Sevillanas gets real

Another presentation down, another step closer to a semester completed! I find that a lot of the presentations that I've been doing this semester don't particularly interest me, but this one (for my politics class) was pretty engaging. Healthcare, whether public or private, is something that I didn't really know a lot about, so this project gave me to opportunity to solidly grasp and be able to compare the public health system here in Spain and the currently privatized plans in the United States. After our presentation our professor said Christina and I spoke really well (45 minutos...wow) and made a potentially dry subject engaging and extremely clear. Yes! Muy bien!

The other big event of the day was our final dress rehearsal for Sevillanas. We finally got the costumes sorted out, and did a couple of full run-throughs of the four dances. My partner, Jess, also goes to Smith, and tends to dress more masculinely. She decided that she wanted to wear the traditional male pant-suit for our dance, and I must say, we make a smashing couple. Our Sevillanas teacher was somewhat confused by Jess's desire to wear manly clothes over a massive layered dress, but I think she got the message once we all started applauding when Jess came out of the changing room all done up in red suspenders and the wide-brimmed hat. She's hilarious, and has worked out a routine for how she can spin her hat and me around at the same time. I'm sure there will be more pictures from our final performance/fiesta, but here is a little preview from tonight:

Much to my relief, the rest of tonight has been quiet. Amber and Kim went out for drinks after dinner, but I couldn't manage to gear up and go. I'm going to Sevilla for the weekend tomorrow to see friends and celebrate Johanna's 21st birthday, so I think tonight's mellowness is entirely justified. That being said, I need to take advantage of every day here! I'll be home two weeks from today- bittersweet.

Weigh me down to sleep

I'm so tired! I managed to get myself out of bed this morning and take a run, which felt great, but for the rest of the day I've been dragging around. I'm not sick, I just feel like someone strapped weights to my arms and legs and I can't lift them. Unfortunately today has also been relatively busy, since I have my final Politics presentation on Spanish Healthcare tomorrow with Christina. We spent a solid chunk of the day finishing up edits and making sure that we're going to look good when we get up in front of the class and try to talk for 40 minutes.

Tonight's dinner was cooked vegetables, but the serving was miniscule. I ended up going back downstairs a little while ago and making some microwave pasta when my stomach started growling again. And now I'm struggling to write a paper for music and falling asleep over my computer... Maybe I'll just get up early tomorrow morning when I'm fresh and write it, because this definitely isn't working for me right now.

Reality strikes hard with a final exam, presentation, and costume rehersal

After putting Mommy on the bus to the airport early this morning, I promptly went back to the hotel to study for my Photography exam today. And by study, I clearly mean sleep two more hours. After playing with her for nine days and running all over Spain, not to mention running a half marathon, I needed it. She's made it home safely now, and although it was sad to say goodbye to her, I'm going to see her again in slightly over two weeks. And now that I've gotten some of these darn projects and exams out of the way, I'm sure the time is going to fly by.

I took the train back to Córdoba this morning (where I did actually study), and we directly to the facultad to my politics class. From politics I went to take my Photography exam and from my exam I went directly to give my presentation in Music. The presentation went well, but the exam didn't go as well as I'd hoped. I could have studied more, but I was prioritizing my time with my mom here, and I don't regret a minute of it. An exam is an exam, and I know that I do plenty well on most all my other ones to make up for one that maybe isn't going to be the best grade.

After my presentation I had an hour to run back here to Calle Portrera and drop off my bag before going to our first costume rehearsal for Sevillanas. Despite how tired I was, it was actually a blast. Our final show is two weeks from tomorrow, and I think its going to be a blast. I may look like a fool, but I'll be having a good time in my thousand pound fluffy dress.

And now I'm here, collapsed in bed, not doing work that I need to finish up for this week. It'll happen tomorrow. Lights out. I need a nap.

Medio Maratón de Córdoba XXVII

Despite my best efforts, I slept so badly last night. It wasn’t that I couldn’t fall asleep, I just kept waking up every half hour or so thinking that I must have overslept the alarm and was missing the race. However, when the alarm went off at 7:30, I was sound asleep. After a few cups of tea and a solid breakfast, though, we were ready to go rock the Medio Maratón de Córdoba.

