Hi! It has been several months since I have written another “chapter in my book” as Mom calls it. I suppose the old adage, “time flies when you´re having fun” applies. I have been here in Spain for a little over two years, and it has been two years of non-stop fun. Relatively speaking. I suppose better described as an adventure (with both positive and negative aspects) that doesn´t seem to end.
I am trying to keep the edge to my life here...so that things don´t become “old hat”. You know what I mean, when you go on vacation to somewhere new, you take your camera, take dozens of pictures and the locals think you´re crazy. When I first got to Spain (of my 15-some trips here) everything was different from my life in the USA. Now that I have been here for two years, things are becoming old hat, so I have to find different glasses to wear to be able to see things in a “new light”.
Housekeeping
Just a little housekeeping for you all. Ángel and I have moved (again! You say). We have exchanged the quiet countryside of El Espinar for the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Madrid, Spain´s capital and largest city. In some respects it´s kind of like living in Washington D.C. (that´s for you, Jen). Although I have never lived in D.C. I can only imagine what it´s like to feel the political power that just oozes through the city´s blocks. At least it´s like that here in downtown Madrid. We live uptown, but still centrally located. Quite close to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium,
home of Real Madrid Fútbol Club(spanish for royal – pronounced ray-al) . What is said to be THE BEST soccer team in the world (sorry Bruno, Juventus is not quite there). In fact today there´s alot of hub-bub here in Madrid since they just signed Beckham from Manchester United. In case you wanted to know, Beckham is married to Victoria of the flash-in-the-pan Spice Girls, the one-hit wonder.Our new neighborhood is wonderful. Our metro line is line 1, the first metro line built in the city (way back when). In 15 minutes and no connections, I can be in the Puerta del Sol, the exact (more or less) center of the country. I am a five minute walk to line 10 at the Plaza de Castilla which runs north and south along (rather under) La Castellana, which is the longest street in the city and connects the northern business district of La Plaza de Castilla
(where we are) to the historic section of the city and the world famous Prado museum. In all, the metro system (subway) has 12 lines which can get one anywhere s/he wants to go in the city with no traffic jams. You can even go out to the airport in 20 minutes for only about $1.50. The whole ride you enjoy air-conditioned luxury (good-bye SEPTA) and even watch METRO TV.Our particular flat is in the same building as where we are reforming the offices for our language consultancy. And before you ask, we will be launching in the fall...still have quite a bit to do and with the summer approaching, now is not the time to launch any business (everyone leaves the city!!). Talk about a short commute, I just have to run down a couple flights of stairs and I am at work!
I know that we have chosen the right neighborhood for our business...it has all the right karma. I mean, who can go wrong when a block away is a shoe store called Calzados Gaspar and then a couple of blocks further down there is the Chocolateria Filadelfia (Chocolateria = where they sell the very thick and rich hot chocolate and Filadelfia – Philadelphia!). Hmmm....I think it has my name written all over it!
Some things remind me that I´m not in the States
As my life is old hat here, I do occasionally experience or see something that reminds me that I am not in the States. I just returned from the neighborhood polideportivo. Essentially a community-based, government-run gym/sporting complex that is the meeting place for all those crazy enough to work up a sweat in 100º weather. Today was my first time to venture into the sweat-filled, adrenaline-pumped building. As I entered into the sala de musculación (the weight room) I was transported back in time and memory to my workout sessions at Bally´s at 15th and Walnut in center city Philadelphia. The clinking of the metal weights, the smell of sweat, the music blaring away through tinny sounding speakers. Heck it was even the top 40 in English from the early 80´s that was playing today. Yippee. (note to self, next time bring walkman). I closed my eyes, walked through the doorway and absorbed all that my breathing and hearing could absorb in the split second before opening my eyes again and being reminded that I am not in the States. Of the 50 or so people that were in the room, only three, including yours truly who just entered, were women. Arrrgh. One of the women was on a stationary bike (typical) and the other was on the treadmill (go figure). More than a few eyebrows were raised as I made way over to one of my favorite machines, the adductor. I suppose those gents were not accustomed to seeing a woman making a beeline for the machines instead of heading for a bike or treadmill (ho-hum). I suppose I could always join Bally´s here, where I am sure there is much more of a gender mix... but that kind of takes away from the whole Spain-thing.
Some things make me think that I am in the States
From the ever-present McDonalds and Burger King to the newly arrived Starbucks. From the ads for Lay-Z-Boy recliners to Midas mufflers and the new and very popular strip malls anchored by AMC movie theaters, I would swear that I am in the United States...if it weren´t for all the Spanish being spoken. Well...I suppose depending on the part of the States you are in, that could also be the case. Fortunately in our neighborhood none of these Americanisms exist (I like being the only Americanism around here... hee hee).
Spain was once a very homogenous country. To some degree it still is....Catholicism is the predominant religion, everyone speaks Spanish and knows where the family is from however, with the emergence of the European Union and Spain being the southern gateway, illegal immigration is giving the politicians a run for their money. Our neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures. There are alot of Latin American immigrants, particularly Ecuadorians. Then the hair salon around the corner called Lady Ultimate. The salon caters soley to an African clientele. Just a couple of weeks ago, a Chinese couple opened up a convenience store also around the corner from us. It´s funny to walk in, speak to the husband in Spanish and hear their 2-yr old son rattle off words in Chinese (not sure which dialect) and Spanish.
Diversity is a good thing, and that´s something that I really missed while living in El Espinar. I mean, the diversity of livestock will only get you so far...
Top Manta
In the States you have the “Top 40” pop songs of the week. Sometimes I can tune my radio here in Spain and still hear Casey Casum counting them down. Here, there is a unique phenomena called the “Top Manta”. It is a ironic look at the choice of profession (or in most cases, not a choice) of many illegal Africans here in Spain. Pirated (illegally copied) CDs and DVDs are big business. Many mafias illegally run pirating businesses and then have the illegal immigrants sell them on the street spread out on blankets. (manta = blanket...Top Manta = Top Blanket). Actually you can get a good deal...buy a DVD on the street for 8€ is not such a bad price. All the radio talk shows talk about the week´s Top Manta – the most sold DVD and CD titles on the street. Talk about being entrepreneurial! Maybe I should look into the Top Manta business instead of teaching!! Hee hee..
Keeping the Connections
Now that we are here in Madrid, I have more of an opportunity to participate socially with my friends. A group of us have started an informal bilingual volleyball league on Sundays. Last week I played in three games and was on all the winning teams. I hope to restart the women´s dining club come September and have a few other tricks up my sleeve... I will definitely keep you posted!
Until then, I anxiously await your messages and notes! Even if I am not so great at responding lately... I love reading them!
