Triptophantopia...

This is a post that has been a long time coming... as it is almost two months old... but you can insert a cliche here about procrastination... and that will make it all better....

 Alex checking to make sure beast is in fact dead...


Notwithstanding, according to most American surveyed state that, Thanksgiving is the crown jewel of American holidays (I don't know if this is proper use of 'Notwithstanding', but reread the sentence... it just seems to fit just right).  El Gran Salon is not a flat to let an opportunity such as this pass us by.  So we ate turkey....  What more do you want... a long drawn out tale of how:  1: Alex and I had to go find a 2nd turkey since the Spainard at the market downstairs gave some BS excuse at how he could not get another turkey... after he promised me the day before, not even 15 hours prior... that we were just fine.... or 2: how we spent two days cooking some of the most wonderful stuffing, succulent, constantly basted turkeys this side of the Canary Islands...or 3: how we spent the night relishing in our Americana, introducing the several non-americans to the ritual of engrossing ourselves in the richest and most flavorful food that we, as Americans have to offer.... yes we did all 3 and did them to such a degree that all patrons were not only surprised but overflowed with bounty...

Ravaged bounty.

All brought additions to the feast,  such as the tradition requires.  Mashy Mashed Potatoes, Cranned Cranberry Sauce, Breaded Bread, Greened Greeny Salad, Aptly Appled Pies, and Creamy Creamed Desserts...and None forgot their plate, and although 4ths were available, no one took the opportunity...

Bottled and Boxed wines flowed like wine and all were glad to take their fill... a Power Point presentation of how Thanksgiving began was showed by Alex and myself... in order to inform the non-Americans of how this tradition came to be....  But since the actual version of the story is boring and oxy-moronic, we decided to misinform our guests and entertain them all the same... details are lost somewhere  between the triptophan and the stuffing but the bottom line was that the turkey's are responsible for the mass Native American exodus on the North American continent... and not Expansionist America... hence it is the most hated of all winged creatures.... and it is the reason why we try to eradicate them every 4th week in November.... we have yet to succeed, but be damned if we don't give it our best shot every year!

Not to make this my soapbox, but I mean, much truth is made in jest....
 
So, Turkeyday came and went... Tummys full and warm... Sweet tooths just whetted for the even more lavish holidays of the upcoming season... people succumb to the Curse of the Turkey... by falling to sleep within 25 minutes of consuming the beast... dangerous on so many levels...  Many 1st Thanksgiving Dinners for international attendees and I believe 'El Gran Salon' pulled it off quite nicely... many thanks to all who attended and contributed their efforts to the great feast...

Another victim of the Turkey Curse

More posts to come... See you then!
-Lo

"I love Thanksgiving turkey... it's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."
-Arnold Schwarzenegger

The one post you want to read.

So, I have taken a hiatus from blogging.  I still hate that word.  Its been over a month since my last post.... Yes, I still have a Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's post that I would like to put up....and I will get to those... but first, I have another story to tell...

So, one time there was this awesome American who met another awesome American in Spain....[insert cliche comment like 'Boy meets Girl' 'Crazy European Summers' ' Spanish Wine' ' Birds and the Bees' , Etc..] ... and now, I'm gonna be a New Dad starting this April!... (take time to read that again if you would like).

Some of you may already know this, some of you may not... but for those of you who actually read this (I think there are about 2 of you), I thought it would be irreverent to leave you out of such juicy details, although I gave you no details at all.  And no, this is not a test to see how long I could pull your chain... I'm gonna be a Dad!

That's really making a long story short.  But for all of you that are dying to know, I will be heading back to the States in February, not sure where for the long term or the short term that matter... all I know is that I have to go to St. Louis to hangout with a futbolista (Sara says el bebe has quite the boot)... and no, we don't know whether its a boy of a girl... but I know that is one of the first burning questions.

Me watching Rudolph in preparation.

If you have more questions, you can leave a comment, email me, call me, skype me, gchat me, or send a postcard and I will try to field it... in the meantime, I will be enjoying my last days here in Spain and hopefully get some good posts up before I leave on an even bigger adventure...

-Lo


"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, Learn as if you'll live forever." -Ghandi

Flat out like a lizard drinking....

Another birthday has come and past... Now we try to recollect what actually happened and possible find an explanation why our flat looks like it went thru a tornado with a B.A.C. of  .23....

El Palacio Real taken down the street from El Gran Salon...

To start the night Alex, Dave, and I head toward Madrid's center to take a walk, catch some great sites of our illustrious city, and grab some grub.  The autumn air was crisp and the people were out in full force.  Covered up and enjoying the increasing chill of the season.  I now realize how effing hot summer actually was here and how much I miss a nice cool breeze.  Walk by the Palace, stroll by the Arch at Principe Pio, and a tromp down Gran Via and we find ourselves in the city centre at Sol.  The city is bustling per usual on a Saturday night, each couple and group of friends with their own plans for an exciting fall evening.  At this point I realize how much I don't really know about the Spanish and their culture.

Principe Pio at night.

I've been here for six months now and still feel that around every corner I turn I see a completely different side of Spain and the mix of culture it provides.  From the ornery Spanish doorman who permits me entry into the apartment building he guards, against his better judgment, to the bright eyed South American toddler, probably Colombian maybe Venezuelan, who rides the metro fidgeting and leaning against his dad wondering how much longer this ride will be. Bright eyes and restless hands moving, flitting, without rest.

