Hello Everyone,
Last Friday, October 21st, I went with my school to a presentation/conference at Hotel Aragonia which is apparently the most expensive and fanciest hotel in Zaragoza. The presentation was called "Lo Que de Verdad Importa" which means "What Is Really Important." I went with students from my school who are in Bachillerato 1 which is the same as 11th grade in the US. The presentation really put in perspective how lucky we are. I only saw 2 of the 3 speakers because I had to leave early to go to Panticossa with my host family which you'll read about in my next post.
The first speaker was Jaume Sanllorente who co-founded "Sonrisas de Bombay" or "Sunrises of Bombay." It's an organization that is helping improve living conditions and the future for poor people in Bombay, India. Sunrises of Bombay opened schools, is leading re-development, and helping those living in poverty by offering job placement and education. The second speaker that I saw was Irene Villa. She was an incredible speaker and such an inspiration. When she was 12 years old, her mother's car blew up from a car bomb that was placed by the Spanish terrosrist group ETA. Fortunately, she survived but she lost both of her legs and 4 fingers on her (right?) hand. She spent months recovering in the hospital and years of physical therapy. Irene now has prosthetic legs. She overcame the tragedy and is a psycologist, humanitarian, and a radio personality. Irene is also a gold metalist in various sports. She also got married last year.It was such an amazing story to hear, we all can learn a lot from her about what it truely important and that you really can do anything if you put your mind to it.
Although I wasn't able to see him, the third speaker was Toni Nadal who is a former tennis professional. He is now a trainer for other professional tennis players. I really enjoyed the presentation. WE even got a shout out from Carlos Jean! He is a famous music producer that is really popular here, I'm not sure if he is known in the US. Below is the link for the website with the video of the entire presentation. I hope everyone is doing well!
http://www.lqdvi.fundacion.telefonica.com/congresozaragoza/
Until next time, Brian
Saturday, October 29, 2011
World Traveler?
Hello Everyone,
I recently found out about trips I will be going on this year aside from living in Spain. I will be going on a trip to Italy for 10 days with my school during spring break. We weill be going to Rome, Naples, Florence, Siena, Milan, and Venice! I'm so psyched! I will be also going to England with my school for a week which I also very excited about. There are also various short trips with my school. They are between one and three days. I know that there is a short trip to Madrid and Barcelona as well as others. I will be going on a trip all around Spain and Portugal with the other Rotary Exchange Students at the end of the year. There is also supposed to be a trip to the north of Spain and to France with Rotary here also but I don't know the details of that trip yet. That will be 5 different countries! I'm super excited for all that is to come this year!
Until next time, Brian
I recently found out about trips I will be going on this year aside from living in Spain. I will be going on a trip to Italy for 10 days with my school during spring break. We weill be going to Rome, Naples, Florence, Siena, Milan, and Venice! I'm so psyched! I will be also going to England with my school for a week which I also very excited about. There are also various short trips with my school. They are between one and three days. I know that there is a short trip to Madrid and Barcelona as well as others. I will be going on a trip all around Spain and Portugal with the other Rotary Exchange Students at the end of the year. There is also supposed to be a trip to the north of Spain and to France with Rotary here also but I don't know the details of that trip yet. That will be 5 different countries! I'm super excited for all that is to come this year!
Until next time, Brian
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Intruders
Hello Everyone,
Tonight, I went to the movies with Ricardo. He is able to go out now but he can't really do any physical activity. We went to the movies and saw "Intruders." It was a good movie, a little strange, but I liked it because I understood all of it even though it was in spanish. After the movie, we went to Ricardo's house which is really close to the movies and had pizza for dinner while we hung out a little bit. I then took the 11 pm bus back to my house. It was a nice, relaxing night.
Until next time, Brian
Tonight, I went to the movies with Ricardo. He is able to go out now but he can't really do any physical activity. We went to the movies and saw "Intruders." It was a good movie, a little strange, but I liked it because I understood all of it even though it was in spanish. After the movie, we went to Ricardo's house which is really close to the movies and had pizza for dinner while we hung out a little bit. I then took the 11 pm bus back to my house. It was a nice, relaxing night.
