2011 Fulbright Mid-Year Conference: "Is this real life?"

3/9/2011-3/11/2011 Pamplona, Spain

2011 Fulbright Mid-Year Conference

Where should I begin? ..Perhaps I should begin by stating that the Fulbright Commission (especially our beloved Paula) has exceeded my expectations this weekend. The mid-year conference was an exquisite production – a very well balanced arrangement of professional development, Fulbright-to-Fulbright / Fulbright-to-Commission/Embassy interaction, (arguably) the nation’s most incredible gastronomic experience I’ve had in Spain yet (WOW!), and the opportunity to reflect on our past 6 months in España.

The Throne Room, Palace of Navarro

I nearly failed to mention the fact that the Commission managed to simultaneously squeeze in time for grantees to experience the beauty (is this an understatement?) of Pamplona. Indeed, we spent quite a bit of time outside of the extraordinarily accommodating Hotel Tres Reyes (****). Fond memories: The Throne Room, the beautiful City Council Building/Ayuntamiento, A Palace/Palacio de Navarro) and being so warmly received by the Mayoress of Navarro, the articulate, charismatic and convivial Yolanda Barcina. The weather was unexpectedly lovely: warm and sunny!

I managed to get a hold of as many City Guides as possible. Why? You BETTER believe I am coming back! During our lunch/leisure period, Katie and I found one of several beautiful parks in Pamplona. I honestly did not want to leave (I was so very tempted to miss my flight to Paris. No joke!)

“I couldlive here, Addie”.
Katie Brooks, Conference Roommate and fellow Valencia ETA.

A few highlights:

Ø     Valencia ETAs reunited

Unfortunately, the others were unavailable at the moment.
I’ve said this time and time again; I am CERTAIN that there couldn’t be a more perfect group to have been assigned with: Lyla, Rosemarie, Amber, Chelsea, Lauren, Molly, Margaux, Nora, Katie. Impresionante (especially your Spanish speaking skills. You blew me away, girls!)

Ø     Made some new friends! Such Great Company! 

Chris and I sporting one of quite a few conference souvenirs

I am pleasantly surprised that I continue to meet Fulbrighters who are natives of California (specifically San Francisco!) I also know of at least three who have recently worked with Teach For America or will be joining the Corps with me this upcoming year!

Ø     Roundtable: Touching, comical, thought provoking, well organized. Well done! Shout out to Molly: REPRESENTING Valencia ETA. Too much pride we have, ladies

To reiterate, INCREDIBLE cuisine

Pilar, you were a fantastic mesera/waitress

Maria Jesus and Paula (Patricia, Laura, Miguel, Aitor...), you are amazing! Thank you!

What I appreciated most is how welcoming the Commission is to our feedback and our personal experience (ETAs and Researchers were offered the opportunity to present at the conference). Lyla (among many others), you are phenomenal. Truly.

FYI:

PAMPLONA: "Hemingway and the Bulls"

Mmhmm, this is the town of the "Running of Bulls", one of the most famous events in Spain. American writer Ernest Hemingway loved Pamplona for this spectacle which is part of the popular festival of San Fermin, as he adored bullfighting, and Pamplona is one of its centers.

But by no means should you feel coerced into participating in something so spectacular as The Running of the Bulls. This well cared-for northern-spanish town certainly has something interesting to offer. It’s a very well conserved historical center (i.e. picturesque mountain ranges of the region Navarra, with some of the most original folklore in Spain). Don’t get us started on the food…

Photo Tour anyone?
Who wouldn’t want to live here?

Want to read an extremely thorough synopsis of our weekend? Check. It. Out. http://molly-costigan.blogspot.com/2011/03/catch-up-part-iv-la-mesa-redonda-round.html & http://molly-costigan.blogspot.com/2011/03/catch-up-part-iii-mid-year-meeting.html

For you native Spanish speakers out there, I thought you might appreciate an easier read: http://elblogdefulbright.es/index.php/2011/03/2011-mid-year-meeting-in-pamplona/ (Compliments to Patricia and Paula)

“The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby to increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship.”

“El Programa Fulbright se propone aportar un poco más de conocimiento, un poco más de razón y un poco más de compasión a los asuntos mundiales y aumentar de esa manera la posibilidad de que al fin las naciones aprendan a vivir en paz y amistad”.