Walking thru the city, the sites call out to you and demand attention.  One must ignore their beauty and reverence if one wants to actually arrive to desired destination. We run a couple of errands, party prep, and grab a quick bday dinner and an overpriced and mediocre buffet.  What the restaurant lacks in quality, it makes up for in seconds, thirds, and fourths.  We leave the center, head back to the flat and await our birthday celebrants.

El Gran Salon fills quickly and liters empty even more so.  Approx. 25 friends from his school and around Madrid come to give him a Birthday shout out.  Italians make German jokes, Germans make American puns, and Aussies look like wombats...  Hours of palavering (read The Dark Tower) and the party wanes down.  We figured that Alex's absence a few hours into the party was caused by him receiving a special present from a lady friend.  We also realized that once everyone had left the party he was probably just passed the eff out.  We pounded on his door and received no reply.  Bird Law dictates that if one is busy with intimate agendas, one replies to a strong poundings on ones door.  (Watch "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") With no reply, we decide to invade to find him more than soundly sleeping.  Dave and I make a non-verbal decision and launch ourselves on top of him giving him a rude awakening and administering more alcohol as medicine.  He quickly regains his bearings and we continue his celebration.

With only 6 or so of us remaining, we break out the birthday cake and give him a proper 'Happy Birthday' with matchstick birthday candles and all.

Alex ready to slice his cake as well as party goers...

A good birthday for all of us here at El Gran Salon and we look toward Thursday for our next gathering for Thanksgiving. (Which has already happened as I write this, currently digesting that triptophan laced meat)  Updates on Turkey day to come.  November has been a non-stop month, but Madrid isn't such a good place for sleep anyway, FYI for any of you planning on visiting.  We will see you next time, loyal reader, with full bellies and surrounded by friends and family.  Be Thankful.

-AAA

"Are you allowed to drink Absinthe with dinner?...."
"I didn't think there were rules here..."
-Lo & Wombat

Cause and Effect.

Autumn Art Graffiti captured by the Guss.

 As the temperature drops here in the center of the Iberian peninsula several changes take place, as in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere.  The autumn clothes make their debut and the scarfs seem to accent the spanish eyes quite perfectly.  Hazel-blues and Grey-greens stand out strongly against overcast sunsets. Botellons (large gathering of young drinking revelers) are harder to find and the crowds move indoors toward smoky dim lit bars and lounges.  Film festivals replace the outdoor music variety.

We here at  El Gran Salon have also shifted gears to find some more cultural related activities (besides eating chorizo and indulging in Mahou).

Jam Session at the lounge "El Plaza"

The latest: Jazz. Throw on your best M. Davis album and come inside, speak easy.  The Jazz scene here in Madrid is much like any other big international city I.E.: Chicago, New York...... but not the Utah variety.  A couple different Jazz fests have filled our auditory palettes with such jazz varieties as Lounge with accompanying Sax and Trumpet, Piano Jazz with added jazz flute (a la Ron Burgandy), and Latin Jazz infused with the rhythmic bongo drums (my favorite).

THE David Guss, El Ingeniero, Angeloco, and Wombat... taking in a night of Jazz.

It is peculiar and even refreshing to see the Spaniards, usually so entrenched in their own particular culture that one could only think of them as Spanish, take in something that is so unrelated and different.  The jazz singers melodic voice, although in English, traverses language and culture giving all listeners a sway that seems inherent in the human genome.  Smoke fills the small, intimate setting.  Whispers fills in the ambient noise, vibrato smooths and fades out mental chatter, and one can only sit back, slouch slightly in the lounge chair provided, and relax.  

Happy Birthday to Alex, tonight is another gathering of linked souls to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the crazy German's birth.  Bring on the Green Fairy...
-Angelo A. Austin


"Don't play what's there, play whats not there"
-Miles Davis

Halloweens, Birthdays, Sausages, Football, and the occasional Surfer...pt. 1

What makes Halloween so interesting here in Spain is that it is a very new concept.  I'm assuming that Franco, Spain's former dictator, was not too keen on allowing the Pagan American tradition to invade his borders with his very strong Catholic views. I however have the privilege of working closely with children between ages 9-12 and it is very clear that they don't have the same grasp on the holiday as their American counterparts.  I of course gave them  pointers and hints on the process. A run down on why you take a pillowcase out with you to trick-or-treat and the best way to destroy your neighbors jack-o-laterns were key categories.  One refreshing thing about Halloween being so new and interesting to the Spanish is that they have not evolved (more like digressed) into seeing who can be the slutty-est or who can make the best interpretation of the last episode of SNL. Its terror, scary, and gory... the way it was meant to be... Give them 10 more years and I'm sure they will be finding the shortest skirts and the best dreadlock wig but for now, its nice to a good zombie walking around.  Which takes me back to the horse ranch at Alcala once again....

