I must confess that I have been waiting for something particularly interesting about which to write this new blog, but have arrived to the conclusion that it may be some time before such an occasion presents itself. The reason I've deduced this is the continual, pesty and residual presence of the Madrileno cold. I suppose that in our general latitude, this is the usual season to expect a few sniffley noses, soar throats and slight temperatures. In Madrid, however, it is quite common for the cold to last an entire month, with the end of the recovery period officially finalized upon the contraction of the next months flavor of strain. Journalists say that this year's symptom's have been particularly vicious, as the runny noses and losses of voice have been accompanied by upset stomaches and indigestion. So while we do our best to drink lots of tea and oranges, most of us are home blowing our noses and keeping close proximity to the bathroom for the months of January and February.
Other than various students mocking by nasal-clogged speech, classes are going smoothly. I dyed my hair a dark brown and, according to my blunt students, "look very pale." The sanitation strike did eventually end, with the conclusion of Christmas holidays. It's just a guess, but I imagine this particular strike is realized annually between the 20th of December and the 6th of January. Overall, therefore, for those who may consider traveling to Spain, perhaps January is not the wisest choice.
Until better days...
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
A Trashy New Year
One nearly missed overseas flight and 2 lost luggage cases later, I finally find myself back in cold and windy Madrid. I arrived New Year's Day and resumed my seat upon the Metro, only to find this seat to be surprisingly filthy. After a quick waltz to my next stop it didn't take long to guess that, indeed, the sanitation union has gone on strike. While the writer's strike has robbed us all of quality entertainment, the sanitation strike has left a putrid odor hovering over the transportation system along with all of the banana peels, moldy newspapers and rusty cans that caused it.
Despite this new addition, I did enjoy the New Years and manage to stay awake throughout the festivities. Accompanied by Ginny, her mother, and her friend, I squeezed through a crowd of sparkled wigs and hats toward the American rock bursting out of the city center, Plaza del Sol. Keeping a safe distance from the mob center and after coercing a police officer to open our Champagne, we waited in the chill for the clock to strike 12. At this hour, it is customary to eat 1 grape for every chime, a seemingly easy feat that actually requires a degree of dexterity, resulting in many participants extended chug rather than deliberate ingestion of the fruit. After the golden globe dropped, I mushed myself into the metro and began 2008 with a long snooze.
Until I begin teaching again, I suppose I will continue hiding under the warmth of my covers and reading my new selection of stories. Spending time in Memphis was a fantastic break and it was wonderful seeing many of you again, though unfortunately it has rendered me disinclined to labor, howsoever rested I may be.
Enjoy the holidays, those who have any left, and Feliz Ano de Madrid!
Addendum: Melinda Hoehn visited the house of Biz an unrecorded period of time in October and was never given due credit, to her disappointment. Therefore, Mrs. Hoehn, receive your recognition.
Despite this new addition, I did enjoy the New Years and manage to stay awake throughout the festivities. Accompanied by Ginny, her mother, and her friend, I squeezed through a crowd of sparkled wigs and hats toward the American rock bursting out of the city center, Plaza del Sol. Keeping a safe distance from the mob center and after coercing a police officer to open our Champagne, we waited in the chill for the clock to strike 12. At this hour, it is customary to eat 1 grape for every chime, a seemingly easy feat that actually requires a degree of dexterity, resulting in many participants extended chug rather than deliberate ingestion of the fruit. After the golden globe dropped, I mushed myself into the metro and began 2008 with a long snooze.
Until I begin teaching again, I suppose I will continue hiding under the warmth of my covers and reading my new selection of stories. Spending time in Memphis was a fantastic break and it was wonderful seeing many of you again, though unfortunately it has rendered me disinclined to labor, howsoever rested I may be.
Enjoy the holidays, those who have any left, and Feliz Ano de Madrid!
Addendum: Melinda Hoehn visited the house of Biz an unrecorded period of time in October and was never given due credit, to her disappointment. Therefore, Mrs. Hoehn, receive your recognition.
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