It's one of these perfect lazy Sundays. I don't feel like I have to do anything I don't feel like doing. I slept in until 11. I ran on the tredmill for 3 kms. I cleaned the house a little. Miguel was studying all morning and now feeling ready for a break and something to eat.
We knew that today was 'Romaria' in Rota. I'm still not sure what it is, but it's a left over from Semana Santa. Anyway, we decided to walk to 'Los Pinos' the area just in front of our cul-de-sac, where a forest full of pinetrees divide the road and the beach. There was where heaps of people were gathering to eat the tipical foods and drinks during festivals. We walked around a bit, but feeling left out and not in the mood for partying, we headed back home, bought ourselves 2 liters of beer (Cruzcampo, ofcourse) and some firestarters for the BBQ-for-two-party we wanted to make.
Realizing we didn't have enough charcoal, we hopped in our car and headed out for the gasstation to buy some more. Halfway down the road I opted the use the electric grill instead and we both agreed that would save us the hassle of lighting a BBQ while our hunger grew.
Back at home, all the usual preparing went on. Defrosting the meat, the bread. Heating up the grill that we had put outside on the gardentable with an extension cable. Making a salad. Ow, music, we need music. While figuring out how to use my Ipod on the surround system, my meat got a little burned. You know, the usual stuff.
Once organized, we sat in the sun, eating our grilled meat sandwiches and looking at the dogs happily enjoying the fact of spending time with us at this side of the garden. We recently fenced off some part of the garden as the dog make huge holes and pee everywhere and we wanted to be able to have a BBQ or a lie in the sun without smelling a whiff or dogpee.
As Miguel is studying hard to become a prison guard and he wants to get on the same level as the rest of the (advanced) class, he soon decided it was time for him to go back to studying and I stayed behind in the garden reading an english novel that my friend left behind, acompanied by Gacho, our male dobermann.
After my tanning spot hit the shades, I decided it was time to go inside and leave the dishes for what they are and continue to read my book inside on our new and ever so comfortable sofa.
So now it is almost 9 and time to think about dinner. Miguel has already opted for another BBQ tonight, and we have still one liter of beer left. As I'm writing this blog, drinking a coffee, he comes to see me and ask if I want to go for a walk to the beach. We do this very often and it is very relaxing. When you come home from a small walk you just feel so happy and slightly tired and cosy and all you want is cuddle up on the sofa watching an episode of Gossip Girls or House.
And this is exactly what we'll be doing tonight!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Holy Week, the Whole Week
Semana Santa in Spain.
It's crazy. I mean, they have loads of big celebrations, but this is a really big one. From the beginning of the week there are these huge processions with holy statues which are carried around the city. It's hard to explain, you'd have to see it for yourself to see the scale of it.
The biggest day is the Thursday before Easter, which in Holland it's called 'White Thursday'. My friend Antonio walks in the most important procession starting from 0.00 until 14.00 the next day!
All in all, it was great fun, we hopped from bar to bar and house to house to follow some. My friend Paula invited us over to her flat and we had a great view plus she made the best food ever! I think we ate all before 11 and she was still expecting people to come over. Shame on us...
We spend all night awake. Barely. At 2 o'clock in the night we went to a friends office and were offered some snacks. At 6 we went to Nacho's house to watch the big one, the brotherhood of the Macarena (were my friend Antonio was walking in) and at 8 she finally passed as we received some coffee and breakfast. At 11 o'clock I finally layed in my bed and I never thought I could be sooo tired. At 5 the next day we all went for 'breakfast' with sleepy faces.
I'm glad I did it, I'm glad I survived it too. I don't think I will be doing this every year. Watch some, perfect. But not staying up all night. I need sleep. A lot. I am not ashamed of it. It's just who I am. I like sleeping. And I can sleep anywhere at any time.
So that's the short story about Semana Santa. Hasta la proxima!
A Girly Day
So after a week of intense partying, as it was Semana Santa in Sevilla, I was looking forward to a quiet weekend and as dessert... a Girly Day with Paige in Sevilla.