As I said in the previous post, my good friend Ivan was planning a Halloween bash and he is not one to disappoint.  I arrived with Alex and Dave to the ranch around 11pm surrounded by some good looking Ghouls 'n Ghosts in full gore and regalia. (yes, that game effing scared me really bad when I was 8 or whenever nintendo came out with it... it was the theme song...I'm sure my brother Phil remembers).  A couple drinks into the party an urgent Ivan comes up to me and asks me if I can don a zombie mask, head out into the graveyard and scare children...... "Claro"

The Chicken King, ZombieDave, and 400yearold death queen... you know, taken the metro.

What I don't know is how much effort was spent putting this Haunted Ranch Walk together. It started of with a "Ring" like scene with creepy girl climbing out the well clawing at you, thru to darkened horse stables where assylum twin girls awaited with high pitched moans, into the horse arena turned graveyard where I waited with pick, shovel, and Zombie faced , into a SAW V warehouse where the butcher was waiting with chain saw revving.  With Zombie-Michael Jackson as their tour guide, the ranch walk was a scary delight.  About half way thru the night, a real headless horseman screamed thru the camp, tromping so close to party goers to cover them with dust as he stampeded by.  All the chilling senses you want grazed and shocked during this one special night of the year were perfectly tingled and hacked.

After the terror came the party.  Drinks and dancing flowed like candy corn.  Zombie-Michael Jackson paid his tribute to his former self and all attendees: Spanish, Foreigner, Adult and Child alike had a night that they may or may not remember.  Two huge thumbs up to Ivan and his crew for throwing the Halloween Bash that most party connoisseurs (as myself) dream of.

A few days to recover from the Halloween bash and the crew here at El Gran Salon are back at it again.  After a month long hiatus from the CouchSurfing world, we threw open our doors once again hosted some more of the most wonderful internationals you can find.  In addition to a couple of Bulgarian surfers (they weren't Bulgarian, but Russian, but we didn't know that until we met them, so we just decided they were Bulgarian), we also had the privilege of having Alex's Dad, Ralph, take in the whirlwind known as the  couch surfing world.  And Ralph brat (brought) sausage!  Homemade German Sausage!  They really are doing something different.  Because it was magnanimous.  Sure having a BBQ in November is a little late in the season, but delicious none the less.

Fast-Forward:-->Liters-->Malasaña-->Tapas-->Teach Bulgarians how to Shotgun Beers-->Bulgarians Falling off hand rails in Plaza Dos de Mayo-->Injured Backs-->Jager-------->Scene.

Yet another couple days of recovery, a few English classes learned and we come upon THE David Guss' big B-day. But before we ensue into that night of thrills, spills, and automobiles.... we shall take a break.  Also in the next edition of Angeloco on the Road: my first European football match.... the crowd goes normal.

-Lo

"Its the big button on every camera on the planet"
-Angeloco explaining how to function the whiteman's soul-catcher....

This is the beginning of the Fall.....

The precipitation in Espana drops for the most part on the flat area.

Cam y Alex hanging in the park.

The past two weeks have been a semblance of a normal and habitual life in Spain.... as boring as that may sound... its still quite exuberant and full of life. My friend Pepper (yes, the spice and the person have become one) and I have met a few times at the parks to take in the Spanish life to its fullest. Watching the Granpas play with their nietos and shuttling them from one piece of playground equipment to the next. Huge grins plastered on small children's faces as they hurl their little arms and legs down various slides and climbing apparatuseseses into the awaiting patriarchal arms, strong and weathered all the same.

In El Jarin Capricho... strumming...

As Pep and I pass time talking about the various different aspects we have come to enjoy and embrace, a small boy comes to listen to me strum the guitar. He listens with the correct amount of silence until the end of a song and gives a standing/jumping ovation. The drool which was barely hanging on to the side of his cheek has no chance of survival after the explosion of claps and laughter. A few songs, the mom thanks me for entertaining her little drool production factory, and 'el nino' squeals off to find another form of interest. A well spent afternoon.

Beyond lazy Sundays in the park, I have filled my evening with various metro rides and with a few English classes spotted in between here and there. Couchsurfing has been put on a hiatus for the month of October but as we end the month with Halloween in our sights, the flat prepares to open its door once again and take on a fresh wave of surfers in November. I doubt it will be as crazy as summer was, as there are not as many travelers, but you never know... stranger things have happened here in Madrid.

In addition to making common house improvements, I've taken upon the task of turning my balcony into a small garden. Being embedded in the city has brought out the urge to have some sort of Green in my life... I am open to any suggestions... as I have only attempted growing things out of dirt once in my life... and it was quite the task... I will give you updates on my progress...

Not the most exciting of posts but there is some value in returning to a normal cycle of life... but for you adrenaline junkies... here is a list of upcoming events!

• Halloween on the Finca: "Its terror, not sexi" Ivan's explaining how you are not to dress like a slut for Halloween in Madrid

• The Re-Opening of the Surf Hostel: El Gran Salon <----- click here We've put a lot of work into the place....

• My continued quest to educate as many Madrilenos as possible... for a small fee of course.
  

• The continued conquest of the ARIZONA REDBIRDS IN THE NFC WEST... yes, I have to stay up until 4-5am usually to watch the game, and thats only if a good friend skypes me, sets the computer in front of the TV while I yell and scream 5000miles away... Rediculous.. NO... Just Loyal!

