather brutal. I (understandably) did not sleep much. It is rather uncomfortable sitting Indian style on a cold hard floor for 7 hours. Fortunately, my layover in Zurich, Swizerland (#2) wasn’t as bad. I made a new friend! Florian (Flo) from Germany, who was on his way to Rome for the weekend!Celosa!

Mr. Florian

The flight to JFK was even more pleasant! I bonded with Judith, another new friend who is enrolled at Virginia Tech (born in Indonesia. We hope to travel to Bali together someday. She’s never been! Can you believe that?). She studied in Switzerland for a semester! Sweet.

I was a bit nervous to come home. I’m not quite sure why, but for sure I was BREATHLESS when we landed in JFK. The lights. The cold air. The unremitting chaos that is the Big Apple. I was moved to tears (embarrassing). 

So yes, longest 29 hours of my life (particularly with no power converter, wifi connection, cell or inflatable bed). But SO worth it!

Oh my gosh, have these past 7 days just FLOWN BY. What else is new. Simply just not enough time. I say this out of risk of appearing rather corny, but It’s been such a treat being able to feel my loved ones’ presence. Sure, Skype, gchat and facebook chatting suffices (hey, it is better than nothing), but really – nothing beats the real thing! While I did not get to see HALF the people I wish I could have, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have at least passed time with those whom I did.

What I’ve missed:

• Family, Friends – a given!
• SNOW (Surprise, Surprise)
• Stores open on SUNDAY. Stores open between 2 and 5 PM!! (No siesta) Capitalist economy that is you, America, [ooo..as horrible as it sounds] I missed you a bit.
• Driving in the car with Mom.
• The SMELL and FEEL of my HOME.
• Being able to HUG the family and friends.
• Finally!!!! Being able to take a hot shower for > 5 minutes.
• All the Grapefruit, Greek Yogurt, Almond Milk and organic peanut butter I can eat!

I certainly realized that people are much more direct in their communications in Spain. No beating around the bush. Some in my country may perceive it as rude, but I view it as a rather utile tool in many cases. Tact is important, too, however.

I can’t believe how much I accomplished in 7 days!

My Ironman

(UConn alum, current PCOM Med student, future Doctor and Lobbyist. my best friend, JBKerzer). “Dericious” food. I loved contributing to your impeccable presentation about Sickle Cell Disease.

Michelle* Spent a night with my blossoming sister in Brooklyn Heights

My International Consultant of a Sister, age 21 (The Big Deal)

Ate the most delicious meal at a lovely vegetarian restaurant, Ginger, in Brooklyn Heights. (21^st!) birthday girl – still can’t believe I missed the festivities and landed a KILLER job with Capgemini!

Family* I’m not going to lie. I visited Abuela twice in three days. What can I say? Inocencia’s my girl. My mother and Abuela organized and hosted (respectively) an amazing dinner get-together at Abuela’s house the day before I left. 

I was so happy that they all made time to come see me on a weekday during such a busy time of year. How fortunate am I? It was rather emotional for me, particularly because I haven’t seen these BEAUTIFUL people, who I was accustomed to seeing several times a month, in over 4 months. It was so nice being able to bond with my aunts and awe-inspiring cousins, Kayla and Elisa, even if for a few hours. I am SO proud of you girls (as if I haven’t said it enough). I even have time to squeeze in a lunch date with my Godmother, Awilda! 

 I got to see Lucy and Tio Perfecto (visiting from Puerto Rico!! Lucky I caught them!)

K-5 and College Bound Represent. My girls, Andy and Carla

Special Breakfast the DAY of departure with Andy and Carlita. Oh yes, and It was so nice bonding with My Mish Zaj for a few hours!

Thanks Mamadukes for accompanying me while I ran around like a chicken with out a head (Dentist, Eye Doctor, Store and Store) Now..PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR – schedule that massage NOW.

Thanks Papibueno for cooking and packing with such finesse. I have NOT the slightest idea how you were able to fit everything into two 50 pound suitcases (Quite a bit of shopping, indeed).

So yes, (contrary to my initial thought process) I ultimately elected to treat myself to a MUCH needed pampering session (29 hours of traveling will do it to ya. I didn’t even want to think about the trip back. Layovers NEVER again): Manicure, Pedicure, a lovely hair appointment with our beloved Elisa, among others things. Why am I so fortunate?

BRINGING “EL DIA DEL PAVO” TO SPAIN: DANDO LAS GRACIAS EN VALENCIA

22 years of age & Co-hosting my very first Thanksgiving Dinner (in Spain, no less!)

