I've been fighting a cold and over time, my throat has been hurting more and more, until yesterday I basically could not speak. So today I went to the doctor and he confirmed that I have acute laryngitis.
Anyway, the fun part was walking around doing some of my chores without being able to talk.
I went to the social security office to update my home address. Think of it like your local DMV office - you walk in, pick a number, fill out forms, talk to someone. So I walk up to the counter and immediately signal that I have no voice to the lady - and she automatically becomes more caring towards me. SUWEEET - She's gonna hook me up with a number that they'll call sooner than later. I should use this trick more often. I was pleasantly pleased to find that everyone there was caring and patient enough to help me.
Next stop, get some fresh squeezed orange juice to wet the pipes before I go and visit the doc. I go to the least smokiest coffee shop that I can find. For those of you who have been to Spain, you can understand that this is extremely difficult. Anyway, I enter and do the same signal to the coffee guy- that I have no voice. I ask, with the best voice that I can do for "zumo de naranja". The guy looks at me and says very slowly, yet very loudly -- like I'm a retard -- "no te entiendo". Somehow a lady who was sitting much farther away understood me and told him, "she said she wanted zumo de naranja". Anytime this guy had to talk to me, he kept speaking slowly and deliberately, with a loud voice. LOL. I feel bad for mute people, they must have people who react this way all the time. Mute does not equal retard! Now I have a new justice to fight for....
Feb 25, 2009
Feb 20, 2009
Walking Strategy in Madrid
I have decided, after months of analysis, that there doesn't exist a common walking etiquette here in Madrid.
My ideas of "walking etiquette" before coming to Madrid consisted of the following:
1. Walk on the right side of the sidewalk, unless you need to enter a store or you are passing somebody who is going really slow (similar to when you are driving a car).
2. If you are about to run into someone, try to get out of their way, out of respect.
Well, that doesn't work here. My first few months here, I was practically walking in circles. Trying to pass the people I needed to, trying not to run into others and walking around them. In fact, when my mom came to visit, she did the exact same thing, further proving my hypothesis....
Madrid Walking Etiquette = Walk however the hell you want, and stay your ground as long as possible! Allow me to explain.
Take this picture as an example, so that you can understand what normally happens on the sidewalk.
So, what do I do? My whole mentality has changed. I now "play Chicken". I stare down my opponents and keep walking where I want to be walking until they finally decide to move around me!!! Or another way is to keep looking at the store window until they realize I'm not paying attention. Like they say, when in Madrid, do as the madrileños!!!
My ideas of "walking etiquette" before coming to Madrid consisted of the following:
1. Walk on the right side of the sidewalk, unless you need to enter a store or you are passing somebody who is going really slow (similar to when you are driving a car).
2. If you are about to run into someone, try to get out of their way, out of respect.
Well, that doesn't work here. My first few months here, I was practically walking in circles. Trying to pass the people I needed to, trying not to run into others and walking around them. In fact, when my mom came to visit, she did the exact same thing, further proving my hypothesis....
Madrid Walking Etiquette = Walk however the hell you want, and stay your ground as long as possible! Allow me to explain.
Take this picture as an example, so that you can understand what normally happens on the sidewalk.
- There are many people always on the sidewalk. Since there is no "right side" etiquette, people are all over the place. In fact, I'm convinced that people stay on the side closest to the shop windows so they can have the best view. Voyeurs.
- There are also "props" that get in the way. Perhaps you want to pass someone, but there's a garbage can or a tree in the way
- The type of people and what size groups are also a factor. You could be behind a family of three and that damn family will take up the whole sidewalk. Why? Because they don't care about the flow of the sidewalk or moving out of the way for other people. I really don't think that enters anyone's mind here.
So, what do I do? My whole mentality has changed. I now "play Chicken". I stare down my opponents and keep walking where I want to be walking until they finally decide to move around me!!! Or another way is to keep looking at the store window until they realize I'm not paying attention. Like they say, when in Madrid, do as the madrileños!!!
Feb 18, 2009
You know you're unemployed and living in "La Crisis" when.....
- Double-digit unemployment figures sound normal.
- You have memorized all the job vacancies in the career search websites.
- You have edited your LinkedIn profile as "Full-time, Self-Employed JobSeeker" to sound more exciting.
- You recently saw some part-time trainee position that sounded absolutely fascinating.
- You go to a party with old friends and more than 20% are also unemployed.
- Headhunters call you to see if YOU have job openings that THEY can manage.
- Shops are liquidating, left and right...and you STILL don't have enough money to take advantage of the discounts!
