United Statesian

Desert Hike - Ein Avdat

2012-01-14T22:32:00.006+01:00

Dear Citizens of the World!

After a heavy subject in my last post, I have decided to turn towards the brighter side of living in Israel as an expat... Escaping from Tel Aviv on weekends and seeing the country.

This weekend was rainy and cold in TA... perfect time to drive down to the Negev desert and go for a hike.

We chose to go down to the area where the first Prime Minister of Israel started a Kibutz after his first stint in office. Our destination was an oasis at the end of a narrow canyon called En Avdat or... depending on the spelling, Ein Avdat.

This shady oasis in the desert guarantees pictures of wildlife. There are plenty of birds for bird watchers.

If you want to go... the link for the GPX file is below.

Happy trails!

-The United Statesian.

Israel at War -- Outlook

2012-01-14T19:51:00.004+01:00

Dear Citizens of the World!

The outlook is bleak!

Israel is at war, but not with another country. It is at war with its own brand of extremism.

Many believe that the Arab Spring will unleash the extremists in the Arab world, long held down by dictators, causing Israel to be more at danger. Thus far, this has not been the trend. I personally believe that the Arab Spring will be a positive thing for the region and Israel.

The threat, as I see it, comes more from a homegrown extremism. Although small, it is quite vocal.

Being Jewish is more a race than a religion. Only about 20 percent of Jewish Israelis consider themselves religious. And, the extremists are only about one percent of that 20 percent.

That one percent of the 20 percent gets many of the headlines inside...and outside of Israel.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4162611,00.html

The 0ne-percent have many privileged here in Israel. Most do not work or do the three-year mandatory military service. They are paid to study the Tora. Many people I have met here have admitted that the can not stand the one percent and feel quite cheated.

Now, the one percent increasingly wants to impose their beliefs on the rest of Israel... to the point that they have kosher public buses, kosher electricity, etc.

Part of the 20 percent waiting for a flight in Ben Gurion Airport

To deal with this issue, the idea of "Ghettos" reminiscent of WWII has been floated around to create ultra-orthodox zones... which have been met by more protests.

Israel is stuck with a tough problem. Do they let the extremists keep pushing for laws and actions that cause friction and get bad press? Or, do they "oppress" those extremists in hope that they will get better press that shows the truly democratic/Shining light for the rest of the region to follow?

Unfortunately, the extremists are becoming more extreme... at the same time that Israel's majority is growing more secular. This is compounded by many outside pressures. The internal extremist pressure must be dealt with first.... only then can the will of the many push for a positive, long-term peace.

As Obama mentioned in last years address on this issue... Peace can not wait forever and time is not on Israel's side.

Who will win this war? The one percent? Or the many?

-The United Statesian

Jerusalem Part III - Santa meets God

2011-12-11T22:03:00.010+01:00

Santa? or is it Bill Clinton in disguise?

Dear Citizens of the World!

Being an expat in the very Western Tel Aviv you often forget that you are in the Holy Land...Whereas Jerusalem is the front-line of the battle between religions.

Personally, the stress of living on the front line would not be my choice location, but going for the day is well worth the time, and easy to do since it only takes about 45 minutes to get there from Tel Aviv.

However, on this visit, we were only had time to visit the Holly Supulchre and to have lunch at a restaurant the Pope John Paul ate at.

Ray of light in the Holy Supulchor Cathedral

I love how the intense beam of winter sunlight shoots across the church.

Women praying, deep inside Jesus's tomb.

The low amount of light and the one-meter thick wall makes the shot look like a drawing...

Natural light from the eye of the Pantheon-like dome of the Saint Supulchor Church

Christmas decorations on sale in the Christain quarter.

So, if you are in Tel Aviv and you miss the Christmas spirit. Head on over to the front-line and buy some decorations from a Muslim vendor in the Christian quarter that will still be open during the Jewish Shabbat!

-The United Statesian

Lunar Eclipse 2011 - Tel Aviv

2011-12-10T17:46:00.007+01:00

Dear Citizens of the World,

Traveling the world, not only do you get to see the countries from a different perspective... but the sky changes as well.

Luckily, it was a clear evening and the early 4:30 pm sunset made the lunar eclipse from my terrace easy to watch.

Lunar eclipse with the Manhattan in the background.

The refraction of the sun's light from the Earth's atmosphere makes the moon look like a l0w-watt lightbulb, shining similarly to the terrace light across the street.

A close-up ... proof that I need a better camera for kings day ;-)

Have a nice week! And don't forget to look up to the heavens while you are travelling...it might look different.

- United Statesian

November - Bikini Weather in Tel Aviv

2011-11-16T21:29:00.009+01:00

Coffee break during our 15km walk along the coast

Dear Citizens of the World,

Although less exciting than my last post about seeing rockets and long-range missile tests, I think that these photos of a November walk along our beach in Tel Aviv are worth a post.

I try to highlight the positive side of living in Tel Aviv as an expat. One advantage is the weather. Not many people can say they walk along the beach in mid-November and still see tons of people in bikini - not me though... not my style.

Leaving Tel Aviv going North you not only have the beach. There are lots of other sights.

You can wait at the bottom of the runway and let the plains buzz you as they land.

Enjoy the Boardwalk around the Old North Port of Tel Aviv

A cool, long-green, hair-like algae on the rocks at low tide

The advertising for ice-cream leaves a lot to be desired...the least being ice-cream. These haggared costumes did not make me think of food...

Sunset over the old port with fisherman in the background

The Sun melts into the sea behind a ship.

As a parting shot... I leave you with the sunset reflected in one of my favorite buildings along the beach. The wavy, modern design gives a great "golden" reflection to the sunset.

Maybe there will be missiles and rockets in my next post...but I hope to bring more of the good side of Tel Aviv and Israel. In the end, I think that the Arab Spring will be a good thing for Israel and the peace process.

-The United Statesian

Israeli Missile tests - up-close

2011-11-02T15:08:00.007+01:00

Israeli missile test this morning (Photo: JA)

Dear citizens of the world,

Ever since I moved to the Middle East, people have been asking about the security situation.

My honest answer is always something along the lines of - "Israel is actually quite calm, they have some of the best security in the world... in many respects I actually feel safer here than in many other countries."

This week, things have warmed up a bit:

Extremists from Gaza shot a few dozen rockets at Southern Israel (From the office window, I could see the anti-rocket defense system firing as fighter jets flew overhead, going 30km South toward Gaza) .
The newspapers are saying that Israel wants to make a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear labs.
The PA is pushing for statehood with the UN.
And now, Israel is testing long-range defense missiles....

A friend was stopped by the military because he was entering the test area... he got this shot of the smoke-trail with his phone. The most impressive was the sound and vibration of the launch from so nearby.

People all over Israel could actually see the tests. Even 40 kms North of here. An article in the local news about the tests:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4142862,00.html

Despite all the excitement, life continues as normal for most people and we don't feel any less-safe. Friday, a tasty lunch with friends and Saturday some tourism in Jerusalem, and Sunday back to work...life goes on.

-The United Statesian

Always moving, finally on vacation!

2011-10-03T21:01:00.009+02:00

Sunset from Ia, looking towards Fira

Dear Citizens of the world!

Life as an expat often means that you are on airplanes, packing bags, going from country to country, but not actually on vacation.

After months of flying back and forth over the Med, we finally got a week off to go on vacation to Greece. Athens was nice, but Santorini was great! A paradise island that was created thousands of years ago by the biggest volconic eruption in history. Still active, it could cause a big quake or erupt at any moment... just makes it that more exciting ;-)

If you are going to Greece, make it over to Santorini...

- United Statesian

Welcome Home!...your new home!

2011-08-20T19:35:00.011+02:00

Dear Citizens of the World!

Welcome home! Yet again, I am making a new home in a new country and learning a new language.

Each time I fly into Tel Aviv, I see this retro sign welcoming immigrants during their "accent" to the homeland. Each time, I am reminded of my many homes around the world.

Being an expat...the notion of "home" takes on a new meaning. I once felt that the increasing number of homes was a wearing me thin by trying to be in many places at once. However, I now see it as an enriching experience -- the more you expand you physical horizons, the more you expand your inner horizons.

In any case...I am happy that my new home is not on a street with a name like this one:

Is that pronounced "Bear Sh*t"?

The United Statesian

First rain in Tel Aviv - surprise!

2011-08-20T18:56:00.004+02:00

First rain in months...

Dear Citizens of the World,

Tel Aviv has seen rain! This is news indeed. After three months in Isreal we have not seen a drop of rain...until last week.

It was not much of a rain -- only lasted ten minutes and it only got things wet enough to make the months of dust become mud after evaporating ten minutes later-- but it was enough to actually be called rain.

What would be a non-event in my other homes, is a big event in a desert. Tel Aviv's total average rainfall for the months of June, July and August combined is Zero!
See Wiki on Tel Aviv...

Our reason for being here is directly related to Israel's lack of rain, but it is one thing to see it on paper and another thing to experience it in real life.

I sudenly feel thirsty....

-The United Statesian

Virtual Art Collection - Travel size for expats

2011-07-20T22:56:00.007+02:00

"1/2 Torso - Lento" -- Keep looking at the picture until you see it...

Dear Citizens of the World!

Being an expat has ups and downs. One up-side is getting to meet interesting people from around the world. One such person, "Hans some" is a hard-working metal artist from Germany who is based in Alicante Spain.

His sculpture "1/2 Torso - Lento" has become one of my favourite works of art. It has a subtle genius to it that reminds me of MC Escher, but in 3-D. It really plays tricks with your mind. Fantastic!

Since I do not have a permanent home -- one of the downsides of being an expat -- I will keep a digital gallery of my favourite works of art. It is free, takes no space, and travels well.

Check out more here: http://hans-some.com/

Have any suggestions of other pieces of art that I should add to my collection?

- The United Statesian

Dead Sea -- still dead, but fun!

