Well, from my title, it is clear I did not meet Figero in Sevilla. But, I did get to see the tobaco factory where Carmen worked, in that famous opera Carmen. But I am getting ahead of myself.
So since I last left you, my friend Roxie from DePaul came to visit. She had been in Dublin for 5 days, and then flew to Madrid for 4 days since she is a Spanish minor, and also knew many people who were studying abroad in the Madrdi program from DePaul. She got her Wednesday night, and after dropping off her bags at her hostel, we went to go see La Bella y La Bestia. Fue fantastica! It was the same as I remember the one in Chicago being, and also very similar to the Beauty and the Beast movie, but it was all translated into Spanish, and the music was slightly different. The seats were pretty good too, for only being 25 euros. While she was here, we did some walking tours of Spain, but we couldn't hang out too much because I was in class all day. She did a lot of touring though, which is good, and she was excited to talk in Spanish a lot.
She left Saturday night, and I left for Sevilla that morning at 8 am. After the 7 hour busride (including some rest area stops, and the movie Los Hombres Malos II (bad boys 2)), we made it to our hotel. Sevilla was quite excellent. If you were not aware, I had been there before, but it was really great to see it again, and I had much more freedom this time around. We had 6 hours of free time after lunch, and I went exploring. I saw la Catedral de Sevilla, which is one of the largest in all of Europe, and also claims to have the bones of Cristobol Colon (Christopher Columbus)...although my senora and her husband believe that to be false. There is a lot of speculation on it, the Christopher Columbus family says that the cathedral has the bones of his brother, Diego, because the bones were stolen, and they stole the wrong ones. Anyways, it was still pretty cool.
We also climbed this large tower in the cathedral, la Giralda, which was 35 ramps high, and had bell towers at the top. They used ramps instead of stairs, since the priest were usually old, and had to go up and ring the bells 5 times a day. With ramps, they could ride a horse up it, since horses are not able to climb down stairs. The view from up there was incredible: you could see the flying buttresses on the cathedral, and it was a great panaramic view of Sevilla. We then walked around, passing the Tobacco factory that Carmen worked at in the opera, which is now the main building of La Universidad de Sevilla (University of Seville).
Then we made it to La Plaza de Espana. It was built in 1929 for the Spanish-American Exhibition. The Plaza is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running around the edge, with many bridges that take you over the moat. It was used as Queen Amadela's palace in Naboo, in the Star Wars movie Attack of the Clones, and it also was used in a scene in a Dan Brown book I read, Digital Fortress. It is quite fantastic. Along the half circle, there are countless little seating areas. Each represents a city in Spain, and during the exhibition, there were reading materials about each, and the area is covered with Spanish tile, representing each area. Also, it was used so that if you were traveling through Spain, and were homesick, you could come sit in your city area a while, and meet up with other people from your city.
The next morning, we did some more touring, which was great, and got to see the Alcazar and the gardens, which were both really beautiful. Then we had lunch, and it was back to Madrid (8 hour bus ride). Unfortunately, we watched Notting Hill on the ride home, and I almost threw up ("I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love me.") Disgusting.
This week has been pretty usual since Sevilla. I am starting to really look into getting an apartment when I get home (Kerry and my dad went down to check some places out, and a lot of great pictures for me). I am looking at this apartment on Clifton and Dickens (really close to campus), and if I get it, it will be the second time that I have lived on clifton. One of my other roommates is going to check it out today, and if he likes it, and my other roommate agrees, hopefully we can make an offer on it. It's really hard to figure this all out from Spain lol. I also went to go see a movie with my roommate last night (Red de Mentidos, or Body of Lies). It was in English again, with Spanish subtitles, and was really good. At many points though, since most of it took place in the middle east, there would be arabic dialogue on screen, with spanish subtitles explaining what they said. I am proud of myself in my ability to keep up, and get the jist of what was being said (the subtitles would appear some times so fast, that it was impossible for me to read it all and understand it in time). But the movie was great.