Until next time, Brian
Interpenas and Juan Magan Concert
Hello Everyone,
On Thursday, October 13th, after the light parade and seeing the offering to Pilar, I went with Ana to a Juan Magan concert at Interpenas. Juan Magan is a famous DJ and singer. Interpenas is a fair ground in Zaragoza where there is constant parties, concerts, and dancing throughout the entire week of Fiestas de Pilar. The concert started at 2 am. We left the house at about midnight. At Interpenas, Ana and I met up with Laura, my cousin here, and her friends. She is 21 and is the daughter of Tia Ana and Tio Lorenzo. I had such a great time with them all! We danced and sang so much! I didn't bring my camera to Interpenas because I didn't want to lose it or have it stolen. But, below are videos of the concert that I found on YouTube. Enjoy!
Until next time, Brian
On Thursday, October 13th, after the light parade and seeing the offering to Pilar, I went with Ana to a Juan Magan concert at Interpenas. Juan Magan is a famous DJ and singer. Interpenas is a fair ground in Zaragoza where there is constant parties, concerts, and dancing throughout the entire week of Fiestas de Pilar. The concert started at 2 am. We left the house at about midnight. At Interpenas, Ana and I met up with Laura, my cousin here, and her friends. She is 21 and is the daughter of Tia Ana and Tio Lorenzo. I had such a great time with them all! We danced and sang so much! I didn't bring my camera to Interpenas because I didn't want to lose it or have it stolen. But, below are videos of the concert that I found on YouTube. Enjoy!
Until next time, Brian
Light Parade and Pilar Offering
Hello Everyone,
On Thursday, October 13th (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!), my host family and I went to a religious light parade for Pilar (Virgin Mary). The people in the parade wore traditional spanish dress. In the parade, everyone had candles and there were also religious statues, crosses, and tapestries. There were also beautiful stained glass lanterns. There were 13, one for each religious mystery. There were also songs and prayers said played through speakers in the streets. It was a very unique and special experience beacause the Pilar holidays are so important here. The parade seemed like a Christmas parade to me and I really enjoyed it. I had my camera and pictures can be seen below! After the parade, we went into the Plaza de Pilar and saw the offering, in which everyone brings flowers to present at the statue of Pilar. We also saw some street performers on the way back to the car.
Until next time, Brian
On Thursday, October 13th (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!), my host family and I went to a religious light parade for Pilar (Virgin Mary). The people in the parade wore traditional spanish dress. In the parade, everyone had candles and there were also religious statues, crosses, and tapestries. There were also beautiful stained glass lanterns. There were 13, one for each religious mystery. There were also songs and prayers said played through speakers in the streets. It was a very unique and special experience beacause the Pilar holidays are so important here. The parade seemed like a Christmas parade to me and I really enjoyed it. I had my camera and pictures can be seen below! After the parade, we went into the Plaza de Pilar and saw the offering, in which everyone brings flowers to present at the statue of Pilar. We also saw some street performers on the way back to the car.
Until next time, Brian
People in the street with the Roman Theatre in the background
The offering to Pilar (That is all flowers!!!)
Statue of Pilar
Me in front of the offering to Pilar
Street Performer
Tio Lorenzo's Birthday
Hello Everyone,
On Wednesday, October 12th, my host family and I went to Tia Ana and Tio Lorenzo's house for Lorenzo's birthday. Tia Ana is the sister of my host dad Jose and Lorenzo is her husband. We were at their house for most of the day. I met all of Lorenzo's family. They are were very nice and interested in me. They all asked me questions about my family and life in New York and what I want to study in college, etc. We also had a ton of cake, pasteries, and cookies. Yum! Lorenzo has a nephew named Jorge who is 16 who I talked to for a while at the party. After the party, Ana went out and met up with her friend Elena again and I walked around the city a little bit with Jose Miguel and Marta. We then went home, had dinner, and relaxed.
