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.

"Respira!!! ..El Aire Del Norte!": A Weekend in Beautiful Basque Country

11/10/10

I recently learned of my placement in TFA. As of November 9, 2010, I will be teaching in the Bay Area!

"Teach For America provides a critical source of well-trained teachers who are helping break the cycle of educational inequity. These teachers, called corps members, commit to teach for two years in one of 39 urban and rural regions across the country, going above and beyond traditional expectations to help their students to achieve at high levels." (www.teachforamerica.org)

Before I recount my weekend in Northern Spain, I wanted to quickly share with you something really excited that happened today. Perhaps it will not be as exciting to the majority of you; but definitely for those of you who REALLY enjoyed Anatomy and Physiology in High School and College! On my way down to lunch this afternoon, I stopped by the 6^th grade classroom to drop a few things off. I was not expecting to see any students (recess); but I was elated when I caught one of my students, Esther, studying bones of the body (with a real Skeleton!). I could not believe this!

My Star Students

My 6^th graders are learning about the occipital, temporal, parietal and frontal lobes, about the sacrum, the coccyx, etc! I can not even tell you how happy it made me. Needless to say, I decided to stay awhile to study with Esther (and, soon after, Clara).

Off to North!

La Rioja: A province and an autonomous region located in the North of Spain

This weekend certainly flew by! We left early in the morning headed towards Northern Spain. Nerea, a friend of Mely´s, agreed to drive us up to Logrono (3 hour ride from Valencia) where we would take a bus to Vitoria (1 hour from Bilbao). The ride was pleasant; I fondly recall passing through Zaragoza while listening to reggaeton and salsa mixes. We passed by La Rioja, an autonomous community in Spain. This region is famous for wine (in fact, it is arguably the “best wine in Spain and the world”).

Look at these breathtaking vineyards!

When we arrived to Vitoria I decided to explore for a bit. Of course I documented some beautiful homes, churches and the center plaza before heading over to visit Padre “Nacho”, a really comical priest who is recovering from surgery. 

Our Hysterical and Sweet Father "Nacho"

He is originally from Mely´s hometown in Panama. We had a great time with our fruit, peanuts, tea and biscuits! =)

Placa España. de Vitoria
with cronies, Mely and Omar

A few hours later we were off exploring Vitoria nightlife. It is beautiful! I maintain that El Pais Vasco (“Basque Country”) is a different land. You can feel the difference, for sure.

A few hours later we were on another bus to Bilbao. We had A Very Long Night ahead of us.

Lesson Learned: Traveling within Spain is expensive, relative to traveling from Spain to other countries. Have AT LEAST 100 Euro with you for a single weekend. You learn something new everyday, whether deliberately or inadvertently.

A New Friend! Smile, Lilly!

I met a sweet married woman, Lillian, from Nigeria. I learned a lot about her experience as an extranjero in Spain. Great conversation!

Sunday was a big day! Rain or Shine we were exploring the famous city of Bilbao (apparently rain is quite common in Bilbao).

Mely and I before hopping on our Bilbao tour!

We opted for a tour of the city in the rain (via Bilbao Metro or Tranvia). 

Your Friend and Mine, the Bilbao Metro

..And, It was wonderful! 

Like I said, Rain or Shine!

A Bit About Bilbao

A Succinct and Energetic Account of a Bilbao(an) Experience:

http://climberchica.blogspot.com/2007/07/some-facts-about-bilbao-and-basque.html

And There's More!

• Bilbao is the capital of the province of Vizcaya, which is situated in the western part of the Basque Counrty, in northern Spain. 
• Bilbao is considered to be a financial and economic centre of the region
• It is also one of Europe's main reference points for architecture and contemporary art (e.g. GUGGENHEIM)
• Bilbao may soon need to be identified as BG or AG (Before Guggenheim, After Guggenheim). Never has a single monument or art and architecture so radically changed a city or, for that matter - a whole nation, and in this case two - Spain and the semiautonomous region of Spain - the Basque country, or by its official name - Euskadi. 
• Aside from Spanish, the locals have a linguistically mysterious, non Indo - European language of their own - Euskera. 
• More Info about the famous city and its beautiful sites: http://www.europe-cities.com/en/573/spain/bilbao/  

I wasted no time after the city tour. I ran straight to the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao where I passed 4 lovely hours exploring various forms of contemporary art! It was great.