- Creating a new business seems more realistic than finding a job.
- You catch up with your network of contacts, and they ask YOU for help in getting a job.
- Living with your parents sounds like fun...
Do you have more examples to share???
Feb 17, 2009
Día de San Valentín
Valentine's Day is celebrated here, although it's not quite as commercial as it is in the States. Sure, you find teddy bears on display, special Valentine's day promotions, an occasional heart decoration here and there. But it's nowhere near the same level of "marketing assault" that we get in the U.S.
So what did we do? Well, our first idea was spontaneous. Let's go to Toledo! So we made our bocadillos (Spanish style sandwiches), packed up a small backpack and grabbed a taxi to get to the Atocha train station. But by the time we made it to Atocha,the tickets were sold out. Before leaving Atocha, I made sure we said goodbye to my friends - the turtles. I love Atocha station; it has an indoor garden with palm trees and other tropical plants, with a fiberglass ceiling that leaks in natural light. It's very calming and I like to see these turtles doing absolutely nothing more than soak up the light.
Anyway, enough of the turtles. So now that our day plan was a bit ruined, we took our backpack with our bocadillos to El Retiro and ate in the park. Then a nice siesta in the sun. Later on in the evening we went to a Flamenco Show in a small theater.
My Sevillanas teacher was one of the main dancers, and damn she is good. It was interesting to see a Flamenco show.
It's basically a musical - song and dance combined with a basic story. Although it's difficult to distinguish all of the words in the songs, so I'm not sure if there was one story or multiple.
The whole show was based on a group of Gitanos that are in love with Flamenco and maintaining its culture (I think).
Anyway, they are all in a house, at the Alhambra, etc. At the end of the show, they had an elderly lady come up and finish the show with a dance. This lady must have been about 65 years old and she hit every note.
These Spaniards are so emotional. Geesh. They wail and cry, then they are happy, and then proud with a bullfighter-like attitude. Now imagine these menopausal emotions combined with singing, dancing, strong stomping on the ground ("zapateo"), tears, mantones flowing in the background.
OLÉ - that's Flamenco!!!
So what did we do? Well, our first idea was spontaneous. Let's go to Toledo! So we made our bocadillos (Spanish style sandwiches), packed up a small backpack and grabbed a taxi to get to the Atocha train station. But by the time we made it to Atocha,the tickets were sold out. Before leaving Atocha, I made sure we said goodbye to my friends - the turtles. I love Atocha station; it has an indoor garden with palm trees and other tropical plants, with a fiberglass ceiling that leaks in natural light. It's very calming and I like to see these turtles doing absolutely nothing more than soak up the light.
Anyway, enough of the turtles. So now that our day plan was a bit ruined, we took our backpack with our bocadillos to El Retiro and ate in the park. Then a nice siesta in the sun. Later on in the evening we went to a Flamenco Show in a small theater.
My Sevillanas teacher was one of the main dancers, and damn she is good. It was interesting to see a Flamenco show.It's basically a musical - song and dance combined with a basic story. Although it's difficult to distinguish all of the words in the songs, so I'm not sure if there was one story or multiple.
The whole show was based on a group of Gitanos that are in love with Flamenco and maintaining its culture (I think).
Anyway, they are all in a house, at the Alhambra, etc. At the end of the show, they had an elderly lady come up and finish the show with a dance. This lady must have been about 65 years old and she hit every note.
These Spaniards are so emotional. Geesh. They wail and cry, then they are happy, and then proud with a bullfighter-like attitude. Now imagine these menopausal emotions combined with singing, dancing, strong stomping on the ground ("zapateo"), tears, mantones flowing in the background.
OLÉ - that's Flamenco!!!
Feb 15, 2009
Gala for Cantabria folklore
Every year, various companies sponsor a cultural gala for the region of Cantabria (La Gala de la Música Popular de Cantabria). We were fortunate to hear about the event on the radio and we arrived on time for our free tickets to see this grand event. It's truly amazing that this is completely free, when you realize this isn't some tiny, quirky little event but rather a formal, well-planned program.
Many thanks to:
The Choir 'Coral Salvé de Laredo'
- Approximately 50 men and women.
- One of the main singers was a blind man with a beautiful voice
- Apparently they have been to New York and D.C. to perform
The Orquestra 'Cantabria Infinita'
- With two conductors
- Always playing folklore music
RTVE (National Radio and TV)
- For making this a free event!!