Until next time, Brian
On Wednesday, October 12th, my host family and I went to Tia Ana and Tio Lorenzo's house for Lorenzo's birthday. Tia Ana is the sister of my host dad Jose and Lorenzo is her husband. We were at their house for most of the day. I met all of Lorenzo's family. They are were very nice and interested in me. They all asked me questions about my family and life in New York and what I want to study in college, etc. We also had a ton of cake, pasteries, and cookies. Yum! Lorenzo has a nephew named Jorge who is 16 who I talked to for a while at the party. After the party, Ana went out and met up with her friend Elena again and I walked around the city a little bit with Jose Miguel and Marta. We then went home, had dinner, and relaxed.
Until next time, Brian
Maxima FM Concert
Hello Everyone,
On Tuesday, after I went to Ricardo's house, Ana and I went with her friend Elena to a concert. The concert was a "Maxima FM" concert. "Maxima FM" is a really popular radio station here that plays all the new music. It is like "Z100" or "K104" back at home. It was in the Plaza de Pilar. It was unbelievable how many people were there! When we arrived, Ana, Elena, and I met up with Elena's friends. There was a total of about 12-15 of us. I also so some kids from my class at the concert. It was a lot of fun. We did a lot of dancing and singing but unfortunately I don't have any pictures or videos of it because I didn't bring my camera. I didn't want to risk getting it stolen or lost with so many people there. But, I did find a video of it on youtube which can be seen below. Enjoy!
Until next time, Brian
On Tuesday, after I went to Ricardo's house, Ana and I went with her friend Elena to a concert. The concert was a "Maxima FM" concert. "Maxima FM" is a really popular radio station here that plays all the new music. It is like "Z100" or "K104" back at home. It was in the Plaza de Pilar. It was unbelievable how many people were there! When we arrived, Ana, Elena, and I met up with Elena's friends. There was a total of about 12-15 of us. I also so some kids from my class at the concert. It was a lot of fun. We did a lot of dancing and singing but unfortunately I don't have any pictures or videos of it because I didn't bring my camera. I didn't want to risk getting it stolen or lost with so many people there. But, I did find a video of it on youtube which can be seen below. Enjoy!
Until next time, Brian
Visiting Ricardo
Hello Everyone,
After school on Tuesday, October 11th, I went to Ricardo's house to eat lunch and visit him. Ricardo was in the hospital for 4 days because he had appendicitis and needed surgery. He was doing better but it's a shame because he's not able to go out for fiestas because he has staples in his abdomin from the surgery. We had pasta for lunch and hung out for about 3 hours. I then took the bus back to my house because I was going out that night with Ana and a friend of her's and Inigo's, Elena.
Until next time, Brian
After school on Tuesday, October 11th, I went to Ricardo's house to eat lunch and visit him. Ricardo was in the hospital for 4 days because he had appendicitis and needed surgery. He was doing better but it's a shame because he's not able to go out for fiestas because he has staples in his abdomin from the surgery. We had pasta for lunch and hung out for about 3 hours. I then took the bus back to my house because I was going out that night with Ana and a friend of her's and Inigo's, Elena.
Until next time, Brian
La Feria
Hello Everyone,
On Monday, October 11th, my host family and I went the fair (La Feria) in Zaragoza. First, we went to a part that was a giant expo with cars, furniture, boats, swimming pools, campers, home products, etc. At the expo, I went on a...get ready for it...HOT AIR BALLOON!!!! It was very short and not very high but it was still so awesome! After the expo, my host family and I went to the carnival. The carnival was so big! It took an hour to just walk around and see all the attractions. After we saw everything, Ana and I went on a rollercoaster. Last but not least, after the ride we got churros and went back to the car to go home. There were so many people. It gave me a glimse of the fun that was to come! Enjoy the pictures!
