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Archive for September, 2002

A luxury in Spain

This is a panoramic photo of Toledo. Predominant are the Cathedral to the left and the Alcazar to the right. The city is mostly surrounded by the Tagus River and located on a slightly elevated hill. It’s always been an example of tolerance and coexistence of cultures, traditionally the Jewish, Muslims and Christians. You’ll enjoy every corner of the old town. Not only the architecture, but also the openness of locals and lively environment. More photos!

Add comment September 28th, 2002

Bend it like Beckham

The best British comedy since Bridget Jones’s Diary. You confirm it by just reading the tagline: “Who wants to cook Aloo Gobi when you can bend a ball like Beckham?”. Bend it like Beckham is about a young Indian girl -Jess- who’s addicted to playing football. Her dream is to play like Beckham (Manchester United’s real-life star). But the movie is not addressed to football fans. On the contrary, it’s more about how life with parents is and how different cultures clash.

Now listening… Bina Mistry - Hot hot hot
(from Bend it like Beckham OST… especially recommended!)

57 comments September 26th, 2002

The Calway Station

Named after the good impression one of its founders had from the city of Galway (the change to ‘C’ is deliberate), this traditional Irish Pub has a meticulous decoration and very nice atmosphere. Celtic music, covering not only folk bands, but also modern groups such as Van Morrison, U2 or The Corrs. A perfect place for a long conversation with friends.

Fancy a pint this evening?

1 comment September 25th, 2002

Fiestas of Fuente el Saz

One of the most weird processions I’ve seen in my life. A 5-km walk surrounded by fire, smoke and the Virgin of Ciguiñuela. You can’t see anything else but fire and a dense grey smoke at a distant farther than 10 feet from you. Breathing is difficult and your eyes start itching like the hell. Interesting experience though… (Thanx to Alvaro for the invitation!)

Add comment September 24th, 2002

Comments on the greenest city in Europe

Apart from the extensively typical viewpoints in Madrid (i.e. Cibeles, Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Europa…), there are many other must-sees which can help cope with the reachable 36 degrees in this time of year.

A good example is the Templo de Debod, previously located by the shores of the Nile river in southern Egypt. Dating from the 4th century B.C., this temple was brought block by block to Spain in 1968.

The astonishing Torre Picasso was designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the same architect that designed the World Trade Center towers in New York. Although it is not usually accessible by general public, one day a year the terrace is open so that anyone can enjoy the fantastic view from the highest tower in the city.

After a long day it is especially advisable to have some tapas at the barrio de las vistillas, whose name tells it everything. They make the tastiest boquerones en vinagre I’ve ever tried. Try also the famous chicken and cider at the nearby Casa Mingo if you have time for a relaxed lunch.

By the way, don’t miss my psychopath face in this shot from a meeting we had with other kotbullars in the capital (namely Ana, Juan, Luis and Laura). Irish pub afterwards.

Add comment September 19th, 2002