La Fuente de la Salud/ Patrimonio de Espana

La Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba, España Siglo XVI La Fuente de la Salud (imagen 13) es una obra de patrimonio con importancia de niveles en múltiple atributos. La fuente tiene una importancia en su relación dentro de historia Ibérica, y como un ejemplo de arte de época. La Iconografía y estilo de la fuente son ejemplos de las influencias de Renacimiento y Manierismo. Estas influencias incluyen los autores y que se manifiestan por medio de las propiedades escultóricas y arquitectónicas. Los autores principales de la fuente son el afamado arquitecto Francisco del Castillo (Mozo), y masón Alonso Gonzalez Bailen un maestro de cantería. Castillo (Mozo) quien fue hijo de Francisco del Castillo (viejo) también un arquitecto bien conocido, fue a Italia cuando joven para entrenar y formarse. El Castillo es conocido por su autor manierista importante Español, cuyos ejemplos de su obra incluye la Real Chancillería de Granada y La Fuente Nueva de Martos. Alonzo Gonzalez Bailen era del pueblo de Priego y también fue autor de una variada tipología de fuentes y otras labores propias de la cantería. Más conocido por obras renacentistas, otros ejemplos pueden ser encontrados en Écija, Granada, Córdoba y Toledo. Aunque La fuente fue construida para canalizar el agua para el uso del pueblo de Priego la iconografía y simbolismo de la fuente indica sentimientos históricos de política, religiosas y cultural. Leyenda dice que el lugar de la fuente fue el campamento del Rey Alfonso XI durante la reconquista alrededor del año 1341. La prosperidad y crecimiento del área fue cataliza de su construcción de finales del siglo XVI (1585). La fuente de la salud pertenece al estilo manierista y nos muestra influencias de La transición entre renacimiento y Barroco. El conjunto destaca por su belleza, monumentalidad y lenguaje austero, cualidades apreciables en el tipo de iconografía y simbología heráldica empleada, que revela a su vez una doble intencionalidad: práctica o de infraestructura urbana, y de ornamentación propagandística tanto del poder municipal como del monárquico. Detalles estructurales de la fuente incluyen un variedad de temas individuales iconográficos para formar la fuente. Está compuesta por un amplio frontispicio que su superficie de la construcción presenta almohadillado de mármoles polícromos. Centrada es un hornacina donde esta situada una estatua de la virgen de Cabeza (Imagen no.1), algunas fuentes de información cuentan que la estatua es la Virgen de la Salud por lo cual dicho fuente esta nombrado. La información mejor indica que la virgen es Nuestra señora de Cabeza, además la iconografía de lo que ella lleva en su mano indica que es La virgen de la Cabeza. En el año 1985 la virgen fue robada y una replica fue hecha. También hay dos leones (Imagen,2 y 3) de representación clásica situada encima de la pared como son guardando. Hay tres lugares con texto, dos encima de la pared (Imagen. 4) y uno directamente debajo del alberge de la estatua del Virgen (Imagen. 5). Hay dos figuras encima de la pared arrollando y mirando hacia el vértice con sus manos dispuesto como son orando. Estos imágenes puede ser santos o Jesús, una piedra esta quebrada y la otra parece que puede representar rayos o un árbol (Imagen. 6 y 7). La Fuente tiene figuras abajo que representan temas cristianos, Hay un hombre que parece como un pastor con sus ovejas tal como las leyendas y referencias bíblicas que hablan de Jesucristo y los que buscan salvación (Imagen 8). Otras viñetas distribuidas en la fachada son unas caras que están un poco borradas y las figuras de míticos Griegos como Neptuno, Anfitrite y la Medusa (Imagen. 9, 10,11). Hay otra parte decorativa que se refiere a motivo de agua y sirven para reforzar idealismo de estilos renaciste y manierismo. El significado de incluir a Neptuno, Anfitrite, y Medusa son los elementos más poderosos y puede referir a una variedad de temas. Probablemente se refiere a que Neptuno es responsable con la creación de manantiales caóticos, con un golpe de tierra con su tridente. El agua que sale del manantial fue y todavía es creada para ser santísima y es usada para bautizar y curar. Tal vez el conjunto con el nombre de la fuente en un tema relacionado. Además, aunque Neptuno tuvo relaciones con Medusa en el Templo de Anfitrite, creo que estas relaciones son incluidas por sus referencias de poder femenina y los ciclos en el mundo, de la vida, la muerte, la fertilidad y la salud. Anfitrite y su escudo y la cabeza de Medusa con serpientes tienen conexiones a temas de protección y guerra y tal vez se refiere al lugar histórico por la campamiento de Alfonso XI y la reconquista. Probablemente la importancia de Medusa y su cabeza de serpientes representan temas de renacimiento, como cuando la serpiente pierde su piel. La sangre de Medusa también tenia poder, una gota de su sangre puede ser veneno y matarte pero a otra podría curar, puede ser que haya referencias a ¨pharmakos¨ y las referencias a purificación. La Fuente de la Salud es un obra de patrimonio con importancia de niveles en múltiple atributos. La fuente tiene una importancia en su relación dentro de historia Ibérica, y como un ejemplo de arte de época sirviendo como ejemplo de los movimientos artísticos y de la arquitectura Española. La Iconografía y estilo de la fuente son ejemplos de las influencias de Renacimiento y Manierismo. Estas influencias incluyen los autores y que se manifiestan por medio de las propiedades escultóricas y arquitectónicas. Además un mezcla de iconografía cristiana y mítica clásica son utilizada para dar importancia en una manera espiritual y memorial histórica para la comunidad. Imagen 1 Virgen Detalle Fuente de la Salud Foto Autor, Michael Barger, 2012

