Muy bien

You probably know what muy bien means if

a. You have ever taken Spanish

b. Live in a Spanish speaking country

c. Live in an area with Spanish speaking people

d. You are alive.

It makes me feel cozy inside when I speak Spanish and someone says “muy bien Emma”  like i’m a small child.

I also like it when I properly smack my bus pass on the bus and the (usually hot) bus driver says muy bien. mmhhhmmm.

Here are some things that have been muy bien lately:

My piso (apartment) now full of awesome Spanish speakers, and a cleaning schedule.

My Spanish, poco a poco, according to some people is getting better. It still depends on the situation and the person that I’m talking to though.

The fact that I have expanded my cooking beyond making pasta, and have opened my kitchen to allow others to cook for me sometimes (poco a poco).

The sandwich that I ate today. Completo Iberico (Iberian ham, tomato, green pepper, cheese, and booom, amazing) from Manduca Jamonero (Plaza 1 de Mayo, 5) in Logrono. On Mondays, I have an hour and a half between school ending and a private lesson starting. It’s not enough time to go all the way home, so I have been taking the opportunity to picar my way around the Plaza de Mayo area.  The first time I went I ordered a salad like a big loser. Then I was like, Oh yeah, I’m in Spain. HAM. Iberian ham. nom nom nom.

The sandwich I had did not come on a piece of log such as this, but the ham was a lot prettier. Also for those who know me, the green pepper on it was delicious as well. Food risks are the best kind. So far.

 

Also muy bien was Carnivale! It marks the time before Lent, and it originated in Venice, and is most famous in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The carnival in Logrono was enough for me since it was like having a second Halloween. Everyone usually dresses up in groups, or with a group theme. Poor planning/ not realizing this I ended up as a hippie. Peace and love. It was easier because I didn’t want to buy a costume, but rather something awesome and funky that I could wear again in the future.

And, le photos….

 

Parade in Logrono- "Emoticons"

More parade- Pirate ship.

Some amigos in costume.

Me and a sailor/ a roommate

 

I wish I had taken a few more photos, but seeing as Logrono is not famed for its carnival, I think it’s okay. Maybe next year I’ll make it to Cadiz or the Canary Islands. OR maybe I’ll keep saving my money so that I can treat myself to as many giant ham bocadillos as I can handle since word on the street is that deliciousness does not/ cannot leave the country.

 

Un beso

Bon Iver wrote that song for you?

“The only things that the United States has given to the world are skyscrapers, jazz, and cocktails. That is all. And in Cuba, in our America, they make much better cocktails.” – Lorca

As a child, I was really into musicals. I loved My Fair Lady, Funny Girl, Bye Bye Birdie….on and on. In high school I went in a more sporty and less musical direction though. I just didn’t have the pipes. Although now I’m not sure why I don’t have a hit rap song about butts, oh baby, in da club…I’d be rollin in it.

My love for music never faltered though. Alert, I’m not a music snob. I don’t collect vinyls, and I don’t know the history of a lot of the artists I like. But for me, it’s just about the sounds and the feeling. It doesn’t shame me that I like some Britney and some Kanye, while I have some Jimi, Jim, and Eddie one playlist away.

So what kind of music do I like? Good music. I can’t even exclude opera or country because every now and then they surprise me with something beautiful.

Over the weekend I saw a beautiful movie called “Chico y Rita.” It’s about Cuba, and Jazz, and I’ll let this trailer speak more about it.

I never considered myself a Jazz fan. I associate it with parents, being boring, drinking wine and chatting. I guess I’ve grown up and now I do those things. Yikes!

Reflecting on my musical interests I just wanted to share some songs that I’ve been enjoying in Spain. Some are Spanish, and some are not, but I know that I will always remember where I was here in my Spanish life listening to them.

This guy has a very interesting voice, and I like….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap1OoEDHYrM&ob=av2e

And last but not least….

This is not an exhaustive list, but I feel like the internet might explode if I add more.

Next weekend is Carnivale, and while I won’t be able to dress like this (more because of body type than cold I think), I will be enjoying whatever fun Logrono has to offer dressed as……until next time.

un beso

Florals for spring; groundbreaking.

anyone that makes eating ice cream look like a trend :idol

Rebajas (major sales) have been happening in Spain, and around Europe since the beginning of January (They started the 6th in Logrono). It’s DANGEROUS, even for non-shoppers such as myself, as I can normally be found kickin it on a couch with all the dad’s, and brothers.

“I base my fashion sense on what doesn’t itch.” 

truth.

In the U.S sales happen every so often, but they aren’t on such a grand scale. Here, every store has sales, and up to 70% off on some nice items. …

Unfortunately, the things I usually like are not on sale. The rebajas are also the same time that the new collections (for spring) appear in stores; so imagine my attraction to all the cute new floral dresses, and colorful blazers. swoon.

I did just buy some funky stuff today for Carnivale, which is also coming up in 2 weekends- dressing up in a disfraz (costume) is a bigger deal than at Halloween. I will keep mine a secret for now.

All the fashion around me has inspired me to take more care in what I wear each day and it’s actually really fun. I’ve yet to see someone in the grocery store wearing sweats…besides maybe a Spanish version of a bro.

Thus, I came across these earrings on a fashion blog and they just remind me of Spain, and where i’m at with all the good cuisine involving peppers, garlic, olive oil, etc. They happen to be Dolce and Gabanna,with a D & G price tag. Not much rebajas can do about that….

If anyone comes across $455, or a good enough reason to spend that on these....let a girl know.

Happy weekend, and go GIANTS!

un beso