Until next time, Brian
On Monday, October 11th, my host family and I went the fair (La Feria) in Zaragoza. First, we went to a part that was a giant expo with cars, furniture, boats, swimming pools, campers, home products, etc. At the expo, I went on a...get ready for it...HOT AIR BALLOON!!!! It was very short and not very high but it was still so awesome! After the expo, my host family and I went to the carnival. The carnival was so big! It took an hour to just walk around and see all the attractions. After we saw everything, Ana and I went on a rollercoaster. Last but not least, after the ride we got churros and went back to the car to go home. There were so many people. It gave me a glimse of the fun that was to come! Enjoy the pictures!
Until next time, Brian
I took this picture before I got on
Getting ready to go
Take off!
Here we go!
Action shot!
Nearing the end
Friday, October 14, 2011
Start of Fiestas de Pilar
Hello Everyone,
On Saturday, October 8th, was the official start of "Las Fiestas de Pilar" in Zaragoza. The fiestas have ben throughout the entire week and they end on this Sunday the 16th. Here "Pilar" is the Virgin Mary. I went on the 8th with my host parents, Marta and Jose Miguel to the "Plaza de Pilar" which is where the "Basilica de Pilar" is. The Plaza and Basilica can be seen in some of my earlier blog posts. The city hall is on the plaza, next to the basilica. We saw the official start of the fiestas when the city officials and politicians went on the balcony of the city hall and said a few words wishing everyone happy fiestas or "Feliz Pilares." There then was music, fireworks, and performances. This was exciting to see because it is such a huge part of the culture here. The Fiestas de Pilar are the one of the biggest holidays here. Enjoy the pictures below!
Until next time, Brian
On Saturday, October 8th, was the official start of "Las Fiestas de Pilar" in Zaragoza. The fiestas have ben throughout the entire week and they end on this Sunday the 16th. Here "Pilar" is the Virgin Mary. I went on the 8th with my host parents, Marta and Jose Miguel to the "Plaza de Pilar" which is where the "Basilica de Pilar" is. The Plaza and Basilica can be seen in some of my earlier blog posts. The city hall is on the plaza, next to the basilica. We saw the official start of the fiestas when the city officials and politicians went on the balcony of the city hall and said a few words wishing everyone happy fiestas or "Feliz Pilares." There then was music, fireworks, and performances. This was exciting to see because it is such a huge part of the culture here. The Fiestas de Pilar are the one of the biggest holidays here. Enjoy the pictures below!
Until next time, Brian
Massive crowds in the streets on the way to the plaza
City Hall
Basilica de Pilar
Performance that was like Cirque de Soleil
The basilica with fireworks behind it
City Hall
Spanish Classes have Begun!
Hello Everyone,
I started my language classes on October 6th. It's a really long story to explain but I am attending "La Escuela de Idiomas" or "The School of Languages." I waited in line for 7 (!*#@$) hours on October 5th in order to register for the class. That was a bit rough but I did get to miss an entire day of school which was nice. I have class Monday through Thursday from 9:00 - 11:15 a.m. I then go back to the highschool for my other classes. There are around twenty people in my class. There are only two guys, myself and a 25 year old from France. There are people in my class from all over the world. Maggie, the other exchange student, and I are from the US. There are people from China, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, Russia, Bulgaria, Austria, as well as others. The teacher is a man and he is very nice and laid-back. The class is a very fun, light environment. I'm also studying Spanish at home and with my host mom Marta. My Spanish has definitely been improving which I'm really happy about because it makes it much easier to make friends and be part of conversations.
Until next time, Brian
I started my language classes on October 6th. It's a really long story to explain but I am attending "La Escuela de Idiomas" or "The School of Languages." I waited in line for 7 (!*#@$) hours on October 5th in order to register for the class. That was a bit rough but I did get to miss an entire day of school which was nice. I have class Monday through Thursday from 9:00 - 11:15 a.m. I then go back to the highschool for my other classes. There are around twenty people in my class. There are only two guys, myself and a 25 year old from France. There are people in my class from all over the world. Maggie, the other exchange student, and I are from the US. There are people from China, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, Russia, Bulgaria, Austria, as well as others. The teacher is a man and he is very nice and laid-back. The class is a very fun, light environment. I'm also studying Spanish at home and with my host mom Marta. My Spanish has definitely been improving which I'm really happy about because it makes it much easier to make friends and be part of conversations.
