Una Huelga!
Today I experienced my first general strike. The past couple days all I have been hearing has been warnings and reminders that today was going to be a chaotic mess. However, I expected it to be worse! Since we had classes today (would’ve been nice if we were at a Spanish school!) I woke up a little earlier than usual, about thirty minutes, and when I walked outside I was expecting to find a ghost town. But actually, people were out doing their usual business. I would say there was probably 1/3 less people out, but about 2/3 of stores and businesses were closed.
I walked to the bus stop, that I usually take, and waited around for about ten minutes until I decided I would try walking to school, something I embarrassingly admit I have not attempted before. I tried following the route of the bus that I remembered. I’m pretty awful at directions, but I based my route on landmarks that eventually lead me the right way. Along the way, I noticed many whole in the wall places (stores, convenient stores etc.) closed, but did find grocery stores and tobacco stores open. I noticed very few buses around, so I wonder how often they came?
Usually there are a lot more people in the streets when I’m on my way to morning classes, but today, at the plaza de Iglesias, I had to stop at a news stand and ask the attendant which direction Calle Miguel Angel was. I asked him, “Buenas, donde esta Calle Miguel Angel?” but my accent is so poor that he replied, “No entiendas.” Yikes, that hurt! After I built up enough confidence to ask another passerby, and this time she understood enough, and pointed me down Calle Martinez Campos, which then rang a bell and I was finally able to make it to school…twenty five minutes late. I noticed there were less students at school and in my class, I found out everyone was late. At least the workout did me good? In Spanish class we learned about the purpose of the strike. I don’t remember experiencing a general strike before this, but it was interesting, and I presume a big enough issue that it shut down a considerable amount of businesses today. It'll be interesting to see what happens...
Follow this video to find out more about the strike…
http://www.euronews.net/2010/09/29/rare-general-strike-hits-spain/
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Intercambio Movie Night
This past Thursday I went to the movie and tapas intercambio at school. Initially, I didn't know if we were watching an American movie or a Spanish movie. But I was actually hoping it was going to be a Spanish film because I love watching indie foreign films.
I was very happy with the choice of movie, Dias de Futbol. I thought it really showed an intimate view of everyday Spaniards and in doing so reflected what aspects and things are most important to them, as well as their daily lifestyle and demeanor. Family was a big theme in this movie. It showed the dynamics of close Spanish relationships and portrayed how everyone kind of gets in one another's business/life, showing just how intimate and open these close relationships are. Linked with the idea of family is loyalty, which was strung through the characters' relationships with one another and the urge to stick by friends/family and help each other through struggles. Another theme I found that is true to Spanish life is the importance of futbol. It showed how futbol is a big part of life for Spaniards, and how passionate they are about the sport as a means of entertainment, revelry, and unification.
I was a bit taken aback by the crude use of language throughout the film. I think the Spanish use profanity more casually than Americans and a lot of times to joke. The characters used it very explicitly and were very up front and blunt with their language and sexual content. I assume this kind of material would not be shocking for Spanish or Europeans but I think American media is more censored and uses it more sparingly.
Overall, I really enjoyed the movie and was laughing the entire time! I really liked the interactions between characters and the playful tone of the film. If you couldn't make it, you should definitely check it out for free online below!
http://www.veocine.es/pelicula/dias_de_futbol_92553.html
I was very happy with the choice of movie, Dias de Futbol. I thought it really showed an intimate view of everyday Spaniards and in doing so reflected what aspects and things are most important to them, as well as their daily lifestyle and demeanor. Family was a big theme in this movie. It showed the dynamics of close Spanish relationships and portrayed how everyone kind of gets in one another's business/life, showing just how intimate and open these close relationships are. Linked with the idea of family is loyalty, which was strung through the characters' relationships with one another and the urge to stick by friends/family and help each other through struggles. Another theme I found that is true to Spanish life is the importance of futbol. It showed how futbol is a big part of life for Spaniards, and how passionate they are about the sport as a means of entertainment, revelry, and unification.
I was a bit taken aback by the crude use of language throughout the film. I think the Spanish use profanity more casually than Americans and a lot of times to joke. The characters used it very explicitly and were very up front and blunt with their language and sexual content. I assume this kind of material would not be shocking for Spanish or Europeans but I think American media is more censored and uses it more sparingly.
Overall, I really enjoyed the movie and was laughing the entire time! I really liked the interactions between characters and the playful tone of the film. If you couldn't make it, you should definitely check it out for free online below!
http://www.veocine.es/pelicula/dias_de_futbol_92553.html
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Euro Fashion vs. American Fashion
The fashion in Spain is refreshingly formal! I am fascinated by a culture’s fashion and dress and am so happy to find an edgy fashion scene here! I adore European fashion. My idea of European fashion is a wardrobe of classy well tailored dark colored clothes, and lot of layering!
I definitely see a difference between European fashion ads in magazines and those in the U.S. I’ve noticed European ads are more edgy. Fashion designers and respective advertisements take more risks with edgy concepts and clothing designs. I have also noticed that the models are more edgy in their poses and hair and makeup. The show more controversial poses and compositions of the models in the ads in European magazines, for example two models kissing or half naked models arranged suggestively. The U.S. media and fashion gurus alike perceive European fashion as more cutting edge, and perfectly tailored, than American designers and fashion. I would say American designers and companies, along with their advertisement agendas, aim to appeal to a more expansive audience through commercial clothes and concepts. Americans as a whole dress according to what the newest fad is, whereas Europeans dress choice is what is more timeless and stylish. Madrid is one of the major fashion capitals in the world, and I am so inspired by European fashion and manner!
