Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The scariest thing in Sevilla:
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| I can't count the number of times I have felt like an idiot for flinching because of an incoming pigeon. |
Thursday, December 9, 2010
If you know Spanish you might like these...if not, well, I don't know.
Era un niño que soñaba
un caballo de cartón.
Abrió los ojos el niño
y el caballito no vio.
Con un caballito blanco
el niño volvió a soñar;
y por la crin lo cogía...
¡Ahora no te escaparás!
Apenas lo hubo cogido,
el niño se despertó.
Tenía el puño cerrado.
¡El caballito voló!
Quedóse el niño muy serio
Pensando que no es verdad
un caballito soñado.
Y ya no volvió a soñar.
Pero el niño se hizo mozo
y el mozo tuvo un amor,
y a su amada le decía:
¿Tú eres de verdad o no?
Cuando el mozo se hizo viejo
pensaba:todo es soñar,
el caballito soñado
y el caballo de verdad.
Y cuando vino la muerte,
el viejo a su corazón
preguntaba: ¿tú eres sueño?
Quién sabe si despertó.
-Antonio Machado
Es hielo abrasado, es fuego helado,
es herida que duele y no se siente,
es un soñado bien, un mal presente,
es un breve descanso muy cansado;
es un descuido que nos da cuidado,
un cobarde, con nombre de valiente,
un andar solitario entre la gente,
un amar solamente ser amado;
es una libertad encarcelada
que dura hasta el postrero paroxismo;
enfermedad que crece si es curada.
Éste es el niño Amor, éste es su abismo.
¡Mirad cuál amistad tendrá con nada
el que en todo es contrario de sí mismo!
-Francisco de Quevedo
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
So I hit the three month mark today...unless you include my original day of travel, but I guess I'm the one who makes that decision. I am looking forward to being home, but it's kind of weird now that everything is different. I'm not really sure what to expect. Hopefully everything will work out alright and this roller coaster of an adventure will turn into a kiddie ride once I get home. At least for a week or something. There are a lot of things I want to say and I lot of things that I don't know how to say, but I don't think this is the correct outlet for me to try. I don't really know who is reading this but I'm assuming if you are you must care about me slightly so ya, just wanted to let you know I'm looking forward to seeing you. Maybe things can be good.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
London
Okay, I'm too unmotivated to actually document my trip to London but I thought I would share a few more pictures/attempts at being funny in the captions. Overall London was awesome. I think Barcelona is my favorite city so far, but London is a very close second or even number 1b. I spent a lot of the weekend walking around and exploring by myself so I don't really have too many good mug shots, but my Myspace pic taking skills certainly improved throughout the ordeal. I hope that these aren't as boring as they are seeming to be to me right now. See ya'll in two weeks from the day.
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| My friend Kelsey. Barcelona's McDonald's couches were definitely nicer. |
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| These direction arrows aren't very helpful. I zig-zagged my way across Hyde Park in my attempts to follow them. |
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| I knew that when I deleted the picture of the sign that said what this monument is called that I would forget what this monument is called. I want to say Albert Monument, sounds right to me. Right across the street (behind the photographer), there is Albert Hall. I didn't get to go inside but it looked pretty sweet. I guess this is where I upload a picture of it. |
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| Albert Hall |
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| Changing of the Horse Guard. |
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| Mind the gap. Mind the doors. Please. |
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| Westminster Abbey. If you're buried here you were a ridiculously powerful/famous/historic individual. Just about all the kings and queens, Chaucer, Darwin, Isaac Newton, Tennyson and tons and tons of others. |
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| Large Ben |
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| Parliament building. |
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| St. Paul's Cathedral. Top ten largest cathedral in the world according to wikipedia. |
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| View from atop St. Paul's. |
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| Tower of London. Wishing it were a trebuchet... |
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| Tallest suit of armour known. Made for a 6' 8" man. Oh ya, and one of the smallest suits. |
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| Tower Bridge. Way cooler than the puny London Bridge. Maybe my favorite place in London. |
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| View from atop the Tower Bridge. Yes, those are fireworks. Great time to take a tour. |
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| New Wembley Stadium. Possibly the nicest stadium in the world. Amazing. |
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| 92,832 strong |
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| Wembley Press table. Not a friendly place to be sitting. |
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| Buckingham Palace. Not as cool as expected. Although I did watch the changing of the guard. |
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| Churchill War Rooms |
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| I LOVE HYDE PARK |
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| Quack |
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| "What are we going to do today...pose for pictures with tourists or fight crime?" |
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| Trafalgar Square. Roar. |
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| Whatever. |
I hope everyone is having a great Sinterklaas day. And a great Trent's birthday too of course.
Never run after a bus or a man...There will always be another one.
Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.
Our patience will achieve more than our force.
Patience can't be acquired overnight...It is just like building up a muscle...Every day you need to work on it.
Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.
The key to everything is patience...You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.
Patience is passion tamed.
All good things come to he who waits.
Everything comes gradually and at its appointed hour.
He that can have patience can have what he will.
Patience is the key to paradise.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Is your jar full?
A friend showed me this,
I guess it is plagiarism, but there was no source to cite...
