Cipotegato

The past week I went to Barcelona to visit with my aunt and uncle who live there.  I was able to go to the Sagrada Familia again, took a boat ride around the port and finally got to tour the Palau de Musica Catalana.  I had a great time and it was much better weather there, around 84 F not the 104 F it was in Zaragoza.

Early Saturday morning I got the bus to Tarazona for the famous festival that occurs on the 27^th.  It started at noon but people had been drinking from 10 am on.  We left for the plaza around 11:30 and as soon as we got close we were hit with tomatoes.  The cobblestone streets were covered with tomato guts which made them even more slippery than usual.  We were packed into the plaza like sardines and the entire time getting hit with pieces of tomatoes.  Finally the Cipotegato ran out of the town hall and around the town for 10 minutes then back to the town hall again.  I wanted to take my camera to the plaza but was warned that it would be ruined.  I am so glad I didn’t take it because in addition to the tomatoes people throw buckets of water down from the balconies.  Afterwards there was a foam party in the old bullring with huge foam shooters and it helped to clean a small bit of the tomato off but not much.  Then people just partied outside, there were different DJs set up along the river and it was a fun and interesting time.  I never knew how sticky tomatoes could be.  I washed my hair twice and still had to pick out a bunch of tomato seeds that were still stuck.

Yesterday we went to a live bullfight.  I was not too enthusiastic to go because I feel bad for the animals but it is a cultural event.  Other than the unpleasantness of the killing it was a nice time.  The 5^th bull of the evening jumped the first barrier 3 times, broke through one of the gates, and almost gored the matador; it was the most exciting time of the night.  The fighters weren’t too good and some of the crowd got a little too drunk and were throwing trash into the ring.  As we left we saw the butchers cutting up the bulls, not a pleasant sight but at least the meat doesn’t go to waste.  I have pictures and video of some of the fights but my Internet connection isn’t great so it would take a long time and I don’t know if people want to see them.

Moros y Cristianos

Or Moros i Cristians in Valenciano.  I didn’t know what to expect before going to Benilloba for this festival that celebrates the history of the town as well as the patron saint, St. Joaquin.  I arrived on Friday and already the town was ready to party and there was music late into the night.  I had a bad headache on Friday because my brain had to adjust to rapid Castellano mixed with Valenciano and no English.   I really like visiting with the family not only because it is a lot of fun but I can tell my speaking in Spanish greatly improves since English is not an option.  Here in Zaragoza I use English a decent amount which is really my own fault.  On Saturday night there was a rehearsal procession with music again late into the night.  Sunday was a day to rest and try to sleep before the night’s festivities began.  The first official night of celebration is a parade of social commentary of events that happened in Spain and the world, it is quite a sight!   It was entertaining to see but there were long pauses in between the groups because people were drinking so much they could barely walk by the time they went past the house (which is toward the end of the route).  After the parade they had a concert in the plaza with a band that was actually pretty good.  (I did not have high hopes because at the Caravana de Culturas in Torrellas there was a band that was awful!)  It was funny because the first set of songs was all American songs and they joked it was in my honor.  Monday night was the main event with the entrance of the moros y cristianos.  In Benilloba there are 3 groups, one group of Christians and two groups of Moors.  This procession was much more organized because there was no drinking allowed, haha.  Afterwards, there was again more music and another concert in the plaza.  I must say that Americans have nothing on Spaniards and partying.   It seemed like there was music every hour I was there and when there wasn’t music the street cleaner was going by (the family home is on the main street in town).  Needless to say I did not get much sleep but I had a lot of fun and it was great to experience the festival.  I was also able to visit with a lot of family and try different typically Spanish foods.  Now here are the pics and videos:

 

I was able to visit with Tia Lolita, her husband, children and grandchildren.

Amy Winehouse at the parade on Sunday night.

The smurfs

The Benilloba Airport

The concert

The Catholic Kings

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los cristianos

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros del Castell

Los Moros de Arrabal

Los Moros de Arrabal

Los Moros de Arrabal

Cousin Xus and I in Polop de la Marina

Just to let people know, I do not have Internet in my apartment yet, I am dreading organizing it with one of the companies here but I will get it done by September.  I do try to check my email at least once a day at the free wifi spots around the city.  You can also comment here if you choose.  Here are pictures of the view from my apartment and my room for those interested in visiting and for my parents who think where I’m living must be a drug den:

My weeks at home and first week back in Spain

While I was home I did some painting:

My house on the 4th of July with all the Americana stuff we have.

As a mini vacation we took a family driving trip up to Newport, Rhode Island it was a very nice town.

"The Breakers" mansion, we took a guided tour around the house, it was interesting.

Newport is home to the tennis Hall of Fame, which we also toured.

Also while I was home I got the best present that was made by my cousin Margie.  I had been planning to make a new skirt for my vanity before I left last year.  I am no seamstress so it would have taken me forever and probably turned out like crap but she did a wonderful job!

 I have been in Spain about a week and a half and it has been fun.  I have been searching for an apartment while living in a hostel in the center of town.  The city has changed since I left because they are doing road work for the new tram so busy streets are closed.  In addition, the bus routes that I had learned last year were changed and so when I arrived at midnight last week after not getting REM sleep for 2 1/2 days I was thrown for a loop.  I eventually made it safe and sound, obviously.

This past Saturday I went to visit friends back in Tarazona but really in Torrellas (City).  In reality it is not a city it is a village of about 150 people more or less but we joke and call it a city.  The town was hosting a "Caravana de Culturas," it was a lot of fun to see the dancers and hear the music.  We also looked at the craft tables and walked around the town.

A belly dancer with an albino python around her neck.

Luckily, I think I have found an apartment overlooking La Plaza del Pilar, which is the main square of Zaragoza.  I will be relieved when it is all taken care of and I can then focus of the parties that are happening the rest of this month!