The Guggenheim Museum

I would have definitely stayed for another 3 had I not been committed to catching the earlier bus home (9 hours from Bilbao to Valencia.) I learned quite a lot at the Museum and saw several noteworthy works!

Jeff Koon’s Sculpure, “Puppy”

This sculpture is modified TWICE per year: Autumn and Spring

There are 30,000 Titanium Panels covering the Museum building 

Temporary Exhibitions that caught my eye:

• Henry Rousseau’s “Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope” is considered to be “rich art”. I agree. It is a beautiful piece.

• The Learning Through Art Exhibition was inspiring! On display is the art produced by 184 school kids (ages 6 to 12 years) in the LTA program.

A statement that resonated with me: “Art becomes a tool of discovery, exploration [it serves to] apprehend reality – it enables kids to gain a creative, personal perspective of the world.”

• Frank Lloyd Wright Exhibition (200+ works!)

Mr. Wright, "El Norteamericano"

Another stimulating idea: “Architecture encourages social interaction and integration with the natural world…his mission is to inspire us to think about architecture as a vital extension of daily life”.

• “Haunted” Collection (kind of eery/dark):

Joan Jonas: "Mirror Piece", 1969

Susan Phillipsz: "The Lost Reflection", 2007

A Chilly One..

Anthony Goicolea: “Nail Biter”

A Glimpse from the Exterior!

I love Koon’s “Tulips”

Yves Klein's "Fire Fountain"

Louise Bourgeosis' "Maman"

There are 4 Guggenheim Museums in the World. Bilbao, Spain. NYC, New York. Venice, Italy. Berlin, Germany.

The Interior Portion of the Museum is beautiful! (I wasn’t permitted to take photos inside) Excellent work, Sir Frank Gehry (Canada!). 

Frank Gehry and his masterpiece, featured in the Simpsons

The exterior, particularly in the evening, is equally stunning!

Needless to say, I sat in Zero Espazioa for significant amount of time. 

Zero Espazioa

Here the Museum offers guests interactive presentations, a myriad books filled with history, paintings, sculptures and models constructed by contemporary artists through out the world.

Before departure we stopped by a great café, where we encouraged to try “pinxtos” (pronounced peen-chos) of the north (Basque Country).

Pinxto (Pincho) Time

A more Authentic Illustration of the Northern "Pinxtos"

What a Weekend: Logrono, Vitoria and Bilbao in a single weekend! Thanks, Mely, for the invite!

In the meantime, there a few things I feel compelled to share with you all:

Olive oil is both DELICIOUS and INEXPENSIVE here in Spain. The girls and I go through a bottle in less than a week sometimes.

My students are fantastic! We are having each students from every grade create their own English storybook. It is awe-inspiring how artistic/creative they are! It’s a gift! I loved listening to each group perform their designated parts.

The Three Brothers & A Real Cowboy were a hit in the 4^th and 6^th grades!

Silly Bandz are VERY much in fashion at school (and apparently among internationally renowned entertainers).
Maybe I can use silly bands to teach my students some new vocabulary!

Shakira in Concert,  Barcelona November 24

What are Silly Bandz?

Silly Bandz are made of silicone rubber formed into shapes including animals, objects, numbers, and letters. They are distributed by BCP Imports and are normally worn as bracelets.

Silly Bandz come in hundreds of different shapes and colors. On a wrist, they function like a regular bracelet, and when taken off they revert to their original shape. They are often worn many at a time and are traded like other collectibles. They can also be used for their original intent—as a regular rubber band. It is not recommended, however, to use them as hair ties, as they can get stuck in hair and pull out your hair.

The original shaped silicone rubber bands were created in 2002 by a Japanese design team who wanted to introduce a more environmentally-sustainable rubber band as an office product. Robert Croak, owner of Toledo, Ohio-based BCP Imports (known for distributing the Livestrong wristbands), encountered the bands on a business trip and decided to re-purpose them as a toy by making them larger and thicker, and marketing them as a kids' fashion accessory.

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_Bandz

I still CAN’T BELIEVE I live here. There are so many beautiful places to choose from for exercise enthusiasts in Valencia

> Malvarosa Beach

> The City of Arts and Sciences:
- A really enthusiastic visitor! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwDTWmy63RQ

- Much more formal presentation of the Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias: http://tv.cac.es/index.php?lang=en&id=100

It is breathtaking, particularly in the evening!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRCLPp6IthU&NR=1
I wish I could find a video that did the PM sites justice. For now, this will suffice.

 Hasta Pronto/See you soon!