Kim, Amber, Becca, my mom and I all started as a pack, but the three of them quickly separated out ahead. I know I could have run with them, but that wasn’t the point of today; today was about running with my mom. When I did my own half marathon a few weeks ago as part of training I made it in less than two hours, so I wasn’t running to test my capacity or push my limits. We were running to run together and to finish it. And we did…together! Here are the results:

Out of over 4500 runners, I/ we placed 2998/2999, within my age bracket 42, and overall amongst female competitors 219. The race was 92% men and 8% women. 

WE DID IT!

Mommy, Kim, Becca, me, Amber

The other three girls finished five to ten minutes ahead and were there to greet us as we ran across the finish line holding hands. It was a long race, but it was a blast. I’m so impressed that my mom did it, too. Not that I had any doubts, but considering that she was recovering from major surgeries a year ago and that she only started training in earnest six weeks ago, I’m impressed. I certainly don’t know anyone else’s mom who runs half marathons with them!

We only had a bit of time at home to get packed and head for the train to Madrid, so you can imagine how tired and surprised we were when Carlos and Maricarmen arrived home and wanted to take the three Calle Postrera runners for tapas and a beer. They served free beer at the finish line of the race, and I didn’t want it then, and I didn’t want it at tapas, but it was an offer we couldn’t really decline. We went to a little restaurant in San Basillio, and the three runners just stared at our beers after taking about three sips. I can function after running long distances, but I can’t have a bad night’s sleep after a week of running around Spain and then run a race and be expected to drink a beer. Luckily we had to head home for real lunch relatively quickly. Any more beer and I would have taken a nap on the table.

Lunch was quick, and we said our goodbye and gracias and headed for the train to Madrid. I was planning on studying for my Photography exam again, but instead I slept… oh well.

Needless to say, our evening here in Madrid has not been too wild. We went to the free hours at the Prado and saw some of the more famous paintings that we weren’t able to see last week since it was closed to elections. We were also planning on going to the Reina Sofia to see Picasso’s Guernica, but, like last week, it was closed. Both our guidebook and the website said it should have been open for Sunday evening free hours. I can’t figure out Spain’s scheduling. The websites never have accurate information and places never give notice about other changes in hours. The only things that are consistent are siesta, general tardiness, and ham.

We’ve been eating our falafel picnic on the beds here in the hotel and watching Spanish game shows on TV, but now that I’ve written this update its finally time for bed. This week has flown by- don’t leave tomorrow, Mama! On another note, I need to study for my exam tomorrow morning and get back to Córdoba to take this darn thing… Shoot, I’m so tired. 

Twice as nice... in Granada!

Friday morning came much earlier than expected, but somehow we managed to get ourselves out of bed and to the Córdoba bus station in time for an 8:30 bus to Granada. I planned on studying for my Photography exam on the bus, but that plan quickly fell by the way-side and I went back to sleep for nearly the whole 2.5 hour bus ride. I’m not sure how I’m able to sleep anywhere at anytime, but it comes in really handy when traveling to make sure I get my precious hours in.

Upon arrival in Granada we checked in to our hotel and wandered around the central Plaza Nueva area a bit to find some lunch. Granada is full of Moroccan food since its so close to Africa, so we ended up chowing down on some falafel out in the sunny plaza before making our way up the mountain to the infamous Alhambra.

Have already been to the Alhambra with Preshco about a month ago, I knew what to expect on my visit. What I didn’t expect, however, was to be equally as enchanted by the palatial city on the mountain top as I was the first time. I think some of the enthusiasm was infectious from my mom, and rightfully so. 

Mama at the Alhambra entrance

We spent over three hours wandering through the maze of castles and palaces and taking in the view over the entire city of Granada and the wintery feel of the snow-capped mountains behind. We literally dedicated the entire afternoon to the place, and I’d say we did it justice. With Preshco we were on a guided tour, and while that was wonderful to hear all the facts about the Alhambra, it was even better not to be rushed around, hurried through taking photographs, and digesting the architecture. 

