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Monthly Archives: August 2009
Last Day of Summer Vacation 2009
Tomorrow – or today – is the last day of summer vacation in Spain and in many European countries. Today is the 31st of August and many Spaniards have been on holiday the entire month, facing not only return traffic … Continue reading
Posted in General
Tagged 2009, August, End of summer, Madrid, summer, summer holiday, summer vacation
2 Comments
Photos: Procession of La Paloma 2009 Madrid
Above: La Virgen de la Paloma procession shortly after it left La Iglesia de la Paloma (Paloma Church). It was a wonderfully clear, warm day, perfect weather for such a beautiful event; celebrating Madrid’s Virgin, “La Paloma”. Above: Some pretty … Continue reading
Shops Closed Saturday Morning in Madrid?
It was an odd morning this Saturday morning. I got up late, had breakfast, showered, and went out to do the morning shopping at around noon. I first went to the pollería (chicken shop) and found it oddly closed. They’re … Continue reading
Posted in About Spain, Money
Tagged August, August closings, Closed, closings, Madrid, markets closed, virgen de la paloma
5 Comments
Madrid: Fiestas de la Paloma 2009
The annual August Fiestas de la Paloma takes place in the area of downtown Madrid known as “Madrid de los Austrias“, and more specifically around the Plaza de la Paja, Las Vistillas with views of the Almudena Cathedral, the Calle … Continue reading
When Neighbors See You Naked
This has happened to me more than once – more than 10 times, probably. Yes, the neighbors have seen me naked. This isn’t hard to do since the neighbors across the 5 meter-wide side street have windows facing my living … Continue reading
Used English Language Books in Madrid
Shortly after arriving to live in Madrid I discovered J & J Books and Coffee, a English-language book store on Calle Espiritu Santo, 47, just off the Calle San Bernardo & near the Noviciado metro station. I was thrilled when … Continue reading
The European Man Bag Carry All
Many of the world’s more conservative, aged, or otherwise homophobic people may say that “Men were not intended to carry bags. Purses are for women.” These words are most often spoken by those in the non-European world. Isn’t Spain still … Continue reading
Posted in About Spain
Tagged carry-all, carryall, european, fag bag, male purse, man bag, mariconera, purse, shoulder bag, strap
6 Comments
Madrid Flamenco: Veranos de la Villa 2009
Every year the City of Madrid hosts & promotes a number of summertime entertainment attractions. This year is no exception and includes a number of flamenco performances. I’ve never been to any of these attractions or performances but am going … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Flamenco
Tagged 2009, concierto, flamenco, flamenco concert, jardines de sabatini, Madrid, Verano, Veranos de la Villa
4 Comments
95ºF and Vinyl Seat Covers
If you’re old enough, you remember how it was to put your bare legs on the summer-sun-drenched vinyl seat upholstery of your parents’ station wagon – the one which had been parked outside the mall all afternoon. In short, you … Continue reading
Tetro: Spanish Movie by Francis Ford Coppola
“Tetro“. It’s a good movie. Maybe not a great movie but definitely a very good movie with lots of character. And better yet is that it’s a SPANISH movie, although directed by the great Francis Ford Coppola. I’m confident that … Continue reading
Neighborhood Pet Lamb
It’s ODD to see this. Or is it?? For the last several weeks I’ve been hearing the familiar “Baaahhh… Baaahhh” sounds coming from the street below my house. Finally I saw it one night returning home. There she was, a … Continue reading
Posted in Photos
Tagged lamb, Madrid, neighborhood, odd scenes, odd sights, pet lamb, sighting
1 Comment
Housing Crisis in Madrid Spain
I have a dream to someday own a flat here in Madrid City. It wouldn’t have to be in the Old downtown – although that’d be nice in concept. But where would you park if you own a car? Nor … Continue reading
Posted in About Spain, Money
Tagged Crisis, economic crisis, economy, houses, housing boom, housing crisis, housing market, inmobilaria, la crisis, speculation
5 Comments
Phone Calls During Siesta Time
Most Spaniards know not to call friends, relatives, or even businesses during the lunch-siesta hours between 2pm and 5pm – but foreigners do not because they don’t carry the custom of siesta. During weekdays, everyone knows that businesses are closed … Continue reading
Posted in About Spain
Tagged calling, horas de siesta, lunchtime, norms, phone calls, Siesta, siesta hours, Spanish ways, ways
3 Comments
First Day of August in Madrid
Warning: Fluff Posting Number 2… It happens every 1st day of the month. I tell myself, “This month I’ll write a blog entry EVERY DAY.” Of course, this has NEVER happened, but I did get close one time, posting about … Continue reading