• Thanksgiving! Gathering all the Americans I know to celebrate the offering of corn, vegetables, and other scrumptious foods from the Native Americans to our European settlers in North America... While the settlers returned the favor by giving them swine flu blankets.... (Don't send hate mail, I love Thanksgiving, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity)
  

Have you seen this mouth.... You can hear it from anywhere...

As always, come to Spain and enjoy all the things you are missing... you can only live vicariously through me for so long, before you take the plunge and come out.... except for Kim... we have noise restrictions here...

-Lo

"He has all the virtures I dislike and none of the vices I admire."
-W. Churchill

Where is the effing band!! THEY'RE ON IN 2 MINUTES!!

As most of you know, the flat here in Madrid participates in Couchsurfing.org. It has been one of the most rewarding parts of moving to Spain. Being able to meet new people from all over the world, having many different cultures show up on your doorstep opening horizons and removing misplaced stereotypes (most of the time) has been very rewarding. (One being that Americans don't know how to cook which I gladly dispell! The conversation usually starts by, "Don't you guys just eat fast food..... )

The Highway Children.
Back: Jodie Oaks, Uncle Meat, Flor
Front: Marquee Moon, Bottomless Liter, Willly Rockefeller, and Wilson Silvers

Our living room transforms into a hostel. Different furniture formations with proper names have been assigned:i.e. large dinner formation, movie watching formation, large sleep formation and so and so forth... the two couches turn into beds,and we have two single mattresses that go into the back of the room, next to the pole. One group in particular that has recently visited our hostel and the reason I allude to Couchsurfing, is the band: Uncle Meat and the Highway Children.

Yes, that is your cue to look up their Myspace and actually see who I am talking about. (www.myspace/meatykids) They have traveled down Europe from Manchester, England spreading the sweet sounds of folkiness and freelove and joy. As with any awesome traveling folk rock band that spends a few days(a couple of weeks really) at your house, long nites were had, short mornings ensued,and a slight split of the forehead followed me around for the remainder of the day. Each morning is started with the strumming of a banjo or mandolin and a slight smell lingers from the night before. Me and the flatmates would show up to some of their street performances to give the crowd a boost of energy and show our undying support. The patrons of Madrid are usually easily to obliged, especially if you sound good.

Highway Children on a train... Taking the Metro by storm...

One fine evening we made it out to Club Nuit with the band, a former strip club turned bar (you can't even tell with all the mirrors and awesome faux marble statues) and their special, 5euro all you can drink from 10-12... The alcohol is watered down, the bartenders are smug, and the beer is served by the 4ounce cup but even in the face of adversity one can enjoy themselves quite nicely. Although Club Nuit was a blast, the most memorable moment of the night was the metro home... The fun part about hanging with the band is that at a moments notice, they can break out the instruments and turn your life into a small music video. Waiting 10 minutes goes by really quick when you got a band by your side and the metro ride.... it went by in a jiff... don't know how much the one spanish lady appreciated when a motly crue of hippie rockers and their groupies sat next to her on the train, (she switched cars at the next stop) but I loved it.
Busking at Sol.

Along with great music, it was great fun getting to know what it takes to get on the road, challenge the world, and to see a complete different way of life. I learned a fair amount of Manchester slang (Chip you...) and the large scale meals cooked together are always great gatherings. I am sure we will see this group of wild childs again and more crazed nights to

ensue.

In other new, the departure of Caterina and other small Italian adventures, the world (the flat) is changed forever... find this and tonnes of other stories right here in Madrid... we'll do it over a big flat dinner... see you then.

-Lo

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it"
-Unknown

White Nights and Blurry Mornings...

Kevin has come and gone along with our good Austrian friend Phil but the tales of summer will be told for generations to come. They may include but are not limited to the following stories:

La Tomatina- Dirty Wet Tomato Red Fest.

Wingmans- The Fraternal Order of Crazy Men in Spain.

Recuerde Plaza Dos de Mayo!- The warcry will ring for decades.

Parque Warner- Its like you’re in Hollywood, except a little more classy.

El Tigre- Because El Leon doesn’t sound as cool.

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi- That means happy birthday to me.

Parilla- Like a sausagefest, except with more meat.

Fiesta en la Finca- Horses, BBQ, Eggs, Luis Jackson, and Ivanloca (Maniac).

Phil getting the most action he's had in years.....

Any of the above stories may be elaborated on by myself or Kevin. And half the tales will be withheld from the record books to remain as crazy memories of a wild month filled with madness and debauchery.

So I move on from a month filled of Hollywood a.k.a. Kevin expecting things to slow down a bit. This is not necessarily the case for Spain. The weather has cooled down a bit allowing Madrid to reawaken from its sleepy summer slumber. Holidays have ended and people and the Spaniards are back doing the things they do best, eating great food and consuming (you can’t say dr*nk, King’s Rule) wonderful beverages. Tintos de Verano flowed throughout the summer giving the drinker a brief respite from the unyielding heat.