Imagen 2 Detalle, leone Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 3 Detalle, base de leone (D) Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 4 Detalle, Piedra con Texto Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 5 Detalle, Piedra con Texto (virgen) Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 6 Detalle, Santo orando Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 7 Detalle, Santo orando Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 8 Detalle, Pastor con Ovejas Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 9 Detalle, Neptuno Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 10 Detalle, Anfrite Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 11 Detalle, Medussa Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 12 Detalle Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Imagen 13 Fuente de la Salud Priego de Córdoba Foto autor, Michael Barger 2012

Subida Vertical Pico Tinosa

Pictures and video from my goPro camera during a race in Priego de Cordoba, Spain. The race was 22 km that included a 3000 plus ft. climb to the top of Mt. Tinosa. I had a great time during the very intense event, great group of people and super athletes. The winning time was 1 hour 40 min. by a very affable beast of a runner named Saed ( I took a picture with him hoping a bit of talent might rub off!!) my time was 2 hour and 50 min. There were a group of about 160 runners and a bunch of hikers who started earlier in the morning. One very cool aspect of the race was starting and finishing at the historic "Fuente del Rey" very cool and there are pictures of it in my previous post, overall this was the most awesome week end Ive had in Spain yet! Surprisingly as much as this race kicked my ass I feel pretty good today!! click on the photo and it will take you to the web album to see videos!!

Priego de Cordoba

Came to Priego de Cordoba to run a race in the mountains and went touring around today...I had no idea it was such an historic place.

14N - - The general strike of Spain

Do things ever go as planned?