The President of Cantabria
- For being such a nut, speaking with fervor and love for his region
- For singing the hymn of Cantabria. He didn't miss a word - I checked! ;-)
Yes, I asked these men from the choir to take a picture with me. Such the tourist. But I did it for YOU!! These guys form part of a choir and are dressed in typical/traditional Cantabrian dress. Since Cantabria has many ports, they are dressed as sailors. By the way, notice that we are all the same height? I now understand why I couldn't get past 5'4". It's the Spanish in me.
Many thanks to:
The Choir 'Coral Salvé de Laredo'
- Approximately 50 men and women.
- One of the main singers was a blind man with a beautiful voice
- Apparently they have been to New York and D.C. to perform
The Orquestra 'Cantabria Infinita'
- With two conductors
- Always playing folklore music
RTVE (National Radio and TV)
- For making this a free event!!
The President of Cantabria
- For being such a nut, speaking with fervor and love for his region
- For singing the hymn of Cantabria. He didn't miss a word - I checked! ;-)
Yes, I asked these men from the choir to take a picture with me. Such the tourist. But I did it for YOU!! These guys form part of a choir and are dressed in typical/traditional Cantabrian dress. Since Cantabria has many ports, they are dressed as sailors. By the way, notice that we are all the same height? I now understand why I couldn't get past 5'4". It's the Spanish in me.
Feb 6, 2009
Learning Sevillanas - Y OLÉ!!!
Being unemployed has its advantages. I now can dedicate my time for random things that I wouldn't be able to if I were working fulltime.
I just signed up for "Sevillanas" (a style of flamenco dance) classes at the cultural center. It's only one hour per week, and I'm one of the younger students in the class. I'm convinced my teacher is a gitana, because it makes it more exciting.
Today was my first day. I was fumbling to learn all of these new steps with names I have never heard (each step is named something) and all of this in a sea of women in their sixties that were kicking my ass. That's alright, give me a week. I'll bounce back...
I just signed up for "Sevillanas" (a style of flamenco dance) classes at the cultural center. It's only one hour per week, and I'm one of the younger students in the class. I'm convinced my teacher is a gitana, because it makes it more exciting.
Today was my first day. I was fumbling to learn all of these new steps with names I have never heard (each step is named something) and all of this in a sea of women in their sixties that were kicking my ass. That's alright, give me a week. I'll bounce back...
Feb 4, 2009
Shoplifters, PickPocketers, oh my!
"We are until the coconut with chorizo sausages."That's right folks. WE ARE!!!
What the heck does that mean? I found this post-it note right above a cute sweater I thought I wanted to try on. It means "we are sick and tired of shoplifters". And here I almost thought it was an interesting recipe that they would give me if I bought the sweater!
Closed -yet Creative- Stores in Madrid
When stores close down in Madrid, they all have a metal pull-down door that covers and protects the store front. Most mom-n-pop stores are open from 10am to 2pm, and 5pm to 8pm. So generally speaking, during lunchtime (remember that is from 2pm - 4pm here) if you walk down the street, you will see a lot of closed shops, and if you are lucky, some of them have taken a creative way to combat vandalism.
Jan 20, 2009
Obama Inauguration Day with my friend, CNN
Being the historic year in which we have elected our first African-American as president, I have to say that it's a bit difficult watching it from overseas. It feels weird to be so connected yet disconnected at the same time.
I'm less connected because I don't get to hear about the excitement or feel it the same way I hear that it exists in the US. I get to hear about Obama parties and people's excitement as if it were a story from far far away.
I'm away from home, and that's that. Voting means walking into a high security embassy to cast your mail-in vote, after having waited in line with others who are there for any embassy/consulate-related reason. No "I voted" stickers. No walking into a school or a library. No voting booths that make it a little bit more private.
BUT...
I'm more connected than I normally would be in my own country because I was forced to investigate even more about each election candidate's plan and views. I didn't receive marketing information about each candidate. I didn't see biased commercials on TV. I attacked my decisions like any student would do....by reading and comparing each plan available online, and evaluating it based on my personal opinion for each subject.
I'm more connected because in Europe (and most non-US countries), they understand how much the US economy and policies affect their well-being. The world was looking for change, not just the US.
And finally - I'm more connected thanks to CNN.com Live. I was able to watch both the elections and the inauguration with the help of this technology. Not only that, they have enabled me to see what friends of mine were online and watching CNN live as well. It's amazing what technology can do to keep people connected.
I'm less connected because I don't get to hear about the excitement or feel it the same way I hear that it exists in the US. I get to hear about Obama parties and people's excitement as if it were a story from far far away.