As I realised I just have been to Sevilla 5 times within 3 weeks, I was still happy (and needless to say somewhat exhausted) to go again. My friend was leaving for Italy the next day and we needed to get her dress fitted before Feria (surprise, surprise, another party in Spain!). After that, I'd go back home and she would spend the night there to catch an early flight.
The night before we left, my friend had dyed some of her clothes pink and was in a slight state of panic as she had to get her stuff packed - and dry. Nevertheless, the morning we were heading out to Sevilla, she was ready and we showed up early to find the bus with the engine on public display. Meaning...we wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
Unfazed, we decided to get some coffee and wait for whatever would happen. A point of view I seemed to have come to adopt while living in Spain. 'See what happens'.
An American older man addresses us, saying we would have plenty of time to take a coffee, as it was obvious the bus wouldn't leave anytime soon. Turns out, he is my neighbour. He lives only 5 houses away. It also turned out he's extremely talkative to a point were both Paige and me wanted some quiet time as she turned to her laptop and me to my book. He didn't seem to notice.
After arriving in Sevilla and saying goodbye to Sam the Fireman (no joke) we got on to grab a cab and to our appointment with our diseñadora (designer).
Paiges dress is simply stunning. It is not a traditional flamenco dress, but it has most of it's features. However, you can both wear it for Feria as for weddings or other special occasions. She fell in love with in the first time she saw it and it's absolutely perfect on her.
When I talked to my mum today she mentioned that my dad was concerned about the dress I had bought. "Does it really has all the ruffles and colours and what not more?" Yes it really has. And it's gorgeous. I have designed it myself, and with some suggestions of the designer, made it to a traditional yet modern flamenco dress. White, black and yellow are the colours. I just love it. It's heavy, but it fits like a glove! I'll have to send a picture of the dress to my dad, and see what he says then.
By the time we were done, and absolutely starving, we went for a fantastic lunch and quite a bit healthier than the previous meals we devoured during Semana Santa.
Simply a lovely day, including a frantic hair-flower search and an impossible to localize El Corte Inglés. It's official...I'm the worlds worst city tourguide!
Soon it was time to say goodbye and got a cab to her hotel. I had until then not yet decided if it was better to stay for another 20 minutes or just continue with the cab. I ended up deciding the last. The cab driver, however, wasn´t pleased as there is some stop and pay thing happening where it is appearantly custom to inform him about a drop-off and go-further drive. How the heck should I know these things? I don't get cabs everyday. He starts complaining about that, explaining me he'd have to charge me the starting fee, while stopping the car and turn the meter on and off again. I make a joke about the economic crisis, which he didn't take that well. Hey I really don't care about paying an Euro more! But...we end up chatting quite pleasantly about Semana Santa, La Feria, Americans, and the fact that he spend his summers in Rota, where I live. That seemed to create a bond and he offers a truce by giving me a discount. (I REALLY don't fret about paying the goddam extra euro). We end up at the station as I need to take the bus back home. Another problem...He cannot change from 50 euro. God...at this point I just want to be home, because I'm just really tired and he asks me if I could be so kind to change it somewhere. I do, but not before making clear that I AM taking my Feria dress with me. Absolutely NO WAY I'm leaving that behind. I get the note changed, everybody is happy and I wait for the bus clutching my beloved dress.
When I get off the bus, Miguel hasn't arrived and a man comes up to me asking for a sigaret. I don't smoke (anymore). He realises quickly I'm not from here and tries to confuse me by asking fast questions and repeating them (maybe a demented ex-cop). Lucky for me, I answer all of them just as fast and in perfect good Spanish and am not fazed by his attitude. He gives up and I wish him good night.
Why do (older) men in Spain treat women this way? That's how I feel when I am alone. Like I am a target or something. Maybe I look too sweet and easy to take advantage off. Or maybe I was just too tired.
I secretly curse Miguel for not showing up earlier, but it's not his fault and when he arrives we go to his mum for diner. Two glasses of wine later, I'm happy as Larry and dog-tired. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for the beautifull dress she sponsored and it almost makes her cry. I just love her.