When things in your life seem almost to much to handle, when 24 hours in a
day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar......and the beer.
day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar......and the beer.
A Professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front
of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then
asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.
The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar
was full. The students responded with an unanimous "Yes."
The Professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty
space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the Professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your
health, your friends, your favorite passions - things that if everything
else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house,
your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first", he continued, "there is no room
for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all
your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the
things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are
critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get
medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There
will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal. Take care of
the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."
When he had finished, there was a profound silence. Then one of the
students raised her hand and with a puzzled expression, inquired what the
beer represented.
The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no
matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
beers."
of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then
asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the Professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the
jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas
between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.
The Professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of
course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar
was full. The students responded with an unanimous "Yes."
The Professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty
space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the Professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to
recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your
health, your friends, your favorite passions - things that if everything
else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house,
your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first", he continued, "there is no room
for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all
your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the
things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are
critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get
medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There
will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal. Take care of
the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities.
The rest is just sand."
When he had finished, there was a profound silence. Then one of the
students raised her hand and with a puzzled expression, inquired what the
beer represented.
The Professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no
matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of
beers."
Things I don't understand about Sevilla: Part II
I don't understand...
1. The lack of energy conservation. They clearly don't have those commercials where dollar bills are sliding through the cracks of your doors/windows. Today I walked by a store with four enormous, wide-open doors that allowed an intense heat wave to warm the entire street. Same thing happens when it's hot out with the air conditioning.
2. Why they won't build anything taller than la Giralda, a tower that was built in 1198. I understand culture stuff, but I don't understand this. Not even on the other side of the city???
3. The girls that wear pants that are tight on the legs but really baggy on the crotch. I wish I had a picture so you could understand what I don't understand about it.
4. The metal garbages on poles that are implanted in the sidewalks. They don't have bags and can't be removed. I don't know how they empty them. I guess I haven't ever done a thorough close-up investigation though.
5. Why I take my finals and midterms on printer paper.
6. Why my teachers pass out papers one by one instead of the take one and pass-it-down method.
7. Why whenever I walk to the bathroom at the U of Sevilla, the girl's door is open, but the guys is shut.
8. Umbrella tactics.
9. How the kids at the residencia manage to eat all the nasty food that gets put on their plates. Their plates are cleaner after they eat than when they first got them.
10. How you can get a job as a maid working in my building if you don't know how to clean. OR why you don't knock on my door when you're coming in...especially the bathroom door.
11. Why the guys working downstairs start work (and the banging of hammers, jackhammers, etc) at 8AM and stop at 10AM. Furthermore, I don't know how you get a job working with tools if it takes an average of eleven hits per nail.
12. Why when you get McDonald's to-go (para llevar) they double cap the drink and put it in a bag inside of a bigger "grocery-style" bag.
13. What they have against drying machines if they seem to not care about wasting energy.
14. How there are so many beggars that are extremely talented musicians.
15. Why they let these guys that sell chestnuts smoke out entire streets with their dense charcoal-chestnut smog.
1. The lack of energy conservation. They clearly don't have those commercials where dollar bills are sliding through the cracks of your doors/windows. Today I walked by a store with four enormous, wide-open doors that allowed an intense heat wave to warm the entire street. Same thing happens when it's hot out with the air conditioning.
2. Why they won't build anything taller than la Giralda, a tower that was built in 1198. I understand culture stuff, but I don't understand this. Not even on the other side of the city???
3. The girls that wear pants that are tight on the legs but really baggy on the crotch. I wish I had a picture so you could understand what I don't understand about it.
4. The metal garbages on poles that are implanted in the sidewalks. They don't have bags and can't be removed. I don't know how they empty them. I guess I haven't ever done a thorough close-up investigation though.
5. Why I take my finals and midterms on printer paper.
6. Why my teachers pass out papers one by one instead of the take one and pass-it-down method.
7. Why whenever I walk to the bathroom at the U of Sevilla, the girl's door is open, but the guys is shut.
8. Umbrella tactics.
9. How the kids at the residencia manage to eat all the nasty food that gets put on their plates. Their plates are cleaner after they eat than when they first got them.
10. How you can get a job as a maid working in my building if you don't know how to clean. OR why you don't knock on my door when you're coming in...especially the bathroom door.
11. Why the guys working downstairs start work (and the banging of hammers, jackhammers, etc) at 8AM and stop at 10AM. Furthermore, I don't know how you get a job working with tools if it takes an average of eleven hits per nail.
12. Why when you get McDonald's to-go (para llevar) they double cap the drink and put it in a bag inside of a bigger "grocery-style" bag.
13. What they have against drying machines if they seem to not care about wasting energy.
14. How there are so many beggars that are extremely talented musicians.
15. Why they let these guys that sell chestnuts smoke out entire streets with their dense charcoal-chestnut smog.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Other good Spanish movies
La flaqueza del bolchevique - sad love story, but good
El laberinto del fauno (Pan's Labyrinth) - weird but probably one of my favorite movies, english language included
Eres mi héroe - pretty good movie about the end of Franco
Abre los ojos - very weird movie, Penelope Cruz is in it though...