Until next time, Brian
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Las Fiestas en Corella (Photos & Videos Continued)
Hello Everyone,
Here are more videos and pictures of the fiestas in Corella. I couldn't put them all in one post because the files were too big. Enjoy!
-Brian
Here are more videos and pictures of the fiestas in Corella. I couldn't put them all in one post because the files were too big. Enjoy!
-Brian
Las Fiestas en Corella
Hello Everyone,
On Sunday, September 25th (my sister's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACEY!), the morning after I returned from orientation from Madrid, I went with my host parents to a pueblo called Corella (Kor-ay-a). Corella is where my host mother Marta grew up and it is where her mother lives. My host sister Ana goes to Corella many weekends because she has a lot of friends there. We went to Corella for "Las Fiestas" which happens once a year. Each city/town in Spain has a huge festival that usually lasts one week and goes 24/7 non-stop! Corella is a stereotypical old world european city. It has very narrow streets with many hills. Some of the streets are stone and there are some of the most beautiful old buildings I have ever seen!
When we arrived in Corella, there was a wild fire next to the road which was very surprising and not surprising at all at the same time. It was surprising because it's not something you see everyday but it also wasn't surprising because it is SO dry and hot here! I've been here since August 30th and hasn't rained once. We passes with care and made it to "Abuelita's" house. There I met Marta's mother and brother. Abuelita greeted me with "besos", a kiss on each cheek, and by putting a red bandana around my neck. White clothing and a red bandana and belt is the traditional dress for the fiestas in Corella. As for the "besos", that is common here, anytime you greet a girl here, you give kisses on both cheeks. Even if it is the first time you are meeting them! After meeting Marta's mother and brother, we left the house and walked around the city for a while and met up with Ana who went to Corella two days before. There were so many people in the streets! There was also music, dancing, food and drinks, performances, vendors, and a fair.
After about an hour or so, we all returned to Marta's mother's house for lunch. One of Marta's other brothers, his wife, and one of Marta's sisters had arrived while we were out. Marta is one of six children. After lunch, I went with Ana and met all of her friends. There were so many and I can't remember all of their names but they all were very nice and friendly. We all walked around and took in the sights of the festival then we went and hung out in their "cuarto". Here, many times and group of friends will have what is known as a "cuarto" together. It is like a studio apartment just for all of them to hang out throughout the year. In the cuarto that Ana has with her friends, there is a kitchenette, a bathroom, a few couches and chairs, a t.v., and a stereo. I thought this was very cool and wish that we had them in the United States. Later on, Ana, her friends, and I went out again, ate dinner, and went to the carnival. At the carnival, Ana and I had a run in with some gypsies on the bumper cars because we bumped them. I didn't see what the problem was being as we were on the BUMPER cars! After the ride ended, we jumped off and ditched them in the crowd. We then went dancing and singing in the streets along with most of Corella. There were so many people! Jose Miguel and Marta returned to Zaragoza earlier in the day. Ana and I didn't get back to Marta's mother's house until 5:30 a.m. and man was I tired! I went straight to bed.
We played hooky from school on Monday. We woke up at 9:00 a.m. There was a running of the bulls and a performance with a matador in "La Plaza de Toros." Did you think the running of the bulls was in Pamplona? So did I! It turns out that most places have a running of the bulls during their "fiestas", the one in Pamplona is just one of the biggest and the most famous. Ana and I met her friends in the "Plaza de Toros" to watch the performance which was incredible! It was so great to see because it is typical of spanish culture. Unfortunately, we didn't actuallt get to see the running of the bulls because we were already in the "Plaza de Toros." After the performance, Ana, her friends, and I went to their "cuarto" for a little while then Ana and I said our goodbyes. We returned to Abuelita's house for lunch and then went to the bus station. We took a bus to a nearby town to take the train back to Zaragoza. I hope to see Ana's friends in Corella again because they were all so nice and friendly. I'm sure I will because Ana goes to Corella very often. It was such an awesome weekend! It was by far the most exciting and fun-filled weekend I've had here so far!