So in honor of the last days of Summer what does Madrid do…. Throw a party of course. La Noche en Blanco (White Night) is Madrid last hurrah for summer bringing together the city’s biggest bands, best museums, performers, and sporting events. The museums open up their doors starting at 10pm and stay open until the party stops, 6am. Children and elderly alike use this excuse to skip a night of sleep and revel in the joys of the nightlife. The streets are quarantined from auto traffic and the people roam from barrio to barrio rediscovering the art and culture distinct to each area. The concerts don’t stop all night as you see Spanish bands, rappers, English rock, in addition to the broad range of street performing per usual from Madrid. Artwork from all of the country is displayed as people revel in the end of summer party. My flatmates and myself roamed the city for hours receiving an education on how successful a citywide party can be, especially when provided with the proper lubrication.

Me: and yes, its made from real Zebra!

We now move toward a more beer-centric style of outing in honor of Oktoberfest just a `hop’ around the corner in Germany. So cozy up as the leaves turn shades of yellow and orange with your frothy lager or warmed buttered rum… time for fall.

October starts and I start teaching classes again as all the kids head back to school. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you informed on what else Spain has in store for the closing of the year. Stop on by if you’re in town… I’ll take you to El Tigre… ask Kevin… he’ll let you know how it is.

Coming soon in the next edition of Angeloco: The Band: Uncle Meat and the Highway Children, they came, they saw, they were conquered...

-Lo

"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, Learn as if you'll live forever." -Ghandi

Back in Madrid: Fiesta de La Paloma

My days in camp are over... I've learned tons of lessons about children, games, language barriers, and Spanish life. I plan on heading back to Acalà for the fiestas at the end of August, but I'm sure I'll have a full entry on those nights... Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

La Latina

My barrio is one of the most international areas of Madrid, La Latina. You have to go off the tourist beaten path to find the small boutiques, international cuisine, and rocking bars. Anything ranging from South American flare to the Middle Eastern hooka lounges, La Latina is where you want to be for the world vibe. This weekend was the fiesta of the patron saint of La Latina, La Virgen de La Paloma. Needless to say, Spaniards don't need a reason to party, but it always helps to have a common Saint to cheers to...

Fireworks booming over La Latina.

Tucker (the new flatmate), Erik (Couchsurfer), Robin (fellow teacher on the farm) and I head out to the main plaza to throw back a couple litros. My photojournalistic side takes over and the memory card starts to fill up. Thousands of revelers walking shoulder to shoulder with no other goal except to eat good eats, drink good drinks, sing good sings, and smoke good smokes.

Advertencia!: When ordering a 'Mini' expect a liter of whatever drink you ordered...
Ex: Dame un Mini de Gin y Tonic => Expect a liter cup half full of Gin and half full of Tonic.
Its like calling a fat guy 'Tiny'

The masses congregate around fountains taking up any ground space available to give the legs a rest, take in the view, and get some people watching done.... maybe splash a girl or two.

One interesting aspect of the fiestas that they are non-discriminant to age. I have seen 2 year olds out with their parents and I have seen a 75 year old couple out on the town in traditional Spanish garm, full flamenco dress in tow. This is all at 3 or 4 in the morning... It may seem strange, and you would think the kids and the grandparents would both need naps, but the Spaniards pull it off well.

The fireworks put on a spectacular show, the fiesta starts to wind down, me and the boys say good-bye to the awefully friendly Spanish girls we met along the way, and we start the trek home. The glow of the Sun starts to peer over the city, adding additional haze to my sleep lacking mind. La Paloma has done it again.

Tucker (the bearded wonder), Me, Maria, and the two Sonyas at the end of Fiesta de la Paloma.

Kevin is officially on his way in two days, fiestas in Acalà de Henares, and I expect full mayhem to ensue....

If you want to join in the fun... you can hide in Kev's luggage.

-Lo

"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, Learn as if you'll live forever." -Ghandi

Careful what you wish for...

So it has been 10 days since we last spoke and much has occurred... It seems I start every post this way, and that's the way it will stay. Until I learn how to post regularly, that is...

A few days of a little class and a lot of relaxation pass without much excitement. I attended an intercambio (English/Spanish talking exchange, for practice) in which I met tons of new Spanish friends and went out for some drinks afterward. Topics such as music, sports, and cultural differences of ten arise. A couple days in the park, watching people, birds, and fishies do their thang. Making a trip over to 'El Tigre' for some awesome beer and even better tapas. (They're always better when they're free) The Canterbury Crew (the name I just gave to me and all my classmates) put together a 'House Crawl' in which a few houses are assigned a drink to host for an hour or so and the whole party jumps from house to house throughout the night and all across Madrid. Many games of 'LCR' ensued... So like I said, uneventful. (Oh yeah, and I broke my camera. Funeral services to be held on Friday...) But that was until everyone in Western Europe decided they needed a couch to stay on... So of course we let them stay.

The past two weeks, our flat (yes, that means apartment) has been crawling with internationals hailing from all across the globe. You have already read about Bridgette y Veronica couchsurfing in the best hostel in Madrid, and now adding to their ranks are the following:

• Jill y Lissanne (Amsterdam,Netherlands)
  
• Dave y Tim (Washington, USA)
• Geoffrey y Friend (Sorry I don't remember his name, France)
• Anna y Lena (Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada)
• Tomas y Mark (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
• Kasia, Sara, y Monica (Poland y UK)
• Sara y Jeremy (Fellow Gauho Locos!!! California, USA)

Yes, thats 15 couch surfers in 2 weeks, not including the 4 flatmates, all in a 4 bedroom flat, with one bathroom.......