Palacio de Carlos V

Making our way up to the Palacio de Alcazaba 

(the right-most tower of the Alhambra in post photos)

Mama on the tower of the Palacio de Alcazaba overlooking Granada

Flags on the tower of Palacio de Alcazaba

View looking to the Sierra Nevada mountains behind the Alhambra

Tower of Palacio de Alcazaba

Walking through the Alhambra gardens to the Generalife side of the monument

Palacio de Generalife 

Panoramic of the Gardens

Palacio de Generalife Gardens

By the time we came back down into the Granada valley from the Alhambra, it was time to walk back up the next mountain over, the home of the Albayzín and Mirador San Nicolas. The walk the side of the mountain sides through stone streets and hidden staircases, but eventually emerges at a great little plaza that is exactly across the valley from the Alhambra and provides the perfect place to watch the sun set. We also picked up a liter of Alhambra beer to enjoy.

 Drinking Alhambra at the Alhambra!

Mama alegre

Watching the sun set over the Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas 

The tower all the way on the right with the flags are where most of the previous pictures are from

After watching the sun sink low in the sky and the lights on the Alhambra turn on, we decided it was time for some tapas. I know a yummy Moroccan tapas place relatively close to out hotel from the last time I was in Granada, so after stopping at the hotel to put on a few more layers for the chilly mountain air, we headed over. Luckily we decided to eat early, because the place got packed just a few minutes after we arrived. We also went to another tapas place with chickpea salad, but it wasn't as wonderful as the Moroccan food. All's well that ends well, though; we needed an early night to make sure we got enough sleep in preparation for Sunday's half marathon. 

This morning (already Saturday again! How?) we though we were going to get up and do some school work, but neither of us woke up until after 10. The rest of the day we spent wandering around Granada's magical little Moroccan shops and getting most of our Christmas shopping done. 

Shopping in the Moroccan markets in Granada for Christmas presents

What a nice name for a bank! I think she is a saint, too. 

Flamenco/Sevillanas dancer in the streets of the Albayzín

By the time we got through lunch at a little Moroccan café and wandered back down to the hotel, it was time to head for the bus station and back to Córdoba. Granada, I have to say, was even better the second time.

Tonight has been quiet here on Calle Postrera. We picked up our race number's for tomorrow's half marathon on the way home from the bus station and ate a quick dinner before coming upstairs for quiet time. Maricarmen and Carlos aren't home tonight, so Paki cooked us calamari, salmorejo, and salad for dinner in anticipation of tomorrow's high level of calorie burning. I can't believe its almost race day, or that its Sunday already.... 

Thursday Turkeyday!

After pounding the pavement yesterday in Sevilla, today was a day of relaxation and getting a bit of work done. Today, however, is Thanksgiving in America, so I was only appropriate that we celebrate too. Once I finished my photography presentation this afternoon (which was fine, and more importantly is now done), the party started. And in typical Preshco fashion, it was a real party.

Preshco rented out the second floor of Casa Rubio, a restaurant in the Juderia, and had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner catered for all the homesick Americans and Preshco affiliates. We started with a little cocktail hour for the Preshquitas who have families visiting here, and once everyone else showed up, it transitioned to a meal. The solution to homesickness, however, is not turkey. The solution, at least at the Preshco Thanksgiving, was an overwhelming amount of Spanish wine, music, and dancing

WIth Momma at the cocktail hour

Encarni

Preshco staff and Encarni's boyfriend

Just Preshco ladies

Patriotic place-settings

The turkey I didn't eat...

Speech from Esteban

Some time after Esteban's welcoming speech and when dessert was served, however, the band of young men playing guitars and dressed in traditional spanish garb arrived. Things got progressively sloppier as the hours of singing and dancing wore on, and I never got a chance to touch my dessert, but it was a blast. It was also really fun to have my mom there with us all wildly dancing around.  

The beautiful Lyssa

Mama

Standard evening with Maribel

Dancing

Serenade

Mama dancing the night away with a lovely Spanish gent

It certainly wasn't a traditional Thanksgiving, but I'll never forget it. Preshco definitely knows how to throw a party. Its painful to think of getting up in 5 hours to go to Granada...

Miercoles en Sevilla

As in the case of yesterday, the day before, the day before that, and the day before the day before that, this morning was another early rise so we could catch a 9am train to Sevilla to tour the city for the day. I brought studying to do on the train, but promptly went back to sleep once we got moving. Oh well... Tomorrow is my recovery/sleep-in morning before we're up again on Friday morning for our overnight in Granada. 

