Re-posted on StylePage
Monday, July 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A pyros daydream
On March 18th, my awesome companions and I decided to embark on a mini excursion through the best means of traveling there is, ROAD TRIP !!!! to a location that promised to be blazing Valencia, Espana. Friday morning bright as all glory we approached the rental car stations with visions of grandeur which were quickly buffered by the un-courteous Spanish service. After a timely bout with a fool, we grasp victory and began our voyage to LAS FALLAS.
God Bless Esteban, our driver, whom without having touched stick shift in years volunteered to drive 7 hours to the coast of Spain for the sake of our enjoyment ( and his as well ). The cost of renting cars isn't too expensive. I believe it was about 60 E total for stick shift but 150 E for automatic, so in order to save some face, we got one of each. The drive itself was wonderful. I said before that the best means of traveling is a Road trip with friends. Though extensive , it gave us the time to share our life stories, goals, wants, experiences e.t.c. I truly enjoyed the company of the individuals in my car as well as the other car... they're allright , i suppose.
We arrived safe and sound, though a little disheveled in a little town nearby Valencia. Half of us stayed at a hostel and the other half stayed in the city proper with a friend of Estebans. The little town was precious as well because a beach was a minute walking distance from the hostel. After settling we obtain just a simple taste of the massive paper mache statues that litter the streets. We took a train into town and our eyes feasted on even more. After the craziness of the completely packed train stations, we walked around and were frightened by infants,little kids, grown men and elderly women ( people of all kinds) throwing firecrackers in every direction.
When we met up with our gracious host Phil, we meander through the streets and were even more amazed at all the gargantuan satirical artwork in the form of the " fallas" & of course even more infants in the streets throwing firecrackers.After gorging our faces we headed to a main square for an enormous firework show that rivaled any fourth of july spectacle that I have ever seen. And after the party,is the after party o'course. When we met up with our group and a few new friends , we headed to a bottellon and passed time until we feared we might see the sun.
The next day , guess what we saw ? FIREWORKS !!! Since the First of March there have been fireworks set of in the city central at 2 30. EVERY DAY. we got there at 1:30 just to find a decent spot to stand and it was already densely populated. Now this firework show felt more like a World War II battle. The sky show was spectacular but I felt like the ground was shaking as well. After this wonder and a little deafening of the ears, we searched for more magnificent Fallas to admonish. Hunger hit eventually and we all gathered for a Valencia specialty, PAELLA !! Fed and fulfilled, we wandered more and soon the clock stroke 10, which is when the first fallas are set aflame. Before every fallas is set aflame there is a firework show. The bigger the fallas, the bigger the show, the bigger the fall, and the bigger the heat from the flames. I saw three of these babies set aflame but could not make it to the the destruction of the second biggest falla ( The biggest won is not set aflame but is instead put in a museum which it should because it costs millions of dollars to produce ).
All in all , as a former pyro, I got my fair of explosions that night and thought about purchasing an earing aid for the upcoming week. The next morning to change up the element a bit we went to the aquarium. Well , the Parque de Ciencias which contains an aquarium and really great looking buildings whose purpose I did not know. It was completely beautiful and shat on Granadas parque de Ciencas. After that we met our companions and drove off into the Sunset and through the mountains to Home Sweet Pomengrante ( Granada in english ). El fin del fuego.
in case you didn't know;
"Las Fallas is a festival in Valencia that celebrates St. Joseph's day every year. The unique thing is that artists spend the entire year crafting these gigantic and elaborate "floats" of wood and paper maché. Most of them have some sort of satirical message or political commentary involved. During Las Fallas, over 300 of these are strewn throughout the city for visitors to enjoy! "
now you know, enjoy;
the WINNER! it was called "El cazador cazado" - "the hunter hunted." it explored the idea of nature turning the tables - if humans weren't at the top of the food chain. "
-As i stated in my last post, mi camera no tiene mas vida pues estas picturas son de courtesidad de mis amigas Tomas y Kelsey. Muchas Gracias para tus ayuda.