J. William Fulbright.

"Being Spontaneous Isn't Always a Bad Thing"

Convivencia & International Women’s Day

Oh my. I haven’t updated since before my WONDERFUL visit from my equally (if not more) wonderful parents nearly a month ago. What a blessing it was to experience them for 11 lovely days!

Nearly one month later…

I made a somewhat sporadic decision to opt out of Carnaval in Vinaros with Fellow Fulbrighters (a weekend that we'd been planning for nearly 3 months now) in favor of a much needed Weekend Retreat! Needless to say, tt was the Best Decision I’ve made this year.

·        Check out Molly’s CARNAVAL entry: http://molly-costigan.blogspot.com/2011/03/catch-up-part-ii-carnaval.html )

·        Lyla also offers a great explanation of Carnaval in Vinaros:

“Friday marked the beginning of 11 days of celebration and excitement.  I’ve been hearing about it since I moved here.  It’s bigger than Halloween.  It’s bigger than Independence Day.  And, dare I say it, it’s bigger than Christmas.  It’s…CARNAVAL (cue music and emphatic arm-raised dancing)!

Carnaval is celebrated all across Spain (and other countries as well), but only some cities host elaborate celebrations.  Vinarós is one of those cities.  I’ve been told that the population will multiply by five, and that Vinarós has the 4th largest Carnaval celebration in all of Spain.  I don’t know the accuracy of those figures, but I have no doubt that it’s going to be big. [Oh, and it was]

What, you ask, is Carnaval? …the short answer would be that it’s eleven days of costumes, glitter, sequins, music, dancing, fireworks, drag queens, parades, loud noises and very little sleep.”

Excellent, Lyla. http://lyladuey.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/carnaval-get-ready/

So yes, back to the Convivencia (more or less a retreat hosted by a local parish)…

In a nutshell, this retreat was quite valuable: Culturally, Linguistically and Spirtually. I considered it yet another great opportunity to really immerse myself in Spanish and Spanish culture, while granting myself permission to practice silencing a seemingly relentless mind. When I came back a friend, Ruben, openly admitted: “It was quite clear that you have spent the entire weekend speaking Castellano. What a difference.” Indeed, I was the only American at the Convivencia (out of 48) (Within minutes I was dubbed ‘Connecticut’, pronounced Cone-nect-ee-koot).

We certainly had/have a lot to celebrate about

I've met some spectacular people within those few days in Gandia 

, Spain (approximately one hour from home).

·        Agustin (studied law! Brilliant man) and Edita. Great conversation.Universal language of LOVE – across ages, cultures, anything you can think

·        Delicious Food* (always a good thing!)

·        Best sleep I’ve had in AGES (well over 6 months). I slept like a baby. For this I am eternally grateful. I feel relaxed, revitalized, hopeful, happy/content, significantly more clear minded and – just great.

·        The energy of the Catequistas was INCREDIBLE

·        Principally connected with a LOVELY Colombian couple (Hugo and Nydia) and Peruvian roommate, Edita.

A few take home notes:

1. Stop planning. God (in whichever form you believe it to be) is BIGGER THAN EVERYTHING. It* has a plan. A BEAUTIFUL plan. It is an artist. When you make a single choice, it completely reconstructs your path. Don’t plan. Just BE.

2. “You can rest now. Relax. You will be okay. Let God take the reins…don’t forget that IT’S YOUR CHOICE. We talked a lot about the THE POWER OF FREE WILL”

3. Stop COMPLAINING. We are always complaining. Why? There’s no point. No need. No benefit that comes from complaining.

4. What is most IMPORTANT: RIGHT NOW. Today. Not yesterday, Not tomorrow. THE PRESENT.

The upcoming week was quite exciting at el Colegio (school). Indeed, the entire school celebrated INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: 3/8/2011

I found myself awe inspired at the deliberateness of our school Principal and faculty/staff in promoting this international holiday.

A few of my 6th Graders sporting our homemade International Women's Day Pins!

When:  Tuesday 8 March 2011
Where: Everywhere
What:   International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.
Why:   Suffragettes campaigned for women's right to vote. The word 'Suffragette' is derived from the word "suffrage" meaning the right to vote. International Women's Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women's success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. The first International Women's Day event was run in 1911.

 
2011 is the Global Centenary Year.

