Today is full of beauty. I arose rested and calm, feeling full and well. My days past have been flighty and dreamy; full of restlessness and uncertainty. Definition eluded me, and the spiral I walked left me dizzy and estranged. Today, however, housed some kind of tranquility. Questions that have hung around my neck have escaped, at least for the moment. Sometimes there are no responses, not in the sense that one would hope for. Life, however, is profound. How simple it is, to move here and there, passing by the tenderness and sincerety that pours forth without effort. There is a frequency that these signals operate upon, entirely reachable and wholly available to all. Today I am attuned to these waves of emotion; they overtook me as I traversed the subway, of all places. My ... read more

Word up kiddies! I´m back in Madrid again and able to write you all some more lovely posts. Yesterday was a national holiday in Spain, so everything was basically closed, schools, banks, stores etc. Needless to say the spanish are back to their usual routine, consisting largely of eating, drinking and sleeping and not much else. When in rome.... Barcellona was definatley a good time. The comminuty itself is nearly as large as Madrid and constructed in much the same manner. Its metropolitan, as you might imagine, but much more personal in nature. Construction ranges in terms of age, as the city is much older than Madrid, so interesting edifeces and sights abound. Being both on the Mediteranean and near the border of France, the city also exudes a slightly more European feel, coupled with the ... read more

Ahoy, and welcome back people. What a huge weekend this was, I don't even really know where to begin.... Friday was indeed an eventfull day. Much like the Jeffersons, Armando and I 'moved on up' in every way imaginable. Our new digs is sweet, sweet nectar indeed, exceeding our expectations vastly. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly, offered refreshing beverages and some tasty chicken salad, and allowed to lounge on our house mother's lavish leather couches whilst watching satellite beamed spanish films on a flat-panel plasma display. Despite not being paid to take care of us on Friday, Elly allowed us to stay, enjoy a fine meal and even let Armando sleep on the sofa in the air conditioned living room. (There were not enough beds as one of the students were not scheduled to leave ... read more

Anytime one travels to a destination that is foreign to them, that person will inevitably experience a state of culture shock. This state has many phases, covering a broad spectrum of emotions and experiences. Undoubtedly, any experience one may have is largely effected by the emotions it fosters within them. Memories of home or thoughts of ones dreams realized effect these experiences as well. The initial phase is one of overwhelming bewilderment and endless fascination. Like a baby, wide-eyed and innocent, your experiences are all new and rushing in at incredible speeds. There is little time to make anything of these experiences; the sights and sounds are simply too furious and fairly daunting. For me, this phase was like a high; a rush of energy that enabled me to push on through situations that may have ... read more

Imagine, if you will, a world where people start their day comfortably at a moderate hour, say 9 or 10am. Upon arrising, you go through your morning routine casually. Maybe you have some cafe and toast, or maybe you leave the house early and get some breakfast on the way to the park. Desayuno (breakfast) is cheap, like 3€ about, and usually includes a bocadillo, bebita, y postre. (sandwich beverage and post-meal ie. desert) You stroll through the park and enjoy the sights before heading to work or school or whatever it is you do. Your job or school is very relaxed. Everyone is laid back, polite, and generally having a good time with it. It lasts for maybe 4 or 5 hours before its time to go home and experience the best part of your ... read more