I should probably write this post in Spanish (Victoria), but I kind of felt I should just get a post written.....it seems so easy to neglect. Writing in Spanish is still a struggle but is feeling much easier, as is listening which is much more important. I’ll get to the points I want to make about life going as planned but as you can guess by using a little bit of common sense. Life is life and there are so many variables. I had gotten officially registered and started to feel a flow in my course work and class schedule when I’m discovering than I may need to make some changes and it is like trying to solve a Rubix cube making things fit and work. My favorite class thus far is perhaps the most difficult, "psychology of visual perception" fascinating subject. The lectures are the easiest for me to understand, although the complexity of the subject is understandably intense the professor speaks clearly and with an organized teaching method. as opposed to some of my other classes these professors speak with a regional dialect and infuse jokes or other nonsensical bullshit in their meandering lesson plan. Overall I’m happy , yet struggling to comprehend. I must review my notes with a dictionary and it is very slow going. The upside is that I don’t think a person could get this kind of intense language immersion any other way!! And, I can feel my brain aching from the intense concentration required to try and keep up. So, understand that although I am blunt about the short falls or problems of my education here it is in no way unique to Granada. Today I ran a long hard run, I have entered in the Granada Marathon...actually it’s a Half marathon. The event takes place on the 10th of November. I ran about 10 miles up into the foothills above the Alhambra and came down these trails on the side of a mountain that faced the Alhambra, (you must imagine the Alhambra is an icon of the city imposing physically and spiritually above the city.) suddenly I’m running by these make shift homes dug into the side of the hills!! some nice and some squatter style....it is such an odd feeling looking at the majestic presence of the Alhambra and passing squatter Ville. I have yet to tire of touring around this city, walking running with graffiti, trash and dog shit on the sidewalks it is still a functioning enigma that constantly feels like a visual feast with something slightly new to offer around each corner or down each little street! There are these strikes they call them, "manifestations" organized student protests that I have yet to witness, you can hear them....kids talk about them in class in an organized way, discussing if they will attend, how much class we can miss etc.,. It is sooo interesting to see the interaction here between the students, people and teachers, much different than in the US, it’s like a passionate interactive dialogue taking place (in class)and many join in....very cool!! there will be more of these organized demonstrations and I hope to get some good video and pictures. Last thing I must say today is thanks to all of you who have supported me in this crazy adventure, your kind words of support, interest and Love mean a lot to me....Thank You Very much, you know who you are!! XOXO

La Peza Con La Familia

Fuimos la casa a La Peza con la intencion de ver un poco de sangreia....pero llegaremos tarde y los Toros ya han corrido. Entonces subimos el cerro, comimos cosas que fue un tipo de carne, bebimos cerveza, vino y cafecitos....anduvimos , anduvimos, no se como decir "hitch hiked" viajar por dedo?? eso!! aqui son los fotos.... ahhh tambien veamos algunas casa cuevas...interesante...

Roommates!!!

This week the house filled up with my new roommates, and the texture of my living situation has changed dramatically. So we are five, 2 Spanish, 1 Chinese, 1 Italian, and 1 American, the international dynamic adds a completely fresh layer to my already new experience. We are 2 guys and 3 Girls, let me describe briefly what I think I know of them so far…..Jose Alberto is an engineer (I think) from Spain who has a great sense of humor easy to be around and is learning English and he likes western movies. He is the only non-full time student. Carmen, the most recent to move in is from somewhere by Cadiz, which is and area I want to visit badly. Carmen is getting her masters in some kind of biological science thing and to make things worse is super attractive. She always has a pleasant smile the kind that shows in ones eyes. Then there is the sweetest person in the world, Weijei Li is the youngest of our crew she is from a large city in China and prefers to be called Aurora which fits her radiant personality to a “T”. She has been in Spain a year already studying something business like. She loves to cook traditional Chinese food and loves to share we are going to get along great. Finally there is Alesia from northern Italy she just flew in to Granada to complete some kind of tourism based degree through a work study internship (I think). Alesia and I walked around the city yesterday visiting the Alhambra, some Galleries and museums, and old churches. Not only does Alesia have serious Diva qualities (the good kind, like unassuming confidence and beauty) but she is fluent in at least 3 languages and is working on 2 more, Chinese and Finnish (eeeek!) Class this week was intense but not overwhelming, Ive got to do a lot of vocabulary research and review to make sure I am up to speed in my two classes that are more academic bases, Iconography (study of mythological and religious imagery used in art and architecture) and Psychology of visual perception. Enjoy the fotos, they are a mix of images from the tour of Granada with Alessia on a warm and sunny Saturday.

