After 469 pages, I had this somewhat epiphany that went something like “Arielle, remember when you used to blog about the random thoughts that popped into your head before you moved to Spain?” Admittedly, not having 24 hour internet access and having to pay a drink price at café just to use their wifi, has kind of disconnected me from the online world. Yes, it’s true. I manage to check my email still just about everyday and mostly the same for my Facebook. I try to blog after I travel. But up to date devices such as Twitter (and yes, ladies and gentlemen thanks to Undercurrent, the social media think-tank, aka my former employer that introduced me to the blogosphere/social media world from a business perspective, I had Twitter way before CNN or any other major media brand made it extremely popular follow me at ariellep for updates when I return back to NYC) unfortunately, I don’t have the opportunity to use it that much here in Spain, nor do I have the desire to. I really enjoyed being in New York, walking down the street and seeing something funny and putting a comment through a text message to have it update my Twitter feed. But that luxury is no longer there thanks to Verizon not being able to service an affordable international plan through my LG touch screen phone (you would think something decently technologically advanced would have such capabilities), but these days I guess the only way people get things done is through a Blackberry, right?

Well to that I say, damn the masses and after reading Candace Bushnell’s One Fifth Avenue after one of my nostalgic moments where I started to think, “hey, maybe I do miss New York,” and rushed to Casa del Libro where I remembered seeing the book on sale in English, I realized that I simply don’t. I do not miss New York. Although once and always considered a suburban Jersey girl, after a year at New York University, New York has become home. It is my home. It’s a part of me and gives me the same feeling that every student feels when they return home to see their parents in their hometown, extremely excited at first to have a great home cooked meal and family attention, only a week later to find out, OMG I am ready to move back into my little dorm and reclaim my freedom. I think my return to New York will be somewhat like that. I’ll be so excited to be back in the hustle and bustle, and then after about a week and the reality of senior year facing me, I’ll be ready to fly back over to Europe, back to my little room I am renting in this old house in Sevilla, Spain.

I guess the pursuit of happiness never really ends, and it is somewhat bothersome that it’s penned so clearly in American capitalism and symbolism. Although I am not a continuous Bushnell reader, what she did do with quite grace was point out the ridiculousness of New York society, money, wealth, and how everyone moving to New York has this goal to “make it” in the big city. I was there almost 2 years ago, a 17 year old senior high school graduate, who just had to move to New York and attend New York University to make her dreams of becoming a writer and magazine editor come true. And I started blazing that path and accomplished a lot, but right when you think you have it all planned out, a fast ball hits you in the chest. After losing my wind and coughing up what seemed to be a refreshing revelation, I realized that I probably will not be living in New York after next year. I also realize that I could be taking that back with the proper job opportunity presenting itself, because New York has this thing where it sucks in any type of humble or peaceful mentality you arrive with and spits back out this hungry monster that wants to ball all types of potential success into the quickest route possible. Bushnell points that out so vividly, and I encourage all aspiring New York socialites or future professionals to read her book and realize what you are getting into. Admittedly, I didn’t see the light until I moved to Spain because even in London, I was obsessed with getting back to New York and spent the majority of my winter break there instead of in Jersey. Not saying that will change when I return, because I really do like having my space as a young woman, but now New York has just become a temporary skyline. It will always be there but never a permanent fixture in my brain. I like being in Sevilla and being able to repeat the same pair of jeans 3 times in a week or having to hang my laundry on clothing lines because we don’t use dryers. Also, I love washing dishes without a dishwasher, and that I could literally sit in my cozy bedroom and read six novels consecutively in a week, manage my homework, travel, and learn from so many people just because you have made a point to learn and speak their language. New York doesn’t have that; it is the most relevant microcosm of America and our consumer heel in the ground style. I’m out of the bubble now and it will never be reconstructed. STICK ME IN A HOUSE IN BRASIL SOMEWHERE AND LET ME WRITE MY NOVELS! (after I manage to learn Portuguese lol)

Link to Candace Bushnell’s website

Much love,

Ari

Without a doubt, Sevilla is the place for artistry. Whether you are a writer, painter, sculptor, photographer, artisan, dancer or whatever, the inspiration is here for your craft and with nothing but pure natural happiness alive in the atmosphere; so many great things have been created. For one, the Feria festival had all types of medieval artists selling their crafts for almost 3 days straight (I actually got a lot of friends and family gifts from there!). But moreover, at night there and all throughout the day, there were performances by dancers, flamenco and contemporary singers, amongst other talents. It was definitely a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy Sevilla before my final exams (which went really well!). Below are some pictures of an oriental dance group that did belly dancing/hindu routines.