I'm away from home, and that's that. Voting means walking into a high security embassy to cast your mail-in vote, after having waited in line with others who are there for any embassy/consulate-related reason. No "I voted" stickers. No walking into a school or a library. No voting booths that make it a little bit more private.
BUT...
I'm more connected than I normally would be in my own country because I was forced to investigate even more about each election candidate's plan and views. I didn't receive marketing information about each candidate. I didn't see biased commercials on TV. I attacked my decisions like any student would do....by reading and comparing each plan available online, and evaluating it based on my personal opinion for each subject.
I'm more connected because in Europe (and most non-US countries), they understand how much the US economy and policies affect their well-being. The world was looking for change, not just the US.
And finally - I'm more connected thanks to CNN.com Live. I was able to watch both the elections and the inauguration with the help of this technology. Not only that, they have enabled me to see what friends of mine were online and watching CNN live as well. It's amazing what technology can do to keep people connected.
Jan 19, 2009
Crazy Job Description
As I'm now unemployed, I consider myself to be almost at expert level when it comes to reading job descriptions. I have seen all kinds: elaborately detailed job descriptions to those that are so short that you could almost convince me they are really HAIKUs.
But I saw one today that absolutely BLEW MY MIND -- read the English version (translated) :
.....
We offer a bright future in a unique world leader. Help us start by way of mutual selection:
- You are interested in why things happen rather than what is happening.
- You distinguish between what is said and what was meant.
- You realize that in the best companies, the same distance exists between the VP and the trainee, as does between the trainee and The VP.
- You understand the difference between the penny today and the dollar tomorrow.
- Disorder and planning are just that: disorder and planning.
- You can distinguish solemnity from seriousness.
- You know that more happiness comes when you like what you have to do, versus when you do what you like.
- You know that good marketing is more than a good spreadsheet with a brilliant idea.
- You control your frustration continually adjusting expectations and probabilities.
- You can admit that the way to avoid uncertainty is to avoid the risk of success.
- Your favorite colors are conditioned with the intensity of light.
If you identify with what we have here, please send us your professional background.
Does this inspire you? Are you ready to apply for this sect!?
But I saw one today that absolutely BLEW MY MIND -- read the English version (translated) :
.....
We offer a bright future in a unique world leader. Help us start by way of mutual selection:
- You are interested in why things happen rather than what is happening.
- You distinguish between what is said and what was meant.
- You realize that in the best companies, the same distance exists between the VP and the trainee, as does between the trainee and The VP.
- You understand the difference between the penny today and the dollar tomorrow.
- Disorder and planning are just that: disorder and planning.
- You can distinguish solemnity from seriousness.
- You know that more happiness comes when you like what you have to do, versus when you do what you like.
- You know that good marketing is more than a good spreadsheet with a brilliant idea.
- You control your frustration continually adjusting expectations and probabilities.
- You can admit that the way to avoid uncertainty is to avoid the risk of success.
- Your favorite colors are conditioned with the intensity of light.
If you identify with what we have here, please send us your professional background.
Does this inspire you? Are you ready to apply for this sect!?
Jan 18, 2009
Vacas Gone Wild in Madrid
We went for a long walk downtown today, and to our pleasant surprise ran into the "Cow Parade in Madrid", which has hundreds of cow statues strategically placed across the city. Each has its own sponsor and artist, and they are being auctioned off to benefit specific NGO's.
I just HAD to get a picture with my flamenco-dressed señorita!
Jan 13, 2009
It's not a crisis, It's not a crisis...WAAAHHHH!!!
It's all over the damn place..."Recession", "Worst Economy in XX years", "almost depression", "save your money", "housing market nosedives", "unemployment hits all-time high". You can't turn on the tube without hearing something negative about today's economy and it's struggle to get back on its feet.
Yes, I get it. These are bad times. And trust me, I really "get it" considering I am in the unemployed bucket currently.
We are constantly reminded about the difficult economic situation -- on the news, in our job searches, from our friends and families. To make matters worse, I log onto my bank account, and what do I get? A nice little reminder....
Isn't anyone concerned that all of this negative press will create "over-concern" and overly-negative consumer expectations? After all, it is a catch-22. The worse the economy looks or is perceived to look, the less consumers are willing to invest. (think of the depression and how many people ran to the banks to take out their life savings). On the other hand, the economy can't improve unless people are investing. Hence this lovely pop-up window from my bank that urges me, their consumer "Please, have faith in us and don't take out all of your investments. We are still financially sound..."
Yes, I get it. These are bad times. And trust me, I really "get it" considering I am in the unemployed bucket currently.