I was reminded this week that Thanksgiving (also referred to El Dia de Accion de Gracias or Dia del Pavo) is not celebrated in Spain (or Uruguay or Panama or Italy), which I do not find surprising seeing as it is an American holiday. Who could have imagined that working in Spain would give rise to the (grand) opportunity to help prepare my very first Thanksgiving Meal [mind you, the Turkey was only 9 pounds)? It was incredible! I unearthed my ability to remove a gizzard, intestines, heart, liver, etc. 

An unanticipated interest (Fortunate for our crony, Chelsea!)

Almost having too much fun in the Rodriguez-Dixon department.

Note: Polar Opposite Reactions to Turkey Prepping

Chelsea (Yes, our own Martha Stewart, who has been planning this event for almost three weeks now) nearly vomited at this stage in the process. Hey, we’re a team. Today, I did the dirty work and Chelsea created something magical. Needless to say, we [representing 4 different countries: Spain, Italy, Panama, Uruguay, United States] all  LOVED the finished product - by far, the best Turkey I have EVER had.
*Excellent Job researching the proper way to prepare a Turkey, Norita!

Respect the process, people! Way to go Nora!

Speaking of Chelsea. What an incredible individual. It’s so refreshing and inspiring to live with some one who actually ENJOYS cooking! The majority of the food served for la cena (dinner) was prepared Ms. C Dixon [inspired by Martha Stewart]

Oh my goodness! And how irresistible were Nora’s brown sugar-sweet potato-green apple dish and roasted vegetables!? My mashed potatoes (Humphrey style!) were enjoyed, as well (Thank you for taking the time to share the recipe with me, Carlita). 

Chelsea, Rosemarie, Amber and Nora

Two fellow Fulbrighters, Amber and Rosemarie, came to partake in and contribute to the festivities. 

[Rather] (Im)patiently Waiting for the Turkey!

It was an honor hosting our second dinner party at the apartment (piso), particularly for a holiday as FABULOUS as Thanksgiving. What a GREAT experience: We cooked a Thanksgiving meal, in its entirety (As in, Chelsea went out and purchased an uncooked BIRD). Phenomenal. More importantly [from a multicultural stance] we hoped to express our gratitude for the kindness our new friends here in Spain have bestowed upon us, by sharing our own cultural traditions. 

Once the table was set, the feast so wonderfully positioned in front of our eyes, Chelsea initiated the let’s-go-around-and-express-our-gratitude ritual. Beautiful play, Chelsea. I was touched by the words of our guests, particularly new lifelong friends, Melitza (Mely) and Ruben. 

We love you, "Papa" (Francesco's father)
I mean LOOK at this Turron (literally 1/14 of the dessert selection)

While we miss our family and friends back home, I am so very grateful for the chance to expose our new friends (ALL first-time Thanksgiving dinner participants) to a holiday that I personally hold near and dear to my heart! 

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~~Author Unknown~~

(Specifically Selected for This Year's Feast. Courtesy of C. Dixon)

Our Invitation E-mail (Slightly Modified):

Hola a todos!

Queremos invitarles a nuestra cena: del día de acción de gracias. Es este viernes a las 7:30 PM. Queremos compartir con ustedes como ustedes nos han ensenado durante nuestra tiempo aqui. Preparase por pavo, "mashed potatoes", "cranberry sauce", y todo lo bueno (que Chelsea esta MUY emocionada de ser la jefa cocinera)!

Si quieres traer sus postres favoritos..pues, "molt be"! Puedes abrir el "attachment" en este mensaje y si quieres También podemos traducirlo!

Si tiene algunas dudas, comunica con nosotros. :-)

Hasta el viernes, mis amores.

Besos,
[Adaliss,  Chelsea y Nora]

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's time to eat turkey and yams And cranberries, too Just like the Pilgrims used to do!

 

Friends (Family),
Join Us for a

Thanksgiving Feast!

v Date: Friday, 26 of November 2010

v Time:  19:30 (7:30 PM)

v What to bring? Yourself & Drink/Dessert of your choice

We will See you soon!

“Welcome to the neighborhood and to the struggle”: A Day in Cabanyal:

Saturday, 10/20/2010

You Guessed it. Botellon city.

It was indeed an early morning! At 8:30 AM, Fred and I headed to the center (El Centro). On the way over, I couldn’t help but notice plastic bags filled with empty bottles of alcohol – every where! “No worries, they will be collected shortly”. We had a lovely discussion about the Botellón culture here in Spain (For current/former UConn folks, do a quick comparison for me: Spring Weekend vs. Botellon. 