The day is over and I can finally, finally spend some quality time alone with my guy. We played the X-box untill 2 in the morning.
As I realised I just have been to Sevilla 5 times within 3 weeks, I was still happy (and needless to say somewhat exhausted) to go again. My friend was leaving for Italy the next day and we needed to get her dress fitted before Feria (surprise, surprise, another party in Spain!). After that, I'd go back home and she would spend the night there to catch an early flight.
The night before we left, my friend had dyed some of her clothes pink and was in a slight state of panic as she had to get her stuff packed - and dry. Nevertheless, the morning we were heading out to Sevilla, she was ready and we showed up early to find the bus with the engine on public display. Meaning...we wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
Unfazed, we decided to get some coffee and wait for whatever would happen. A point of view I seemed to have come to adopt while living in Spain. 'See what happens'.
An American older man addresses us, saying we would have plenty of time to take a coffee, as it was obvious the bus wouldn't leave anytime soon. Turns out, he is my neighbour. He lives only 5 houses away. It also turned out he's extremely talkative to a point were both Paige and me wanted some quiet time as she turned to her laptop and me to my book. He didn't seem to notice.
After arriving in Sevilla and saying goodbye to Sam the Fireman (no joke) we got on to grab a cab and to our appointment with our diseñadora (designer).
Paiges dress is simply stunning. It is not a traditional flamenco dress, but it has most of it's features. However, you can both wear it for Feria as for weddings or other special occasions. She fell in love with in the first time she saw it and it's absolutely perfect on her.
When I talked to my mum today she mentioned that my dad was concerned about the dress I had bought. "Does it really has all the ruffles and colours and what not more?" Yes it really has. And it's gorgeous. I have designed it myself, and with some suggestions of the designer, made it to a traditional yet modern flamenco dress. White, black and yellow are the colours. I just love it. It's heavy, but it fits like a glove! I'll have to send a picture of the dress to my dad, and see what he says then.
By the time we were done, and absolutely starving, we went for a fantastic lunch and quite a bit healthier than the previous meals we devoured during Semana Santa.
Simply a lovely day, including a frantic hair-flower search and an impossible to localize El Corte Inglés. It's official...I'm the worlds worst city tourguide!
Soon it was time to say goodbye and got a cab to her hotel. I had until then not yet decided if it was better to stay for another 20 minutes or just continue with the cab. I ended up deciding the last. The cab driver, however, wasn´t pleased as there is some stop and pay thing happening where it is appearantly custom to inform him about a drop-off and go-further drive. How the heck should I know these things? I don't get cabs everyday. He starts complaining about that, explaining me he'd have to charge me the starting fee, while stopping the car and turn the meter on and off again. I make a joke about the economic crisis, which he didn't take that well. Hey I really don't care about paying an Euro more! But...we end up chatting quite pleasantly about Semana Santa, La Feria, Americans, and the fact that he spend his summers in Rota, where I live. That seemed to create a bond and he offers a truce by giving me a discount. (I REALLY don't fret about paying the goddam extra euro). We end up at the station as I need to take the bus back home. Another problem...He cannot change from 50 euro. God...at this point I just want to be home, because I'm just really tired and he asks me if I could be so kind to change it somewhere. I do, but not before making clear that I AM taking my Feria dress with me. Absolutely NO WAY I'm leaving that behind. I get the note changed, everybody is happy and I wait for the bus clutching my beloved dress.
When I get off the bus, Miguel hasn't arrived and a man comes up to me asking for a sigaret. I don't smoke (anymore). He realises quickly I'm not from here and tries to confuse me by asking fast questions and repeating them (maybe a demented ex-cop). Lucky for me, I answer all of them just as fast and in perfect good Spanish and am not fazed by his attitude. He gives up and I wish him good night.
Why do (older) men in Spain treat women this way? That's how I feel when I am alone. Like I am a target or something. Maybe I look too sweet and easy to take advantage off. Or maybe I was just too tired.