Read/Skim on, my cultured cronies:

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

1908
Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909
In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910
n 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs, and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament, greeted Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.

1911
Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. However less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic 'Triangle Fire' in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events. 1911 also saw women's 'Bread and Roses' campaign.
 

1913-1914
On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. In 1913 following discussions, International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Wommen's Day ever since. In 1914 further women across Europe held rallies to campaign against the war and to express women's solidarity.

1917
On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death over 2 million Russian soldiers in war. Opposed by political leaders the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The date the women's strike commenced was Sunday 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia. This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was 8 March.

1918 - 1999
Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organisations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honour women's advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

2000 and beyond
IWD is now an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.

Source: http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Inundación en Benimaclet: A Night to Add to the Books

23 of January 2011.

These came in handy. I was very grateful.

“Whoever has the sala (hallway) this week really lucked out.”

- Nora

3:30 AM Wake up Call. I woke up to our Doorbell ringing incessantly. Low and behold, it was our neighbor Pepita, complaining about water falling from her ceiling! It was impossible to ignore the 1.5 inches of water that had entered my room (and the apartment, in its entirety) within only a few hours of rest.

Our Landlord was unreachable.
 Translation: "Paco, the apartment is flooded. The police were here. Call us!!!!!"

Ah, reminiscing. 1^st Shock. Followed (almost immediately) by unremitting Laughter.

One hour later – this is after the Police left, exhausting virtually all of our towels, extra bed sheets and energy to clean up the unanticipated  – the team is still going at it. Amidst it all, Chelsea feels it is a good idea to play Shakira’s Loca. The memory of all four of us commiserating/working while listening to the Colombian Bombshell remains engraved in my memory. Why? We’ll never know. We finally finished around 5 AM-ish.

If you want to read a really great report, however, take a gander at Chelsea’s Blog immediately after skimming through this one. FABULOUS DOCUMENTATION and extremely comical.

 

Now - Let’s ID some positivity here, despite the fact that this may have been our biggest obstacle yet at the apartment (that is, aside from the finicky electricity, the rather impulsive doorbell we have unfortunately been endowed, the highly fragile state of our walls and glass living room door, and the very much relevant faucet issue we have had for months).

1. This Experience has brought the four of us closer. An innovative team building exercise, I think!
2. We got some exercise.
3. I finally met the infamous 90-year old neighbor the girls speak of – Oh, Pepita. (I’ll spare you)
4. I got a MUCH NEEDED laugh out of the whole situation. Laughing is almost always the best cure.

I needed to distract myself a bit, as you can imagine; so, I played a clip featuring one of my favorite (who I believe to be) revolutionaries: Taylor Mali.

"Sandals in January, I'll Take It"

64 degrees in January. How can you not  smile? 

Chelsea: “Sandals in January? I’ll take it!” Day at the Valencian Port!

Thank you, HOLAVALENCIA.NET

Surprise message this morning from Chelsea Dixon. Game Plan: El Grau

We had a blast! I was happy to walk down to the beach again! I love exploring this side of Valencia. There is a distinct feeling the Beach side (near the Port, Marvarosa Beach) elicits relative to the touristy city center.

Quiz Time: What is "America's Cup" (Valencia)

A BEAUTIFUL picnic spot for future day trips (right on the port, no less!)

"Wrong Way, Addie"

 An outdoor gym! (Why pay for a monthly membership when one can run to the beach in JANUARY and utilize workout facilities for free?) I absolutely love health conscious “zonas”/districts.

The adjacent playscape area is quite lovely, as well!

Ah, to be kids again! 

Chelsea even introduced me to a neat café near the Universities on the way back home! After being acquainted we immediately decided we would be stopping by for a visit later that evening. 

What a Sunday! City of Xativa with the girl & AMERICAN FOOTBALL on Sunday!

As you approach Xativa, a 40 minute drive west from Valencia, its castle appears to built on a ridge but, as you get closer you will see that its walls rise up from the town itself. As you wind up the narrow streets of the old town, you get tantalizing glimpses of the castle high above. Soon you reach the lower walls scaling the hillside, but you continue on a twisting road upwards. Just as you pass a pretty church on your left, you will see the entrance to the Hotel Restaurant Mont Sant, one of the most delightful in the Comunitat Valenciana, surrounded by orange groves and palm trees where once all was barren.