Imagine Spring Weekend more than once per year). Virtually every point Fred made is indeed found on Wikipedia. Well done, Frederic (Frederic is my tandem partner - he is polylingual/quadrilingual and a pursuing two Masters degrees in Gender and Equality Policies + a Multidisciplinary Degree in: Law, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, and Anthropology)! 

Meet Fred (Frédéric)  and our special surprise from one of the most famous Orxaterias in the city!

Passing the Ruins of the Palacio Real de Viveros (among neat historical sites), we finally arrived to the renowned Mercat Central in search for nothing more than a 5 lb Turkey for our Thanksgiving dinner this Friday!

The Ruins in all their Splendor (Palacio Real de Viveros)

Joaquin Sorolla Bastida, one of the most famous impressionist painters of Valencia!
I have enjoyed at least 3 monuments commemorating the Valencian artist.

Mercat Central, Exterior

Mercat Central, Expansive Interior (Open 8 AM to 2 PM Monday-Saturday)

Turrones: A Big Hit Here (No, I will not be purchasing these for you, father of mine!)

Chufas (Tiger Nuts) What a treat!

A Fruitless effort, this was, however. Turkeys aren’t sold until Christmas time for as you may or may not know Thanksgiving (Dia de accion de gracias) is not celebrated in Spain (for you Fulbrighters who pursue similar holiday feats).

2nd Hand (presumably Illegal) Market. A Direct result of "El Crisis".
People congegrate and sell everything that they do not use anymore.
Anything and everything is sold here - really. NOTHING is far fetched.

 On a positive note:Our Orxata cravings were satiated during our visit. Though, Fred surprised us with Orxata and Farton Artesania (Sweet Bread dipped into Liquid Orxata) just the day before, he opted for sampling a glass of freshly made Orxata. I think he enjoys this heavenly liquid almost as much as I love Chufas (as you already know if you have been following along, these are Tiger Nuts, the main ingredient of Orxata). "No tengo verguenza" (I am not ashamed) - We indulged!

Sporadic FYI: You CAN NOT visit Valencia with out stopping by the narrowest house in Spain (and, quite possibly, the world). 

Location: Plaza Lope de Vega. The narrow house is the red building with black window openings.

How could I forget? (Mom, and fellow consumers of the Beauty Industry will enjoy this, I think). Of course I spent a significant amount of time in a new favorite, Perfumarte (Selling Legal and Potent Imitation Fragrances!) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by current roommates, Margaux and Chelsea. (Personal Favorites: Diesel’s Fuel for Life; Narcisco Rodriguez’s Narcisco; Paco Rabanne’s Black XS; Georgio Armani’s Armani Code; Cacharel’s Noa).

 

Irresistible Churfas in hand, it was off to the “Cabanyal Vinyetes”/ “Cabanyal Portes Obertes” (Cabanyal Open Doors) Tours (located microseconds from Malvarosa Beach).

Unfortunately, we were a bit sidetracked on the way there. At the Port of Valencia, we passed by an intriguing event hosted by a collection of amiable men: La Tuna de Derecho de Valencia. 

Gargantuan Paella Pan. Indeed, there is a first time for everything!

The group hired a business to make an UNBELIEVABLE amount of paella in a gargantuan pan (my eyes must have been protruding) and served buckets-full of fresh Sangria for students through out Valencia!

I decided to do some research on our new friends. I very much enjoyed reading about the Historical Background offered on their official site: (This slightly reminds me of UConn Greek Life). I also enjoyed skimming through “A Brief Profile”: AH, Street Performances! 
(Noteworthy Nugget of Information: Being a Law Student in Valencia is a prerequisite if one aspires to be a ‘Tuna’)!

Now, With out further ado...

Welcome to Cabanyal 

Let’s get informed, shall we?

The historic neighbourhood of El Cabanyal, Valencia, is under threat by a plan for a large avenue which would cross it at right angles, dividing it into two and transforming it in such a way as to imply the beginnings of its future destruction. Faced with this situation, citizens’ groups, cultural associations, university bodies and many public figures have voiced strongest opposition to the plan.

Advocating with two residents/activists (Caterina, Lorena), Fred and Gaby

The Cabanyal is one of the three districts that make up the historic centres of the City of Valencia. Because of its street design, and the popular modernist style of its houses, it was considered worthy of being registered as an Asset of Cultural Interest (B.I.C.) by the cultural department of the Valencian regional government in 1993.