2011-07-10T19:36:00.007+02:00

White plastic chair on a salt-bar in the Dead Sea

Dear Citizens of the World,

What's an expat to do on a Saturday in July in Israel? The logical answer = Drive two hours through a desert to swim in the Dead Sea.

Since it is one of the "touristy" things you hear about for so many years, you actually go with low expectations. I was surprised at just how fun it could be!

A more beach-like entrance in Ein Boker

Gotta love the chubby-speedo look!

It was very hot! The thermometer said 41ºC (102ºF), but it felt much warmer. The water felt like warm pea soup, and the showers even warmer. It is not a Sea to go to in the summer to cool off on a hot day. It is the adventure and novelty that count.

Look mom! No hands...I'm floating!

There were a few people, but it was not crowded. Especially at the public beach in Ein Boker -- not the touristy one with a Spa and tractor pulled train.

There is still lots to see (the Oasis, the waterfalls, Canyon trails, Masada). I will definitely be back to the Dead Sea on a lazy Saturday, but when it is a bit cooler.

- The United Statesian

PS. Parting shot....

The terrain around the Dead Sea. What it feels like being in a 400 Meter "hole" in the desert.

Housewives on dope - Fabric softener sniffers

2011-06-29T15:52:00.002+02:00

Eco products in Spain that are better for Chemical Sensitivity sufferers like myself

Dear citizens of the world,

I started to write this post last year while suffering from pneumonia. It was a bad experience, but I actually suffer more when I have an allergic reaction to chemical products. Unfortunately, I am very sensitive to chemicals in cleaning products, air fresheners, perfumes, paints, etc. Some doctors label it "Chemical sensitivity".

My "allergy" is not fully recognised and the only treatment seems to be to avoid chemicals as much as humanly possible.

As long as I avoid chemicals I can lead a normal life. It is not as easy as it sounds, especially when you are travelling or living abroad as an expat which is my case.

The picture above of products is thanks to years of searching throughout Spain for products that would not affect me as much as popular brands. They are actually cheaper than the more "chemical" brands. Now, after moving to Israel, I have to start the search all over again. There is a brand of cleaning products, Ecover, for cleaning that I have found (not so cheap). However, I am still looking for something to replace the Sanex Zero shower gel...

You may ask: What's the deal with chemical sensitivity?...Does an allergy to chemicals/perfumes really exist?

I can tell you, Yes it does exist!

Are you hooked on chemicals? Do you huff?

Just say no!

Many people (mostly housewives because they are in charge of most cleaning and house maintenance) have been duped and pressured into perfuming their homes with dozens of toxic products. These toxic chemicals are not regulated by anyone and are pushed by many multinational companies.

These products are actually addictive and dangerous!

quote:

"A recent report indicates that fabric softeners found in most homes are highly toxic. According to reports, fabric softeners are among the most toxic products to be manufactured for home use. Chemicals like chloroform, pentance and benzyl acetate are all known to cause damage to lungs, nerves and the brain; some chemicals found in fabric softeners are even known carcinogens."

http://www.insidershealth.com/img/upload/fabric-softener-toxic0.gif

I don't believe it! you say. How about this quote I took from a popular fabric softener website:

"When I first smelled the original scent years ago I was hooked The smell really does stay in the clothes about a week after the wash is done, I use all products with the original scent and the dryer sheets not only helps in the dryer, but in my car, the underwear drawers, as a liner in garbage pails, inside pillow cases. The list can go on and on, I am so in love with Gain. Sniff sniff hooray."

I'm your pusher!

The addiction to perfumes (like those used in fabric softeners and many other products) is the same thing as the glue-huffing street children. One is accepted, the other is considered to be sad.

For the record, I am not anti-multinational companies! So, "what do you want?", you may ask.

Ahhh! Thank you for asking. Here are my wishes:

1.) All chemical products (perfumes, cleaning products, industrial chemicals, etc.) should be regulated.

2.) Long-term testing should be done to find out the real affects of the chemicals on peoples lives.

3.) Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) should become a recognized health problem.

4.) Public venues such as schools, hotels, offices, etc should not be allowed to use chemical cleaning products that use perfumes. Hypoallergenic cleaning products?

The first step will be for people to learn the difference between:
Clean = not dirty, no smell
Perfumed = an additive (possibly toxic) smell that often times masks the lack of cleanliness

So far, my experience in Tel Aviv has been good, but it is a daily battle to avoid the barrage of "chemical attacks" and to find safe zones where I can let my guard down. Thank God there are lots of outdoor cafes!

-The United Statesian

Hangin' in Granada - Goin' to the Boda

2011-06-18T17:04:00.010+02:00

Jammin' on the Hang in Granada

Dear Citizens of the world!

June 18th was a special day. I flew home to Madrid... from my new home in Tel Aviv... to make it back to Andalucia (a past home) for the wedding of the year between my good friends Daniel and Vero --Will and Kate who?

Since the wedding did not start until 6:00pm, I decided to take advantage of the free time and the 40º C (100ºF) temperatures to stroll around Granada.

During my stroll I saw the typical touristy things: the Alhambra (already been there about ten times), the mosque, narrow winding streets and endless souvenir shops. However, I came across something different, something note worthy...Brunoise.

Nicolas Pirillo (pictured above) was sitting in an alley, jamming on his hang (wiki info on the hang). It was something so cool and different that I stopped to listen and find out more about the instrument. I even bought a CD to support the guy. The music is trance-like and it simultaneously reminds me of the Cambodian 9-gong Gamalan and the Brazilian steel drums.

Check out some of his music (with other musicians) at these websites:
http://www.myspace.com/brunoisemusic
http://www.aguamusic.be/en/node/314

One of the great things about traveling and living in different countries is that you can always find new things...even when you are going back home.

The wedding went off without a hitch -- they got hitched -- and I took one or two photos.

Congrats guys!

-The United Statesian

PS A parting shot...

A more typical shot of Granada's Alhambra and the 3500m Sierra Nevada

Night views from the hotel in Tel Aviv

2011-06-14T18:28:00.004+02:00

View at night from the 14th floor of the Leonardo City Tower Hotel In Tel Aviv, Israel

Dear Citizens of the world!

First impressions are important when moving to a foreign country. This is the view from our hotel room.

The highway, train line, and luxury apartment towers can not compete with the Mediterranean sea views that are typical of the posh hotels that are only 3kms away...but it could be worse.

Last-one-out turns off the lights!

Later that same evening...

This poor guy was the last one left in the office building. Late on a Sunday evening (Israel's Monday), I could feel for him because were were still working as well.

The United Statesian

Recycled Ethics - Tel Aviv

2011-06-14T18:07:00.008+02:00

Ethics book on top of a recycle bin...green irony?

Dear Citizens of the World!

While walking through Tel Aviv on my hunt for a new home, I saw this garbage bag sitting on top of the recycling container.

A few Ethical questions came to mind:

Isn't it ironic that this student decided to photocopy the Ethics course book instead of buying the original? Would you fail the course because of this?
Is it Ethical to recycle it...wouldn't it be better to reuse a few times before recycling it? --It honestly does not look like it has been read.
Would it be Ethical to reuse an Ethics book without paying royalties? Would the environmental ethics outway the economical, property-rights ethics?
The bag of recyclable materials was deposited on top of the container...no effort was made to put it inside--even though there was plenty of space. How ethical is this half-ass recycling?

Just some food for thought.

What do you think?

The United Statesian

Israeli fashion - Cool Hats and Scary Mannequins!

2011-06-11T23:09:00.013+02:00

Cool styles on Tel Aviv's trendy Rothschild BLVD

Dear Citizens of the World!

When visiting a country like Israel your first thought would be of fashion being dictated by the religions.

It is common to see religious attire, but most people in Tel Aviv wear European style clothes and they dress quite informally most of the time. Note: The two pictured above are the more snazzy/stylish types I have seen. Most wear jeans and short-sleave shirts.

On the same day, I walked by some fashion outlets on a trendy street and found these people:

A chorus of Zombie Mannequins!

The oddest thing I have seen so far are these Zombie Mannequins. The freak me out!

The armless-zombie mannequin boy with a damaged face!

Ohhh look! An armless zombie mannequin boy with his face bashed in! Oh..and it looks like he is levitating! I'm sold in this. It's the perfect outfit for my son. Yikes!

At least these two are smiling!..

After living and working in many different countries I still have not found my own style. Maybe I should try the three-foot wide hat and all black clothes... what do you think?

The United Statesian

PS...parting shot...

Better view of those great hats!

Streets of Tel Aviv - Shiny Side Part I

2011-06-08T10:57:00.007+02:00

The Diamond Exchange Building...the shape resembles the cut of a diamond. The West-facing, almost-windowless facade glimmers in the afternoon sun.

Dear Citizens of the World!

As promised, here is a look at the shiny side of Tel Aviv.

The shiny side is a stark contrast to the gritty element of TA. However, they are not seperated by areas...they actually co-exist.

The Azreily Towers...gorgeous!...more pics later.

Very shiny office building...

A small part of an apartment block in the centre of TA. Reminds me of a Beehive.

Our hotel and a shiny, rounded office building. The hotel's reflection makes it look
like the windows are missing in part of the office building.

The big question is... Will our new apartment be shiny or gritty?

The United Statesian

Tel Aviv Pigeons go on strike - head for beach

2011-06-08T10:36:00.007+02:00

Pigeons in Tel Aviv go on strike!

Dear Citizens of the World!

I will have to admit that I do not understand why...but the pigeons in Tel Aviv have decided to go on strike. Any ideas?

After taking the picture above, I walked down to the beach and found this guy:

Hanging out on Tel Aviv's Beach soft-sand beach

He obviously stopped off at the hair-dresser to get the puffy-hair look. Then he decided to spend his "strike" sinking his feet in the super-fine sand. His blood-red, beady little eyes make him look quite scary -- despite the hairdo.