Suffice it to say, its been a little crazy around these parts in the last few weeks, hence the blog abscence. And its only polite to show the surfers around town every once in a while and make sure they enjoy their stay here in our humble Madrid town. (Cue 'What is Love' music) In addition, I was brought up that it is very rude to have houseguests and not have a suitable dinner... So about every third night there has been an American Style Barbque (Bakersfield Style!!) bringing together Burgers, Chicken, Pasta, Tortilla (Spanish Potatoe Egg Dish, not what your thinking), Salad, and drinks. The drinks were mainly Tinto de Verano (Wine and Lemon Soda) which aren't technically American, but they were served by the pitcher, so I think they still get an honorable mention. Many nites with full glasses and full bellies. The glasses eventually were emptied and the Kings cup was 'consumed'.

Two more of Mark's (my flatmate) friends are in town and another 4 couchsurfers are on the way... The wave of people just keeps coming... I would like to thank Katrina, my flatmate, for organizing and being the Hostel coordinator for the past two weeks and the weeks to come. She loves doing it and it is a lot of patient and hard work at times. She runs a tight hostel around here.

I only have two more days left in the flat until I take off for summer camp in Alcala de Hernanes for a month and a half, so I plan on enjoying them. Mark takes off for Japan soon and I will miss him immensely as he has been my guide here in Madrid and has shown me the ropes of this crazy town. Things have still not settled down completely and I am about to shake it all up again. Summer camps here we come.

So, now that you know I'm not joking around, why don't u schedule that flight out to Madrid and take me up on the offer. You better be comfortable with the hostel experience though... Its quite different than the 'W'....

-Angelo
"Live as if you'll die tomorrow, Learn as if you'll live forever." -Ghandi

Its my Madrid in a box...

Angel with Toledo forged sword standing watch in front of the Toledo fortress...

Day 12

Toledo... The biggest small medieval city within 45miles of Madrid...

My first weekend trip to somewhere out side of Madrid was quite splendid. Kara and I caught the bus out to this quaint tourist trap of 3euro water bottles and overpriced fake swords (S-words). At this point, I am still very much enjoying the touristy things that I am sure will lose their luster in months to come. We met up with some girls from my English course and we started tromping around the pueblo. The Toledo church/cathedral is beyond impressive (as with most churches I have seen here in Europe). The intricate artistry and stonework is so detailed, that it had to take several lifetimes to complete. As amazing as it was, I was not going to pay the 10euro to go past the foyer. But I would have paid a couple hundred euro if they let me go down into the Catacombs... Thats where all the magic happens.

Of course no trip would be complete without me going around the tourist town being louder than necessary, and acting like an octopus. (Soy Pulpo, Soy Pulpo)

After a couple can~as (small cups of beer), some grub, good laughs, and Bebhinn acting like a superheroe, it was time to head back to the homebase in Madrid. And great tourist days always lead into good drinking nites, everyone knows that.

Day 13

In addition to having Kara in towne, my roommates have made our couches available on couchsurers.com... For those of you that don't know couchsurfing, its a free website that connects empty couches with willing surfers. Basically, free rooms for people that don't mind sleeping on a couch. Its quite a cool site and my first experience with couch surfers was a good one. Bridgette and Veronica are internationals (Austrian & Latvia) visiting from Ireland where they work. They decided to pick up for the weekend and check out Madrid. It was great having them and its always cool to have more diversity and fun in the group when you go out... We hit a couple of good bars and showed them some cool parts of Madrid (not that they needed a guide, every part of Madrid is cool) Dancing with friends, Laughing at foolishness, and Rocking out to those American Classics (Ain't no Mountain High Enough was a personal favorite) was the theme for the evenings. Good times, and I hope to see more couch surfers in the near future...

Day 14

After a late night of dancing and singing... The couchsurfers and Kara coerced me out of my cocoon of a bed and herded me toward 'El Rastro'. El Rastro is the large swapmeet that congregates every Sunday in the barrio of La Latina. Hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors (mainly tourist) gather to buy, sell, and trade things of percieved value. The surfers loved it, I'm assuming because the stopped at every earring stand. Kara and I had enough after about an hour and we moved on to El Parque Retiro. I wouldn't see the couchsurfers again after the flea market, which is interesting to think how people can come and go into your life. A quick two day sharing of life and then life moves on. What kind of impact can people have on your life in such a short time?.... Just a thought... We officially friends since facebook says so, and I will talk to them again, so there is no time for lamenting here, just ponderance.

The park was fabulous as always, and I took a much needed nap underneath the trees and clouds. I have started to make it a habit of keeping my awesome handmade pillow (thank you Beth) in my backpack so I can make sudden stops in the park for the much copied but never replicated, Spanish Siesta. Its so easy, yet so awesome. After some park time, people watching, and Circus performers, Kara and I headed to El Prado, Spains most notorious museum to get our 'art' on...

El Parque Retiro used to its full potential...

One could spend days going thru the Prado discovering every remarkable piece of art and reveling in the skill portrayed. But, since we showed up at 8, we just ran to all the important ones. I have always like Goya, but after seeing the massive canvasses up close and personal, he shot up the ranks of amazing artist in the Angeloco log of awesome artists. (Not that I'm an art major, but he's pretty fantastic) The use of dark colors and shadows is morbid and at the same time amazing/aweinspiring. All this artistry got us hungry, so the next stop of course would be a Tapas Festival....