I am staying in Madrid this weekend, and looking forward to doing some exploring. Also, I need to start looking into getting some souvenirs, and making sure I am not taking home one suitcase full of just souvenirs lol. I also just bought my plane ticket for Paris, and am planning on going from Dec 4-7. I have a couple of friends there (one that is fluent!), and I am going with one of my roommates here (John). It should be really great.
This week, I wrote this at CEA (the study abroad office I am with), and I am not on my computer, so I have no pictures. And I am aware that last week I didn't post pictures. I promise I will add pictures tonight, so make sure you check again if you are interested in seeing pictures.
Love,
Ryan
ps...did anyone get anything in the mail? I'm not sure how long Spanish mail takes.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
What does a REAL MADRID futbol fan do when his team wins the World Cup? -Turn off his playstation.
First off, I forgot to let you guys know that I got a haircut last week. I was a little apprehensive about it, because I am very particular about how it gets cut, and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to explain it correctly. It's funny, I can conjugate verbs into many different verb tenses, and explain in what circumstances you use the words, but I never learned fork, spoon, knife, or how to get a haircut. That's been one of the nice things, learning a bunch of little words here and there, and getting a better rounded vocabulary. Plus just practicing daily. Well, when I sat down, I explained that I wanted it buzzed on the sides, and cut with scissors (finger-length) on top. And she understood. I also told her that I wanted "Ashley Garbarczyk" quality, and she must have understood that too cause the haircut looks really good. lol you're famous worldwide Ash.
This past weekend was nice too. I stayed in on Friday night and watched a movie with my roommates on our laptops (DVDs from the United States won't play on European DVD players, because it is different coding). Then on Saturday, I decided to go on this walking tour from my guidebook. Basically, it gives you a map, with different places to stop, and you follow the route. You can read up about each place you stop at, and it was really great. 
I got off at La Latina on the Metro, and then walked by the Royal Palace, and some cathedrals, and Plaza de España. I started at about 6 o'clock, which was later, but it worked out well, because one of the first places it had me go was this little park that overlooks a large part of the city, and is perfect for sunset, and it was about that time. It was beautiful, but unfortunately because it was so bright, you can't see everything. Then I toured these catacombs in the la Cathedral de la Almundena next to la Palacia Real (Royal Palace). You could see the Cathedral, on the side of a cliff, really well from that park I saw the sunset, and it was an amazing view/photo.
Also next to the Cathedral, was the Muralla Arabe (Arab Wall). It is the only moorish part of the city left, besides the name Madrid (which comes from the word Mayrit). After that, I headed down to the Royal Palace. In between the Cathedral and the Royal Palace, is this big square, and in the square they were setting up for today's holiday in Spain, Dia de la Almundena. It was this large statue of Mary and the baby Jesus, and people were bringning flowers, and they would place the flowers on this LARGE display. You'll understand when you see the pictures I attach at the end.
After the Royal Palace, I walked through the Plaza de Oriente, to the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre). I walked by a couple more buildings which were all cool, then I ended up at Plaza de Espana. It was really cool, because there is a large monument in the middle, and I had visited it before when I was here. It is a monument to Cervante, who wrote Don Quixote. First time I saw it, I had no idea what it was. They just pilled us out of a bus, showed us it, we snapped some pictures, and then we left. It was much cooler actually knowing what it was, choosing to go there on my own, and then knowing where it was in relation to where I live and the rest of the city.
I took the train back, and then me and my roommate went to go see Quemar Despues de Leer at the local cine. For those of you who don't know, that is Burn After Reading, the new Cohen Brother's movie with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. It took a while to find a movie theatre that plays movies in English, since most are dubbed into Spanish. This one had Spanish subtitles. A fun fact is that in Spain, when they dub movies, there are particular actors who dub for particular actors. IE there is a Spaniard who always dubs for George Clooney, so that when you see him in multiple roles, its always the same voice. The movie was REALLY good, and it was great to do something that felt familiar (popcorn and soda, and a movie in English).
