Veracruz’s Carnival lasts four days. The dancing groups and the 107 floats transit through the 7 kilometers long boulevard throughout 6 parades in four days. Incredible!!!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Carnival at Veracruz
Contributing journalist - Maria Luisa Villegas (Veracruz, México)
Veracruz’s Carnival lasts four days. The dancing groups and the 107 floats transit through the 7 kilometers long boulevard throughout 6 parades in four days. Incredible!!!
Veracruz’s Carnival lasts four days. The dancing groups and the 107 floats transit through the 7 kilometers long boulevard throughout 6 parades in four days. Incredible!!!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Experiences in only 30 minutes in Buenos Aires
Sometimes I get surprised about all that can happen to you in only 30 minutes…
Last Thursday I arranged to meet a friend for a drink after work. Since I arrived early, I decided to sit and wait at a bar on Esmeralda Street. I entered the bar, sat down, asked for coffee, took out my Chinese notebook and started reviewing the last lesson.
After a couple of minutes, the waiter approached my table and told me: “Excuse me Miss, I wanted to let you know that the gentleman over at that table just paid for your coffee."
Blushed, I looked over to the given table to thank the men for the treat, only to find an empty table; the men had left without even asking for my name; a gesture that did not prevent me from enjoying the anonymous invitation.
After finishing my coffee, I realized I still had some time, so I continued to study until the owner of the bar started screaming at some customers, and I could not study any longer.“¡Rajá de acá!,” screamed the bar owner, “¡Callate y rajá! I’ve already told you I don’t want to see you around here anymore. ¡Tomatelá! ¡Tomatelá!”
S-I-L-E-N-C-E
After witnessing such a scene, I felt so uncomfortable that I didn’t even want to breathe. I wanted to disappear. But at that point, I did not know what was worse: to move and call people’s attention, or stay put trying to hide behind my books.
I chose the second option. I breathed deeply and kept studying until the bar owner approached me with mediaslunas and said: “I'm sorry miss. Don’t think I am a bad person. I don’t treat all my customers that way. But this guy always comes asking for money and I am tired of it. Please accept these mediaslunas as an apology. They are the best mediaslunas of Buenos Aires!”
“Thank you, Sir, “ I told him, “they will be great for breakfast.” I put them in my bag next to my notebooks, said goodbye and left to look for my friend. It was still early, but I had collected enough anecdotes for one day. I preferred to wait outside.
Last Thursday I arranged to meet a friend for a drink after work. Since I arrived early, I decided to sit and wait at a bar on Esmeralda Street. I entered the bar, sat down, asked for coffee, took out my Chinese notebook and started reviewing the last lesson.
After a couple of minutes, the waiter approached my table and told me: “Excuse me Miss, I wanted to let you know that the gentleman over at that table just paid for your coffee."
Blushed, I looked over to the given table to thank the men for the treat, only to find an empty table; the men had left without even asking for my name; a gesture that did not prevent me from enjoying the anonymous invitation.
After finishing my coffee, I realized I still had some time, so I continued to study until the owner of the bar started screaming at some customers, and I could not study any longer.“¡Rajá de acá!,” screamed the bar owner, “¡Callate y rajá! I’ve already told you I don’t want to see you around here anymore. ¡Tomatelá! ¡Tomatelá!”
S-I-L-E-N-C-E
After witnessing such a scene, I felt so uncomfortable that I didn’t even want to breathe. I wanted to disappear. But at that point, I did not know what was worse: to move and call people’s attention, or stay put trying to hide behind my books.
I chose the second option. I breathed deeply and kept studying until the bar owner approached me with mediaslunas and said: “I'm sorry miss. Don’t think I am a bad person. I don’t treat all my customers that way. But this guy always comes asking for money and I am tired of it. Please accept these mediaslunas as an apology. They are the best mediaslunas of Buenos Aires!”
“Thank you, Sir, “ I told him, “they will be great for breakfast.” I put them in my bag next to my notebooks, said goodbye and left to look for my friend. It was still early, but I had collected enough anecdotes for one day. I preferred to wait outside.
Extroverted Family Transforms me into a City Tour Guide Around Buenos Aires
This week, my dad traveled from Malaysia to Argentina so he could be present at my cousin’s wedding. During the flight, he met an Australian tourist that was going to spend just one night in Buenos Aires, on his way to La Paz, Bolivia. During his short stay in Argentina’s capital, he wanted to tour around Buenos Aires, and my dad suggested I would be an excellent tour guide.
After the long, 23 hour trip, when dad arrived home he hugged me and told me: “Lau, get changed, I got you a job for tonight. I need you to organize a tango tour for an Australian friend I met on the plane.”
Although a little surprised by the unexpected comment, I was excited: “It is a great opportunity to tour around my city and teach someone else about its history.” On top of that, I was going to get paid for doing something I enjoyed. It was a round deal for me!
That night I took him to a tango show at El Querandí, a restaurant where service and food are excellent for a lower price than its competitors. Even though the show is not as spectacular and flashy as in other restaurants I attended, the dancers show how the dance has evolved over time, which is very important from a historical point of view.
My guest enjoyed the show and my stories so much that he decided to hire me to give him a morning city tour. So the next day I took him to Plaza Francia, Cementerio de Recoleta, Florales Genérica, Puerto Madero and Caminito. All of Buenos Aires' most typical places; an intense and great way to get a fast glimpse of this beautiful Argentinean city.
After the long, 23 hour trip, when dad arrived home he hugged me and told me: “Lau, get changed, I got you a job for tonight. I need you to organize a tango tour for an Australian friend I met on the plane.”
Although a little surprised by the unexpected comment, I was excited: “It is a great opportunity to tour around my city and teach someone else about its history.” On top of that, I was going to get paid for doing something I enjoyed. It was a round deal for me!
That night I took him to a tango show at El Querandí, a restaurant where service and food are excellent for a lower price than its competitors. Even though the show is not as spectacular and flashy as in other restaurants I attended, the dancers show how the dance has evolved over time, which is very important from a historical point of view.
My guest enjoyed the show and my stories so much that he decided to hire me to give him a morning city tour. So the next day I took him to Plaza Francia, Cementerio de Recoleta, Florales Genérica, Puerto Madero and Caminito. All of Buenos Aires' most typical places; an intense and great way to get a fast glimpse of this beautiful Argentinean city.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Healthy Art at Plaza Francia, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Entertainment and Art in the Open
Acrobats, magicians, drummers and jugglers transform Plaza Francia of Buenos Aires into a circus in the open every weekend. This way, they add a new entertaining dimension to the well known Artisans’ Fair that started in 1970 at the Plaza.For years, families with children, tourists and groups of friends have visited this plaza after lunch to curiously zigzag through the different stands of the fair.