However, the most remarkable artistry by all that I have seen in Sevilla was definitely the Desvuelos exposition by photographer Angéle Etoundi Essamba. She photographed the most beautiful images of African women in veils and head pieces that I have ever seen. The exposition is right in the middle of the tourist area, walking from Plaza Espana to the Giralda, and simply captivates who ever’s eye that glances by it. As a writer, I love seeing people who follow their art even when it’s the less popular societal or monetary choice. Although in truth, one day we all have to support ourselves, it’s so important to stay true to the talents God has given you, because you never know how he may use you to express them!

Here are a few snapshots of Essamba’s exposition, enjoy!

Since Cordoba is literally 40 minutes from Sevilla, I figured I’d take a day and go see the famous Mesquita/Catedral (mosque/cathedral), the Synagogue (one of only three left in Spain) and its other historical monuments. Cordoba is a rather interesting town, it’s river looks like a reflection of sand, but it has a cute little streets and a beautiful royal garden…very old, just how I like Spain!

I think after seeing at least 50 cathedrals, I am over the awe factor. Cordoba’s mosque was really nice but the Alhambra in Granada was WAY better.

pics below, enjoy!

The university system in Spain is weird. We have a week break for Holy Week aka Semana Santa and another week break for Feria, a Spanish cultural festival. So for our first break for Holy Week, Tammy and I decided we would finally go to Valencia and its islands of Ibiza and Palma Mallorca off the east coast. Valencia was the one place that was recommended to me by all my friends that studied abroad in Spain and in my opionion it is my favorite city other than Sevilla (I still love my little town and am SO glad I moved).

The islands were relaxing of course, nice beaches, cool yachts, the usual…but Valencia was just great. The old buildings, the new futuristic aquarium and facilities, plus the awesome park African dance performance, I was in culture heaven.

I enjoyed myself though and if I had to pick one city other than Sevilla to check out, it would be Valencia hands down. Greece is next for our Feria break, pics of Ibiza, Palma Mallorca, and Valencia below!

So after a thousand movies, books and films that romanticize the city of Barcelona, I arrived and was like HUH???? The city is a splitting image of New York City, which was such a disappointment because I was expecting to see more small old streets with winding passage ways and black gated balconies, but perhaps maybe I watch too much tv. Since my expectations were so high, after touring the city I was kind of confused, but I have to say the region of Catalunya as a whole (the region in which Barcelona is located) is BEAUTIFUL. Catalunya is engulfed by mountains and small villages with Barcelona being the city of its center. Thanks to Tammy’s uncle we got the chance to stay with one of his business clients whose family goes back generations living in Catalunya, hence he knew all of the less visited tourist spots that he thought we’d love to see, and we LOVED it.

We visited the Montserrat, the oldest school of music in Europe (perhaps the most prestigious) and its gorgeous cathedral. Interestingly enough, two of his nephews are attending school there and just to give you an idea, approximately 50 students (its a boys only school) are accepted into the school and it ranges from ages 10 to 14 across various grades. His family was probably the most interesting part of my trip. Between meeting all of his musical genius nephews, nieces, and sisters to talking with his parents about their FIRST HAND experiences with Spain’s Franco era, I couldn’t have had a better time or more culturally enlightening experience. And of course, all the hospitality/accomodations were free and we got a ton of free dinners, lol, student bliss.

Anyway, he also took us to Nuria, which is this awesome ski resort up in the mountains. It was SNOWING!!!! How cool, I drank fresh mountain water from a rock (thought of you Uncle Bruce and your hatred of bottle water lol) and then played in the snow like I was 8 again.

In all, the trip was amazing, but recommendations to all who are planning to travel to the region, spend a day in Barcelona and AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE IN THE MOUNTAINS.

Pics are below, love ya!

The first trip my friend Tamaro (aka Tammy) and I took after we moved from Madrid to Sevilla was to Granada, which is still in Andalucia (the region is Spain which I live). It’s a small little urban town, kind of reminds you of something in Canada, surrounded by mountains, gorgeous blue skys and a lot of grass.

We made the trip essentially because Tammy was invited to a Muslim’s women conference there and she invited me to tag along. I promised myself that after moving from Madrid to Sevilla, it was time for me to be open and attentive to new experiences and what God wanted to show me during my abroad experience in Europe. Granada’s history of Spain’s Muslim rule, the Islamic architecture, and sense of community amongst muslims in the town is phenomenal. We were actually invited to stay in a woman’s house who was from America that decided to move to Granada literally after visiting it once. She converted to Islam and never went home, true story. It’s completely understandable though because the laissez faire lifestyle and muslim community just support a spiritual, free life.

Everything was provided for us for free, not just accommodation wise, but food too. What amazed me was although everyone new I wasn’t Muslim and in fact a Christian, I was treated with such kindness and taken care of in so many ways. I was delighted to experience such a feeling of community and never a sense of being an outsider. In all, Granada was incredible, the people, La Alhambra (the most famous muslim monarchy ruins in Andalucia or maybe even Spain as a whole), and the small city.

hope you enjoy the pics!