For dinner, I had the most delicious thing EVER. We decided to have lunch that day, instead of dinner (we are allowed either lunch or dinner), so dinner was on our own. We stumbled across this Turkish restaurant, which specialized in Doner Kebabs. Its like a gyro, but a different kind of lamb, and different toppings and sauces. IT WAS AMAZING. I could not believe how tasty it was. When we heard it, we were all like "Kebab?" Now we are like "Kebab!"
Last night, I went to the REAL MADRID Futbol game again. They were playing Real Union, for the Copa del Rey, and unfortunately they lost. But the seats were unbelievable. Second row, dead center. I was 10 feet from the grass. It was intense, and awesome. I've developed an appreciation for soccer, which I never had before lol.
Well, the picture upload thing is not wanting to work right now, so I am unable to post pictures. I'll try posting later, and hopefully it will work. I've been having trouble doing it on facebook sometimes too, I think it might just be because I am international right now. Tonight, my friend Roxie is going to arrive, and a bunch of my friends, her, and I are going to see La Bella y La Bestia (beauty and the beast in spanish, on stage). Hopefully it shall be great.
This past weekend was nice too. I stayed in on Friday night and watched a movie with my roommates on our laptops (DVDs from the United States won't play on European DVD players, because it is different coding). Then on Saturday, I decided to go on this walking tour from my guidebook. Basically, it gives you a map, with different places to stop, and you follow the route. You can read up about each place you stop at, and it was really great. 
I got off at La Latina on the Metro, and then walked by the Royal Palace, and some cathedrals, and Plaza de España. I started at about 6 o'clock, which was later, but it worked out well, because one of the first places it had me go was this little park that overlooks a large part of the city, and is perfect for sunset, and it was about that time. It was beautiful, but unfortunately because it was so bright, you can't see everything. Then I toured these catacombs in the la Cathedral de la Almundena next to la Palacia Real (Royal Palace). You could see the Cathedral, on the side of a cliff, really well from that park I saw the sunset, and it was an amazing view/photo.
Also next to the Cathedral, was the Muralla Arabe (Arab Wall). It is the only moorish part of the city left, besides the name Madrid (which comes from the word Mayrit). After that, I headed down to the Royal Palace. In between the Cathedral and the Royal Palace, is this big square, and in the square they were setting up for today's holiday in Spain, Dia de la Almundena. It was this large statue of Mary and the baby Jesus, and people were bringning flowers, and they would place the flowers on this LARGE display. You'll understand when you see the pictures I attach at the end.
After the Royal Palace, I walked through the Plaza de Oriente, to the Teatro Real (Royal Theatre). I walked by a couple more buildings which were all cool, then I ended up at Plaza de Espana. It was really cool, because there is a large monument in the middle, and I had visited it before when I was here. It is a monument to Cervante, who wrote Don Quixote. First time I saw it, I had no idea what it was. They just pilled us out of a bus, showed us it, we snapped some pictures, and then we left. It was much cooler actually knowing what it was, choosing to go there on my own, and then knowing where it was in relation to where I live and the rest of the city.
I took the train back, and then me and my roommate went to go see Quemar Despues de Leer at the local cine. For those of you who don't know, that is Burn After Reading, the new Cohen Brother's movie with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. It took a while to find a movie theatre that plays movies in English, since most are dubbed into Spanish. This one had Spanish subtitles. A fun fact is that in Spain, when they dub movies, there are particular actors who dub for particular actors. IE there is a Spaniard who always dubs for George Clooney, so that when you see him in multiple roles, its always the same voice. The movie was REALLY good, and it was great to do something that felt familiar (popcorn and soda, and a movie in English).
For dinner, I had the most delicious thing EVER. We decided to have lunch that day, instead of dinner (we are allowed either lunch or dinner), so dinner was on our own. We stumbled across this Turkish restaurant, which specialized in Doner Kebabs. Its like a gyro, but a different kind of lamb, and different toppings and sauces. IT WAS AMAZING. I could not believe how tasty it was. When we heard it, we were all like "Kebab?" Now we are like "Kebab!"