Today, however, was another beautiful day here in southern Spain. Sevilla is only about an hour by train, so we had a nice long time to explore the city. We started our morning walking from the train station in the new part of the city into the older quarters where the Catedral de Sevilla is situated. Sevilla is organized, like most cities in Andalucia, with the old city in the center and the newer, modern parts built around. Sevilla is the biggest city in Andalucia (Córodba is only 300,000), so once we made it into the heart of the old city we pretty much spent the rest of the day there. 

Our first stop was the Cathedral, which I visited just a few weeks ago with Preshco. Somehow we ended up entering through a back door and dropping in on a daily mass service with all these priests and nuns walking around the Cathedral in a processional and singing religious chats. Unfortunately, once the more serious part of the mass began, the stray street-people who had sneakily managed to get inside were asked to leave until the mass was open and the building re-opened to the public. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the service, but oh well. It was still great to see as much as we did; we never see anything like that in Northampton.

Our next stop was the Torre de Oro, which was one of the defense towers, port control points, and access points to the city from over one thousand years ago. Legend has it that it was once covered in gold, hence "oro," though I'm not sure if I believe it. Isn't gold much to expensive to coat a defensive building with? Torree de Oro, in addition to having become emblamatic of Sevilla, is now a little museum, we we made a stop to climb the tower and learn a bit about the building's famous history. 

Torre de Oro

From the top of the Torre de Oro looking back at the Cathedral

Torre de Oro with Cathedral

After walking around Sevilla for a bit more and exploring along the river esplanade, it was time to head back over to the see the rest of the Cathedral, but not before buying some roasted chestnuts for snacking before entering. This picture was taken in front of the Cathedral, and personally, its my favorite from the day. We're both so happy!

The major reason we wanted to go back into the Cathedral, despite having to pay this time, was so that my mom could climb the tower to see the view from the top. I was skeptical about going in again and having to pay, but I'm glad we did. The weather today was in the mid-60's and sunny, so it was perfect for looking out over the entire city.  

Looking out over Sevilla from the bell tower

Bell tower from the courtyard 

After grabbing a quick bite to eat at a restaurant I'd previously been to with Preshco kids, we met up with Johanna, who is studying this semester in Sevilla. Its been really great being so close to her here in Spain; I've seen her once in Córdoba, we went to London together, and today I saw here again in Sevilla! That's roughly two times more than I see her when we're both at school in the US at Connecticut College and Smith. 

Jay

Johanna took us to Plaza de la Encarnación, where the German architecture firm J. Mayer H. Architects just finished building this incredibly modern new pavilion-type thing. This "Metropol Parasol," which just opened in March of 2011, is home to a grocery store, an open-air plaza where concerts will supposedly be held, and is constructed over Roman ruins that creates a museums of Sevilla's architectural past and present. Apparently it was a really contentious project since this modern monster was being plopped into the middle of the historical city, and people are still unsure how they feel about the "mushrooms."

Staircase of the Parasol

Its massive. 

I understand that the Parasol was built to provide housing for the ancient ruins (like these in the basement-ish enclosure), but I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the architectural style. The only way I can see that the architect could have taken inspiration from the ruins and come up with the Parasol design is to take the complete opposite of the two. Perhaps the stark contrast will increase appreciation for both of Sevilla's architectural places of interest. 

After the Parasol, Johanna had to go home and do a bit of work, but my mom and I made sure that we saved time to go the Plaza de España, which was built for the World's Fair in 1929. It was showy and interesting, but compared to the millennia old architecture I've been seeing for months now, it fell short. Some of the Preshquitas have been raving about how cool it is ever since we got back from out group trip to Sevilla, so I did make a point of checking it out. I'm glad I went, but it was a "one stop shopping," whereas I could go back to the Cathedral for architectural appreciation many more times. 

Each of Spain's major cities has a little tiled bench area around the perimeter of the mote and plaza, so when it came time to take a break from walking we obviously sat down at Córdoba. 

Plaza de España de Strange

Post-Plaza, we headed back through the city towards the train station with a quick stop for ice cream before zipping back east to little Córdoba. We're both so exhausted (I think we walked close to 10 miles today. Its 3 from Calle Postrera to the train station and back), so I'm going to be glad to hit the pillow in about 30 seconds and stay down until whenever I feel like getting myself up tomorrow. Oh! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I wish I had some tofurkey...