Note: The sand on the beach in Tel Aviv is the finest, softest sand I have ever seen. It is actually quite nice. I have only walked by part of the beach...still haven't had time to chill out on the beach yet...one day maybe...when I get a job...then go on strike to join the pigeons in their fight.

The United Statesian

Streets of Tel Aviv - Gritty Side Part I

2011-06-08T09:32:00.006+02:00

Chicken man! Don't know what your selling...but you've got my attention.

Dear Citizens of the World!

My last post might have given a lopsided view of TA. The city has two very distinct facets that live side by side: the gritty and the shiny.

Today I will start with some images of the gritty side. Later some shiny ones for contrast.

"Decoration" outside a building...one part of an eclectic mix.

Cool graffiti door painting next to a Tattoo parlour.

More traditional graffiti near the beach.

A home-made graffiti which is done on recycled paper and glued up. Better quality, but less time on the street. This artists has quite a few glued up around town. they are about four feet tall.

House hunt in the "off-white" city of Tel-Aviv

2011-06-06T09:54:00.005+02:00

Flowers in the garbage can in Tel Aviv

Dear Citizens of the World!

Today marks the end of my first week here in Tel Aviv. The focus of my days has been on looking for an apartment to call home the next two or three years.

The search has not been easy. It is hard to look for an apartment when you don't know the city and it is double hard when the prices a very high.

Tel Aviv is a relatively new city where most buildings came about over the past 50 years, but the first impression is mixed. Most of the buildings are four-story, off-white and very dusty buildings.

Old apartment being remodelled...are they paying for those colours?

However, many of these older buildings are being renovated inside. Therefore, you never know what you will find on the inside -- much like the flowers in the garbage can in the picture at the top.

Reflection of our hotel in a shiny office building

There are also lots of nice shiny, new buildings mixed in with the rest. Maybe - if we are lucky -we will end up in one of those shiny buildings that are beautiful on both the outside and inside.

The United Statesian

Elevators that don't stop!

2011-06-03T19:55:00.007+02:00

Sabbath elevator...it just keeps going and going and going...

Dear Citizens of the World,

One of the great wonders of traveling is to see first-hand how people live. Something that seems logical to one person would be odd for another.

Case in point: Sabbath elevators.

Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening) has some basic rules to live by. One rule has to do with not using machines. But wait...what if you live on the 14th floor of a highrise building?...ahhh, Sabbath Elevators solve this problem through an ingenious loophole.

The trick consists in not touching anything; therefore, the elevator goes up and down for 24 hours while stopping and opening on every floor. Thus you can get on, touch nothing and wait for the elevator to stop on every floor until you get to your destination.

Saturday we plan to rest a bit and continue looking for an apartment in the city, have lunch downtown and then see the sunset on the beach. We will have to go down 14 floors to get out of the hotel, but we will take one of the two non-shabbat elevators.

Shabbat Shalom!

The United Statesian

A Tel-Aviv beach on a weekday...what will it look like on Saturday?

Flying Machine, take me to my new home!

2011-05-31T08:54:00.005+02:00

Flying machine...a Rolls-Royce, but spam-like food

Dear Citizens of the World,

We have made it to Tel-Aviv! Tired and stressed from the long list of tasks that come with a making a new country your home.

The first flight went well and dinner in Neve Tsedek at Suzana Restaurant was fresh,healthy and with a great ambiance.

First view of Tel-Aviv from the air...I can see my hotel from here!

The first ride across the city was punctuated by a wonderful sunset along the coast, with views of Jaffa Port.

Doing tai-chi at sunset along the coast in Tel-Aviv

First sunset in Tel-Aviv

See you soon,

The United Statesian

SOLution Square -- Major Protest?

2011-05-21T18:15:00.006+02:00

My favourite spot in SOL. A vegetable garden planted around the fountain. Will authorities dig it up and put back the "pretty flowers" when all is done?

Dear Citizens of the World!

Greetings from Madrid, the center of major "anti-status-quo" protests, making headlines on CNN and around the world. Media has compared the protest camp in Puerta del Sol to Tahrir square in Cairo and the Arab Spring movement.

The protesters use a play on words to rename Spain's most famous Square "Solution Square" instead of SOL which means sun.

The protests that got lots of attention in national and international press are there, but not that big of a deal. There are more turists taking pictures than actual campers and the surrounding shopping streets are actually more packed than the plaza.

It is important to note that there is no violence, everyone is working well togther to avoid problems and to not damage anything.

Volunteers are handing out sun-cream, water and food, directing traffic to reduce the impact and the kiosks are open for business as always.

However, on this sunny "day of reflection", just before the elections, it is much harder to get a table for lunch at one of the terraces than to move around the always-busy Puerta del Sol, eg SOLution Square.

Being only 15 minutes away, I decided to go down and have a look for myself. Some pictures and my impressions:

The new metro stop: Plaza SOLución

One of two "democratic" discusion groups...sign language translation included.

The Madrid Bear statue (one of the most famous monuments in Madrid) that has been covered with protest signs...poor bear.

Another discusion group on the West side of the plaza...impossible to hear over the fountain.

Will the revolution last? Will there be any changes to how things are done? Stay tuned.

- The United Statesian

An "old" new home!

2011-05-09T16:55:00.005+02:00

Egyptian Debod Temple in Madrid - Sunset, last light reflections

Dear Citizens of the World!

I have recently found out that we are moving to the Middle East! My new home will be "Old" and steeped in history. In some ways I will be leaving Madrid, but in other ways it will only be a new adventure and a new place to call home.

Recently, while walking around Madrid I went to the Debod temple to see the sunset on a gorgeous Spring evening.

The 2,000 year old temple was a "gift" from Egypt to their friends in Spain. I will not be moving to Egypt, but close enough to cycle there. You can expect plenty of pictures like these in the future. Maybe I'll post pics of Spanish food in the Middle East?

On an aside:

For those who wonder about peace in the Middle East...here is one solution inspired in the Spanish Santiago Trail...

http://www.abrahampath.org/visit.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc6yi_FtoNo&feature=player_embedded

Have a nice day!

- The United Statesian

Package from Japan -- via Norway with gifts

2011-03-15T13:39:00.008+01:00

Dear citizens of the world!

The tumultuous events of the past month have kept me away from my blog. Most notably, the earthquake in Japan kept me glued to the screens.

Seeing the videos and hearing people's accounts of the quake brought back memories of the 7.6 earthquake I experienced in Taiwan; the feeling of fear that comes from "surfing" a strong earthquake that suddenly grows violent, the 30 seconds that turn into weeks and months, the stories of people surviving after eight days....

What most don't realize is that the tremors continue for weeks and months. After three months of motions sickness from 3,000 aftershocks I was happy to "get off of" Taiwan and onto solid ground.

Naturally, the Japanese quake lead me to think of my summer vacation in Norway.

What? You say.

I don't have any close friends in Japan, but I immediately thought of this very nice, retired Japanese man I met in Flom, Norway. He only spoke Japanese, not a word of English and he was travelling alone.

Takahashi's route in Japanese and Norwegian

He had this paper with the names of the places he planned to go and pointed to indicate that he wanted to know what time the next bus was to the neighboring village. A couple of tourists were trying to explain (for quite a while) that he would have to wait an hour for the next bus.

I was going to the same place by car (15 minute ride) and offered to drive him. He was very happy and offered money, but I refused. Upon arriving in the village he heaped gifts on me, thanked me profusely and we exchanged contact info.

Takahashi with all of his luggage!

With the help of google translate we were able to exchange a couple of short emails.

However, a couple months later I received a large package in the mail with gifts (very good Japanese pens), lots of pictures of Norway and the letter below. Unfortunately, I don't read Japanese and it is not digital text so I can't translate it. Anyone who reads Japanese? I would love to hear what is says.

The two page letter that I can not read...

Luckily, Takahashi lives in Southern Japan and he is not affected directly be this earthquake or the aftermath.

Hopefully I will be able to visit Japan one day. Who knows... maybe a Norwegian will give me a ride to the next town.

- The United Statesian

Eating my way through Spain --Part II -- Segovia to Valencia

2011-03-10T11:46:00.004+01:00

Suckling pig... crispy, but not dry

Dear Citizens of the world!

In one of my last posts -- Eating my way through Spain -- I mentioned the fact that Spanish tourism is centred around food. Segovia is no different.

The "task" of visiting monuments, sights and museums is purely a way to work up an appetite.

Visiting the Disney-like castle...working up an appetite!

In Segovia, people most often walk around the centre, check out the aqueduct and tour the castle that locals claim to be the source of inspiration for Disneyland's logo.

Then, if you have walked around enough (stopping to sample local delicacies between each monument), you can sit down, unbutton the trousers and dig in.

I'm already in the pan and ready to go!

Don't worry if you don't speak Spanish...most restaurants decorate their windows with cute versions of your meal...

De aproveche!

- The United Statesian

PS Next week... Fallas I (Fallas II) in Valencia. A good reason to eat Paella!

Expat Cleanup -- Making space for Zen

2011-03-02T15:15:00.003+01:00

DVD empties

Dear Citizens of the World!

Space is a key word for expats. The more things you have, the harder it is to move from home, to home... to home (see past post).

Many expats start their lives in new homes with a suitcase or two. As time goes on, "things" accumulate.

After living in Madrid for more than three years ,"things" have been accumulating and ruining the Zen feeling at home. Today, I have started to tackle that problem by stripping the many DVDs to store the meter-high contents in a shoebox.

Ahhh! That feels much better...next, those boxes of random "junk"... to get closer to Zen.

Have a nice week,

- The United Statesian

Long Live the Egyptian Postal Employees!

2011-02-27T23:27:00.007+01:00

Postcard that made it from Egypt...despite being in the middle of a revolution...

Dear Citizens of the World,

E-mails, instant messages, mobile phones and free calls on Skype and other services have made the art of communicating much easier and enjoyable for me. However, traditional letters are still relevant. I argue that they are even more relevant now than they have been in a long time.