The Latin poet Silius Italicus(101-25BC) in his poem on the ll punic War refers to Saetabis celsa arce, Xativa with its tall castle, so there is proof that a castle exited in Roman times, although a castle stood here in earlier Iberian days. Its strategic value was due t its situation on the via Augustea that began in Rome and crossed the Pyrenees and traveled down the Mediterranean coast before heading on to Cartagena and Cadiz. The grand structure you see these days standing watch over the town is a mixture of Iberian, Roman and Moorish influences and later Christian fortifications. 

Xatavia castle with its 30 towers and four fortified gateways, must rate as one of the loveliest in the Valencian Community, not nly because of its historic value but also because of a lot of thought and work has gone into its surroundings. Tinkling fountains, small orange groves, herb gardens that perfume the air, give you a sense of what life must have been like in an important garrison town. (The fountains and gardens aren’t just modern titivations but were an important part of Moorish culture). What is equally impressive is that, standing on the high tower at either end of the long thin castle, you become aware of just how massive an undertaking it was to build such a structure in such an inaccessible place.

~ Thespanishdream.com

Bad Idea to Sample these Olives, huh CD?

How could you NOT appreciate this?

Sunday was fantastic. Kudos to Chelsea for taking the initiative to coordinate! The hike was wonderful: not too intense or easy – just right. The scenery was invigorating. 

How could you not appreciate la naturaleza when it is simply staring you in the face. Nothing beats fresh air, the acquisition of (a bit of) historical knowledge, the sense of security and good company. (Yes, I know COMMON SENSE, but It definitely pays off to read a bit of literature before arriving to one’s destination.)

There is indeed a whole lot to do in the city of Xativa! I can not believe we only had time to take advantage of its stunning Castle.

If anyone is interested in taking a (totally worthwhile) day trip to Valencia, take a gander. 

The official website (Spanish)

To end a Spectacular day, I found myself ELATED when Chelsea mentioned the Pats v. Jets game on Sunday Night! I really enjoy American Football! Margaux, Chelsea, Nora and I made our way to a local American Sports Bar where we made quite a few new friends! What a Treat! 

Finally Reunited After Nearly One Month Apart! Cheers to Enjoying American Football Across Seas!

Interesting Note:

I have a few friends who are currently studying at the University here in Valencia. I can’t help but notice marked Differences in the examination arena (well, in comparison to the United States). Actually, my observations have confirmed what International students at UConn had recently shared with me.

At The University level here in Spain (and I imagine in several Western European countries), It’s all about “Crunch time” the last 2-3 weeks of the semester. It doesn’t seem like this in US University life. We have more frequent works/projects (due through out the semester) and exams (that are – quite obviously - worth less than the final exam). Here, there is one MAJOR final exam that is pretty much determines one’s entire grade. Neither is more correct. Just an observation.

Fantastic News! 

I have recently applied and have been granted the opportunity to matriculate into the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. [Chelsea has actually been committed to this for a few months now!] Luckily, because I am currently teaching, I am permitted to take the “Fast Track” Online Course (60 hours). I am pumped!

A bit about the program:

“ITTP is an Australian/British/Czech/N.American team which is committed to maintaining its high standards of service and professionalism in international Online and Onsite TEFL/TESOL certification training courses. With clear aims and objectives combined with a highly professional and personal touch we are among the market leaders in this global educational field.
Our international team structure is an essential positive communication factor between our trainees and trainers/tutors and administrative team/team leaders.”

Source 

I also can't get over Chelsea´s Trip to Morrocco. It seemed rather incredible. I am considering visiting again (Saad I may take you up on your offer!)

 Just a bit of inspiration to add to your day!

Class Of 99; Wear Sunscreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwVVpwBKUp0

 

Bringing in the New Year in MADRID! Ciao, 2010! Bienvenido 2011!

Puera del Sol Sporting a New Look during the Holidays, Madrid

 Happy New Year, Friends and Family!