Back to School

I just finished the first week of school and it has been a mixed assortment of what I would kindly describe as clusterfuck meets Rambo. Ok well that doesn’t really get me where I wanted in terms of describing things but , sure felt good to write it! When it’s all said and done things are looking and feeling great, there are just some kinks that I expect are exaggerated due to my learning curve of how things operate in… , well Granada. I don’t want to label the entirety of Spain based on one city. Let’s start with the bad and I promise no more swearing. ( If foul language does not offend you? Imagine a lot of explicative words intermingled in the next paragraph) If you ever come here get your banking handled at home, the less you need to visit a bank here the better. I think they are run by Zombies ….I have never seen more sullen slow moving people stamping papers an seemingly doing the most inefficient work in my life. It took me 35 minutes to change 140 dollars this morning with no line! It was like No Ma’am, I do not work for the Taliban. Twice I went to attend a class and there was no class!! Surprise! I keep thinking I’m getting punked or something. Today, after consulting with 3 or 4 different people finally someone discovers!! Ah …don’t know why it’s listed that way but that!!! Class!! Is in another campus across town. Thank you very much, I’ll take the bus because a taxi is 40$$. I got there just in time to be introduced to the professor by some staff who were smiling as they realized that I was that foreign student the vice dean was calling about. The class is Iconography, and it is in this amazing historic building on this hill overlooking the city and next to the Alhambra. It is the institute of restoration and historic preservation, very cool. I’m taking a ceramics sculpture class that is more like a science lab, cleanest place I’ve seen in Granada. Very Very serious about the technical aspect and the detail of clay and ceramics. Two professors teach this class and it took every ounce of my being to focus on what was being said for two hours. It was about the same for advanced sculpture…very nice set up and I love this professor…he is a blast, I have no clue what he said for two hours but we all laughed. Good thing I know how to use most of the equipment. I am very excited about these classes. I think I’ll be fine I can sense I’m starting to get an ear for what is being said. I’ve got a basic photo class ill find out about next week and a class that is about psychological and visual perception of art….cool huh!! Images include -Stairway in the school of restauration and presevation -Road to class -Art Dept luchroom beer tap and juice bar -Sculpture yard

Fin De Semana Granada

Hoy yo compre una cosa que quería por algunos días, dos tazas con la pintura de la virgen de Granada. Fue un anuncio en Ideal, un periódico aquí en Granada. Esta virgen se llama virgen de las angustias. No tengo ningún idea que significa o que ella hace pero creo que es la centenaria celebración de ella aquí. Los imágenes y sentimiento cultural me interés tanto. Me costó 2.90 euro y un compra de esta periódico que fue otro 2.50 euro. Otra cosa que es interesante es que los periódicos tienen siempre un articulo o dos sobre los Artes. Artículos buenos de la historia o be un pintor moderna o algo de educación o cultural. Pero no estoy veando Arte contemporáneo aquí, todo parece de antiguo. Tengo que buscar un poco mas…tengo un sentimiento que Granada no es muy artístico….. Anoche mis amigo arriba me invito a un barbacoa…fue súper. Corrí casi diez miles ayer y estoy muy cansado. Actualmente corrí hasta encima del Alhambra, corrí fuerte y siente muy bien, pero hoy puedo sentirlo en mi cuerpo. Corriendo entre el alhambra fue tan inspiración. Fotos son -la virgen -Veronica, theo y Rafa -Rafa cuand un cerveza exploto en su cara -mis tazas

Embajador de QUE?

Hoy en Granada parece un día con sol, y más sol. Me levante a las ocho para ir a Plaza del Carmen donde esta el ayuntamiento, bueno creo que se llama ayuntamiento. Es el lugar donde trabaja el Alcalde de Granada. Fue invitada ser un embajador o algo¬´……y nosotros estudiantes extranjeros recibiéramos un papelito como un diploma y conociéramos el Alcalde. Yo fui el único de los Estado Unidos, fueron como cinco de Alemania, tres, de Méjico, de Rusia, Escocia. Puse mi camera para sacar un foto automáticamente y el hombre filmando para la televisión se paro enfrente, entonces disculpe que tienes que ver el detrás de esta hombre pero quiero compartir el foto. La sala era muy guapa y me sintió muy chulo. La semana próxima me voy a Sevilla para una carrera. Es una carrera que se hacen en la noche, y corremos viernes a las diez creo. Espero que sea muy interesante, además todos con quien me hablaba de esto dicen que Sevilla es magnifico. Todavía no tengo compi de piso, no sé que esta pasando. Estoy comprando cosas de muchas tiendas y negocios cerca para conocer la gente. Al principio muchas parecen reservadas pero ultimadamente no pueden resistir sonreír hablando conmigo….jajajajaja!

Hey! I got to meet the mayor of Granada...