The art of postcard writing has been almost lost, but thanks to a few thoughtful friends it is staying alive!

It used to be a treat to get hand-written letters in the mail, but it was not uncommon. Now, I usually only gets bills and junk-mail -- this is even dwindling because many of my bills come to me by email and advertising is becoming more directed (fewer "blanket" campaigns).

Those days that I do find a rare postcard from a friend in a distant land... it is such a treat!

This last postcard arrived this week in Madrid after a three-week long journey from Egypt. My friends who wrote the letter were on a Nile cruise when the revolution started. Thankfully they were able to leave Egypt a few days later without harm.

I will leave you with my friends' closing words..."Tanks are coming, demonstrators are here and we can't leave the ship!"

...it just wouldn't be the same in an email.

-The United Statesian

PS... Make a list of people you would like to get a postcard from, compile the postal info, take it with you next time you travel, and make someones day with a well writen card.

Eating my way through Spain

2011-01-31T01:09:00.013+01:00

A weathered door from the Cathedral in Morella

Dear Citizens of the World,

Tourism in Spain is equivalent to eating. Most destinations are known for their gastronomy as much as their monuments. Morella, a mountain village in the North of Castellon (along the Med between Barcelona and Valencia), is no different.

Local "rosemary" honey from Morella

During our visit to Morella we did spend some time walking around the area and checking out the monuments; however, the focus of the day was really the lunch and specialty shopping for local foodstuffs.

Local sweet wine/spirts... we decided on the Garnatxa

The day did not come without it's challenges. We ate so much for lunch that it was tough to complete a proper cheese tasting -- we ended up with three types of cheese... and we normally avoid lactose!

Reflection of the sky and street in a large decanter full of red wine

Remember, when visiting a Spanish village there are three rules to follow:

1. Get advice on a good restaurant (expensive is not always better!)

2. Reserve space as far in advance as possible.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and make sure your belt has another notch...

Buen viaje,

-The United Statesian

Breathing in a fresh? New Year -- Part II

2011-01-26T11:10:00.010+01:00

Traditional Chimneys from the Aragón region of Northern Spain -- smokeless in July

Dear Citizens of the World!

The new year has started and the ban on smoking seems to be holding up -- but not without some problems.

I am happy to report that we were able to go out for dinner last week and we got home without smelling like smoke! This is no small feat in Spain. On a cold Saturday evening, the sidewalks were packed with smokers... a good sign that the ban is working.

Most bars and cafes seem to be following the rules, but the first time I went into a café in January (partly to support the ban by spending more money in cafés and restaurants... and partly because I just wanted a coffee) was a no-go. As soon as I entered the cafe, a women lit up a cigarette and practically blew the smoke at me. Slightly shocked and frustrated, I turned around and left.

Like all changes in society, it will take time to take root and for the holdouts to accept the change. Not so far in the past, teachers used to smoke in class and trains were travelling clouds of smoke. However, these measures, which were met with lots of resistance in the past, are considered normal now. The same will happen with the restaurants.

As restaurants adapt (outfitting terraces with heaters), so shall society adapt.

May your dinner and coffee be smoke-free!

- The United Statesian

Breathing in a fresh New Year

2011-01-13T01:07:00.009+01:00

Dear Citizens of the world!

2011 has started with a breath of fresh air, both indoors and out. As of January 2nd, it is illegal to smoke in any bars or restaurants in Spain! Now I can finally go out for a drink or coffee and not come home smelling like a musty ashtray!

We decided to start our newyear by going cross-country skiing and hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees. We were blessed by sunny weather, great snow and fresh mountain air -- the only smoke being the soft, sweet smell of ceder coming for the village chimnees...

As of 2011, you can only smoke at home and in the streets

Enjoying the sun and snow in Benasque

Whispy, smoke-like, clouds over a mountain that apears folded like a duvet

Thanks for listening,

The United Statesian

A parting shot...

Sunrise from the hotel in the village of Campo

From home, to home...to home -- Chasing the sun

2010-12-14T11:33:00.008+01:00

Sunset in Atlanta

Dear citizens of the world!

This United Statesian has left home in the US to go home, but with a stop at home along the way.

My 30 hour long journey from home to home... to home was not without its problems -- snow, cancellations, racing to the airport; however, I did try to enjoy the trip.

My trip started with a very cold snowy day in Pittsburgh:

Snowy Departure

The first leg of my voyage took me on a short flight to Atlanta (should have been through JFK) and a three hour layover that gave me the chance to watch the sunset over the tarmac in Atlanta (picture at top)...

The nine-hour flight was not too bad, but Delta did manage to show the same movie I had seen on the inbound flight three months earlier... c'est la vie.

After a few hours in Madrid at my next home where I switched luggage and went to the train station to catch my six-hour train ride to Valencia.

The hour long stopover in Valencia gave me the chance to snap some fotos around the station:

Layover at the Valencia Train Station

An hour later, I was home...again...in Castellón:

Finally made it to the coast of Castellón

I'll be here (home) for another week...then we will be off to the Madrid (home) and the village... home... for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all... wherever you may be!

The United Statesian

Light Up Night...Let the consumerism begin!

2010-11-24T03:16:00.015+01:00

Dear citizens of the world!

Thanksgiving is almost here, but it has already been usurped by Christmas.

Last week, Pittsburgh held the "Light Up" festival to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The festival was a nice mixture of live music, huge Christmas trees, ice-skating, ice-carving, and a fireworks display for the grand finale.

However, the festivities held five weeks in advance of the holiday on November 19th seem ... excessive, even for United Statesians.

This Friday, November 26th, "Black Friday" kicks off with its' normal lunacy. Many of the stores will be open at 5:00 am! This all happens four weeks before Christmas -- a reasonable amount of time compared to the five week advance ceremony in downtown Pittsburgh.

Are you ready to shop until you drop?

The United Statesian

Reverse Culture Shock -- The United Statesian is in the US!

2010-10-04T19:07:00.010+02:00

An artistic rendition of the United Statesian flag at the Smithsonian Museum in DC.

Dear Citizens of the World!

The United States has landed and it has been a bizarre few weeks. Reverse Culture shock, after seventeen years away from the homeland, has hit hard.

Culture shock is normal when you are going to a foreign country and it is expected. Reverse culture shock affects people differently. Basically, an expat who has been away for a long period of time is shocked because they do not "fit in" with their home culture.

My personal experience has been that I find myself staring at people and I feel awed by the most mundane aspects of being back. My fellow United Statesians hear my accent and ask me, "where are you from." I in turn look at them and wonder why MY country is so different from me on so many levels.

The shock does lessen, and there are many aspects of the local culture that I do like, but I think that my experiences abroad would always make me feel like a foreigner in my own country --even if my first nationality will always be...

United Statesian

PS. A parting shot of a detail that made me think...not something I would remember seeing outside of the US...

A huge "Blind Pedestrian Crossing" sign in a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA.

Marina D'Or -- Rain, rain, rain

2010-08-23T12:35:00.004+02:00

The calm after the storm

Dear Citizens of the World!

Marina D'Or "Vacation City" is now officially (Rain city). After a week of August rains, a huge thunderstorm rocked the city, flooding streets in seconds.

This reflection is from the day after...

The day started with rain and dark clouds. The afternoon started looking better, but then I heard the screems...

I ran out to our 9th floor terrace which has a good view of the surrounding area. The storm was moving North at such a speed that birds running for cover were blown away. The rain and extreme winds only took a few seconds to cover the mile (1.5km) distance from Marina D'Or Hotel/Spa.

The incredible speed of the storm scared the tourists, caught off guard

I leave you with a parting shot from this morning. The sun and heat is back to the beach...for now...

One of the more colourful buildings in Marina D'Or -- City of Rain

The United Statesian

Weird story -- the ringing rock in the mountains

2010-08-12T10:37:00.006+02:00

View of Jostalbreen Glacier from Gryta on a cloudy day

Dear Citizens of the world!

There are a fare share of odd "coincidence stories" in my travels, but this coincidence was just plain weird!

We were nearing the end of our trip in Norway and decided to do a hike to a peak behind Stryn. There are great views of the surrounding lakes, mountains and glaciers, but it is not on the tourist route, thus it was deserted.

We were enjoying the fact that we had the mountian to ourselves and we were about half-way up the climb to the peak when we heard a mobile phone ringing. We could see for kilometers in every direction and nobody was around. We started to search for the source of the sounds when they sudenly stopped. After a few moments the ringing continued and we found the mobile phone under a boulder!

Happy to retrieve their mobile that was lost on the side of "Gryta" mountain.

We called the last number in the phone and talked to the owner who had lost the phone the day before. They were at the peak, looking for the phone. We continued our hike up and met them on the way to return their phone to them. We then continued our hike to the peak and back down without seeing anyone else that day. What are the chances of that happening?

A reflection in a pond near Gryta Peak

I leave you with a parting shot of the traditional, environmentally-friendly homes in Norway.

The grass-roof homes just melt into the surroundings

The United Statesian

PS...the gps route on wikiloc:

Searching for the light -- getting away from kitch

2010-08-10T01:32:00.007+02:00

Sunset over desierto de las Palmas and Benicassim,
with the unique pinkish red of the local stone

Dear Citizens of the World!

My motivation for this month will in part be to search for the light that makes the Mediterranean so special. I had almost forgotten about it because it is either raining or too hot to venture out.

Today's ride was hampered by a summer storm. Luckily, I was able to watch it from nearby. The picure below shows the rain over part of the sea. A nice tone of pinkish-orange contrasts well with the dark-gray clouds. Just to the right, the sky was blue!

Click to Enlarge...

Enjoy the rain!

The United Statesian

Marina D'Or -- Kitch Paradise

2010-08-09T16:50:00.006+02:00

Dear Citizens of the World!

I write to you from the "kitch paradise" of the Mediterranean. Marina D'Or, Vacation City, is located on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, about an hour North of Valencia.