We are constantly reminded about the difficult economic situation -- on the news, in our job searches, from our friends and families. To make matters worse, I log onto my bank account, and what do I get? A nice little reminder....
Isn't anyone concerned that all of this negative press will create "over-concern" and overly-negative consumer expectations? After all, it is a catch-22. The worse the economy looks or is perceived to look, the less consumers are willing to invest. (think of the depression and how many people ran to the banks to take out their life savings). On the other hand, the economy can't improve unless people are investing. Hence this lovely pop-up window from my bank that urges me, their consumer "Please, have faith in us and don't take out all of your investments. We are still financially sound..."
Jan 11, 2009
Metro Madrid Mocks Me?
I never leave home without one of these tickets. It's the Metro Bono ticket that can be used for 10 trips either on the metro or on the bus.Year upon year, I see this little, yet oh-so-necessary ticket get more and more expensive.
2007: € 6.70
2008: € 7.00 (+ 4.5%)
2009: € 7.40 (+ 5.7%)
The Metro/bus system must be investing in something important, because year over year they keep increasing the ticket price well above Spain's average inflation rate, which is 2.4% according to INE.
Sara's Top 5 for why the bono price keeps rising so aggressively....
1. Why not? People will still buy their basic need - public transportation
2. Madrid metro might be cheaper than other EU subways - let's even out the playing game
3. Madrid metro and downtown buses are planning on going "eco" all the way
4. Madrid metro has to replace all the vandalized tilework on the walls
5. It's as simple as sports - Madrid vs. Barcelona: which transport system can charge more?
Jan 9, 2009
FAMA - the best reality show in Spain
I am honored to present to you today my favorite reality show:
FAMA ¡a bailar!
It's a LIVE reality show where this dance school chooses its contestants by individual castings (very similar to American Idol) all over Spain. Then these final contestants are allowed into Fama dance school where they are given a dance partner for all performances and one by one they get eliminated. As the contestants get smaller and smaller, they compete for survival and for the best partner so that they can continue into the very final round.
What do I love? The dancing and the drama. Take a look:
Omar. Not the best dancer, but he definitely brings the drama: He has been hooking up with both Eva and Marisa at the same time.
Eva. AMAZING dancer + drama. She has (had?) a boyfriend who I'm sure watches this live show, yet she keeps going back and forth with Omar. Kissy kissy.
Marisa is also a phenomenal dancer and was first courted by Omar, then held off on the drama. Now I saw some kissy kissy.
Erik just entered as a new contestant. Apparently in the first castings, Marisa and him met and there was "feeling". And he is best friends with Omar....(see above)
Yure is like a truck driver. You should have seen her dancing to classical music style. Truly entertaining. Her partner Jonas is more feminine than she is!
I'm so addicted. Love this show.
FAMA ¡a bailar!
It's a LIVE reality show where this dance school chooses its contestants by individual castings (very similar to American Idol) all over Spain. Then these final contestants are allowed into Fama dance school where they are given a dance partner for all performances and one by one they get eliminated. As the contestants get smaller and smaller, they compete for survival and for the best partner so that they can continue into the very final round.
What do I love? The dancing and the drama. Take a look:
Omar. Not the best dancer, but he definitely brings the drama: He has been hooking up with both Eva and Marisa at the same time.
Eva. AMAZING dancer + drama. She has (had?) a boyfriend who I'm sure watches this live show, yet she keeps going back and forth with Omar. Kissy kissy.
Marisa is also a phenomenal dancer and was first courted by Omar, then held off on the drama. Now I saw some kissy kissy.
Erik just entered as a new contestant. Apparently in the first castings, Marisa and him met and there was "feeling". And he is best friends with Omar....(see above)
Yure is like a truck driver. You should have seen her dancing to classical music style. Truly entertaining. Her partner Jonas is more feminine than she is!
I'm so addicted. Love this show.
Ok, now it really is SNOOOOOOWWWWW
Cibeles Statue in downtown:
I just went out of the house for literally less than 10 minutes, with extra layers of clothing, my fluffy down-like jacket with a hood, and determination. I'm now back at home and I realize that my feet are colder than the hardwood floors in the house. Odd as it may seem, I'm letting the floor warm up my feet.
Here's a picture of the plaza in our neighborhood:
I just went out of the house for literally less than 10 minutes, with extra layers of clothing, my fluffy down-like jacket with a hood, and determination. I'm now back at home and I realize that my feet are colder than the hardwood floors in the house. Odd as it may seem, I'm letting the floor warm up my feet.
Here's a picture of the plaza in our neighborhood:
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