Okay, I got up this morning at 8am which is like getting up at 2am, I walked to the city center and met with the mayor….got my little certificate, and met about 20 absolutely gorgeous young ladies from Russia, Italy, Moldavia, Scotland, etc. etc., but my favorite was the director of something she is the one in the left of the foto taking the picture. She is closer to my age kind of looked a little like Jenifer Aniston but had this amazing simple classy look, and a smile to kill. So getting up was well worth it….!!! On the way home I bought some grapes and other unrecognizable fruit from the little fruit vendor guy around the corner. On top of his truck he had two birds, each in its own cage. They sort of looked like a cross between a quail and a pheasant. I asked what they were for? “Laying eggs” he laughed hard and explained that they were for hunting. I listened curiously as he explained how he takes them into the woods and they chirp or sing….you know, that thing birds do in cages. And when the other birds, the wild ones come to fight! He shoots them with his shotgun. So they are like live decoys. I don’t remember ever hearing of such a thing.

I’m thinking of doing a sort of bar tour and getting a picture of all the “tapas” appetizers they give you here for free with every beer you order, but I might need help. Walking around this city is still mesmerizing…it is hot but not too hot, there is often a mild breeze as you are walking. The thirst thing is killing me!!! Why you ask? Because these cruel bastards keep their beer on tap at a very icy cold temp., and it is very thirst quenching!!! Of course you are passing people having glasses of it laughing talking eating and drinking about every 100 feet on both sides of the street from 11am till 2pm!! I mean a person only has so much will power. To Hell with will power! I’m in Espana baby, why torture myself, gimme some of that Yummy Ice Cold Goodness!! And that my friends will end this post…gotta go for a walk!!

Mr MaGoo strikes again!!

Ok I had a sorta funny thing happen!! Im walkin down this street and I look up between buildings and these amazing clouds wre forming so I lifted my little camera up and snapped a shot!! the one in this post. well some dude, the one in the picture with the blue shirt and the dog started yelling at me ....something about filming him! I turned around and tried to tell him hey! Im just tring to get a picture of the clouds. as he turned around he tripped over and into some construction man hole type of thing. I went over to him and repeated myself...and he was like...OH!! ok , laughed got up and went on. I felt kida bad but shit he should be more appreciative of being in my photo, (even accidentally)

cant sleep....give me liquids!!

Alrighty….I am going to write a post here and …well, I don’t mean to seem obtuse or jaded or even pissed. I sense a bit of anxiety and that may seem to color my perspective. I haven’t even taken my camera out much yet I feel like I had a breakthrough sort of day!! Go figure?? Really what I think it is …is that this fucking time zone shit is messing with my rest. I actually pushed my snooze button for two and ½ hours. I just can’t get to sleep at nite, I tried running nine miles yesterday and …I’m telling you I ran hard, in under an hour. Shit I was passing people on bikes. So for anyone thinking of travelling like this….I don’t know about anyone else but figure something out. I went to the school of fine arts today and it is called ”Facultad de Bellas Artes” to get some information since the orientation I previously went to on Tuesday was designed for idiots and helped me in no way shape or form. I had expected a more detailed and precise sort of informative session. WRONG, it was about as inefficient as you could make it!! And when I went to leave half way through….they blocked me!!! I’m like, are you fucking kidding me??? I’m a prisoner in an orientation designed by people trying to justify their jobs. I didn’t cry, and I didn’t yell or threaten physical harm upon anyone ….BUT I did want to…actually all at once!! I did the next best thing ….I went and had a bunch of beers and ate some awesome food!! I get up in the morning with my key problema still unsolved…..so I walk to the school of fine arts and discover hey!!!! They are open!! I am still learning that banks and ALL administrative shit you need closes at 2, yep TWO….ok some banks are open till 2; 15. I’m not criticizing Spain, the people or even how things are done. I am just expressing a bit of frustration with my learning curve. OK…in the real world?? Are you ready for this little gem??? Seriously!! Serendipity is boss; it’s always been that way for me!! One way or other things always…I mean ALWAYS work out! And I believe the key to keeping that angel working for you is always being appreciative, always!! Ana Garcia Lopez showed up and took away the fog!! You have know idea how having a little bit of clarity can empower. It like ok, now I get it!! It’s not really a lot different than U of M but it is. Of course as usual I am in a unique situation! Yeah at my age everyone thing I’m a professor, or a grad student, but no sheepishly I may be the first in my family to get a four year degree. Regardless by journey is my journey and the more I travel my path the more I love It. Here are a few quick things particular to Spain or Granada that stand out to me…that may be of interest to you!! - Hagendaz ice cream is about 9$ a pint - I am Always thirsty - There are rarely any drunks or beggars on the street. (despite a depressed economy…some call it a crisis) - There are cute (very cute) young girls everywhere. - Everyone smokes. - Women outwork men by far…. - Ethnicity….don’t even try and guess!!