We headed over to 'El Palacio de Deportes', which reminds me of America West Arena (Now U.S. Airways) , which was filled with about 40 different Tapas Vendores serving up Tapas from Normal to Exotic (Pig ears was the most exotic I got). We filled ourselves full of delicious flavors from all around Spain and rolled ourselves home. A long day to say the least and a good time had by all... More stories too come... Stay tuned my loyal followers, Angeloco is still rolling along thru Spain!!

And as always, the open hospitality offer stands. Just ask Bridgette and Veronica...

-Angelo

Yo Canto a Madrid....

I know its been a while. It has been difficult to update, but I am diligently trying to keep you informed...... and here we go...

Fountain in Plaza de Espana overlooking the playful Madrilenos...

Day 7

I have accomplished a lot since I have arrived in Madrid. I have found housing, I have found my bearings throughout the city, I have purchased my 'abono' which is my month long metro pass which has my picture on the front (It made me feel like a true Madrile~no, and yet i don't know how to put the tilde above the n), and I have taken naps in El Parque Retiro. The first class of Canterbury English went well, not everything I hoped for, but at the same time it is giving me lots of information that will be needed in weeks, months, and years to come...

Last nite, Mark, my new roommate took me out to discover all the different barrios of Madrid... Bars varying from Rock/Punkrock/Rockabilly with the tattooed societal rejects to the Corrida (Bullfighting) bar with the 50-60 year olds dancing the Flamenco at 2am, to the Flamenco bar, where no one was dancing the flamenco, but the walls were adorned with the guitars of the Flamenco greats. The variations found throught out the City Centre of Madrid puts any international city to shame... When I come across a city that can rival Madrid's culture, people, and pride, I will let you know. The beauty of the landscape, the culture, and the women (I couldn't leave them out) is breathtaking.... Lots of walking, and a lot of city to take in one night, but with a guide like Mark, the city is very manageable.

After class, I head toward Plaza de Espana to relax and take in the city. I enjoy watching the city dwellers enjoy their Monday afternoon. I don't feel the stress of a normal industrial city. I see people removing their shoes, rolling up their jeans, and tromping around in large fountains. I watch the adults play in the fountain like children, as the large statues oversee, guardians of the peace and facilitators of play. Again, I'm reminded that priorities lie in the right places in Madrid. People live to live, instead of live to work. Priorities that can be forgotten amidst the hustle and noise of large American cities. As much fun as I am having walking all throughout the city, my feet are taking a beating. Blisters that I have not had before start to pop up. Walking a minimum of 5 miles per day will do that I guess. Especially when the most walking I ve done before is from my truck to my office. Its amazing how much better you feel when you walk more than you sit in front of your computer. Everyone should enjoy a great Metro system, walk everywhere, and lose your car.....

Day 8

Another day of pleasant surprises. A day full of much needed classes and quick nap (siesta) and I'm prepared to face my evening. Madrilenos all know the need of a good afternoon nap. How else can you stay up till 3am every night? I meet up with my friend Cat right out Parque Retiro. We catch some drinks with some new found German and English friends at an Italian cafe, and then we head into the park. The moon has just risen as we stroll thru the well lit trees and gardens. The orchestra is playing classics that I don't know the name of, but yet it still fills everyone with tranquility, hope, and peace. That is when the fireworks start. A random tuesday nite and I find myself listening to the Madrid philharmonic accompanied by fireworks towering over the lake in Retiro Park. The explosions puncuate the drum beats and the 'rockets red glare' illuminate the faces of children and adults alike. Not much can top an orchestra concert and fireworks. I grab a few late nite drinks with my new German friends and I head back home. Just another Tuesday in Madrid.

Smoke filled air surrounding the horsemen in the middle of the Lake at Parque Retiro.

Day 9

Tonite I said goodbye to a good new friend, Daniel. He is a French national leaving Madrid to head on to Peru for more studies. I head over to his going away party which consisted of some awesome cake and some well mixed drinks. Lots of good bye hugs and kisses were bestowed upon him from all his Spanish friends. I will miss him especially because I was very comfortable speaking with him in Spanish (he knows at least 3 languages, like most internationals I meet here) He is one of the nicest people I have met along my travels thus far, and I can't wait to visit Paris in the very near future.

Michael, Daniel, y Nico.... at the end of the good bye party....

Day 10

My first visitor from the States has arrived. WKRP Madrid is in towne, broadcasting live!! Kara has put aside living the auditor dream for 3 weeks and has taken me up on my offer of room and tour guide in Madrid. After class on Friday I go pick her up from downtown and bring her to my esquisite apartment. Kara and I take a small stroll down my street, just so I can show her parts of Madrid that are not tourist central. We head back to my 'Palace on Extremadura' and we get ready for the night. We get ready and head out to a Canterbury English gathering of teachers and students for some jarras (pitchers) de sangria. A couple hours of schmoozing and jabbering and we head out with a group of 20 to some bars. We started with 20, but the walk to the next bar took us an hour, so we ended up with only 10 when we finally go there, but it was worth it. The club played a variety of 90-early 2000 pop along with several Spanish favorites. Everyone was reminded of there teenage years as 'Backstreet's Back Alright' Pulsed thru the speakers. I mean, i'm not Nick Carter Conisseur, but to see all the girls scream, laugh, cry when the BB came on was hilarious. And they just love dancing to that shit.... go figure. After hours of dancing, and drinks, Kara and I catch the niteline busses home. Thankfully they drop us off right in front of my doorstep, and the night comes to an easy close.