God Bless Esteban, our driver, whom without having touched stick shift in years volunteered to drive 7 hours to the coast of Spain for the sake of our enjoyment ( and his as well ). The cost of renting cars isn't too expensive. I believe it was about 60 E total for stick shift but 150 E for automatic, so in order to save some face, we got one of each. The drive itself was wonderful. I said before that the best means of traveling is a Road trip with friends. Though extensive , it gave us the time to share our life stories, goals, wants, experiences e.t.c. I truly enjoyed the company of the individuals in my car as well as the other car... they're allright , i suppose.
We arrived safe and sound, though a little disheveled in a little town nearby Valencia. Half of us stayed at a hostel and the other half stayed in the city proper with a friend of Estebans. The little town was precious as well because a beach was a minute walking distance from the hostel. After settling we obtain just a simple taste of the massive paper mache statues that litter the streets. We took a train into town and our eyes feasted on even more. After the craziness of the completely packed train stations, we walked around and were frightened by infants,little kids, grown men and elderly women ( people of all kinds) throwing firecrackers in every direction.
When we met up with our gracious host Phil, we meander through the streets and were even more amazed at all the gargantuan satirical artwork in the form of the " fallas" & of course even more infants in the streets throwing firecrackers.After gorging our faces we headed to a main square for an enormous firework show that rivaled any fourth of july spectacle that I have ever seen. And after the party,is the after party o'course. When we met up with our group and a few new friends , we headed to a bottellon and passed time until we feared we might see the sun.
The next day , guess what we saw ? FIREWORKS !!! Since the First of March there have been fireworks set of in the city central at 2 30. EVERY DAY. we got there at 1:30 just to find a decent spot to stand and it was already densely populated. Now this firework show felt more like a World War II battle. The sky show was spectacular but I felt like the ground was shaking as well. After this wonder and a little deafening of the ears, we searched for more magnificent Fallas to admonish. Hunger hit eventually and we all gathered for a Valencia specialty, PAELLA !! Fed and fulfilled, we wandered more and soon the clock stroke 10, which is when the first fallas are set aflame. Before every fallas is set aflame there is a firework show. The bigger the fallas, the bigger the show, the bigger the fall, and the bigger the heat from the flames. I saw three of these babies set aflame but could not make it to the the destruction of the second biggest falla ( The biggest won is not set aflame but is instead put in a museum which it should because it costs millions of dollars to produce ).
All in all , as a former pyro, I got my fair of explosions that night and thought about purchasing an earing aid for the upcoming week. The next morning to change up the element a bit we went to the aquarium. Well , the Parque de Ciencias which contains an aquarium and really great looking buildings whose purpose I did not know. It was completely beautiful and shat on Granadas parque de Ciencas. After that we met our companions and drove off into the Sunset and through the mountains to Home Sweet Pomengrante ( Granada in english ). El fin del fuego.
in case you didn't know;
"Las Fallas is a festival in Valencia that celebrates St. Joseph's day every year. The unique thing is that artists spend the entire year crafting these gigantic and elaborate "floats" of wood and paper maché. Most of them have some sort of satirical message or political commentary involved. During Las Fallas, over 300 of these are strewn throughout the city for visitors to enjoy! "
now you know, enjoy;
Una falla
the WINNER! it was called "El cazador cazado" - "the hunter hunted." it explored the idea of nature turning the tables - if humans weren't at the top of the food chain. "
-As i stated in my last post, mi camera no tiene mas vida pues estas picturas son de courtesidad de mis amigas Tomas y Kelsey. Muchas Gracias para tus ayuda.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Que triste !