Since Kings Day 2010, I have been coming here on weekends...and now the summer. My luck has not been good because it rained every weekend I came for the first six months. There was a bit of rain last night and there is a thunderstorm as I write this, but in general it is hot, humid, sunny and sweaty all summer long.

The main street lights up at night...Spanish Vegas, but without casinos?

Marina D'Or has been designed to attract blue-collar families that dream of spending time at the beach, but feel like they are in need to be surrounded by a cheap version of Las Vegas. OK, maybe I am being a bit harsh, yet it does not feel like the Mediterranean coast of great artists like Soralla and Cezanne.

The good part is that fact that I can easily jump on my bike and see lesser trampled parts of the coast, leaving the lights behind.

Panoramic shot from the mobile phone along the Via Verde (Oropesa-Benicassim)

This panoramic shot taken (with my mobile phone) of the ruins of a tower along the coast is a bit more of what I had in mind when thinking about the Med; it's only a few kilometers away on bike trail that goes towards Benicassim.

Stay cool.

The United Statesian

Jumpshot I -- The return to normal

2010-08-09T12:10:00.006+02:00

Sunrise in Marina D'or --"Vacation City"

Dear Citizens of the World!

Somehow I have landed on the beach of the Spanish Mediterranean coast for the month of August. It is the dream of many to spend their summer on the coast, but I have never aimed to spend much time baking under the sun.

However, even though it is tough for me, I have been trying to get used to spending a month at the beach. I am happy to report that there other people here -- a lot of others. One of these days I will have to go down and get some pictures. Yesterday, we sat on the beach for an hour, without being able to actually sea the Med through the mass of people and umbrellas.

I leave you with a parting shot of starting my summer vacation in Torrico (el pueblo). It is geographically the furthest spot from the beach as you can get in Spain, but the cousin has a pool with a great view.

The first of many "jumpshots" to come in the future:

The United Statesian

Go Tech Go! Solar Decathlon Champs!

2010-06-28T22:39:00.012+02:00

The sun sets over the Solar House Decathlon

Dear Citizens of the World!

Yeah!!!! Virginia Tech has just won the 2010 Solar Decathlon which was held in Madrid this year!

The Hokies are great in United Statesian Football, yet they still Rock in Solar house design!

Here are a few pics from the competition that took place down by the river. A few pics are more artisitic than others.

The winning "Hokie" house at sunset

Sunset over the river.

Just in case there was any doubt as to the origins of Tech's House

Green solar panels

A profile shot of Tech's LumenHaus

City sunet in solar panels...

Reflection in the river alongside the competition...fitting image of Madrid's river's
"green water" next to the "green homes."

Tech on top!

The United Statesian

Duck! Rice Incoming! - Spanish Country Weddings

2010-06-17T09:15:00.009+02:00

Dear Citizens of the world!

It's Spring...time for Spanish country weddings!

I have been to a few weddings but this one took the cake for length and for... rowdyness.

Any celebration in Spain involves food. The wedding was three days of eating, but with a ceremony and white dress somewhere in the middle.

The white dress

The festivities started with a long dinner, dancing and drinking until the wee hours on Friday.

Saturday morning's ceremony was "traditional" but the tossing of rice and rose pedals became a pumelling that had everyone diving for cover.

After a snack of rosquilas (the local version of donuts, but with more grease), we headed off to lunch.

In between the various courses, the bride and groom were "forced" by their rowdy friends to do all manner of rituals.

The groom being paraded around the reception wearing only a diaper...

After lunch came dancing, drinking, a siesta and then more eating that evening.

The grooms friends cutting his tie, and.... his underwear...

Sunday, we finished up with a big lunch with the family and a farewell. The bride and groom did not take off on the honeymoon for a few days because they would have missed part of the celebrations...

Since we are ariving at the end of the term in the school, I was grading and putting final grades to my students at every break I got from the eating and festivities.

The United Statesian

PS...Take cover...

A cool sea breeze at the top of the desert

2010-05-27T23:55:00.009+02:00

Mountains above the sea... a good mix.

Dear citizens of the world,

How things can change in just one week.

One Saturday we was hiking over an ice-wind swept mountain, and the next we were on the Mediteranian coast, at 700m, a balmy 30 degrees Celsius and a cool sea breeze coming from the beach below.

Natural frame in the Desierto de las Palmas, Marina D'or

This weekend, will be another wedding in the pueblo...

Hasta pronto!

The United Statesian

Fractal Spring

2010-05-19T23:57:00.006+02:00

Dear Citizens of the world!

The winter has ended in Madrid. The sun is shining!

My last post from my hike on Saturday might be the final dregs of winter. But you never know. Spanish people have a saying: "Hasta el cuarenta de mayo no te quites el sayo." Which in United Statesian means: "Don't store your winter clothes until the 40th of may (June 10th)." Because winter can always come back and surprise you, even in June.

The other good news I have to share with you is rocking sound of Fractal. My coworker Ryk, a musician from the Canary Islands, is preparing to put out his first album. I went to the FNAC on Sunday for a cool concert.

A good way to start Spring.

Check it out if you want to know what Spanish rock sounds like. Some of the songs are in English.

Hasta pronto,

The United Statesian

"Winter is a Cabrón" - Go away!

2010-05-15T22:06:00.004+02:00

Aguila Peak, Madrid in Spring?

Dear Citizens of the World,

Cold, rain, snow, and ice...I am tired of it! It is mid-May and winter will not go away!

If you go to the mountians you know that you have to be ready for anything, but five centimeters of ice on the trees is too much, even at 2000m.

The forecast of next week looks much better... I hope!

If you squint you can see the four towers, 70km away in Madrid.

Solitary hiker at the peak

This is what wind and ice do to trees at 2000m.

A second of pure joy while the sun was shining in the valley. Only to hide away moments later. Even in the sun it did not get above 15º C.

The song for today "Cabrón", is dedicated to winter - brought to you by the Red Hot's...

The United Statesian

"Fires in Valencia" -- The funny side

2010-04-15T21:44:00.015+02:00

Classic vs Modern "McCulture diet"

Dear Citizens of the world,

In my last post on the fallas of Valencia I talked about the prettier and noisier side of the Fallas Festival.

This post is about the satyr and parody that most of the Fallas sculptures do so well. Many are like seeing a 3-D newspaper caricature. Obama was one of the more popular topics.

One big difference would be that there is no censorship and there is a lot more nudity and crude racial stereotypes that you would not see in a United Statesian version.

Super Obama! ... watch that hand...

Critique on the USA, but with a large Coca-cola advert behind it...

Caricature on recycling... the first one on the left is recycling silicon ;-)

Caricature of a Spanish politician...

One of my favourite...gotta love his smile

What's he looking for?...

Ahhh... the key ;-)

One of the cruder ones...Usain Bolt?

Local traditional clothes -- mothers and their dolls...

Hope to see you again soon!

The United Statesian

"Burning the artwork" - Fallas in Valencia

2010-04-15T17:10:00.013+02:00

Dear citizens of the world!

Fire seems to play a central role in many festivals in Spain -- noise is a given.

The Fallas (pronounced FAIyas) of Valencia is a Spring celebration in late March where more than 400 pieces of art (Fallas) are created in the plazas and streets. On the last night, all are burned at midnight; all except the best one which gets a pardon and goes off to a museum.

This was my first year going to the festival. We had all afternoon to walk around and look at some of the main "fallas" before watching one burn at midnight.

A detail of Charlie...

One of the top Fallas statues... hard to believe it is paper...

While all this is going on, there is an incredible amount of noise. There are thousands of people -- mostly young children -- setting off loud firecrackers. A terrorist attack could happen just down the street and nobody would notice. I jumped out of my skin more than once.

A small kid being "indoctrinated" into the world of BOOM!

The mermaid that caught Nemo...

This Falla was huge! More like a stadium...

Just look at the size of it compared to the people!

A detail of one of the "lovers" from this Falla...

The last Falla we visited...minutes before midnight...

The same Falla a few seconds later...Burn, Burn, let it burn!

All in all it was an interesting experience, but I do not recommend it for people with heart problems!

In the next post I will show some pictures of the "funny" satyrical side of the festivities...

The United Statesian

Snow, Sun and Fun! Ciao winter!

2010-03-23T22:47:00.007+01:00

The afternoon sun through a snowy pine-forrest

Dear Citizens of the World!

The winter is comming to an end! Yippeeeeeee!

Recently we (six fearless mountaineers from the AtuBola Group) were able to go for a hike in the mountains of Madrid. We started in Miraflores de la Sierra and went 500 meters up to Morcuera mountain pass (gps route in wikiloc).

It was a cold day, but we had lots of sun. The Sierra is beautiful with snow and we had lots of fun trying to hike up and down some of the sections with snow that came up to our thighs.

I leave you with a few pics and comments from our trip:

Fall's last breath caught in the ice...

Still cold, but...

Spring starts to rear it's head amongst the vestiges of last year.

A mountain goat moving slowly through the snow near the mountain pass...

Shadows of dead weeds...

Tones of bare trees and snow...

The ice-cicles mix with the roots...

Pillows of snow covering the bolders...

You are welcome to the villages public slaughtering...and feast!

Both the pig and chef seem happy in this add ;-)

The United Statesian

The route:

Inspiration from TED

2010-03-07T19:53:00.010+01:00

The "City of Science" in Valencia -
one of the most inspiring exhibits of architecture in the world

Dear Citizens of the World!

Inspiration comes in many forms and shapes. Usually you don't expect it... and when you need inspiration, it never seems to come.

Now that has changed. The Internet has many tools that help to light fires in people all around the world.

The inspirational tool that seems to work every time is TED.

TED is a nonprofit that spread ideas related to Technology, Education and Design.

There are tons of short - two to 20 minute long - videos on a variety of topics. They are all interesting. The big problems seems to be that I spend too much time watching them!

If you are ready to be inspired... I dare you to watch!