Los amantes del circulo polar - love story, sad, really good. previously posted.
Plaza de España
This is Plaza de España. It's right by my school but I hadn't been there until last weekend. They just finished some construction on it but I wasn't there to see what they worked on so I can't really tell you. I guess you can check out these pictures, there are probably some cooler ones online.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Two Things
1. I talked to one of my flat-mates that has lived here for two months for the first time this weekend. It happened during an "american party" when we were drinking in our kitchen. Apparently now we are brothers and he has my back against any of my enemies, which is good because he looks like a beast. But what if my enemies are his friends? Are we still brothers?
2. As previously stated, we threw an American party this weekend. No, no, there weren't American flags or anything like that. Instead all we had to do was stay inside and hang out. The ratio was like 15 Spaniards to three americans, but it was still an American party. We don't really have enough room to get too wild or play games, but I think the Spaniards may have liked it.
Okay, I lied.
3. Today was the most Oregon-like weather of my time in Sevilla so far. London was pretty similar to home, but today was wet. I can't decide which is worse (or better): having to dodge hundreds of Sevillanos that walk like butterflies on my way to class, or having to dodge less Sevillanos, their umbrellas, and all of the damn puddles that are everywhere. I thought Eugene was the "city of a thousand puddles," but Sevilla is definitely challenging it. Also, if you ever come to Sevilla in the winter, try not to have your eyes poked out by the umbrellas, they're everywhere.
2. As previously stated, we threw an American party this weekend. No, no, there weren't American flags or anything like that. Instead all we had to do was stay inside and hang out. The ratio was like 15 Spaniards to three americans, but it was still an American party. We don't really have enough room to get too wild or play games, but I think the Spaniards may have liked it.
Okay, I lied.
3. Today was the most Oregon-like weather of my time in Sevilla so far. London was pretty similar to home, but today was wet. I can't decide which is worse (or better): having to dodge hundreds of Sevillanos that walk like butterflies on my way to class, or having to dodge less Sevillanos, their umbrellas, and all of the damn puddles that are everywhere. I thought Eugene was the "city of a thousand puddles," but Sevilla is definitely challenging it. Also, if you ever come to Sevilla in the winter, try not to have your eyes poked out by the umbrellas, they're everywhere.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Los amantes del círculo polar
I watched this movie in my film class this morning. It's a romance, and it's kind of sad, but I really liked it. Maybe you should watch it?
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|
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| "I'm waiting for the greatest coincidence of my life." |
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| "I'll love you forever and if I run out of gas, I'll die." |
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Cute Girls
Power Rankings: Week 12
*first place votes in ( )
1. Sevilla (45) -- Like the Oregon Ducks football program, the dominance of las Sevillanas is clear. However, unlike the Ducks, las sevillanas are more conservative and don't beat you with lightning fast speed. Instead, this group, that is extremely gifted on all levels (except in talking to Americans), forces opponents to slow down with their persistent window-shopping and aggressive side-walk blocking...disrupting any sort of offensive rhythm.
2. London (3) -- London has had some very impressive showings so far. This top-heavy group has a couple of real stars, but can the rest of the team keep up? Questions have been raised about their defense...and the colder climate, increased clothing, and amazing accent may have also deceived many voters into this high ranking.
3. America (11) -- Playing outside of the European power conference has really hurt their chances for a title shot. But these girls continue to prove time and again their worth. Dark horse for the championship game. Received my vote.
4. Barcelona -- The wild night life in Barcelona has contributed a great deal to this ranking. It is uncertain whether their current success is a result of great playmakers or their "blur offense." With upcoming travel to other regions of Spain, the verdict on this exciting team will soon be in.
Not Rated:
Amsterdam -- While Amsterdam clearly has some of the most talented prospects in the world, their continual acceptance of improper benefits and perpetual probation has hindered their ability to put together a solid team. This team appears angry, especially on the line, but without any quality players at the skill positions they'll continue to struggle.
Cordoba -- Cordoba has yet to fill a team, considering there is no one in the city.
Granada -- May be time for a coaching change.
*first place votes in ( )
1. Sevilla (45) -- Like the Oregon Ducks football program, the dominance of las Sevillanas is clear. However, unlike the Ducks, las sevillanas are more conservative and don't beat you with lightning fast speed. Instead, this group, that is extremely gifted on all levels (except in talking to Americans), forces opponents to slow down with their persistent window-shopping and aggressive side-walk blocking...disrupting any sort of offensive rhythm.
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| Paz Vega stole my heart in "Carmen" |
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| Kate Beckinsale |
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| Hard to go wrong with the depth America has. |
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| When you can't find any famous girl from Barcelona, just type in Miss Barcelona. |
Not Rated:
Amsterdam -- While Amsterdam clearly has some of the most talented prospects in the world, their continual acceptance of improper benefits and perpetual probation has hindered their ability to put together a solid team. This team appears angry, especially on the line, but without any quality players at the skill positions they'll continue to struggle.
Cordoba -- Cordoba has yet to fill a team, considering there is no one in the city.
Granada -- May be time for a coaching change.
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