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.