The United Statesian

Almond Blooms and Ships in the air

2010-03-02T00:50:00.014+01:00

Almond tree blooms in Desierto de las Palmas, Castellon, Spain

Dear Citizens of the World,

Recently, I have neglected one of my favourite hobbies . For some reason, having Galloping Spanish Blightus (pneumonia) reduced my hikes in the mountains to.... zero. Not good for my health - especialy my mental health.

Getting a GPS gave me an extra reason to restart my weekend sorties in the mountains of Spain. Now it is possible for me to download tracks from Wikiloc.com and do just about any hike imaginable - as long as my legs will take me. It is quick and easy. Then you can upload your routes, comments and pictures for all to see and use. Here you can find my most recent sortie in Castellon Spain in the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park.

Monestary ruins surrounded by Almond Tree flowers

We did 12km and 600m of climbing in this fun hike. The pinkish red rocks, steep terrain, monestaries, hermitages, ruins, views of the coast and mountains were even better with the almond tree blooms. The white and pink flowers don't last long on the trees and they are always a treat.

Orange trees - sweet fragrance...

The province of Valencia in Spain is well know for their citrus fruits. These fields also had fantastic oranges... many going to waste. The sweet smell filled the air. You could taste them just by walking near the orange grove.

One of many types of cactus plants along the trail...

Other parts of the trail go through a narrow canyon with a few less-inviting plants.

A ship that appeared to be floating in the air between the coast and the gray clouds above...

The Bartolo Peak rises 700 meters above the coast, quite steeply. The view from above causes an optical illusion. The sea seems to rise as a wall to the thick gray clouds above that hide the horizon. A patch of light illuminates the ship, making it look like it is navigating towards the clouds, not the sea.

I have embedded a link to the route we did below:

I hope to see you on the trail soon!

The route on wikiloc

Aparting shot...

The United Statesian

Bad Boys of Madrid -- Watcha gonna do?

2010-02-24T00:17:00.006+01:00

Dear Citizens of the World!

The song from Inner Circle "Bad Boys" kept playing in my head as I took these pictures from my first floor window.

Madrid does not have a big problem with crime, but it has it's moments - - like all major cities.

Since it is exam time for the ankle-biters at my school I spend my evening correcting. You get into a zone, pounding away, not noticing what is going on around you while you are trying to give the marks as quick as possible. However, I stood up and saw the lights of six cop cars, no sirens.

When I went to take the pictures there were four local cops and one was yelling, "¿Eres tonto o qué?" ...In United Statesian English that would be: "Are you stupid or what?"

I do not know what happened and I doubt that it was serious, but the cops were quite ... angry.

I thought that the blue lights and the rain (it has not really stopped since mid-December) made for a good gritty picture.

A bit of excitement before going back to the grind...

All this work and I only get three months vacation a year...sheesh!

The United Statesian

Trick Photography - From Madrid with Love

2010-02-10T00:16:00.007+01:00

Dear Citizens of the world,

I have been duped. The tiny marketing machine promoting a photograghy exhibit of Dayanita Singh got me.

Since I am always on the lookout for exhibits - in order to improve my style by imitating the masters - I decided to visit this exhibit just down the road from my house.

The two main pictures promoting the exhibit were very promising. The girl below appears to be floating in the air - gorgeous.

The other picture "I am as I am" captivates, the whites of her eyes dominate the image and make you wonder who she is staring at and why - haunting.

However, when I went to the exhibit I was disapointed. The rest of the pictures were not at all like these and of far less intrest to me. You never know what you will find. I will keep you up to date on ones that I like.

Until then... Stay healthy, wealthy and wise.

The United Statesian

A bit of Paris in Madrid

2010-02-09T22:50:00.008+01:00

Dear Citizens of the world,

The demon dogs have abated and I am slowly regaining my strength. My first week back to the grind was a tough one, but thankfully it was shortened by a holiday on the last Friday of January.

Thus, I was free to line up outside the Mapfre Foundation Exhibit Hall in Madrid for a rare treat: The Musée d' Orsay traveling show. Since the famous impressionist museum is being renovated, a small collection of pieces from the likes of Manet, Monet, Renoir, etc are being put on display around the world - first stop Madrid.

Cool January Sunrise in Madrid on the Gran Via

To top it off, the visit is free!

My favourite piece is: "La estación de Saint-Lazare" from Claude Monet.

If you are in Madrid, give it a look-see.

The United Statesian

Miraculous survival in Madrid!

2010-01-22T12:21:00.002+01:00

Dear citizens of the world,

In this time of trouble in Haiti, seeing so many buildings collapsed and few that are saved from under the rubble, it is with great satisfaction that I can report a miracle here in Madrid, just a few

streets down from where I live.

Last night, at 10:00 pm a woman noticed that large cracks were opening along her ceiling and down the wall. She called 112 (Spanish Emergency Number) and in five minutes the firemen were there to rush the 28 neighbors out of their houses. A few minutes later... the left side of the building came crumbling down. Zero casualties, zero injuries.

If this had happened a couple hours later while people were already sleeping then we would be looking at a catastrophe and a search and rescue. Instead, everyone is alive and well and the fireman were taking dust covered cars out of the garage.

The United Statesian

Demon Dogs, Snow and Ice

2010-01-14T11:20:00.009+01:00

Dear Citizens of the world,

The demon dogs are back with Galloping Spanish Blightus. The doctors here have a strange name for it - pneumonia.

The past three weeks have been spent sitting around, resting, coughing uncontrollably and trying to get the phlegm out of my lungs. Excitement with no end.

This week I was greeted with a treat in the form of snow. Four centimeters was enough to collapse Madrid and cause all sorts of confusion - not so fun for commuters, but great for me. I got to spend the day watching cars try to cross a patch of ice on a slightly inclined road just outside my window.

Cheap entertainment without even leaving home. See the video:

I've got a nice car, but I don't know how to drive it...

I recommend listening to Simon & Garfunkel's "Slip sliding away" while watching the video...

Maybe next week the demon dogs will have relaxed and I can return to life as normal here in the little metropolis called Madrid.

The United Statesian

Day of the Innocent Saints - 28th December

2010-01-05T11:25:00.006+01:00

New driver on my motorcycle?

Dear citizens of the world,

The 28th of December is a minor holiday in Spain with a religious background. It is called the Day of the Innocent Saints and it is similar to April Fool's Day, but with a different date and history.

I was not in Spain this day, but on my return I found out that I was the "Innocent" one to an anonymous gag. I was surprised to find a blow-up doll on my motorcycle in the garage.

The new rider in her full glory, without a helmet she might get a ticket.

The Innocent Saint's day is related to the bible story where King Harod orders all babies (Innocent Saints) younger than two years old to be killed in Bethlehem. Now it is a day for people to play gags.

My initiation was during my first year in Seville. A coworker called me at the office and pretended to be my boss. She pretended to be angry and wanted to fire me, but it was just a cruel joke. I promised to get her back, and I did.

Four months later on April Fool's Day I had an anonymous letter written and hand delivered to her desk before she came to work. The "writer" was a crazy student at the academy who was secretly in love with her and who had followed her home and even followed the boyfriend who would be "removed" from the picture soon so that they could be together.

She read the letter and ran off to the toilet. She did not tell anyone about it and she kept going back to the toilet to reread the letter. Later in the afternoon all of the coworkers huddled around her and asked what was wrong. They slowly let her know that they knew about this crazy student and said that he was outside and wanted to see her. She freaked out and then everyone yelled in unison "April Fool's!"

I told her that I would get her back... and I did, but not without the help of my many colleagues.

Happy Innocent Saints day!

The United Statesian

Quintos - Weighed, Measured and found to be drunk!

2009-12-26T17:48:00.011+01:00

Los Quintos of 2010 getting ready for the changeover by painting designated surfaces

Dear citizens of the world,

Although it might not seem like it, we are living in times of relative peace. European nations such as Spain and France gave up manditory military service at the end of the 20th century.

However, traditions in Spain die hard.

Los Quintos are the people who are turning 18 over the coming year. In the past, they would be weighed and measured in the city hall for their military service. Those found to be too short or too fat might be pardoned. In general, most would have to go and the unlucky ones would end up oversees in Western Sahara.

The name Quintos comes from 1/5. Spanish Kings in the 15th century ordered that one-fifth of all men "Contribute Blood" by doing military service. They did not beat around the bush when they gave it that name...

Los Quintos have changed in name and form in modern times. Now it is often written with a K as Kintos (Email and SMS texting's influence on Spanish spelling). There is also the politicaly correct female version with an A = Kintas.

Spain has adopted a volunteer army, much like the United Statesian Army system. But the "comming of age" celebrations continue.

Kintas are the girls from the village who are becoming adults.

Certain walls, and parts of walls, are designated for the Quintos to paint their names. The white background with red letters was for 2009. Next year the background is blue. On the 31st the Quintos will paint their names on the new surface.

The big hand-over ceremony is a bonfire on the New Years Eve where everyone gets drunk. I am 18! Now I can get smashed!

There are many roles the Quintos play throughout the year during the many micro and macro festivals, but one in particular was a bit shocking:

Until only a few years ago, the Quintos played a gruesome role in the Carnival celebrations in February. They used to hang a rope across the main plaza, attach chickens by their feet so the head and body would hang down. Then the Quintos would whack them to death like living piñatas until they were no longer. Some were bothered by the "tradition" and it was stopped.

The chickens were then eaten as part of the festivities.

Fresly painted and waiting for the new generation of 2010

Now the Quintos can focus on drinking, and selling cheap drinks to raise money to have more parties to get drunk again.

The United Statesian

PS An even more gruesome tradition in another Spanish village has been put to a stop as well. The Quintos used to throw a live goat off the top of the church tower. BBQ goat meat was always on the menu.

The Three Kings vs Santa Claus... and Baby Jesus in the middle

2009-12-25T23:44:00.008+01:00

Baby Jesus has a booboo... or in Spanish....Tiene pupa!