After buying a couple of wooden and seed necklaces and incense sticks, discovering wooden planes with unusual mechanisms that turn its propellers when they lay against something, or trying on silver bracelets adorned with Argentina’s national rock (rodocrosita), many choose to stay at the park to enjoy the various shows as they drink mate.
Shows are as varied as people’s tastes:
On top of the hill, very close to Cementerio de Recoleta, you can usually find a guitarist that signs the song you ask for, fo a couple of coins.A little bit further down, a group of young comics improvise to hip-hop music, while other artists entertain the younger ones with puppet shows, while acrobats leave their audience without words with their mortal jumps.
You can breathe art and happiness in every corner of the plaza, converting the place into a pleasant place where you can retreat to enjoy the warm Spring sun.
The Alternative Luggage - Traveling Tips
Five things we cannot forget when we travel:
- Passport copy: Take a copy of your passport with you. It is a preventive measure that can be very useful in case you loose or someone steals your passport. In some countries, you can even use the photocopy as a form of identification so you don’t need to take your passport around. Ask what’s the case in the country you are visiting. Always keep the copy separate from the passport.
- Bank: Make a notice to the bank that you will be traveling to a different country, since sometimes banks block your cards when they notice unusual movements as security measure. Call your bank and ask them to unblock your card in case that happens.
- Emergency numbers + Medical Insurance Card: Take with you a list of local emergency phone numbers, along with the phones of friends and relatives back home (so someone can contact them in case of emergency).
- Phone card: Buy a phone card that allows you to make local calls, national and international calls from any country. Or make sure your cell phone allows you to make and receive calls in the place you are visiting. In this website you can find different cards; choose the one that offers the best rate in the place you are visiting: http://www.uniontelecard.com/phonecards/.
- Emergency Kit: If you are backpacking, or traveling to a distant place it is advisable to take some Tylenol or aspirin (or a substitute if you are allergic), Pepto-Bismol, Mylanta or some other type of digestive or anti-acid, and some band aids. If you are traveling to a place where you don’t have access to drinking water, take some Chlorine pills to make water potable.
Pinamar, Weaves together the Pine Trees’ Aroma with the Sea Breeze
Very few places have such precise names as Pinamar, a coastal city surrounded by pine trees that weave together the smell of fresh resin and sea breeze, where visitors can enjoy the woods and the sea in the same place.
In the summer, the sun bathes the beaches and the city vibrates with tourists, while in the winter the leaves shiver with the cold wind and the waves enjoy themselves dancing the Waltz with the sand.
Without the summer’s heat and the young tourists, winter in Pinamar is not the typical beach-vocational place. However, Pinamar doesn’t loose its charm during the winter. In fact, it turns into a fabulous place to rest and regainthe energy you need to survive frantic Buenos Aires life.
When it’s time to return home, some people prefer to leave right after lunch to avoid the traffic at the entrance of Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, sometimes it is better to leave later so you can see how the sun blushes between violet clouds before it submerges into Laguna Chis-Chis until the next day.
A perfect closing for a tranquil weekend.
In the summer, the sun bathes the beaches and the city vibrates with tourists, while in the winter the leaves shiver with the cold wind and the waves enjoy themselves dancing the Waltz with the sand.
Without the summer’s heat and the young tourists, winter in Pinamar is not the typical beach-vocational place. However, Pinamar doesn’t loose its charm during the winter. In fact, it turns into a fabulous place to rest and regainthe energy you need to survive frantic Buenos Aires life.
When it’s time to return home, some people prefer to leave right after lunch to avoid the traffic at the entrance of Buenos Aires. Nevertheless, sometimes it is better to leave later so you can see how the sun blushes between violet clouds before it submerges into Laguna Chis-Chis until the next day.
A perfect closing for a tranquil weekend.
Women in the Blogosphere
The Dominican journalism, William Vargas describes the influence of women in the blogosphere , by sharing the experience of six Latin-American bloggers in his article “Mujeres de la Blogósfera” published for El Caribe September 1, 2006.
Today, about 27% of bloggers are women according to the Survey of Bloggers and Blog Readers carried out by Fernando Garrido and Gemma Ferreres, person in charge of repsolypf.com’s Style and Usability.
In this article, Laura Vaillard, the author this blog and its Spanish version VidaSurrealista; Giselle Fiallo, a Dominican publicists, photographer and film producer; Carmen María Grullón, another Dominican publicist and audiovisual producer; Indhira Rojas; publicist Ana Díaz; lawyer Enedina Pereyra; and the Argentinean script writer Carolina Aguirre, express what motivates them to write and how they feel as bloggers:
Mujeres de la Blogósfera, William Vargas, El Caribe, 1 de September 2006.
Today, about 27% of bloggers are women according to the Survey of Bloggers and Blog Readers carried out by Fernando Garrido and Gemma Ferreres, person in charge of repsolypf.com’s Style and Usability.
In this article, Laura Vaillard, the author this blog and its Spanish version VidaSurrealista; Giselle Fiallo, a Dominican publicists, photographer and film producer; Carmen María Grullón, another Dominican publicist and audiovisual producer; Indhira Rojas; publicist Ana Díaz; lawyer Enedina Pereyra; and the Argentinean script writer Carolina Aguirre, express what motivates them to write and how they feel as bloggers:
Mujeres de la Blogósfera, William Vargas, El Caribe, 1 de September 2006.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Using Public Transport in Argentina, Spain and Italy
“Che, ¿tenés monedas? Dale, ¿No me cambiás?” says one Argentinean to the other.(Reproduction of a common conversation among porteños, on a daily basis)
Every day thousands of porteños (people who live in Buenos Aires) repeat phrases like this to get coins so they can take the bus to go to work, visit a friend, go to the city center to run errands, etc.
In Spanish cities, where monthly passes are available, and people can buy their ticket from the driver, citizens carry the weight of coins in their pockets for no reason. However, in Buenos Aires, it is necessary to feel the metallic wieght. In fact, porteños begin to worry when they can no longer feel the coins clinking in their pockets, wallets or purses. No coins, no ride.