the beginning of March marks the annual carnival celebration in Espana. Carnival is a festive season which occurs before lent, it typically involves a public celebration or parades with elements of a circus. Most people dress up or masquerade during the celebration.The biggest celebration ( in Andalusia ) is held in Cadiz. So of course, we had to go. Cadiz was extremely beautiful before the clock stroked 9. We arrived there and were flooded with a sea of natives and foreigners young and old in all sorts of disfraces (costumes ), bands of joyous citizens marching around the streets celebrating life. We also spent some time gallivanting around the gorgeous Cadiz beach. I really enjoyed it but that was the quiet before the storm. By the time we returned for more celebration, the streets were loitered with masses of drunken revelers indulging in the boisterous festivities. It was a sight to see for sure. And i was enjoying this site until I discovered my camera had been stolen out of a friends bag..... Sucky.... but usually not enough to completely destroy my happiness... but that event coupled with random people grabbing at me and just staring ( most likely, as i was told by one of these nuisances, because they hadn't seen a black girl before 0_o ). All that just completely killed the mood, but not to be a complete debbie downer, i did enjoy the celebration before the chaos. Hopefully some photos surface from the event. I felt handicapped for about a week because i no longer have a camera but at the same time many people in my group have had things stolen or lost so it wasn't completely unexpected. I am more so thankfully that I was not in any danger
The misfortune at Carnaval was followed with a week full of disastrous event after disastrous event. First , the news about the Exchange student who was found dead in a river in Madrid. Not only did this news scare me a bit, and made me even more aware how careful one needs to be , it also made me appreciate my life and my experiences thus far. I am just extremely thankful to God for my safety and for every opportunity I have encountered. The next devastating news was about Japan. The imagery from the news program could make anyone believe the world is ending. My heart goes out to the Japanese population because nature's retaliation is the worst persecution. I will continue to pray that the nation will be able to rebuild after these devastations and also for the people of Japan.
Anyway, twas a sad week but namaste, all is well.
xx
The misfortune at Carnaval was followed with a week full of disastrous event after disastrous event. First , the news about the Exchange student who was found dead in a river in Madrid. Not only did this news scare me a bit, and made me even more aware how careful one needs to be , it also made me appreciate my life and my experiences thus far. I am just extremely thankful to God for my safety and for every opportunity I have encountered. The next devastating news was about Japan. The imagery from the news program could make anyone believe the world is ending. My heart goes out to the Japanese population because nature's retaliation is the worst persecution. I will continue to pray that the nation will be able to rebuild after these devastations and also for the people of Japan.
Anyway, twas a sad week but namaste, all is well.
xx
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Mad Town
Andalucias "labor day " was on Feb 28. No one is at work, no school, so of course, we took a little weekend trip. The beach in Nerja was our first intent but we figured we can only be beach bums for so many hours so instead we book a took a bus to Madrid !!
I have heard mixed reviews about Madrid. Some love its cosmopolitan feel, others feel like it does not contain distinct Spaniard motifs. My interpretation is that it is the best of both worlds. Though Madrid is very cosmopolitan ( it has a nifty metro system and loads to do ), its also contains certain treasures that make it a joy to explore.
I was fortunate to stay with a new friend's old friend, who was simply amazing. We arrived at the train station , she came to pick us home , took us back to her precious apartment where we relaxed a bit then jetsetted towards the metro.
Madrid to me, is a mix of Summer Time Chicago and Disneyland ( yeah, greatness ). We went out to eat at this cute little restaurant by the Park , met up with friends then explored Sol. SOL IS INCREIBLE ! ( Heres where the DisneyLand part came from ) and the Plaza Mayor is beautiful ,large and everyone was out enjoying the gorgeous Saturday Afternoon. We walked around more, then went to the Biggest Park in Spain and just enjoyed the atmosphere ( which is the best thing to do when traveling ). When it got dark ,we made plans for the night. The move for the night was Pacha, and that...was...just..epic.
The next morning we decided to be more touristy, went to the Museo de Reina Sofia, Museo de Prado, the botanical gardens, the palace, plaza de Espana ( flop) but first THE BIGGEST FLEA MARKET IN EUROPE. treasures were found, and another sequin piece for my collection :)
I have heard mixed reviews about Madrid. Some love its cosmopolitan feel, others feel like it does not contain distinct Spaniard motifs. My interpretation is that it is the best of both worlds. Though Madrid is very cosmopolitan ( it has a nifty metro system and loads to do ), its also contains certain treasures that make it a joy to explore.