Now that I have been living here, I definitely see what my Mom and friends were talking about when they said Europeans dress more properly. Walking down the streets, I see everyone from old grannies dressed up in pearls, heels and full hair and makeup to little babies dressed like they are porcelain dolls. There have been days when my roommate and I see babies dressed better and fancier than us! I have never seen such primped babies in my life! At home, it is normal for people my generation to dress casually, jeans and t-shirt kind of gear. I find it very impressive that girls here dedicate so much time and effort to dress up, wearing heels and full hair and makeup daily! One Sunday I wore a tank top and yoga pants to Starbucks to study, and I can tell you I never make that mistake again after the looks I got! It just shows how much more formal the Spaniards are not only with dress but with their formal etiquette. I really appreciate the way Spaniards dress up and carry themselves. That is another difference I have seen; Europeans are more conscious of the way they wear their clothes. I do think that it is a sign of respect and good manners to be put together and look good. It has been quite an adjustment for me and my friends, but I do plan on following the “Spanish dress code.”
Based on my analysis, guess which ads are Euro vs. American!
I definitely see a difference between European fashion ads in magazines and those in the U.S. I’ve noticed European ads are more edgy. Fashion designers and respective advertisements take more risks with edgy concepts and clothing designs. I have also noticed that the models are more edgy in their poses and hair and makeup. The show more controversial poses and compositions of the models in the ads in European magazines, for example two models kissing or half naked models arranged suggestively. The U.S. media and fashion gurus alike perceive European fashion as more cutting edge, and perfectly tailored, than American designers and fashion. I would say American designers and companies, along with their advertisement agendas, aim to appeal to a more expansive audience through commercial clothes and concepts. Americans as a whole dress according to what the newest fad is, whereas Europeans dress choice is what is more timeless and stylish. Madrid is one of the major fashion capitals in the world, and I am so inspired by European fashion and manner!
Now that I have been living here, I definitely see what my Mom and friends were talking about when they said Europeans dress more properly. Walking down the streets, I see everyone from old grannies dressed up in pearls, heels and full hair and makeup to little babies dressed like they are porcelain dolls. There have been days when my roommate and I see babies dressed better and fancier than us! I have never seen such primped babies in my life! At home, it is normal for people my generation to dress casually, jeans and t-shirt kind of gear. I find it very impressive that girls here dedicate so much time and effort to dress up, wearing heels and full hair and makeup daily! One Sunday I wore a tank top and yoga pants to Starbucks to study, and I can tell you I never make that mistake again after the looks I got! It just shows how much more formal the Spaniards are not only with dress but with their formal etiquette. I really appreciate the way Spaniards dress up and carry themselves. That is another difference I have seen; Europeans are more conscious of the way they wear their clothes. I do think that it is a sign of respect and good manners to be put together and look good. It has been quite an adjustment for me and my friends, but I do plan on following the “Spanish dress code.”
Based on my analysis, guess which ads are Euro vs. American!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Nudity
Since my time in Spain, I have noticed that Spaniards are not shy about nudity in the media. I see at least one example every day. On my walk to the bus stop in the morning I pass by a news kiosk that has porn advertised in the windows and videos on the top shelf of the stand centrally displayed. I rarely watch television here, but one time at dinner our senora left it on and my roommate and I were trying to avert our eyes from the explicit scenes of some sort of telenovela. All that was displayed on the television was a 18 in the corner of the screen as a warning to viewers. I have not seen too much nudity printed in advertisements but I have seen nude women in ads for Farmacias all around that have surprised me. Perhaps the most obvious display of nudity I have experienced was this past weekend in San Sebastian. My friends and I went to La Concha and one on isle de Santa Clara and although I had previously been told about the nudity on beaches, it still shocked me to see topless women of all ages, scantily suited old men, and children all the way up to about 10 running around naked! I think it is different, but great that people are so comfortable with nudity. It is on my bucket list to participate at a nude beach, so who knows if this is the trip I get to cross that one off from!
I don’t know if it is just me, since I am from conservative Ohio and am not used to such open displays of nudity and sexuality. My roommate is from South Pasadena, near Los Angeles and whenever I make a comment about examples I see around town, she does not react the same way I do. She told me that she hasn’t noticed a lot of nudity but I think from where I come from, it is a lot, and used more casually in the media and in the Spanish culture. I do not necessarily think it is a bad or wrong thing to be open about showing the human body but, it is just something I personally am not used to, or have experienced at home in the States. However, this is not to say there is no nudity in American media, because there is, and up to the degree seen here, it is just less publicly shown and advertised.
I don’t know if it is just me, since I am from conservative Ohio and am not used to such open displays of nudity and sexuality. My roommate is from South Pasadena, near Los Angeles and whenever I make a comment about examples I see around town, she does not react the same way I do. She told me that she hasn’t noticed a lot of nudity but I think from where I come from, it is a lot, and used more casually in the media and in the Spanish culture. I do not necessarily think it is a bad or wrong thing to be open about showing the human body but, it is just something I personally am not used to, or have experienced at home in the States. However, this is not to say there is no nudity in American media, because there is, and up to the degree seen here, it is just less publicly shown and advertised.
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