In Buenos Aires, passengers get on the bus through the front door, tell the driver where they want to go or specify the amount of the fare, place their coins in the ticket dispenser, remove the ticket and then fight their way through people until they reach the back of the bus.
In Rome, the situation is completely different, and many times tourists and Romans ride for free due to the transportation system’s ambiguous rules.
Passengers need to buy their ticket at“tabacchi” before they get on the bus, and then can get on the bus using any door.
This system trusts that people are honest citizens who will follow the rules. To enforce the rules, the government hires a group of inspectors to control random buses, to ensure that passengers are buying their tickets
However, not all passengers follow the rules, and many take advantage of the system and ride for free risking to pay a 50 Euro fine if they get caught.
Everywhere, people utilize public transportation to move around the city, but in each country, they have particular rules and ways of traveling. For that reason, when you arrive to a new destination, I recommend you to ask a local how the transportation system works in the place you are visiting.
This reminds me, if you are coming to Buenos Aires, do you have your coins handy?
Laura Vaillard’s article about Malaysia published in Diario Clarín, Argentina
Sunday, September 17, Dario Clarín, one of Argentina’s most important newspapers published my article about Malaysia.
El viaje del lector: Malasia. The article is in Spanish, but I hope you can enjoy it nevertheless.
El viaje del lector: Malasia. The article is in Spanish, but I hope you can enjoy it nevertheless.
Learning to Tango like Tom & Jerry in Fort Worth, TX
I learned to tango like Tom&Jerry, following dotted lines and shapes of feet that danced on the TV screen following the tango rhythm.I would have preferred to learn to dance through a different method. But unfortunately, the chubby and badly dressed woman from one of those “teach yourself” videos, was the only one available to teach us in an old house in Fort Worth, Texas, the capital of country music.
Neither the place, nor the teachers were ideal to learn to tango. But I had no way out. My friends wanted me to represent Argentina by dancing tango at the 2005 International Banquet at Texas Christian University.
My Colombian friend Mauricio Oliveros and me, put a lot of effort and dedication, to learn how to do the “ochos” and the turns. We practiced over and over again, playing the videos in slow motion so we could take a good look at each move. After a couple of weeks, we had “learned” to tango, or so we thought, and we presented our show at the Banquet.Our public, with little knowledge about tango, warmly applauded the show and our effort. Even though at that moment I was satisfied because I had shared a little of my culture with the audience, I also knew I had indebted myself with my roots: at some point I needed to learn how to really tango.
Consequently, when I reached Buenos Aires, I signed up at the first milonga I heard about; it was my opportunity to pay off my debt and corroborate how much I had actually learned from those videos.
With a different partner, but the same enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, I put on my dancing shoes and went to La Viruta at the Club Armenio located in Palermo. When we arrived, the place appeared to be empty, but as soon as we heard the first harmony of a tango, the dancers took hold of the floor.
There were so many people on the dancing floor that it was difficult to dance more than three seconds without bumping into someone. On top of that, as beginners we were too busy looking at our feet to pay attention to the other dancers.
We were like wheel-less bumping cars lost in a fun and chaotic, yet tolerant place.
After dancing for about two hours, I think I made the first payment to settle my debt. Although I will need to take many more classes to be able to settle my debt completely. But at the same time I must admit the “teach yourself” videos gave me a strong base that will enable me to learn quickly.
Additional information: Where to tango in Argentina
It’s time I talk about my city: Buenos Aires, Argentina
After spending half of my life living outside of Argentina, I decided to return to rediscover Buenos Aires, a complex, dynamic, and energic city that is always undergoing change.I am excited I will be able to undust some memories while I hear the dry sound of my hills on San Telmos’ cobblestone streets, visit the areas of town that have been redesigned like Palermo SOHO and Palermo Hollywood, and taste the sweetness of dulce de leche.
At the same time, I am also nervous because I am vulnerable to the anguish that overtakes you when you discover places you used to like have deteriorated with time.
Little by little, while I am here, I will talk about different parts of my city, different traditions, ways of transportation or anything I can think about.
I am a citizen of the world. But I am also Argentinean. For that reason I invited you to embark yourself on this trip through my native land.
Undressed by People’s Look in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
As I walked I felt those men undressed me with their looks. I felt exposed, unprotected, observed by their possessive looks.
That night I felt uncomfortable walking down the streets of Kuala Lumpur, an unusual feeling in a city where you don’t have to worry about safety issues.
In occasions, I had felt disgusted walking through the city since the sewages are located on the sidewalks, and when it rains, the smell of wet excrement is unbearable, but I had never felt unsafe before.
Kuala Lumpur is an interesting place because it is the permanent hostess of three different cultures that interact with each other on a daily basis.
According to the Malaysian Constitution, bumiputras, are the real Malays: a bumiputra is a person who “professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay customs and is the child of at least one parent who was born within the Federation of Malaysia before independence on the 31st of August 1957".
Even though the constitution does not specify a dress code, bumiputra women cover their bodies with long, long sleeve colorful dressesd, and they hide their hair with handkerchiefs that match the color of their dresses.
On the other hand, people of Chinese descent, a minority omnipresent in the economic, culinary and commercial sectors, communicate with each other using mandarin, they are usually Buddhists, or practice Taoism, and walk around freely wearing the latest style western clothing and extravagant hair styles with excessive hair mousse.
Hindus are the third group that cohabitates in Malaysia, making up about 10 percent of the total population, adding diversity to the country with words in tamil, hindi and malayalam, and decorating the place with the colorful saris that women wear.
The members of each of these groups conserve their traditions, costumes, language and their dress styles. Although there is little interaction between these groups, they all respect each other and speak English to break cultural barriers and ease the communication between them.
During the summer, between June and August, Muslims from Northern Africa and different Middle Eastern countries move to Malaysia to escape the unbearable heat of their home countries, adding more diversity to Kuala Lumpur.
However, this new component alters the local cultural landscape: wherever you look, you find men with rigid features and torrid beards accompanied by numerous family members and women completely covered with black tunics (abaya) and veils (niqab).
When you first take a look at these covered women, they appear to be identical black shadows, but after taking a careful look, you notice many differences that distinct each one of them from the veil’s anonymity: each one has a different cadence when they walk; decorations on their abayas and the veil’s material also help you identify their status and social class.
When I looked at these women through the TV set, I would ask myself why these women wanted and/or accepted to cover themselves. Yet, after feeling explored by these men’s looks, at some point I must admit I wished I was covered so I could walk in peace.