I was fortunate to stay with a new friend's old friend, who was simply amazing. We arrived at the train station , she came to pick us home , took us back to her precious apartment where we relaxed a bit then jetsetted towards the metro.
Madrid to me, is a mix of Summer Time Chicago and Disneyland ( yeah, greatness ). We went out to eat at this cute little restaurant by the Park , met up with friends then explored Sol. SOL IS INCREIBLE ! ( Heres where the DisneyLand part came from ) and the Plaza Mayor is beautiful ,large and everyone was out enjoying the gorgeous Saturday Afternoon. We walked around more, then went to the Biggest Park in Spain and just enjoyed the atmosphere ( which is the best thing to do when traveling ). When it got dark ,we made plans for the night. The move for the night was Pacha, and that...was...just..epic.
The next morning we decided to be more touristy, went to the Museo de Reina Sofia, Museo de Prado, the botanical gardens, the palace, plaza de Espana ( flop) but first THE BIGGEST FLEA MARKET IN EUROPE. treasures were found, and another sequin piece for my collection :)
So tired from lack of sleep the night before and our adventures the day of, we decided to relaxed and enjoy the company of new friends. Always an excellent idea.
The morning after, we touched bases at the Museums we missed, but more so enjoy the morning air at a local coffee shop before our departure to the land of the Granadas.
Twas a succint but highly enjoyable excursions. Will defintely be touching down in the city before I evacuate Espana
Sol Metro Stop
Always a Do.
Entrance to the Gran Park
Pascha type of Night.
At the Royal Palace
Biggest Flea Market in Euro where i discovered neither my time or my money was sufficient.
Thank Goodness
NOW.... GO !!
xx
Monday, February 28, 2011
Why Brussels ?
Well its proximity to Amsterdam, twas only a couple hours bus ride for a low price.
Its the center of the EU, lots of cool and official buildings.
Beer and Chocolate.
Very diverse city.
Our first view of the city wasn't the prettiest one, and in fact Brussels is not a pretty city in any great regard. But beside those things lifted above, I discovered that the plaza ( which is surrounded by Baroque style ornate buildings, which are such beauties !! ) and the official areas of government are great treasures of the city. After lack of sleep in Amsterdam and for fear that our legs would turn to jelly, our group decided to rest more whilst in Brussels. Because of this action, we were able to meet and dine with people from our hostel then follow that with a great Valentines night .
The next day was touring of sites and such. Brussels isn't the biggest city and doesn't have the greatest attractions but simply meandering about gives one great pleasure in itself. Saw the pissing boy, the government buildings, the best view of the city, and ate loads of loads of chocolate, given to us freely by shop workers. Later that night we headed to Delirium. Which is just a must visit if you're in Brussels. In the same strip of town as Delirium are other venues that seemed just as grand.
Last morning , found a great flea market then re-explored sites.
Honestly, Brussels was not a favorite but i enjoyed the treasures we found in the city.
Met some great people, as well, whom i will never see again.
Thus is Life.
xx
* Don't judge my writing or do judge. I tend to start and end sentences how i see fit and place comas and other apostrophes in a manner that pleases me. I try not to do this in formal writing, but its my own little form of rebellion.
Its the center of the EU, lots of cool and official buildings.
Beer and Chocolate.
Very diverse city.
Our first view of the city wasn't the prettiest one, and in fact Brussels is not a pretty city in any great regard. But beside those things lifted above, I discovered that the plaza ( which is surrounded by Baroque style ornate buildings, which are such beauties !! ) and the official areas of government are great treasures of the city. After lack of sleep in Amsterdam and for fear that our legs would turn to jelly, our group decided to rest more whilst in Brussels. Because of this action, we were able to meet and dine with people from our hostel then follow that with a great Valentines night .