Endomondo Event

Endomondo Event: has joined the event '24ª edición de la “Carrera Nocturna del Guadalquivir”' on Endomondo. Check it out on: http://www.endomondo.com/event/5451562

Getting my footing...........

Today was a big day. It was big because I landed a place to live that I think will be perfect. Well I looked at some spots that might have been more perfect had I been willing to shell out 500 euros a month. Personally I’d rather put that $$ towards little trips here and there and perhaps a new camera lens or two or three. The place is not the most tidy but it has character, sort of in the general university area but that is not saying much because the University is spread out all over the city ….the sciences in one part and art in another, law and medical over there and here. A professional couple owns the building and they live on the floor above. I have my pick of the five smallish rooms, two have balconies little beds and basically homemade furnishings or stuff you get on the street…simple but functional. They have a small child , she (veronica) is a biologist from Germany and he(Rafa) is an occupational therapist…..they appear to be awesome and down to earth, seriously I feel I lucked out!! We will have to see who fills the other rooms. At 150 euros a month it is a bargain. As I write this I can hear the chatter of people sitting outside just 25 meters down from my balcony. I don’t know if it will get old or tempting because you can get an ice cold yummy beer and an appetizer for under 2 dollars (1.6 euro), hell that’s just over 1 $. These types of places are everywhere…for as liberal as this place is with beer you just don’t see, or I haven’t, the drunks and homeless on the streets that you do in the USA. The bars are about eating and socializing, I have yet to hear any live music emanating from any local. I have walked a lot….seriously miles and miles and miles mesmerized by it all, getting lost but not caring. One trick I learned is to find a bus stop and there are plenty …bus stops always have maps and show the spot right where you are, so you can easily get your bearings. I will post some pictures I took, I lugged my camera gear up to the famous Alhambra ( ok I cheated and took the bus for 1.20 euro) thinking to get some shots around sundown…well its between 15 and 25 euro to get in and I decided to wait since I’m low on euros. I walked down the backside got some great perspective of the area. I can’t wait to get inside! It just looks amazing! Just thinking people lived in this place over 500 years ago and it would still be livable today. Yeah I believe I’m correct in saying Ferdinand and Isabella lived here in 1492 or just thereafter.

Pictures from my walk around Granada

Even when I get lost its ok... but there is plenty to look at always!!

Aprendiendo la Idioma

Bueno, voy a escribir en Español. No puedo cambiar la programa ms word para que funciona en Español. Sufriremos la idioma sin acentos y otra cositas que le hace mas correcto. Primeramente quiero decir que aunque la idioma y los hablantes Españoles aquí en Granada hablan rapido y con palabras que no conozco es difícil, pero, no es tan difícil que esperaba. Una cosita que es interesante, es que dicen “vale” mucho. Me hice un poco de confusión para empezar y de repente lo entendí!!!! Significa en ingles, ya ,OK, yep, uh hu. Vale parece la palabra mas comune....vale eso vale vale vale Otra cosa del idioma que me hace reír un poco es como dice “WiFi”. Pregunte alguno bars o restaurantes sin tenias WiFi…..y , me miraban con esta cara que claramente significa que ellos no entendían de que estaba hablando yo! Una vez cuando mencione “internet” me dijeron “AH! Whiffy!! Quieras whiffy! Todavía no puedo pedir si tienen “WiFi’ sin reírme un poco. Describe mas luego

Yep, I aready got hit by a car!!! DooH!