Dear Citizens of the world,

This Baby Jesus or Niño Jesús– pronounced /NEENyo HayZUS/ in Spanish – is a traditional part of Christmas decorations in Spain, but with a makeover. This photo is from a Spanish hospital that made Niño Jesús look more like the patients so that they would laugh a bit and relate better.

Although, you could say that the Niño Jesús got caught up in a fight between Santa and the Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes Magos). In Spain, the Three “Magic” Kings are the ones that have always brought the gifts to the good little boys and girls. Since they were the ones bringing gifts to Baby Jesus it only makes sense that they give to all children.

A more traditional look at the Niño Jesus.

Kings Day (Reyes) is on January 6th, which means that kids and teachers get an extra week off over the holidays. However, it also means that children didn't get their gifts until the 6th of January... after two weeks of vacation... and just before the return to normal.

Child: “Oh, what a wonderful gift! I am going to....”

Parents: “Not so fast... time for bed... you have school tomorrow!”

This technical problem was partly solved by importing Santa... Now parents can give the main gifts on the 24th or 25th of December. Children can then play with their toys during the long Winter break. Later, on kings day more gifts come. Some kids only get one set of gifts, but most seem to get two sets now.

Niño Jesús unwittingly is about to be hijacked by a "thief" version of Santa.

And Niño Jesús? He's laid up in the hospital, wondering what hit'm.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The United Statesian

Nativity Pooper -- Spanish Tradition

2009-12-13T10:36:00.011+01:00

Dear Citizens of the world,

After finding this figure in a large nativity scene (Belen in Spanish) in a small church in the Pyrenees. I immediately decided to find out more and write a blog. The cagón could be translated as the pooper, crapper or sh!tter. I will use the translation of "pooper" for this post.

This image was shocking to me because I am used to the traditional scene of the happy family, three kings, angels, some farm animals, etc.

Apparently, the tradition of the Nativity Pooper comes from the Catalan region of Spain. The Catalan name is "Cagagner" (click for orignal source in Spanish). The Pooper is a symbol of good luck and prosperity:

Poop = fertilizer = a good harvest = prosperity = happiness

The pooper also gives a more "real" feel to the scenes. These nativities in Spain are huge. They cover several square meters with tons of bark, sand, dirt... and figures that include the poopers.

The nativity scenes even include mechanized figures and lighting to show day and night. The Pooper at the top has a mechanised arm with toilet paper doing a continuous wiping action.

There are poopers with a likeness of famous people - even Obama! Does your nativity scene include an Obama pooper? It doesn't? ... well then I guess that it is not complete!

The United Statesian

El Pueblo - Part IV Archbishop's Bridge

2009-11-22T21:00:00.010+01:00

Dear citizens of the world,

Burn! Burn! Let the village burn!

Although it might come as a shock, my Pueblo is not the only pueblo in Spain. Just five kilometers away there is a village called "El Puente del Arzobispo" (The Archbishop's Bridge - An Archbishop that owned the neighboring village ordered a bridge built over the Tajo River to make the pilgrimage to Guadalupe easier and safer.)

On the 25th Novermber the village celebrates the "Chozas" festival to honor Santa Catalina. The bonfires are built in the middle of the roads all around the village. When the fire burns down the embers are used to BBQ meats (some call the meat juicy, others might call it fatty, yet others just call them tasty).

How did the festival start? The origins are not clear, but most likely, people waiting to cross the river (pre-bridge times) often had to camp out and they would make big bonfires while waiting for dawn when they could forge the river.

Here I offer you some pics from the festival... unfortunately I did not have my camera and I had to catch the happenings the best I could with my mobile phone.

Another day we can talk about the ceramic art which makes the village famous.

The United Statesian

El Pueblo - "All Saints' Day"

2009-11-08T18:19:00.009+01:00

Dear citizens of the world,

All Saints day is the Spanish tradition that precedes the Halloween invasion from the West.

November 1st is traditionaly the day that families remember the departed by visiting cemeteries to clean the tombs and leave flowers. The pueblo of Torrico is no different.

This tile is from the first person buried in the village cemetery. It loosely translates as:

"Stop and contemplate,
This tile, sad and cold,
Which will one day arrive,
Without a doubt in dust you will be."

There were a few children dressed up for Halloween and looking for treats, but there were many more visiting the cemetary and the grounds were full of fresh (and plastic) flowers.

I do not know what the future holds for Spain, but I hope that the "Party" version of the holiday does not come to replace the Spanish tradition of remembering their dead.

A parting shot from the center of Torrico with the sunset on All Saints Day the Church with its' Crane's nests and the Plaza España and its' oddly named "Justice Roll."

The United Statesian

El Pueblo "Almond Harvest"

2009-11-08T17:39:00.014+01:00

Dear citizens of the world,

Almond harvest time has come and gone. We spent a couple days in the pueblo, collecting almonds. It is hard work, but I like it -- well, once a year.

This is a photo of the almonds while they are still on the tree with both the outer soft shell and the inner hard shell (as seen in the first picture above).

Why is collecting them fun? The process starts by laying large nets under the tree, then I get to use a long stick to whack the tree until it gives up all its' almonds. End of fun part...

Then the outer shells have to be taken off (sometimes not so easy). There is then a drying-out period and the last leg is to break the hard inner shell to get the "almond meat" out... careful to not crush the almond in the process.

Eat and enjoy all year long. The harvest this year has been bad because there was not enough rain. Many almonds are "fruitless." And a violent downpoor at the end of the season stripped some trees of the fruit just before harvest time - as well as killing one of the locals.

Now we have to prepare to use the almonds to make Mazapan - the traditional Christmas sweet from Toledo, Spain.

A shot of the almond tree in bloom this spring.

I leave you with this parting shot of the sunset over the almond trees in the pueblo after a long, hard day in the fields.

The United Statesian

Pilgrimage across Spain Part III - "Food! A la Riojana"

2009-11-01T18:31:00.013+01:00

Fresh tomatoes and Mushrooms the size of a baby's head!
.....................

Dear citizens of the world,

Wine is definitely important in the Rioja region... and the pilgrimage. But it is only part of the balanced diet. Food from this part of Spain is important as well.

We were lucky to see the end of the wine harvest (see last blog), but it was also mushroom season. The hills and forests are infested with mushroom pickers. I don't collect shrooms since I can't tell a delicious boletus edulis from a poisonous Boletus reticulatus! I just enjoy eating them, especially when they are sauteed with olive oil and garlic. Yummy!

"Tortilla" Spanish egg and potato omlette

We did have some Spanish Tortilla - probably the most common cooked dish that you can find all around Spain, but we did try many other local delights:

Blood Sausage from Burgos with bell pepper garnishing

I highly recomend the blood sausage. The variation from Burgos is made with rice. This specific dish lasted just long enough for me to get a picture of it before being devoured.

The "Peppers" garnish is a signature element in Riojana cooking. Many dishes in Spain are "A la Riojana" which often means that there will be a sauce with bell peppers.

The second morning, at sunrise, we found a woman in the village grilling red peppers. She was making huge quantities...by Spanish standards it was probably just enough to compliment lunch for a small familly ;-)

Grilling red bell peppers - a key element in Rioja cooking.

Of course, we had a good excuse to eat so much. We walked 50km in two days, with our houses on our backs. We still have three days of Camino left in the Rioja region... I am looking forward to it... especially after seeing the pictures of the food and wine again...

Que Apraveche!

Parting shot - Last days of harvest in Rioja

The United Statesian

Pilgrimage across Spain II - "Grape Juice"

2009-10-21T18:58:00.010+02:00

"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."

--Proverbs 31:6-7

The origins of the "Addictive" Santiago Trail are religious, but the reasons for doing the trail have mulitipied - drinking great wine is one of those reasons.

Our last stretch of the trail just happened to be through the Rioja region of Spain. Rioja is the most famous wine region in Spain and outside the country. Therefore, following scripture - and good taste - we decided to try as many glasses (and bottles) as possible.

Grapes going to waste!

We crossed the Rioja region at the end of the harvest season. There were tons of sweet grapes for us to pick and eat as we went along. However, it became harder and harder to bear the sight of so many grapes going to waste. The wine growers have limits and they are punished if they pick too much. This means that on most years there are tons of grapes that just rot. Prices are kept up, but my heart sinks at the sight.

Bent over backwards for "grape juice"

We finished our trip the Rioja region by visiting a local monestary with beautiful Romanesque architecture and details. One of the stone carvings around the door depicts a vinyard with a man, lying under the vines, sucking every drop out of the grapes! The head is upside-down, but you might guess from the eyes that it is none other than...me!

Mr. Monkey helping to finish the bottle of Rioja at dinner.

The United Statesian

Pilgrimage across Spain I - "Addiction"

2009-10-18T12:02:00.015+02:00

Gone fruity, Rioja style...

Dear citizens of the world,

Like many things in life, logic plays only a small role in making decisions. Most people prefer to spend their weekends and holidays relaxing in comfort, others choose to walk (or cycle) across Spain on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Trails of of insanity that cause addiction (750 to 1000 km long).

Virgen of "locura" Insanity -- Protecting pilgrims along the trail

After ten days of suffering through the heat of July and 250km, my partner had many bad memories and did not want to return. However, after the blisters dissapeared and the hours of walking in 35ºC heat were forgotten, she decided to return to the Santiago trail with great enthusiasm... twice!

Marcelino, the eternal pilrim signing my credential

Marcelino, the eternal pilgrim has taken this addiction to an extreme. He decided to dedicate his life to the trail and the pilgrims fourteen years ago when he became financialy independent. He spends his days sitting at a table in a park outside Logroño welcoming pilgrims, signing and stamping credentails (Pilgrim Passports), giving advice and handing out nuts and fruit.

The eternal pilgrim explains his behaviour by claiming complete addiction to the Santiago trail and its' ideals. Pilgrims are more friendly, helpful, caring, loving with others than in normal life. This feeling of constant love and support is what brings so many people back to the trail. Even to the extreme:

A monument to a pilgrim who died while on the way to Santiago

We were only on the trail for two days, but we had a great time, met nice people, drank fantastic wine, ate as much food as possible, and we will have memories (and photos) forever.