That night I felt uncomfortable walking down the streets of Kuala Lumpur, an unusual feeling in a city where you don’t have to worry about safety issues.
In occasions, I had felt disgusted walking through the city since the sewages are located on the sidewalks, and when it rains, the smell of wet excrement is unbearable, but I had never felt unsafe before.
Kuala Lumpur is an interesting place because it is the permanent hostess of three different cultures that interact with each other on a daily basis.
According to the Malaysian Constitution, bumiputras, are the real Malays: a bumiputra is a person who “professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay customs and is the child of at least one parent who was born within the Federation of Malaysia before independence on the 31st of August 1957".
Even though the constitution does not specify a dress code, bumiputra women cover their bodies with long, long sleeve colorful dressesd, and they hide their hair with handkerchiefs that match the color of their dresses.
On the other hand, people of Chinese descent, a minority omnipresent in the economic, culinary and commercial sectors, communicate with each other using mandarin, they are usually Buddhists, or practice Taoism, and walk around freely wearing the latest style western clothing and extravagant hair styles with excessive hair mousse.
Hindus are the third group that cohabitates in Malaysia, making up about 10 percent of the total population, adding diversity to the country with words in tamil, hindi and malayalam, and decorating the place with the colorful saris that women wear.
The members of each of these groups conserve their traditions, costumes, language and their dress styles. Although there is little interaction between these groups, they all respect each other and speak English to break cultural barriers and ease the communication between them.
During the summer, between June and August, Muslims from Northern Africa and different Middle Eastern countries move to Malaysia to escape the unbearable heat of their home countries, adding more diversity to Kuala Lumpur.
However, this new component alters the local cultural landscape: wherever you look, you find men with rigid features and torrid beards accompanied by numerous family members and women completely covered with black tunics (abaya) and veils (niqab).
When you first take a look at these covered women, they appear to be identical black shadows, but after taking a careful look, you notice many differences that distinct each one of them from the veil’s anonymity: each one has a different cadence when they walk; decorations on their abayas and the veil’s material also help you identify their status and social class.
When I looked at these women through the TV set, I would ask myself why these women wanted and/or accepted to cover themselves. Yet, after feeling explored by these men’s looks, at some point I must admit I wished I was covered so I could walk in peace.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Hostel & Hotel Finders
Great pages to find information about hotels and hostels before you travel:
WORLD
Booking Buddy: www.bookingbuddy.com
BootsnAllTravel: www.bootsnall.com
Expedia: www.expedia.com
Hostel Bookers: www.hostelbookers.com
Hostel Times: www.hosteltimes.com
Hostel World: www.hostelworld.com
Hostelling International: http://www.hihostels.com
Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com
Euro Trip: http://www.hostelling.com
Venere: http://www.venere.com/
WORLD
Booking Buddy: www.bookingbuddy.com
- Flights
- Hotels
- Car renting
- Cruises
- Vacations
- Special offers
BootsnAllTravel: www.bootsnall.com
Expedia: www.expedia.com
- Hotels
- Flights
- Car renting
- Vacation packages
- Cruises
- Activities
- Maps
- Corporate trips
- Special offers
Hostel Bookers: www.hostelbookers.com
Hostel Times: www.hosteltimes.com
- Hotels
- Tours
- Flights
Hostel World: www.hostelworld.com
Hostelling International: http://www.hihostels.com
- Hoteles
- Apartments
- Tours
- Traveling guides
Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com
- Restaurants
- Shows & Entertainment
- Flights
- Hotels
- Car rental
Euro Trip: http://www.hostelling.com
Venere: http://www.venere.com/
Students: Cheap Flight Websites
These pages are fantastic if you are a student searching cheap flights and accommodations...
International Student Travel Confederation: http://www.isic.org
International Student Travel Confederation: http://www.isic.org
- Plane, train, bus and ferry tickets
- Travel packages
- Travel insurance
- Discount cards
- Hotel/hostel information
Student Universe: www.studentuniverse.com-
- Travel insurance
- Hotel/hostel information
- Student plans
- Internship information
- Travel packages
An Argentinean Lost in the Streets of Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, I felt tiny, surrounded by majestuous temples and imposing golden Buddha Statues that left me without words.
For that reason, this time I will leave the pictures to speak for me, even though unfortunately I could not take pictures inside the temples:
For that reason, this time I will leave the pictures to speak for me, even though unfortunately I could not take pictures inside the temples:
Temple in the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
The Reclining Buddha
Fasting Buddha at the The Marble Temple
Shopping like Malaysians
Grocery shopping is an inescapable chore that we tend to leave for the weekend, when we have a little more free time. Malaysians cannot escape this routinary errand either. That’s why every Saturday merchants set up their markets is diverse sections of Kuala Lumpur, so Malaysians can shop for their weekly provisions.
The first market we visited was covered. Inside, the zigzagging hallways resembled a labyrinths filled with buckets full of huge fishes, live chicken tied to food stands’ tables, baskets with fresh fruits and vegetables and bags of salty dried fish, which made it hard for you to walk through the market.
The place was chaotic and tranquil at the same time. Each item seemed to have its place in that disorganized place, and the vendors did everything with meticulous precision: they would pick a fish from a bucket with their hands, hit it hard on the table until it went numb, and then they killed it by hitting it with a stick. Afterwards, they would cut its head off with a sharp knife as they held it strongly with the other hand. At that point they would take out the scams, throw the blood to the floor, and place the fish in the front of the table so they could start the process all over again.
In the second market we went to, everything appeared to be dirty, noisy and anarchic. In this open-air market those who sold fruit displyed their merchandise next to the fishermen, and these offered their stinky products next to the ladies that sold embroided underwear (an item not highly demanded in an atmosphere that smelled like fish and still water).
Here, sellers were less careful with the merchandise and they screamed loudly to gain the customers' attention. Considering the large number of people that frequented this place, merchants here did not sell live chicken. Instead they hanged the entire unfeathered chickens over their heads. This image of recently skinned white and black chicken, with bent necks and stiff legs that seemed to be pleading for mercy was so strong, that I was unable to digest the chicken that mom prepared for lunch with love.
Grocery shopping like Malaysians was an unforgettable experience. But I think I am a victim of having been raised in the city, and when we talk about meat I prefer not to meet the live animal beforehand.