Map of the Protected Historic Centre of the Cabanyal

In yellow the earliest nucleus of the Cabanyal

In orange the expansion of the Cabanyal declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
In red the area affected by the plan to prolong Blasco Ibañez

On May 25th 2001, the Special Intervention Plan for the Cabanyal (Plan Especial de Intervención) was approved by Valencia City Council, with the majority Popular Party voting in favour and all the other parties of the municipality voting against the plan. The plan implies the prolongation of Blasco Ibañez Avenue, through the district, with a width of 148m, 48m being used as thoroughfares and the rest for the construction of six storey buildings. The project would entail dividing the district in two, the destruction of 1651 houses – many of which have been given the status of ‘Special Protection’- and the displacement of 1200 – 1300 families in the neighbourhood. The present householders are being offered very low prices under compulsory purchase orders and the same land is then offered to private building contractors to build and sell at market price. 

Particularly potent. Here, my dear friends, exists a:

“...Neighborhood Struggling for Survival and Life…Hope is not for sale, the people are not for sale, the houses are not for sale. Nobody has thrown in the towel, nor buried the hatchet.

Only one worthwhile future: El Cabanyal restored and in peace.

Welcome to the neighborhood and to the struggle.”

CABANYAL – CANYAMELAR: CULTURAL PROPERTY ENDANGERED

Since the end of XIX century, Cabanyal – Canyamelar is regarded as the fishing district of Valencia, the neighborhood by the sea in Valencia City (Spain). It still retains a gridded urban system because of the “barracas”, old typical buildings from Valencia.

A Baraca-Style Home (early 1900s). Very common within this town of fishermen.
The roof was originally made of straw/hay.
It is amazing how resilient these homes have been (see video for some great documentation!)

Again we see the eternal confrontation: between heritage conservation and speculative development of a city. Since the last century, the people of Cabanyal have lived with the threat of the expansion of Blasco Ibáñez Avenue. With the construction of the railway station in Serrería Avenue, we felt that history of this avenue ended. It was the desired connection of Valencia with Sea Villages.

The project of extending Blasco Ibáñez Avenue to the sea destroys a historic set of ancient buildings. Furthermore, the project also destroys a way of life, of social and human relationships, a culture of special character because of its relationship with the sea.

Since then the neighbors of Cabanyal – Canyamelar – Cap de França have not stopped fighting for their rights and homes, requesting a Plan of Conservation and Rehabilitation of the district without any response by the municipality of Valencia, which has not even agreed to meet the representatives from the neighborhood.

….

The preservation and rehabilitation of Cabanyal-Canyamelar would mean for the City of Valencia the chance to enjoy and have a unique cultural centre in Europe that can develop itself into a great touristic attraction and moreover, a quarter with future with an urban carcass respectful towards its environment, tradition and art. The destruction of this quarter would mean for Valencia to loose again a tremendous part of its identity.

“Save the Cabanyal”. Represent, ladies

On 22 april 1998 various parties (neighbors, tradesmen, political opposition and cultural organizations) have created the platform “Salvem El Cabanyal” (“Save the Cabanyal”) to stop the expansion of Blasco Ibáñez. Since this day action against the destruction has been taken by the platform “Salvem El Cabanyal”. The first event was the celebration of three public dinners in one of the places of the quarter during June and July. About 4000 people signed the petition against the plan of the local government.

"Salvem El Cabanyal"

Some residents (conveniently not residing in the area that would be directly affected) support the movement to destroy thousands of homes in Cabanyal in favor of creating a long stretch to the beach from the Blasco Ibanez Avenue.

 The residents of El Cabanyal who shared their homes and experiences with us were incredible? Honestly, what’s better than getting out there and meeting awe-inspiring locals fighting relentlessly for what they believe is right? That’s right. Nothing. 

Our new friend (and lifelong resident of Cabanyal) Francesc. In the middle of our tour, the vivacious man left and within 30 seconds, came back with a sweet tangerine and a piece of his own Malvrosa plant from his terrace, so that I may "plant [my] own!")

Movie Time! http://www.cabanyal.com/nou/videos/

Now if you’ll excuse me, Ms. Margaux Pierre is making yet another delectable home cooked Haitian meal (I take credit for my “Garlic peeling” contributions). 

After searching far and wide, Ms. Pierre has found her beloved (Goya) Adobo.
Her meals are now complete, ladies and gentlemen.