I am very thankful for the opportunity to have touched base with my parents on New Year's! I caught them in the middle of a Dominos Game (more like a Tournament, but we won't go there). After a fun filled night in Madrid it was nice to hear their voices. Before bidding farewell, I thanked Mom for the beautiful e-card she sent me a few days earlier. I thought I'd share it:

  A New Year Blessing

I hope for you in this new year of [2011]

That the single, most significant dimension of life is your relationship with the Source of Goodness who never ceases to sing love songs to your soul

That you find meaning, purpose, and vitality in what you do daily

That you treasure your loved ones and let them know how dear they are to you

That you make choices and decisions that reflect your truest self

That you look in the mirror at least once a day and smile in happy amazement

That you remember relationships are what count above all else - more than work or money, or all the material things we spend so much time tending

That you live in an uncluttered manner, enjoying the freedom to be content

That you keep your sense of humor when things don’t go the way you want

That you find adventure in each new day and marvel at the wonders of creation
which constantly present themselves to you

That you never give up on yourself when others turn away or do not understand

That you are attentive to the health of your body, mind and spirit

That you take risks and accept the growth-full challenges that come to you

That you draw on your inner strength and resiliency when you are in need

That you carry peace within yourself, allowing it to slip into the hearts of others
so our planet becomes a place where violence, division, and war are no more

© Joyce Rupp

What started out as some random city exploration with fellow Fulbrighter, Rosemarie (Rosamaria) turned out to be a full out “Church and Belen Expedition”. 

One (of MANY a) Belen

We visited more churches and Belen displays (in and out of churches) than anything else in Madrid. I feel like we walked A LOT! Next trip to Madrid will be all about neighboring cities: Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca and El Escorial. 

Pre-New Year’s Eve (Pre-Nochevieja if the word even exists) was extremely fun.

We learned that all of the locals actually go the day before to Puerta del Sol. Needless to say, We took advantage of this tradition to practice for the big day.

The 12 Grape Tradition 

In Spain, it is a tradition to consume (more like stuff into one's mouth as quickly as possible) a single grape for each strike of he clock (before 12 midnight). If done correctly, each grape symbolizes good luck for each month in the new year. In Ecuador, Amber explained that one makes 12 wishes or resolutions for the New Year (formally writes them) and posts them on the wall for good luck. We executed both tasks! [Great opportunity for reflection! Thanks, Amber.]

Practice Makes Perfect! Get 'em Girls!

ARod in the new Year aims to (among other things): 

Disconnect at least 10 minutes each day AND one day a week (no phone, internet, etc.), work on temperance, exercise more, have more patience with self/others, work on sense of direction (Bring Map EVERYWHERE I go), follow intuition, focus!, meditate more, worry less, give more love, increase selflessness, be more honest, give/give/give.

Beforehand, Amber took us all to a LOVELY bar: Mesón de la Guitarra. We had SUCH a blast with the Tunas! 

I have posted a few of the multiple videos I’ve recorded on Facebook. Please feel free to take a gander (Necesita una boca de Gracias) I was actually serenaded (my first time!) They are incredibly talented! (Yes, Pedro, I’m talking about you!)  

  NEW YEAR’S EVE (Nochevieja)  

   Before heading out to El Doblon  (a rather pricey club I must admit, but worth it nevertheless; particularly for a person who seldom goes out.) Chelsea prepared a delicious meal for the four of us!

Appetizer: (Goat Cheese) Stuffed Mushrooms and Tomato a la Chelsea Dixon (our Martha Stewart)

Before feasting, we spent a few moments reflecting on 2010. We each waited for our turn to review the year’s best memories! [Which reminds me of a NEAT video a close friend shared with me].

 It was rejuvenating, to be quite honest. I took an extra minute to formally acknowledge all the great qualities each grantee exhibits on the daily (The initiative that Chelsea takes is incredible: planning apartment gatherings, cooking delicious (Vegetarian) meals, so accommodating. Amber’s spunk, her zeal for life and positivity. Rosemarie’s maturity level, almost angelic way of being and generosity). I couldn’t be more thankful to be with these women on New Year’s (and this year in its entirety, really). I was honored to be in their presence. The Fulbright Review Board did a Spectacular job this year. I'm blessed.

And what a night! 

For those of you who know me well, I am sure you are well aware of how ecstatic I was to see (an estimation of course) 85% of the men in Madrid dressed in suits  – IN SUITS (Suit, Tie, Dress Shoes – The works!) I was in HEAVEN. My goal for the evening was to take as many pictures (12 minimum) with men in suits as possible! I am certain that I reached my goal!

I couldn´t get over the Wigs/Headgear many people were sporting during Nochevieja! Apparently, this is a tradition.