The first market we visited was covered. Inside, the zigzagging hallways resembled a labyrinths filled with buckets full of huge fishes, live chicken tied to food stands’ tables, baskets with fresh fruits and vegetables and bags of salty dried fish, which made it hard for you to walk through the market.
The place was chaotic and tranquil at the same time. Each item seemed to have its place in that disorganized place, and the vendors did everything with meticulous precision: they would pick a fish from a bucket with their hands, hit it hard on the table until it went numb, and then they killed it by hitting it with a stick. Afterwards, they would cut its head off with a sharp knife as they held it strongly with the other hand. At that point they would take out the scams, throw the blood to the floor, and place the fish in the front of the table so they could start the process all over again.
In the second market we went to, everything appeared to be dirty, noisy and anarchic. In this open-air market those who sold fruit displyed their merchandise next to the fishermen, and these offered their stinky products next to the ladies that sold embroided underwear (an item not highly demanded in an atmosphere that smelled like fish and still water).
Here, sellers were less careful with the merchandise and they screamed loudly to gain the customers' attention. Considering the large number of people that frequented this place, merchants here did not sell live chicken. Instead they hanged the entire unfeathered chickens over their heads. This image of recently skinned white and black chicken, with bent necks and stiff legs that seemed to be pleading for mercy was so strong, that I was unable to digest the chicken that mom prepared for lunch with love.
Grocery shopping like Malaysians was an unforgettable experience. But I think I am a victim of having been raised in the city, and when we talk about meat I prefer not to meet the live animal beforehand.
Planning your vacations: Flight Information
To plan your vacations you need to find transportation and accommodations. For that reason, I have decided to add this section to assist you in your planning.
Here we can share traveling websites, tips, planning methods, searching methods, or anything you an think of that could make our lives easier next time we start making plans to take some time off.
I leave you here some of the websites that I know about and I commonly use. Hopefully, with your help, I can update it and extend it.
Thank you for your help, good luck and have a safe trip!
Hope you find this information useful:
CHEAP FLIGHTS
EUROPE
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
ASIA
WORLD
AIRLINES
Here we can share traveling websites, tips, planning methods, searching methods, or anything you an think of that could make our lives easier next time we start making plans to take some time off.
I leave you here some of the websites that I know about and I commonly use. Hopefully, with your help, I can update it and extend it.
Thank you for your help, good luck and have a safe trip!
Hope you find this information useful:
CHEAP FLIGHTS
EUROPE
- Air Berlin www.airberlin.com
- Air Scotland www.air-scotland.com
- AirEuropa www.aireuropa.com
- Atrapalo www.atrapalo.com
- eDreams www.edreams.com
- RyanAir www.ryanair.com
- Trabber www.trabber.com
- Transavia www.transavia.com
- Vialing www.vialing.com
- VirginExpress www.virgin-express.com
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
- Aerofertas www.aerofertas.com.ar
- Liat www.liat.com
- Orbitz www.orbitz.com
- Travelocity www.travelocity.com
ASIA
- AirAsia www.airasia.com
WORLD
- Avionexpress www.avionexpress.com
- BWIA West Indies Airways www.bwee.com
- Condor www.condor.com
- WhichBudget www.whichbudget.com
AIRLINES
- Alitalia www.alitalia.com
- Aerolineas Argentinas www.aerolineas.com.ar
- Aeromexico www.aeromexico.com
- Aeropostal www.aeropostal.com
- Air Canada www.aircanada.com
- Air France www.airfrance.co.kr
- Air Holland www.airhollandva.nl
- Air Jamaica www.airjamaica.com
- Air Pacific www.airpacific.com
- American Airlines www.aa.com
- Bangkok Airways www.bangkokair.com
- British Airways www.ba.com
- Caribbean Star Airlines www.flycaribbeanstar.com
- China Airlines www.china-airlines.com
- Continental Airlines www.continental.com
- Conviasa www.conviasa.aero
- Excel Airways www.excelairwaysgroup.com
- Iberia www.iberia.com
- KLM www.klm.com
- Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com
- Malaysia Airlines www.malaysiaairlines.com
- SN Brussels Airlines www.flysn.com
- St. Vincent & The Grenadines Air www.svgair.com
- Swiss International Air Lines www.swiss.com
- Thai Airways www.thaiair.com
- Varig www.varig.com
- Virgin Atlantic Airline http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
El Rastro of Madrid Where Rivers of People Erase
El Rastro of Madrid it is not only the “city’s most emblematic market” as the brochures claim, but it is also a unique Sunday experience where you can discover curious articles as you swim your way through rivers of people.Every Sunday and festive occasions, thousands of people concentrate inside the triangle formed by three metro stations: La Latina, Puerta de Toledo and Embajadores, and set their mobile stores where they display their merchandise: from handcrafts, antiques and collection items, to kitchen utensils, photographs, posters and souvenirs, among other things.
Some of them sell items, others buy or exchange. Some of them offer new merchandise, while others display used articles. Some of them have fixed prices, while others prefer to negotiate and adjust their prices according to each costumer. Diverse ways to do business in an open air market that offers a non-traditional buying experience.
El Rastro inherited its name from the trails of blood that were left behind in the area when the market functioned as a meat market. Although you can no longer see the trails, or sense the pungent smell of blood; the tradition installed by tanners and ranchers to sell products derived from cattle the tradition of exchanging items in this part of the city is still alive.In the XIX Century, the market started to become more diverse as merchants that sold furniture, jewelry and other valuable items started to commercialize their merchandise at El Rastro; eventually, more and more merchants starting coming to the area until it metamorphosed into what we know today: a never-ending array of colorful items lost in waterfalls of people that try to discover them as they float through the market.
Sharing love in Venezuela, Argentina and the US for Valentine´s Day
Love, sometimes means caring. Sometimes means patience. Sometimes tolerance. Other times undestanding or even passion. It can also mean containment, tenderness, company or compassion...
In different parts of the world, people tend to express their love towards others is similar way. However, when it is time to choose their mates, the rituals vary from country to country.
When I lived in Venezuela, men invested many hours until they conquered the heart of the girl they liked. They visited her house on a daily basis through weeks, they bought them presents and flattered them until they received her approval. In given occasions, the girl would receive the boy in the garden or the front of the house for various weeks, until she decided he was a suitable candidate and allowed him to enter the house.
On the other hand, in Argentina, couples usually meet randomly at a bar, a disco, on top of a public bus, at a party, at a park... While other times they get introduced by friends or family members. Whichever way, in this country men don’t have to court women as long as Venezuelans to gain their love.