The next day was touring of sites and such. Brussels isn't the biggest city and doesn't have the greatest attractions but simply meandering about gives one great pleasure in itself. Saw the pissing boy, the government buildings, the best view of the city, and ate loads of loads of chocolate, given to us freely by shop workers. Later that night we headed to Delirium. Which is just a must visit if you're in Brussels. In the same strip of town as Delirium are other venues that seemed just as grand.
Last morning , found a great flea market then re-explored sites.
Honestly, Brussels was not a favorite but i enjoyed the treasures we found in the city.
Met some great people, as well, whom i will never see again.
Thus is Life.
Treasures
fail.
xx
* Don't judge my writing or do judge. I tend to start and end sentences how i see fit and place comas and other apostrophes in a manner that pleases me. I try not to do this in formal writing, but its my own little form of rebellion.
Never out of Style
I am an avid fan of people-watching
And as a people watcher myself, Spain
and traveling gives me lots of material.
I am also an avid fan of design and
Fashion. If that isn't the perfect marriage,
I don't know what is .
AMSTERDAM
Simply Style
One of the few couples in Europe not all over each other
And as a people watcher myself, Spain
and traveling gives me lots of material.
I am also an avid fan of design and
Fashion. If that isn't the perfect marriage,
I don't know what is .
AMSTERDAM
One of the few couples in Europe not all over each other
BRUSSELS
Swagged Out
The second couple in Europe not all over each other.
xx
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Keep your feet on the ground and nod to the Stars"
So my school, CEGRI randomly gives us a week of holiday called Semana Blanca. No other school in Granada as this so we feel pretty spectacular. This trip occurred last minute, simply because...that is my life. Nonetheless I had a great time, exploring, walking and visiting great sites in both cities ( and I'm not counting the Pissing Boy as one of those )
Just like in Spain, we saw enormous amounts of Barbara Streisand ( the act of excessive snogging in public.over-the-top-in-your-face Pda ) Perhaps because it was Valentines day weekend, or perhaps because we are in Europe. Either way, we shall not focus on that, but instead i shall present and discuss some of the finer aspects of this wonderful trip.
I embarked on this wonderful trip with 5 other classmates, and since almost no flights leave from Granada, we had to bus it to the large but vacant aeropuerto of Malaga.The actual traveling part of vacation is almost never fun but we managed to make the best of all. In the land of the dams, we stayed at Shelter City Jordan ( a Christian hostel and highly recommended ) which was neighbors with the Anne Frank House. There is another Shelter City that is in the midst of the Red Light District ...F.Y.I. The last night we hostel hopped to Stayok Vondelpark ( the more fun of the two because it reminded me of dorm life in good ways , of course )
I'll let the pictures do most of the talking but a few things.
Anne Frank Huis- Necessary , Please do . 9 E
Van Gogh Museum - Also do. 14 E
Free Tour- but donations requested at end. Its 3 hrs, its great ! (Price as you wish )
Coffee Shop- Also fun, we went a little Coffee Shop hopping the last night ( Price....as you wish)
Red Light District- Surreal, Legal. Go if you please, but you cannot take pictures. Not only will your life be treated, but your body and personal items will be maltreated by the workers. ( Price...as you wish )
Walk around & get lost- As much as possible. ( Priceless )
I shall not talk about chocolate anymore,
because that would just be rehashing, but do
have either some chocolate or some fries..
because eating anything else gets kinda expensive :)
Thank you.
If you want to want to breathe Snoop Dogg and Lady Gaga's air, you could visit here
Squatting House
Dam Square- Important Meeting point of the Free Tours
Love that Dutch Architecture
Because.. bikes rule that place
Though it drizzled and was chilly most of our time there.
Amsterdam left a ray of sunshine in my eyes.
I saw all kinds of people, English is spoken so be at ease.
Everyone was pretty friendly...some were a bit off....
You have a high chance of getting hit by a bike, as I did.
But you also have a high chance of just enjoying the ambiance.
Go.
Tip : Travel to Eindhoven ( its cheaper , and the city has great architecture )
Pay....or don't pay for a train ticket to Amsterdam. I made the mistake of paying .
Befitting Song : Amsterdam- Peter Bjorn & John
xx
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