I secretly curse Miguel for not showing up earlier, but it's not his fault and when he arrives we go to his mum for diner. Two glasses of wine later, I'm happy as Larry and dog-tired. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for the beautifull dress she sponsored and it almost makes her cry. I just love her.
The day is over and I can finally, finally spend some quality time alone with my guy. We played the X-box untill 2 in the morning.
Friday, April 03, 2009
First wind, second time around.
So this is the Story of My Life.
The Spanish Chronicles I've called it. The titel is inspired by a book that my best friend Daphne and I loved, about a girl named Alison. It was sharp and funny and I guess it was the kind of life we might have had if we were more brave and lived in a more exciting place during our teens. But I'm kinda glad we didn't as there were heaps of drugs involved. I always say I don't have the discipline to get addicted (to drugs).
Although I already live in Spain for nearly two years now, I decided I'd put my thoughts down about my life here and on a regular basis. In English. Not my mothertongue, but I chose to do this, so my English speaking friends can follow my blog and I get to keep up with the language.
Maybe I wasn't really ready before, but needed this time so far to order my thoughts and recover from a truly bumpy ride to were I am right now. Those of you who know me, understand what I'm talking about.
I started blogging about a year ago, with exactly the same goal, but thanks to a friend, I felt inspired to write more about my life, the thoughts and feelings I have in specific times of my life and not just let it pass by without remembering more than just the exciting stuff.
And right here, right now seems the best way to go about it.
Right now I am writing on a Friday evening, feeling relaxed about the work that I did this week and looking forward to a new weekend. As it is Semana Santa coming up here in Spain next week, I'm kinda glad it's gonna be a quiet weekend. My friend Paige will join us again after spending a few days in Tenerife and will stay another week with us in Seville to get the most out of spending time here in Spain before she leaves to persue her adventure around the Mediterrenean.
Spending time with her made me miss my friends even more. The friends I left behind at home in Holland and a friend I made while here in Spain who is currently finishing her studies in England. I'm sure sooner or later you will meet them throught my stories and get to know them through my eyes. Sometimes you meet people in your life, who you know will always be a big part in your life. You just click.
So, here we are. Let's hope I keep up with my promise and hopefully you will enjoy my stories.
The Spanish Chronicles I've called it. The titel is inspired by a book that my best friend Daphne and I loved, about a girl named Alison. It was sharp and funny and I guess it was the kind of life we might have had if we were more brave and lived in a more exciting place during our teens. But I'm kinda glad we didn't as there were heaps of drugs involved. I always say I don't have the discipline to get addicted (to drugs).
Although I already live in Spain for nearly two years now, I decided I'd put my thoughts down about my life here and on a regular basis. In English. Not my mothertongue, but I chose to do this, so my English speaking friends can follow my blog and I get to keep up with the language.
Maybe I wasn't really ready before, but needed this time so far to order my thoughts and recover from a truly bumpy ride to were I am right now. Those of you who know me, understand what I'm talking about.
I started blogging about a year ago, with exactly the same goal, but thanks to a friend, I felt inspired to write more about my life, the thoughts and feelings I have in specific times of my life and not just let it pass by without remembering more than just the exciting stuff.
And right here, right now seems the best way to go about it.
Right now I am writing on a Friday evening, feeling relaxed about the work that I did this week and looking forward to a new weekend. As it is Semana Santa coming up here in Spain next week, I'm kinda glad it's gonna be a quiet weekend. My friend Paige will join us again after spending a few days in Tenerife and will stay another week with us in Seville to get the most out of spending time here in Spain before she leaves to persue her adventure around the Mediterrenean.
Spending time with her made me miss my friends even more. The friends I left behind at home in Holland and a friend I made while here in Spain who is currently finishing her studies in England. I'm sure sooner or later you will meet them throught my stories and get to know them through my eyes. Sometimes you meet people in your life, who you know will always be a big part in your life. You just click.
So, here we are. Let's hope I keep up with my promise and hopefully you will enjoy my stories.
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