In the US, when a man likes a woman, he usually invites her out on a date so they can get to know each other better and hopefully conquer her that way.
Nevertheless, these are generalizations of what generally happens in each of these countries, and things don’t always happen this way. There are always exceptions, and today, more and more women choose to take the first step to conquer the man.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Although every day is a good day to share the love.
In different parts of the world, people tend to express their love towards others is similar way. However, when it is time to choose their mates, the rituals vary from country to country.
When I lived in Venezuela, men invested many hours until they conquered the heart of the girl they liked. They visited her house on a daily basis through weeks, they bought them presents and flattered them until they received her approval. In given occasions, the girl would receive the boy in the garden or the front of the house for various weeks, until she decided he was a suitable candidate and allowed him to enter the house.
On the other hand, in Argentina, couples usually meet randomly at a bar, a disco, on top of a public bus, at a party, at a park... While other times they get introduced by friends or family members. Whichever way, in this country men don’t have to court women as long as Venezuelans to gain their love.
In the US, when a man likes a woman, he usually invites her out on a date so they can get to know each other better and hopefully conquer her that way.
Nevertheless, these are generalizations of what generally happens in each of these countries, and things don’t always happen this way. There are always exceptions, and today, more and more women choose to take the first step to conquer the man.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Although every day is a good day to share the love.
Why do Pamplonenses Celebrate San Fermin?
Pamplonenses celebrate San Fermines in honor of San Fermín, a Christian missionary, co-founder of Navarra. He was decapitated at the age fo 31 when he refused to stop spreading the word of God.Originally, the celebration was a simple religious act, but with time, the party became bigger and bigger. In fact, the people who visit Pamplona between July 6 and July 14, make more emphasis on the party than the veneration of the Saint. I even doubt if most of these visitors know what the celebration represents. The celebration starts July 6 at midday with el Txupinazo (Chupinazo), a toss accompanied with the launching of a flare followed with a scream: “¡Viva San Fermín!” Although 2006 was a little different because the city’s mayor, Javier Esbuki, broke the tradition by screaming “¡Viva las fiestas de San Fermín!” because he is agnostic, lighting up a great controversy.
But the controversy did not affect the party, which continued in every corner of the city. It is sad the media don’t cover this impressive side of the celebration, and they only cover the encierro itself.
During San Fermines, Pamplona’s populations is multiplied by four, and people taint the streets with white and red, as they parade down the street with their San Fermin costumes: white clothes adorned with red belts and red handkerchiefs.While the celebration lasts people befriend strangers, cultural and ideological differences disappear y and it is impossible to distinguish a person from the next because they all look alike. People don’t stop dancing and singing on the streets, and Pamplona transforms itself in the scenery of an open and never-ending party.
The city doesn’t sleep, but the visitors do, and they spread their sleeping bags in any patch of free grass they can find in plazas, street dividers of the main streets… They lay down to rest so they can continue the party later.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Encierros for San Fermines in Pamplona Spain, and a Crow that Parties and Forget about the City’s Patron
Since I can remember, every July 7th I would sit in front of the TV set with my family to watch the encierros for San Fermines.
This year, on July 7th I watched the bulls run once again, but this time I was there in person; only a wooden fence separated me from the beasts at Estafeta Street, Pamplona, Spain.
Previous years, I would ask myself what went through people’s minds that motivated them to run in front of those enormous animals.... And although I was not brave enough to run with the bulls this time around, I watched them from a close distance, which enabled me to understand the fan’s fervor and fanatism for this event.
On TV, the run seems insanely dangerous. Yet, after experienced runners explain to you the event’s rules, you realize it is not as dangerous as it appears to be. The runners enter the encierro at 7:45 a.m., 15 minutes before the run actually starts. This gives you plenty of time to go trhough the 800 meters from the start to the Plaza de Toros before the bulls are even released.
Those who run every year assure that the encierro is not dangerous since the bulls don’t attack people on purpose; they emphasize that most incidents occur when the runners break one of the rules, despite the fact the loudspeakers repeat them over and over again throughout the event. The most common accident occurs when one of runners try to caress the bull as they run; this act distracts the beast, which usually turns around and starts running in the opposite direction. Accidents also occur when people try to film or take pictures as they run,; run while intoxicated, or run with inappropriate footwear.
Even though Pamplonenses try to convince millions that the event is safe, many people choose to remain as mere spectators, and they get on top of anything imaginable in other to get a glance of this delirious and accelerating event.
This year, on July 7th I watched the bulls run once again, but this time I was there in person; only a wooden fence separated me from the beasts at Estafeta Street, Pamplona, Spain.
Previous years, I would ask myself what went through people’s minds that motivated them to run in front of those enormous animals.... And although I was not brave enough to run with the bulls this time around, I watched them from a close distance, which enabled me to understand the fan’s fervor and fanatism for this event.
On TV, the run seems insanely dangerous. Yet, after experienced runners explain to you the event’s rules, you realize it is not as dangerous as it appears to be. The runners enter the encierro at 7:45 a.m., 15 minutes before the run actually starts. This gives you plenty of time to go trhough the 800 meters from the start to the Plaza de Toros before the bulls are even released.Those who run every year assure that the encierro is not dangerous since the bulls don’t attack people on purpose; they emphasize that most incidents occur when the runners break one of the rules, despite the fact the loudspeakers repeat them over and over again throughout the event. The most common accident occurs when one of runners try to caress the bull as they run; this act distracts the beast, which usually turns around and starts running in the opposite direction. Accidents also occur when people try to film or take pictures as they run,; run while intoxicated, or run with inappropriate footwear.
Even though Pamplonenses try to convince millions that the event is safe, many people choose to remain as mere spectators, and they get on top of anything imaginable in other to get a glance of this delirious and accelerating event.
Jaen: Sea of Olive Trees and Waterfalls of Delicacies
Walking Through Jaen, Olive Oil’s World Capital
The first night we went to TorredelCampo, a small villa just minutes away from Jaen, where we were staying. That same weekend, the villa was celebrating its “202 Anniversary” from the time it free itself from the city of Jaen.
The next day, we went down to Jaen where we walked through Santa Catalina’s Castle and Arab Baths.
Santa Catalina’s Castle was constructed by Fernando III The Saint, on top of Cerro Santa Catalina so he could observe the entire region. He believed this strategic location helped him to protect Jaen during medieval times (1246).
