Caganer

While watching the news, I keep seeing images such as this one, associated with Christmas time. Nothing like someone pooping to spread holiday cheer?


Image from UltraGross

These figurines are called caganers and they are typical of Christmas time in Catalonia (you know, the region where Barcelona is). Apparently, they are placed somewhere in the nativity scene for many different reasons, such as uniting people, because 'everyone poops'. Bizarre, I know (I suggest checking it out on wikipedia). They come in all different forms: famous people, cartoons, athletes, there is even an Obama pooper. In fact, this year Barcelona is home to the biggest caganer ever, a huge pooping man wearing a Santa hat.


Image expatica

This tradition is considered very important in Catalonia; there was even public outcry when Barcelona didn't include it in the nativity scene one year (they were trying to discourage public defecation). Needless to say, the caganer is here to stay!

Hope this gets you into the Christmas spirit
(and don't forget to do an image search)

Barcelona II

Monday, again.
I'm pumping myself up to get through the last 3 weeks of real school
(this doesn't include finals...)
My motivation is waning and I'm turning to exercise and inspirational readings to keep my spirits high, ha ha ha (or ja ja ja, since I'm in Spain)

Here is some inspiration
Montserrat
definition: serrated mountain or a girls name


I can't tell you how happy seeing these mountains made me!
(I so miss this while living in flat Sevilla)



Since we were outside of Barcelona, stopping at Montserrat was on our way! We took the Cremallera (zipper train) to the top of the mountain and explored the area on top of the mountain. I am so impressed by the beautiful monastery that was built so high up. There were cute little gates, ponds, and doorways tucked away along the little trails that wound around the mountain.




Carlos, Brittany, and I

Lastly, here is La Sagrada Familia



It is a truly incredible cathedral and definitely worth visiting
Pictures just don't do it justice (especially mine, that's why there is only 1)
Unfortunately, the Pope was visiting Barcelona and ruined my visit
AND
I saw the cathedral in the dark
BUT
I am so, so glad that I could see it in person; the details are INCREDIBLE
Also, I added some new photos throughout, check them out

More Bullfighting

When I finished my post about bullfighting a couple of weeks ago, I totally forgot to post the videos that I took while there. Apparently, video cameras are not allowed but, mine is deceptive! It is much easier to understand what goes on when you see it!

Madrid, Spain

This past weekend was ‘puente’, which literally translates as bridge. In this case Puente refers to a long weekend, I actually had 5 days off and it was great! Initially, I was hoping to go somewhere farther away so that I could go to a new country. Prague, Vienna, or Switzerland were at the top of my list however, the lack of money and planning prevailed, and I ended up in Madrid for four days.



I wasn’t overly enthused at the prospect of this because the thought of Madrid brought to mind a large, overwhelming city, where I was destined to get lost and struggle to find things to do. Fortunately, I was so incorrect in thinking this! I fell in LOVE with Madrid (so much so that my friend Brittany and I threatened to not go back to Sevilla). The city looks much more ‘European’ than southern Spain and has a completely different feel to it. Not to mention there were hills and I was freezing the whole time! Despite the discomforts, this was a welcome change. Don’t get me wrong, Sevilla is a beautiful city and I would totally recommend it for a vacation, but Madrid seems like a better place to live!




Finding coffee shops in Sevilla is a struggle. Luckily, we were blessed with beautiful coffee in a cute cafe in Madrid.

Most of my time in this charming city was spent in art museums. The first stop was the Prado, conveniently located down the street from our hostel (La Posada de Huertas, I would recommend staying here. It is cheap and convenient). The Prado is home to classical and renaissance art; I saw many pieces by Rubens, Goya, El Greco, and Velazquez (somehow I missed Renoir…). The highlight however, was seeing Las Meninas in person. It was really incredible!



The next stop was the modern art museum, Reina Sofia. The building was very trendy and cool, housing many wonderful and questionable pieces of ‘art’. Time was limited here, so I spent most of my time looking at the collection of paintings by Picasso. I must say the Guernica is much more impressive in person. It is hard to understand what makes a famous piece of art so famous until you look at it in person!


The best photo I could get of Guernica (on left). I bet you wouldn't think the one on the right is by Salvador Dali! But it is!

So despite the rain, cold, and achy feet, I can only reflect positively on Madrid. I would recommend El Rastro (the huge outdoor market on Sundays), it is fun and there are lots of good deals. Also, I didn’t get to the palace, Franco’s grave, or the botanical gardens but they are, I hear, sites worth seeing! Plus, the metro system is fabulous—we didn’t get lost once (it rivals the simplicity of D.C.). I also, found the people to be very friendly and their Spanish accent is much easier to understand!


New friend Katie on the left and the lovely Brittany on the right

As usual, photos to come when I can get to functioning internet!

Loose Ends

Ok, ok, ok...I am a slacker. I have been too busy ticking off the days until I am thrown into the most uncomfortable situation of my life. I have been trying to fain enthusiasm for everyone else that is excited for me but ultimately, in my mind, Spain is synonymous with anxiety and an uncontrollable fear of the unknown. Clearly, I am not cool enough to be one of those people that are truly adaptable and capable of throwing themselves headlong into a situation and landing on their feet. Don't get me wrong, moving to Spain is going to be an incredible experience however, the idea of adjusting to speaking Spanish, leaving with an old widow, and being judged by the quality of my shoes is daunting. I'm pale, blonde, and American...what a target!!! Give me a month in Seville and I am sure I'll be singing its praises but I've recently learned some things about myself...

1. As much as I love to travel, doing so is awkward, intimidating, and exhausting
2. I love a well structured routine--really, I thrive in it!
3. I am a homebody with the mindset of a world traveler (problem.)
4. I have at last concluded that I am lucky to be from the best place in the world and ultimately would not mind moving back to good 'ol Brevard.

Too many contradictions--at least I have no choice and am going to be forced the overcome these problems, at least for four months!

In the meantime I will get around to posting pictures from Alaska, as soon as my iphoto library can rebuild itself. Oh yeah, and being a better travel blogger!