 How could I forget about the beloved ¨King Cake¨ (Roscón or Rosca de Reyes). It´s a hit here in Spain. Rosemarie spoke of it all week! 

Chocolate y Churros at 7 AM. (Let’s celebrate: This was the First time I’ve stayed up until 7 AM while in Spain!)

Documentation of our 7 AM Chocolate & Churros Run

 I am sure every one at the discoteca hit up Churrerias after dancing and drinking all night long! It is a “tradition” after all.

Ah, yes! Thank you, Rosemarie for teaching me how to BOIL chestnuts (castanos). They are EXCELLENT! (One can find venders selling sweet potato and roasted chestnuts on virtually every street corner. They really are delicious! 

We hit up the Rastro ( ) for a few hours, which was quite interesting!

Boatloads of people! Rosemarie and I scored some incredible deals on these simply stunning scarves.

Rosemarie and I were thankful to really explore (probably every facet) of the city. My dear friend was unfortunately the victim of pety theft (thank God nothing else happened) so we opted to just stay in the city for the last few days in favor of saving cash. Madrid’s nearby cities can wait. 

Later, Rosemarie and I up with a sweet Madrileno, Manuel, who we met at El Doblon. He treated us to a decadent crème filled pastry or Pastelleria. Unsurprisingly enough, this place was brimming with locals and tourists alike (indeed, it is strategically located in Puerta del Sol, one of the hottest tourist areas in Spain’s capital). I can’t remember the name for the life of me, but when you see it – you’ll know it.

Met up with Margaux and her beau, Jordan, at the PACKED Chocolatería San Ginés – Madrid

A few days later, I was amazed to come home to the apartment to see our friend, Ruben, cooking three varieties of treats for us!

We love our Spanish friends! 2/3 of the dishes were Vegetarian!

I think I will finish this entry with the two hour Three Kings Day Parade (Cabalgata). It was GREAT. I felt like a kid again!

Rosemarie and I with our Caramelos (the one I am presenting was actually chucked at my face) :-)

Check out the video (team efffort!) 

o      What is the Cabalgata?

§       Mind you, Three Kings Day is One of the most important holidays in Spain!

Three Kings in Valencia

The Ride of Their Majesties the Kings of the East passed through Valencia on January 5, a few hours before Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar begin to distribute gifts and coal by households in the city of Valencia.

Together with its pages, the Magi distributed sweets, candies, nuts and other treats to children and people who weren't so young who waited on the sidewalk.

The floats distributed small cheap toys and sweets (some suitable for Celiacs).

The route of the procession departed Valencia "Street Justice, to General Palanca, General Tovar, rue de la Paz, Plaza de la Reina, San Vicente Street and City of Valencia"
Source

Ah, How could I forget! I was recently invited to the LEVANTE V. REAL MADRID GAME (MY FIRST PROFESSIONAL SOCCER MATCH). 

Jaime, Tonino (Antonio!), Mitx and Eric

I nearly hyperventilated when my local friends offered me a ticket to the game! It was great! Pipas (Sunflower Seed Shells) were everywhere. People were screaming, chanting, swearing. Forming the "wave" (which I had never participated in before!). I had a BLAST. Thanks, gentlemen!

o      I couldn’t help but document my first professional soccer match EVER – and in Europe, no less! 

 

I've Randomly Decided to Share this with you all! Let's make this our best year yet, shall we? 

The Art of Positive Thinking

A - Avoid negative sources (negative people, negative places, negative things, and negative habits).
B - Believe in yourself.
C - Consider things from every angle.
D - Don't give up and don't give in.
E - Enjoy life today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
F - Family and friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.
G - Give more than you plan to give.
H - Hang onto your dreams.
I - Ignore those who try to discourage you.
J - Just do it.
K - Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.
L - Love yourself first and most.
M - Make it happen.
N - Never lie, never cheat, never steal and always strike a fair deal.
O - Open your eyes and see things as they really are.
p - Practice makes perfect.
Q - Quitters never win and winners never quit.
R - Read, study, and learn about everything important in your life.
S - Stop procrastinating.
T - Take control of your own destiny.
U - Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
V - Visualize.
W - Want it more than anything.
X - "X-celerate" your efforts.
Y - You are unique in all of God's creations. Nothing can replace you.
Z - Zero in on your target and go for it.