Flamenco

My most recent adventure was in Madrid, a spontaneous, peer pressured event. I had no intention of ever going to Spain, but Madrid was certainly a showstopper, a favorite by far.

Speaking of showstoppers, Cardamomo, recommended by the New York Times, was a highlight of my Spanish experience. Cardamomo is a flamenco hub-a hub of life and excitement and an amazing show. I am pretty convinced that some flamenco dancers came to teach us their art when I was in middle school, and I was not too intrigued at the time. I am intrigued now.

Let me set the stage- We walked into the building which had a little tiny bar at the front, then we were led to the back where a stage sat in the corner. Since the stage was in the corner, two sides were open to the audience. We sat on the far side of the stage, and another audience sat on the other side. There were little tiny tables set up for the audience, but there couldn't have been more than 50 people there, and the stage no more than 15 ft x 15 ft. It was a very personal experience!

Two men, dressed in all black, sat on the stage. The toque, the guitar. Then the cante, the singing. I couldn't understand the singing, but the music came to life. As the two men got more and more into the performance, their music blended and consumed the theater.

I was already in awe, jaw dropped.

The dancing started as new people emerged onto the stage. First came a heavily made up woman in white satin and ruffles, then came her counterpart, a woman donning an outfit of black lace and not a hint of make up. They danced one at a time, but they all participated in each performance. Hands came together for each clap. Then they all joined in, faster and faster. The dancer's feet started tapping, then stomping. The rhythms beat on the stage. There were two men who danced, their feet flying. They all glanced at one another to keep up these rhythms. There were smiles and faces of exhaustion. There was sweat glowing on their faces, then pouring off of their faces. They shouted out words of which I couldn't understand, again.

The beating of the feet in time to the perfectly syncopated clapping, was none other than exhilarating.

I couldn't keep up with pace of the show, and I couldn't stop smiling. 

It's a different show every night, but here's a link to the kind of show we experienced!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlh7dTNh73c&list=PL3B25C2B02AC1BD6B

Sunsets in Madrid

Frad Family Reunion. Good Friends.

Our little theater

That man can move his feet

Meant for the US of A

Sometimes I dream of the European life. So posh and attractive.

I don't think that dream is mine anymore. I belong in America.
I have been compiling, in my head, a list of things I miss. For you, I will put the pen to paper, or the words to the screen.

1. Mega stores: Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, TJ Maxx
Honestly, I won't be picky. I would appreciate a Walmart here.
I really shouldn't buy anything anyways (because honestly it makes me happier to spend my money on travels), but maybe having one of these stores would encourage me to buy a sponge, or paper towels, or dish soap when we run out. Otherwise, I'll just continue to use the same sponge I have been using for a month.

2. Real peanut butter: The peanut butter here tastes like straight ground up peanuts, maybe including the shells. Where is the fatty American Jif?

3. More than one refrigerator shelf: As much as I enjoy sharing a mini fridge with 3 other people, it would be lovely to be able to buy groceries for more than for a few days.

4. The Boda Clan: Come on over, fam. I miss you guys.

5. Alone time: My walk to work, where I listen to music out of only one ear bud (for safety purposes, obviously), is the greatest alone time. However, that's about all I get. A walk, and the time sitting in my office, but the apartment is a boppin place.

6. Ice: Just not a thing here.

7. Smiling and waving at people when I walk and run: Nosireebob, do not look into the eyes of the stranger walking by you on the sidewalk. I will probably come home an unfriendly soul because I am being trained to look down and frown a little. I'm not sure why, but I'm not taking any chances.

8. Bright lights: Watt? Really though, I could use some more of those.

9. Water bottles, plastic bags, and lunch boxes.

10. Real Deodorant: I don't want that nasty spray stuff. I need the real stuff. This girl has to walk to work and class.

11. A dryer: My clothes feel slightly damp and have that damp smell as well. I don't even know if I would be able to find dryer sheets to rub all over my clothes if I wanted to.

12. Sunshine: Maybe the sun just isn't as bright here. This is serious. It just feels darker, even on sunny days.

13. Fresh air: I shouldn't have to hold my breath every time I walk by a person. I am referring to cigarette smoke. Ew. I'm sorry, but that is tar coating your lungs. I don't want tar on my lungs too.

14. Bright colors: Mom, thanks for the bright orange rain coat and for approving of my brightly patterned umbrella, but I just don't fit in. I like it that way, but I wish for Europe's sake that I did fit in. Black and grey are so 'in' here. **Note: I am wearing all black right now. Black flats, dress pants, and shirt. I fit in today. I could also go to a funeral and fit in.

15. Cereal: I miss American cereal. Also, cereal is pretty expensive here, so I have avoided buying it much. I caved this week and bought these Honey O things and some boxed, unrefrigerated milk. And, let me tell you-best decision I have made in a while. Cold milk, some Honey O's, and a sliced banana on top. I was excited to wake up and eat cereal.

16. Furman professors: My professor at the university today walked in at about 1:10 for my 1:00 class and said, "I'll be back in an hour. I have a meeting, and I need to eat something." Good thing I booked it across town to get to class on time!

17. Pandora, Hulu, Amazon Prime. I don't like illegally convincing my computer that I am actually in America in order to use certain websites.

18. Barbeque, Cookout milkshakes, and Goldfish

Just keeping a list.
It's obvious that Atlanta and Greenville are home!

Here are some things I do especially enjoy, abroad.

Alphorns

Free cheese. Free costume museums.

Modeling Sessions in Amsterdam

Clogs: I have dreamed of these for years.