The Castle has an incredible view of the sea of olive trees that cover the mountains of Andalucía.
The first night we went to TorredelCampo, a small villa just minutes away from Jaen, where we were staying. That same weekend, the villa was celebrating its “202 Anniversary” from the time it free itself from the city of Jaen.
The next day, we went down to Jaen where we walked through Santa Catalina’s Castle and Arab Baths.
Santa Catalina’s Castle was constructed by Fernando III The Saint, on top of Cerro Santa Catalina so he could observe the entire region. He believed this strategic location helped him to protect Jaen during medieval times (1246).The Castle has an incredible view of the sea of olive trees that cover the mountains of Andalucía.
Afterwards we visited the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It was one of the most opulent and impressive churches I’ve seen. Inside, you can find an original replica of the Santo Rostro de Cristo: the handkerchief where Christ's face was imprinted after La Verónica dried the sweat from his face.
At the end of the day, after fighting against the heat we walked up Jaen’s steep streets and reached the Arab Baths, built in the XI Century during the Arab occupation in Spain. Even though we would have liked to refresh ourselves in the baths, centuries have passed since these Baths have been used. However, they are so well conserved that it is not hard to imagine the relaxing ambiance that locals used to breathe in this place as they soaked their feet and relaxed under the dim solar light that sneaked through the star shape holes on curved roofs.
How to get there:
- Metro Station Atocha Renfe
- El Ave- Train
Monday, February 12, 2007
Budapest A City Adorned with Tranquility
People say Budapest, Hungary, resulted for the coming together in 1873 of two cities that were separated by Danube River: Buda and Obuda on the right shore, and Pest on the left one.
Matching the city’s concept, during my trip I met up with old friends, separated from me for years by mountain ridges and scarce communication.
When I arrived, the warm welcome, my sweater and my jacket were not able to isolate me from the cold weather that surprised the city in the middle of June.
Matching the city’s concept, during my trip I met up with old friends, separated from me for years by mountain ridges and scarce communication.
When I arrived, the warm welcome, my sweater and my jacket were not able to isolate me from the cold weather that surprised the city in the middle of June.
Budapest, resembles other European cities I have visited in the past, with low houses, Baroque-Romanesque architecture, narrow streets, traditional bars and smalls shops. However, here you can perceive the socialist regime that governed the city until 1989 left a strong influece.
Központi Vásárcsarnok, The Central Market at Fovan ter, exemplifies how socialist ideals are still part of Hungarian’s daily life. The market was constructed in 1897 by the architect Samy Petz. It was re-constructed in 1994. In this country, people prefer to buy fresh products (flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and other Hungarian products) in these small stores, where they receive a personalized treatment, rather than buying processed products at chain supermarkets.
This city also differentiates itself from other European cities with its peace and tranquility. Despite, Budapest is the seventh largest city in Europe, with 1,7 million inhabitants according to 2005 census, these people do no not disrupt the city’s tranquility.
People speak with soft voices, even restaurant’s waiters and waitresses whisper the menu’s specials to you because the don’t want to bother the people who are eating next to you. At the same times, Danube’s constant flow seems to absorb the noise of the cars and the public transportation.
The view from The Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle’s District also transmits that peaceful sentiment despite the large amount of tourists who visit that spot at one time. I am not sure if it was the reunion with old friends, the city’s architecture, the river’s flow, or the extreme differentce between noisy Madrid and Budapest, but I can ensure that it had been very long since I left so serene.
Központi Vásárcsarnok, The Central Market at Fovan ter, exemplifies how socialist ideals are still part of Hungarian’s daily life. The market was constructed in 1897 by the architect Samy Petz. It was re-constructed in 1994. In this country, people prefer to buy fresh products (flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and other Hungarian products) in these small stores, where they receive a personalized treatment, rather than buying processed products at chain supermarkets.This city also differentiates itself from other European cities with its peace and tranquility. Despite, Budapest is the seventh largest city in Europe, with 1,7 million inhabitants according to 2005 census, these people do no not disrupt the city’s tranquility.
People speak with soft voices, even restaurant’s waiters and waitresses whisper the menu’s specials to you because the don’t want to bother the people who are eating next to you. At the same times, Danube’s constant flow seems to absorb the noise of the cars and the public transportation.
The view from The Fisherman’s Bastion in the Castle’s District also transmits that peaceful sentiment despite the large amount of tourists who visit that spot at one time. I am not sure if it was the reunion with old friends, the city’s architecture, the river’s flow, or the extreme differentce between noisy Madrid and Budapest, but I can ensure that it had been very long since I left so serene.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Art Bazaars versus Pirate-art at Bali, Indonesia
After the performance, we stopped by different art bazaars. First, we stopped by a workshop where we could see people weaving drink coasters, handbags, diverse basquets, nad other cfats with admirable neatness, clearly superior to the similar articles we had seen in the city center the previous day.
Afterwards, we stopped by a wood-carving workshop where we were also able to observe the artists at work. It was fascinating to watch how the artists used their feet to hold the wood in place as they carved them. Here, you could see the difference between the pieces that were carved by experienced teachers, and the ones made by apprentices. The store owner’s also noted the difference in the pieces placing a higher tag on those carved by the masters.
At last, we visited a painting studio where they sold original pirated pieces: Photocopies of original work covered with thick colored oleos, mechanically painted by small children with heavy eyes and taciturn looks. The place was luminous, and the salesmen were polite, but the misty looks of the young artists darkened the place.
Afterwards, we stopped by a wood-carving workshop where we were also able to observe the artists at work. It was fascinating to watch how the artists used their feet to hold the wood in place as they carved them. Here, you could see the difference between the pieces that were carved by experienced teachers, and the ones made by apprentices. The store owner’s also noted the difference in the pieces placing a higher tag on those carved by the masters.
At last, we visited a painting studio where they sold original pirated pieces: Photocopies of original work covered with thick colored oleos, mechanically painted by small children with heavy eyes and taciturn looks. The place was luminous, and the salesmen were polite, but the misty looks of the young artists darkened the place.
Dancers Destroy Linguitic Barriers in Bali
Even though moving vehicles usually have a soporific effect on me, there was so much to see through the van’s windows that I stayed alert throughout the entire ride.Before we began our tour around Bali’s rural side, we stopped to see a theatrical performance enacted by a group of local actors and actresses that interpreted the struggle between Good and Evil forces. When we walked into the theater, they gave us a little description in english of each scene so we could follow the performance in Indonesian.