Last night, I went to the REAL MADRID Futbol game again. They were playing Real Union, for the Copa del Rey, and unfortunately they lost. But the seats were unbelievable. Second row, dead center. I was 10 feet from the grass. It was intense, and awesome. I've developed an appreciation for soccer, which I never had before lol.
Well, the picture upload thing is not wanting to work right now, so I am unable to post pictures. I'll try posting later, and hopefully it will work. I've been having trouble doing it on facebook sometimes too, I think it might just be because I am international right now. Tonight, my friend Roxie is going to arrive, and a bunch of my friends, her, and I are going to see La Bella y La Bestia (beauty and the beast in spanish, on stage). Hopefully it shall be great.
Friday, November 7, 2008
My one and only...
I have found true love at last in Spain. She is a dancer, a snappy dresser, and she is a street performer at Retiro Park. She's great. First time I saw her, I knew. I just knew. Things are getting pretty serious. She could be the one.Haha, I actually posted this because I forgot to post two videos I promised in the previous blog.
here they are (and sorry one is sideways):
"Do People Flamenco in Spain on the weekends? Like could I ask a girl out for a coffee and a flamenco?" -No, you don't flamenco on the first date....
This past week has been really fun. Besides classes and the norm, I did some sight seeing around Madrid. One day, I went to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum of Art, in Madrid. It is a really famous art museum. Years ago, this one man collected TONS of art, over the years, and when he died, his family turned it into an art museum. The art spans many different time periods throughout history, and is from all over the place, not just Spain. There is a lot of Gothic and Dutch pieces, and it begins with old medieval art symbolism, and then you witness a change in the pieces when you move on to the Renaissance, and then Modernism and Impressionism. One of my favorite pieces was an Edward Hooper piece, called Hotel Room. He explores the isolationism of the modern world, and it was just fantastic. You can really feel the bland hotel room surrounding her, and her loneliness.
Another piece that I enjoyed was this one: Esau Selling his Birthright. I know the picture is small, so it is difficult to see, but the way the light from the candle is shaping around the room is really cool. In this scene, Esau is selling his birthright, for some food, because he is really hungry. I think it was a story in the bible. But the detail was really impressive too. The way the artist painted the faces of the boys, they both have a distinctive look to themselves, but there are some similarities, and you can tell they are brothers. I just like the way it looks, and I really like how he did the candle light.
On Sunday, I went to go to the Sofia Reina Museum, but unfortunately I got there at 3, and it was closed for the day. But luckily, I had come prepared. I had my book with me, and also I was close to Retiro Park. So I walked on over there, and had an amazing time. This place is huge: like central park big. And tons of Spaniards and Madrelenos (madrid people) are there everyday. I don't think I could have seen it all in one day. It was really great too, because the colors were changing, and the trees and leaves all looked amazing. Also, there is a great spot with a small lake and boats. Since I was by myself, I didn't get a boat, but I did sit down near this statue/memorial and read for a while. It was very relaxing. There were also street performers, and I'm going to post a video clip of this one guy. It was such a great place, and I plan on going back (maybe with someone else, so I can rent a rowboat lol). It's right next to where I go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
On Wednesday, my group and I went to go see a Flamenco. It was really cool. First, we went out to get Tapas for dinner (little appetizers), and then after we headed down to go see the show. Best part: FREE. Or at least I already paid for it with my program costs. So I definitely wanted to take advantage of it. It was really cool too. I'm going to attach a video of one of the guys dancing, with the music. I had a great seat too...right in front. It was nice too, because it wasn't like a theater with a stage, it was just a more intimate room, and they danced in the middle on stage. You'll see.That's all to report for now. I am going to be having some visitors coming. One of my friends from High School is in today (she's studying in Paris), so I am going to give her a call and probably site see some more. Then next week, my friend Roxie from DePaul is coming for the week, and we are going to do the same thing probably. Also, while she is here, we are going to see La Bella y La Bestia (Beauty and the Beast) on stage, and translated into Spanish. So that will be fun as well.
Love You All!
-Ryan
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