Kara and Angelo in Toledo... Story to come...

So, my time thus far has been good, and I look forward to more escapades. As always, if we are both in Spain, and you are outside, and feel like hanging out.... Just start yelling... I mean... thats what Kara did.......

-Angelo

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-Helen Keller

First Contact...

Much has happened since we last spoke, so lets not waste our breath.

Park right by the Royal Palace and 15min walk from my apartment. Notice how the fountain accents the sunbathers so perfectly.

Day 4
My arrival was not marked with any spectacle. The Barajas airport provides enough action that nothing exciting needs to happen to me, I was happy being an observer. Still dragging my imitation punching bag around, I am trying not to look like a big American tourist with a giant target on my back saying "Pick my Pocket". Fortunately nothing of the sort happened and I ambled on to the Metro. I didn't see much outdoor scenery on my underground trip into the city,but I was so intrigued by the Metro itself, I didn't need any. I had my directions to my hostel,and had studied them, but putting those directions into action in a busy airport is someting completely different. I arised from the Metro station expecting the Sun to be down as it is now 9:30 when I arrived, but to my surprised it was still early twilight. (not the book, Riggs stop screaming like a girl)

Pretty exhausted from last nite and with an early morning ahead of me I decided to call it an early and have a night in. Fortunately for me, there's a bar in my hostel. Cat's Hostel was highly recommended for its well managed facilities and high concetration of international youth all meeting at their bar. I met travelers from all parts of the world, most smoking their fags (cigarettes) and drinking their liters (yes served in liters and it is a quarter of the price of a pint in Ireland). Several aquaintances made quickly each giving their story of how they made it here, where they plan to go, and what crazy shenanigans have occured along their way. Like I said, I hung out with these travelers, had a beer, and called it a nite around two. The rest of the young global spelunkers headed out to the bars at 2 as per normal with this part of the world....

Day 5

Today was my orientation for Canterbury English, the english academy I will be taking courses from this month, in order to receive my TEFL certificate and start to generate some income to support my travels. Much information was given and many new friends made. About 9 students showed up in the morning and with quick introductions all around, I've made an instant 9 new friends in a foreign country, which is double Gabe has in his hometown. Two of them, Marcus and Caroline, are from Tempe and lived less than a mile from my house off Broadway. The chances of meeting in Madrid have to be up there with my catching swine flu. (Which is
about nil to 0 for all you hyperchrondriacs out there)

After the orientation, I headed out to go find a roof over my head. I had been emailing Mark, a canterbuty grad, and went out to check out the digs, and I am very glad I did. The apartment is nothing super special, but its big for Madrid (and a lot of other places) standards,it has two balconies, and is really international. The roommates consist of 1 italian, 1 german, 1 frenchman, and 1 american (Mark). We hung out for a little bit and I decided that this would be a great place, especially under such quick circumstances.

I headed back to my hostel where I my room full of Irishmen and women. We exchange stories and jokes and political views. My time with them only reaffirmed my belief that the Irish are some of the friendlies people on the planet. With that being said, everypeople have their flaws. In the middle of the night, with everyone asleep, one of Irish, snockered to all hell,fell face first out of the top bunk, proceeded to stand up, find the closes locker, and give it a golden shower. He came perilously close to peeing on the Irishgirl in the bottom bunk, but thankfully she snapped out of bed and took him to the head. Just another night of hostel living.
Que loco. This all happened in the dark at 5 in the morning.

Back to earlier...I had a beer with them, got ready, and
headed back to the city centre to meet up with my new found Canterbury friends.
Our group met at Sol,the tourist nigthlife center of Madrid, in front of the Bear and strawberry tree. (Apparently the most famous of spanish statues) We start tramping around Madrid led by Cat, a Madrid resident since January but new to the class. She new a few sweet spots including the underground Sangria bar 'Sesamo'. The smoke fills your lungs and clouds your eyes as you adventure underground to find people laughing, talking, singing, and of course drinking as they listen to the Spanish pianist throw out some classic spanish ditties (Ditties Ditties Ditties).
A little touristy, but I feel a bit like a tourist at this point, so it was good.

Three or four more bars with all my new friends and I call it a night. A great first night out in Madrid with brand new friends. The City at night is beautiful beyond compare and the people are non-stop. A great time was had by all, and sleep was needed... I head back to the hostel for some Irish escapades as mentioned before...

The first two nights have gone well, and additional post are on the way... My comp is still down hence the long waits between posts.

My friend Kara has already taken me up on my offer to come stay with me in Spain! She arrives in two days! And you too can enjoy what really matters in life... food, drink, friends, and siestas!!

You know where to find me...

-Angelo

"Nothing should be out of reach of hope. Life is hope."
-Oscar Wilde