The actors' and dancers' expressive eyes and facial expressions, together with the precise movements of their fingers, feet, shoulders and necks were able to effectively transfer the essence of the story to an audience that did not understand the local language.
The detailed decorations and the costumes' designed, added to my fascination with foreign cultures, captivated my attention throughout the show, despite the simple plot.
Behind Bali Resort’s Palm Trees
Even though 97 percent of Bali’s inhabitants are Buddhist-Hindu, since most tourists are westerners, locals choose to decorate hotels using Christmas ornaments. At the same time, every time they see you they smile saying “Merry Christmas”, despite the fact we celebrated the birth of Christ the previous week.
However, locals’ don’t always choose the best decorations to please tourists: a giant snowman dressed in traditional Indonesian clothes is not most the most appropriate decoration next to the warm seaside. Nevertheless, I must admit it contributed to generate the Christmas mood away form home.
Smoked Flavors from Coconut Shells
Paul, our local tour guide, introduced us to a side of Bali we had not seen by taking us to a traditional Balinese restaurant for dinner.
Before we sat down to eat, we fished a crab from a bowl and chose a fish and large shrimps that the restaurant’s fisherman brought while we were deciding what to eat. After that, we accommodated ourselves in a table next to the sea, and awaited until the coconut shells’ coals cooked our food.
Half an hour later, a group of waiters dressed in traditional Indonesian clothes brought some delicious dishes served with rice and vegetables. Each bite held together a crunchy smoked taste where you could still taste the coconut’s flavor, and the sweet and spicy taste of a sauce that reminded me of a light barbecue sauce.
Having dinner next to the sea was a sweet welcoming to the Bali we were going to see the next day.
However, locals’ don’t always choose the best decorations to please tourists: a giant snowman dressed in traditional Indonesian clothes is not most the most appropriate decoration next to the warm seaside. Nevertheless, I must admit it contributed to generate the Christmas mood away form home.
Smoked Flavors from Coconut Shells
Paul, our local tour guide, introduced us to a side of Bali we had not seen by taking us to a traditional Balinese restaurant for dinner.
Before we sat down to eat, we fished a crab from a bowl and chose a fish and large shrimps that the restaurant’s fisherman brought while we were deciding what to eat. After that, we accommodated ourselves in a table next to the sea, and awaited until the coconut shells’ coals cooked our food.
Half an hour later, a group of waiters dressed in traditional Indonesian clothes brought some delicious dishes served with rice and vegetables. Each bite held together a crunchy smoked taste where you could still taste the coconut’s flavor, and the sweet and spicy taste of a sauce that reminded me of a light barbecue sauce.
Having dinner next to the sea was a sweet welcoming to the Bali we were going to see the next day.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Singapore: Any woman’s Paradise
Last December I lived every woman’s dream: I traveled to Singapore, a place with unlimited shopping malls where you can spend hours strolling down aisles window shopping, and buying clothes.
While many women would have felt in paradise in that situation, I was the protagonist of my worst nightmare: everywhere I looked I could only see shopping malls, and more shopping malls.
As usual, I wanted to escape the touristy area and find a place where I could interact with locals, ask them about their culture and their country’s traditions. However, in this city-country-island in the South of Asia,and the South of the Malay Peninsula, it was practically impossible to escape this labyrinth of shops and bag carrying people.
I think Singapore probably has an area that is shopping mall free. Yet, considering in 1997 the city already had 19.800 clothing stores, I am not surprised I was unable to find it.After fighting crowded streets for hours, my brother, my mother and I decided to take a Boat Quay down Singapore River to escape touristy conglomerations: we sailed down the Riverside, observed the English style houses built along the river and noticed a great number of skyscrapers. From the boat we could se that this island-city-country was very modern and cosmopolitan.
Surfing through Singapore’s official website after my trip I discovered there are various cultural tourist attractions that I was unaware of when I visited the country.Visit the site, so you don’t miss them when it’s your turn to go there: http://www.visitsingapore.com/
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Chulapos Parade Along Calle Mayor in Madrid to honor the City's Patron
I have few words to describe San Isidro’s celebration in Madrid, Spain.
After attending Seville’s Fair, where colors and diversity took hold of the streets, it is hard to describe the celebration of the capital’s patron, where very few people are wearing the traditional dresses.
While we walked through Madrid trying to find a place where we could see how locals celebrated this special day, we run into a parade of the Agrupación de Madrileños y Amigos en la Calle Mayor.
This group of locals were wearing traditional clothes, only sadly, most of them were older citizens. This makes me wonder what will happen to the celebration after these traditionalists are gone. Enough said. Enjoy the parade!
Friday, February 02, 2007
From the Land of Natives, to Segovia, the Land of Castles
“Do you have castles in Latin America?” asked one of my Spanish roommates while we had dinner Sunday night.
I was speechless. I stopped eating, and just looked up without knowing what to say.
Throughout my childhood, my mom had frequently put me to sleep reading Fairytales with princesses, dragons and castles. However, I could not remember ever seeing a castle in my continent.
When I first wrote the Spanish version of the blog, I actually thought there were no castles in America (read continent). But then, some of my readers verified there are several castles in different parts of Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela.
Nevertheless, I still insist that those castles hardly resemble real castles, like the ones that we see in storybooks, with thin towers, thick bridges, protecting walls, etc…
Taking advantage of the fact I was living in Spain, I took a bus to Segovia to visit a real castle.Even though my blue prince was not waiting for me inside the castle, I had the opportunity to walk over cobblestones eroded by the royalty, and then by millions of tourists who came before me.
I decided to visit the castle during lunchtime so I could enjoy every corner of it without needing to fight against tourist masses.
I took a long and careful look at the collectio of armors with curious curved feet that make you wonder if noblemen really walked and fought with such heavy and uncomfortable looking suits, or if these armors were simply decorative statues that some imaginative person then decided to include in myths and legends.
I also looked at the detailed decorations that covered the metal suits: some where full-body metal armors, other only covered half the body; some were plain while others had intricate motives carved into the chest and hands’ area.I also climbed up the thin and claustrophobic stairs to the terrace where the wind messed up my hair, and obliged me to feel free. I stayed there for a while enjoying the view, extending the fantasy of beign inside a castle until my stomach’s growling became unbearable. It was already 4:30 p.m. andif I did not hurry my way down, I wasn´t going to find a place open where I could have lunch.
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