Maybe Marcelino is not so crazy after all?

The United Statesian

Madrid 2016 - Hola Everyone! Nervously waiting...

2009-10-01T21:05:00.009+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

There are five cities on the edge of their seats, waiting for the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to choose the 2016 candidate.

Madrid is going all out for the election with activities supporting the city's candidacy for the 2016 Olympic Games. The students at my school decided to make a large banner supporting the candidacy with the multi-color hand symbol chosen in Madrid as the logo for the bid.

Some children even wrote comments like the one in this foto which reads, "I hope that the 2016 Olympic Games will be in Madrid!"

On Friday, October 2nd, we will all know if the years of preparation and support (which has involved the whole city) will be worth while.

The United Statesian

Torrico -- Fiestas del Pueblo, Part II "The earplugs"

2009-09-16T15:22:00.014+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

My first post about the annual San Gil fiestas in Torrico was crying out for a second part. Many people asked how the fiestas were in 2009.

For the most part, things were tranquil. There is always excess, but improvements have been made -- most noteably, I bought ear plugs.

There was lots of music: flamenco to warm up, traditional Spanish songs for the older crowd that turn in at 2:00 am and popular dance music for younger ones. Techno started at about 6:00 am, but I was already sleeping -- thanks to my ear plugs!

This years festivities were special for the family because there was a 50th wedding anniverssary. After a short ceremony in the village church we went off to have appetizers in the garage (much nicer than it sounds). There were kilos of Spanish ham, cold cuts, chorizo, chips, olives, cheese and local sweets: Roscos (small dense donuts) and Floretas (Large flakey flower shaped sweets, dripping in honey. This was to warm up the belly.

At three in the afternoon we assembled in a posh wedding banquet restaurant for the 12 course meal. I personally think that eleven courses is the limit, but excess is the name of the game.

After lunch, we rolled on home for a long siesta to rest up for dinner and the evening events.

Before the music, there were flowers for the many couples completing their 50th wedding anniversary and the crowning of the Torrico Beauty Queen.

The weekend was topped off by a village wide BBQ. There was free food and drinks for everyone. By food I mean fatty meats...the more fat the better.

Next year, repeat... but don't forget the earplugs.

The United Statesian

Squatting -- Chinese relaxation

2009-09-03T20:54:00.009+02:00

Man squatting outside the Big Goose Pagoda -- Xian, China

Dear citizens of the world,

This post is about one of those cultural tidbits. Countries are beginning to look similar with the same shops (Walmart), cafes (Starbucks), fast food joints (McDonalds). However, there are still many things that can differenciate cultures or even shock while traveling.

My travel companion was astounded to see so many people squatting in China. Chinese people squat to rest, read a newspaper, talk on mobile phones, take pictures, and to use the WC but Westerners only associate squatting with bowl movements.

Researching the topic I found another post on squatting with a link to a page with the benefits of squatting. A fellow United Statesian posted (a technical) "Seven reasons to squat."

I have to admit that I am not so good at squating (lack of practice); however, it is an important skill for travelers. Lack of knowledge can even lead to injury!

My "squat story" happened on my recent trip to China. We were with a tour group on our way to the sacred mountain of Hua Shan. The minibus stopped and we had very little time to do our business. The facilities were a semi-closed concrete block with three porcelain holes -- no privacy. I went into full squat, did my best to not fall in the hole while ... , but when I got up again I realized that I had re-injured my thigh (an old cycling injury).

A trip to a sacred mountain of more then 2000 meters (with dizzyingly high cliffs) and my injury comes from squating in a public toilet... go figure. Before traveling, I should have read these instructions on how to use a squat toilet...

The next day in Xian, I saw a man in a toilet (no walls) who was squating, smoking and reading the newspaper... now that's talent!

The United Statesian

PS Got a squat story? Post a comment by clicking on the link just below...

Demon Dogs - Part II

2009-09-02T20:41:00.008+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

Yes, the Demon Dogs have attacked! and they are winning.

The return to normal has been rude. Hours before my return, I came down with a serious sore throat. I have lost my voice in 24 hours; only able to communicate by blog.

The sad part is, the kids won't even be back for a week! I don't have a good reason to be sick!

I thought is was psychological at first (post-vacation syndrome), but my tongue has a yellow-green blanket and my throat is red and swollen.

C'est la vie,

The United Statesian

PS This Demon Dog is actually a bird, but I am sure that you get the picture and we can stick with the lovely theme of Demon Dogs, without confusing things with Demon Birds which does not sound scary enough...

Demon Dogs and the unwilling return to normal!

2009-08-28T17:36:00.008+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

The Demon Dogs of September have returned.

They have sunk their bloodthirsty teeth.

The unwilling return to normal has begun!

School is starting soon and September 1st marks the beginning of the end...

...may God have mercy on us all!

The United Statesian

Photo contests - "How to choose?"

2009-08-28T16:58:00.010+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

I am now trying to send photos to participate in as many photo contests as possible. It is a great way to learn and an incentive to improve.

The hard part is choosing the photos. The art of photography is so subjective; each contest has so many possible winners. It is also very personal. Many pictures I take mean something to me, but I don't know how others see them...or what they see. Even if two people agree that they like a photo, they probably don't like it for the same reasons.

The above picture is from a bridge over the Bosphorus, outside of Istanbul:

it is taken in winter,

the weather is cold and crisp,

the shot is taken in Europe,

but the far shore is Asia,

the massive bridge dwarfs the container ship,

the mosque in the foreground is plain, elegant, clean,

double minarets are complimented by the double supports of the bridge,

smaller boats at the bottom help balance the picture and reinforce the contrasts,

both modern and new...

Many more aspects connected to the photo are impossible to see (but they are important to me):

The water is full of thousands of jellyfish,

It is my birthday,

smells of Turkey from the market nearby,

the fuzzy feeling I have after having a hot Turkish coffee,

the cold winter air and the warm afternoon sun,

...

This picture got me a 7th place in a competition years ago. Now I need to choose another picture for a new (colour) photo contest. Do you like it? What do you see? What do you feel?

Any and all comments are welcome. Please forward the link to anyone that would be interested in commenting.

The United Statesian

The "Pueblo" - Torrico

2009-08-24T19:58:00.013+02:00

Citizens of the world,

Today, the topic is the Spanish "Pueblo" (Village). El Pueblo is a very important part of Spanish culture - almost everyone has one, but nobody seems to actually live there.

Most Spaniards live in big or medium sized cities, but that was not always the case. Urban areas have expanded greatly over the past two generations, but there is still a strong link to the pueblo.

The average age of some pueblos is over 60 - a few smaller villages have died out completely. However, there are still thousands of Pueblos that survive, in most part, thanks to the strong family and cultural bonds.

When we are not climbing mountains or traveling, we go to Torrico, our pueblo. The main reason is to visit family, but it is also a way to get away from the pollution and stress of the big city, relax, disconnect, and to get your hands dirty in the fields.

El pueblo also survives for practical reasons. For many families the pueblo and the extended family serve as a cheap babysitter for the long summer and winter breaks.

We usually go there to relax and swap travel stories; however, this weekend, end of August / begining of September, the San Gil Fiestas (the big annual bash) will be in full swing for a week.

The population of the pueblo doubles with everyone coming home and then doubles again at night with all the nearby villages that come to party.

An average day might go a bit like this:

The key word is excess!

14:00 Wake up after a fitful sleep (the party never really ends and the clean up crew is excessively noisy).
14:00 to 16:00 Have brunch and complain about stomach pains, from excessive eating, and the excessive heat.

16:00 to 18:00 Sleep siesta if you can find a shady spot or aircon to fight the 38ºC heat.
18:30 Have a snack (eating in excess) to recuperate from the long siesta.
19:00 to 21:00 Hang out at pool, taking dips to avoid the excessive heat and avoiding excessive use of energy
22:00 Eat a long dinner with excessive abandon ... nothing spared
to 02:00 Hanging out, getting dressed up and waiting for the right time to go out. Most people start arriving at 2:00 and the party gets into full swing at 4:00 or 5:00. There is an excessive amount of alcohol, but few get drunk, the music is excessively loud and the food keeps coming at all hours.
7:00 People are excessively tired from all the excess and try to get some rest to attack the next day of partying. Hard core group that arrived at 4:00 am party until 10 or 11 in the morning (when it is excessively hot to continue)...

...do for a few days and repeat each year at the same time...

The United Statesian

Toilets - Part I "Achtung! Sit Booboo Sit!"

2009-08-18T12:09:00.007+02:00

Dear citizens of the world,

My thoughts have now moved towards the little talked about, but crucial topic of toilets.

This subject may seem benign or vulgar, but as soon as you mention the topic with friends who have traveled extensively there is a digresion that could go on indefinitly.

Each country has it's quarkes, but today I limit myself to Germany and the "Stand or Sit?" debate. Being a United Statesian male I have always been a Stander - always raising the seat, getting close and taking good aim. However, Germans - and a few other cultures - are firm believers that sitting is the way to go (see pictures).

Sitters believe that it is more hygenic because of the splatter effect.

Even a good Stander will always have some splatter effect going on.

At first, the idea seemed like an attack on manhood. On one of my first visits to Germany, while relieving myself, there was a knock on the door and a female voice with a German accent, "I hear zyoo, zyoo are ztandinnnng."

The idea of your "private time" being policed is very un-United Statesian...you feel invaded.

It took a while, but I got used to the idea...and even tend to agree with the Sitters.

When you are the one doing the cleaning, it gets even easier to change sides. However, I still enjoy - can you use "enjoy" for this type of thing? - standing up while using public urinals and during nature breaks.

Standing is still the natural thing, but sitting while in a home is the Richtig thing to do.

The United Statesian