Until next time, Brian
On Sunday, September 25th (my sister's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACEY!), the morning after I returned from orientation from Madrid, I went with my host parents to a pueblo called Corella (Kor-ay-a). Corella is where my host mother Marta grew up and it is where her mother lives. My host sister Ana goes to Corella many weekends because she has a lot of friends there. We went to Corella for "Las Fiestas" which happens once a year. Each city/town in Spain has a huge festival that usually lasts one week and goes 24/7 non-stop! Corella is a stereotypical old world european city. It has very narrow streets with many hills. Some of the streets are stone and there are some of the most beautiful old buildings I have ever seen!
When we arrived in Corella, there was a wild fire next to the road which was very surprising and not surprising at all at the same time. It was surprising because it's not something you see everyday but it also wasn't surprising because it is SO dry and hot here! I've been here since August 30th and hasn't rained once. We passes with care and made it to "Abuelita's" house. There I met Marta's mother and brother. Abuelita greeted me with "besos", a kiss on each cheek, and by putting a red bandana around my neck. White clothing and a red bandana and belt is the traditional dress for the fiestas in Corella. As for the "besos", that is common here, anytime you greet a girl here, you give kisses on both cheeks. Even if it is the first time you are meeting them! After meeting Marta's mother and brother, we left the house and walked around the city for a while and met up with Ana who went to Corella two days before. There were so many people in the streets! There was also music, dancing, food and drinks, performances, vendors, and a fair.
After about an hour or so, we all returned to Marta's mother's house for lunch. One of Marta's other brothers, his wife, and one of Marta's sisters had arrived while we were out. Marta is one of six children. After lunch, I went with Ana and met all of her friends. There were so many and I can't remember all of their names but they all were very nice and friendly. We all walked around and took in the sights of the festival then we went and hung out in their "cuarto". Here, many times and group of friends will have what is known as a "cuarto" together. It is like a studio apartment just for all of them to hang out throughout the year. In the cuarto that Ana has with her friends, there is a kitchenette, a bathroom, a few couches and chairs, a t.v., and a stereo. I thought this was very cool and wish that we had them in the United States. Later on, Ana, her friends, and I went out again, ate dinner, and went to the carnival. At the carnival, Ana and I had a run in with some gypsies on the bumper cars because we bumped them. I didn't see what the problem was being as we were on the BUMPER cars! After the ride ended, we jumped off and ditched them in the crowd. We then went dancing and singing in the streets along with most of Corella. There were so many people! Jose Miguel and Marta returned to Zaragoza earlier in the day. Ana and I didn't get back to Marta's mother's house until 5:30 a.m. and man was I tired! I went straight to bed.
We played hooky from school on Monday. We woke up at 9:00 a.m. There was a running of the bulls and a performance with a matador in "La Plaza de Toros." Did you think the running of the bulls was in Pamplona? So did I! It turns out that most places have a running of the bulls during their "fiestas", the one in Pamplona is just one of the biggest and the most famous. Ana and I met her friends in the "Plaza de Toros" to watch the performance which was incredible! It was so great to see because it is typical of spanish culture. Unfortunately, we didn't actuallt get to see the running of the bulls because we were already in the "Plaza de Toros." After the performance, Ana, her friends, and I went to their "cuarto" for a little while then Ana and I said our goodbyes. We returned to Abuelita's house for lunch and then went to the bus station. We took a bus to a nearby town to take the train back to Zaragoza. I hope to see Ana's friends in Corella again because they were all so nice and friendly. I'm sure I will because Ana goes to Corella very often. It was such an awesome weekend! It was by far the most exciting and fun-filled weekend I've had here so far!
Until next time, Brian
Ana and I
Foam Party
Foam Party
Foam Party
Parade
(I don't know why its sideways. Sorry!)
To be continued...
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