I went for a run today,actually I ran to see and meet potential room mates. After sitting at an outside cafe drinking beer, eating apetizers and getting to know each other I ran the 3.5 miles back. there are people everywhere....and there are barely any signs or street names... I dont know if I was distracted or drunk BUT...yep I ran right in front of a car!! I bounced off the hood , smile sheepishly and kept running. Ill consider myself lucky! I did serendipotusly find my first room on calle(street) Angel!! Ill post some pictures from my walk around the neighbor hood today!! there is no way I can describe the city and everything around but it has a great feel, busy but not overwhelming. all kinds of side streets with bars and restaurants with outside seating full of people eating and drinking, talking and smoking (yes there are a lot more smokers here). you want to SHOP...!!!?? there are stores and shops EVERYWHERE!! honestly it is very damn cool here....

mmy room at Veronica in madrid

escaping Madrid/Metro lesson...the hard way

I had an interesting time …I guess ? in Madrid….I got a quick lesson in using the metro and although I am traveling very lite it is still killing my shoulders and is a struggle lugging my shit around. The difference in price between bus and train to Granada was almost 90 dollors and took about the same time…so I opted for the the bus. The one thing that stands out is there are a lot of good looking young ladies and zero screaming kids!! Actually there is not one baby, or infant in sight. Well I did make it to the Sophia museum to see Guernica, very cool to see in person, cost 6 euros to get in and the storage locker was free. What struck me the most about seeing this work of Picasso in person after reading and writing what I would consider a decent amount of indept attention was the evident looseness of the painting in general. There was more evidence of under painting than I recall, there was paint drips and what looked like mark making of someone drunk or in an extreme rush. It was a bit more gray than I was expecting. The scale of the work was impressive and deserver more than the 5 minutes I looked at it. Im thinking that the setting was a bit cramped….imho it should have a grander setting at least to allow a view from a bit further away. I feel a little insecure about my Spanish but I have been forced by near desperation and need to reach out for help with directions or other type of assistance….in general the people are friendly but Madrid did have that feel of a bigger city where the drudgery of working outweighed the joy of helping your average imbecile who has no clue of what is going on. Im glad I thing to head to Ganada…I got raped at the euro dollar exchange place so that I might have enough emergency cash. I have never stayed in a hostel before and I felt like I was asking to stay in a whore horse when I was searching in Madrid. I expect it to be different at least I hope I will be in need of a place to sleep and shower that I feel somewhat comfortable in. The last few years have been great preparatory training, with extensive camping, couch surfing, living in a Ronald Mcdonald house and staying in my nephew Blakes room….btw thanks Blake!!

Landing In Spain

Well I have landed in Madrid Spain and the ride was long and interesting. First I sat between two women on the flight from salt lake to Atlanta….Michelle from southern Californian and nina from Montana but originally Irish. Nina, I noticed had a wig and learned she was going through chemo when she had to bolt to the lavatory mid flight. Mean time on my left Michelle was very loud a hair dresser and uber talkative….I mean the entire flight!!! I did enjoy it. I went straight to my connecting Air France flight to Madrid and suddenly felt that excitement…”holy shit this is happening”. I ended up sitting next to a gentleman from Montevideo, super nice guy. I had a window seat and watchd the glow of the sunset as we headed over the atlantic toward europe....wow!! next thing you know...im in Madrid...thinking what in the hell dod I do now?? what bus do I take ? where do I stay? yes you guessed it I made NONE of those plans in advance.... : ) Right now im in a café contemplating taking a bus to Granada…I havent had any luck finding a place to stay the nite, I really wanted to visit the Sophia museum and see the Picasso painting Guernica and tool around Madrid for the day….but honestly this city atmosphere is not good to be lugging around my stuff.

Day One

After months of planning I am finally at the airport in Salt Lake City Utah awaiting an air France flight that will take me to Madrid Spain. My final destination is Granada where I plan to finish up my Art degree. The past few day my dad and my brother worked long days putting in flooring for Seths house, although I am somewhat sore and tired.....it was a great time! I was a bit concerned about the thing I was taking, if it was too much or not enough? In the end I purchased a 40 liter back pack from the Browning outlet, it weighed 26 lbs at check-in, that is all my belongings for what may be a yearlong stay in Spain (menus my camera gear and laptop). Of note is the fact that I am flying on 9/11, sorta wierd but not. hmmm.... I expect to be in Madrid tomorrow morning.