taylsb

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Toros in Las Rozas

I got to class early yesterday so I decided to sit and have a coffee. I was doing some writing when I looked up to see people gathering in the streets. I could feel the energy so I decided to make my way down to see what the commotion was about.

I stopped and asked a sweet lady, Julia, what was happening. She was thrilled to tell me that the last day of the Fiesta de San Miguel, the saint of Las Rozas and that as per tradition there was a running of the bulls. Below are some images I made of the event. I wasn't going to bring my camera to class but I'm so glad I did. I only had my 50mm 1.8 with me but I think I still managed to get some good shots!

Writing Contests

The following are links to a few writing contests I've entered. I figured in addition to blogging I should be building my own personal writing portfolio. I'm enjoying working on a few short fiction pieces. It would feel pretty incredible to get recognized for my work.

https://ellipsis.westminstercollege.edu/

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1936

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1647

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1816

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1245

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=2691

http://sparkanthology.org/contests/seven/

My First Weekend

This weekend was my first free weekend in Spain so I decided to do a little exploring.

I caught the 622 bus from Las Rozas which took about 40 minutes to arrive into the Moncola station in the Madrid city center. From there I walked down Calle de la Princesa, passing the Plaza de España. When I reached Calle Gran Vía I stopped into a book store for a guide to Spain. I walked along Calle Gran Vía and eventually reached La Plaza Mayor. There I sat at a cafe, enjoyed a café con leche and dove into my book. It would have been handy to read this book before my travels as I had to learn the hard way that "eta" is not just a designation for my sorority chapter but also a terrorist organization in Spain. I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment had I done a little reading first (more on that later). The book I got is by Rick Stevens and has proven very informative and very digestible. I read for a while and when I noticed a storm seemed to be moving in a decided to head back.

On my way back I walked through El Corte Ingles. There is so much shopping to do in Madrid, especially in this area. After looking into some stores I continued on my way, stopping at La Plaza de España. I sat by the fountain and people watched for a little bit. Then I walked around to the various booths set up along the plaza. I stumbled upon this one little booth with some great pants so I decided to treat myself and get a pair. Then I worked by way back up Calle de la Princesa to the Moncloa station. I took the 625 bus back which after a 40 minute ride left me just a short three minute walk from my new home.

I'm really enjoying Spain. Although I didn't do too much this weekend I have plenty of time to experience all Madrid has to offer. I look forward to learning about some of Spain's other major cities and the deciding which ones to visit. I enjoyed having the afternoon to myself and liked that I could set the pace for the day. I look forward to getting Madrid well enough that I can act as a tour guide when my family visits next summer.

September Playlist

Love. Love. Loving this cover of Whitney Houston's How Will I Know by Sam Smith. This is some first dance material right here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwHACITShSI

This girl's got some major talent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv-fqXGum2g

You haven't really lived until you've bought bottle service with your rent money. I couldn't help myself. It reminds me of college and it's fun to run to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RMQksXpQSk

I'm too tired to blog...

I'm too tired to actually blog (#jetlag) but I'm rather proud to let anyone reading this know that I have learned to drive a car with a manual transmission! My motto from now on is, "CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH" - it's what my host mother kept saying while I was learning because she can't remember the word "clutch" but I got the idea.

Bueno, ahora, voy a descansarme porque mañana tengo que levantarme muy temprano para llevas los niños a colegio - Entonces, buenas noches!

Your choices will change the world.

"Your choices will change the world."

Some of the most profound wisdom I've ever received happened to be via a quote on a tea bag. Ironically, I don't like tea very much.

I should be packing...

I should be packing... but instead I'm watching New Girl and eating leftover red velvet cake, feeling the anxiety build up in my brain. Since Sunday I haven't been able to shut my thoughts off and unfortunately, I now find myself in the position of having only one day left to gather and pack all of the belongings I will need for an undetermined amount of time in a foreign country. Oh man... someone pass the wine.