Holiday in Spain

New Year's Eve

As I recollect on past New Years Celebrations, only one stands out in my mind. That one was the celebration that took place in Madrid.

We wake up the morning of the last day of 2005, and we cannot wait for the fabled celebration that night in downtown Madrid. We got in the bus and went out on a tour. This time we go down to the entrance to the city as they call it. Two towers line the road as we look out on the largest city in Spain.

We spend the day walking, tour busing, subwaying, and running through the streets of Madrid as we take in the grandest of sights. A simply marvelous action-packed day.

We get back around 8 for a dinner at the hotel (one of the better meals of the trip). We then rest before going back out for the New Years Celebration. We partake in most of the festivities, but it is mostly too crowded to even move.

The Spanish have a tradition for bringing in the New Year that involves the eating of 12 grapes in certain time increments as the clock counts down. The celebration was a mere 2 blocks from our hotel. The downtown square has huge screens set up for the countdown.

Right at midnight, flames fill the sky as the fireworks burst in every direction. Everyone is screaming and cheering and I could not be happier. As I look around at all of the smiles, I know that this year is going to be great and no way to kick it off better than a Holiday in Spain.

During the flight to Spain, our whole group chanted the words to the Counting Crows song "Holiday in Spain." We knew what we were doing and that night was so spectacular that the song still resonates in all our heads. There could be no more applicable song for us that new year and we knew it.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, while others went to pubs and bars to bring the new year in their tummies, we paraded back to the hotel singing the words to the lasting song. We had done exactly what the Counting Crows did, we caught a plane to Barcelona because our city was a drag.

That was the best New Years celebration ever, and I hope everyone gets to experience a great celebration at least once in their lifetime. I wish everyone a very happy New Year, and may all your goals and wishes come true.

Trainspotting

December 30th

Still on the Spain trip and still absolutely loving it.

Today, we arise early for travel from Barcelona to Madrid. If I recall correctly, it was about a six hour train ride. The train was nice though as it was spacious and comfortable with TV's and a restaurant. Not too bad, but we were all sad to leave Barcelona because it was so amazing.

The train station was wonderful and if I am not mistaken it can be seen in one of the backdrop shots in The Bourne Ultimatum. We left the station and took a bus to our hotel.

This hotel was quite different than the Barcelona hotel. This time we had a four person room that included the student members of our small group - DH, Kevin, JP, and I. Also, this hotel was situated right in the middle of downtown. We were less than 2 blocks from the cultural heart of Madrid and the town square. O, and right across the street was a movie theater.

The hotel was nice and we almost succumbed to the temptation of rest in the comfy beds after a long day's travel, but we knew that Madrid night-life would be calling our names. We had a nice dinner at the hotel and then hit the streets for a look at shops and malls in the area surrounding the town square. It was amazing! And there were so many people everywhere!

After an incredible look at night-time Madrid, we headed back to the hotel after stopping for a Tapas treat and some more great hot chocolate. The spacious room was more than adequate for four exhausted guys. We went to bed with great anticipation for the next day as we would be experiencing New Year's Eve at one of the best parties in Europe and even the whole world.

The Thick of Things

December 29th

We rose early for another great day in Barcelona. This was the day of museums and more sightseeing. We visited the Museo D'Arte, which was an incredible sight. The museum holds some of the works of the greatest European artists including the homegrown Pablo Picasso.

After a very insightful and well-guided experience at the museum, we hopped on the bus for a destination for lunch. We had many disappointing meals so far, but the lunch we had that day was terrific. It consisted of soups and breads.

The Spanish have a very different eating schedule than Americans. Instead of the three meals, Spain starts the day with a pastry breakfast or frequently a brunch, then lunch at midday, then an afternoon snack, a late dinner around 8 o'clock, and finally a trip around the local bars enjoying tapas and elegant deserts. It is very fascinating!

After lunch we spent the day in our small group touring more of Barcelona. We visited Government buildings (in which I almost got arrested for walking into an open building, pretty scary when you can't understand the security guards...), an artifact museum, more shops, and another dinner at the hotel. After dinner, we went back out to do more exploring.

We visited the Pablo Picasso Museo devoted entirely the Picasso and his life works. It was extremely amazing! We then broke back into small group for a night on the town. We visited the Salvador Dali museum, which was very unique. We went into the church, where we saw the most magnificent night view.

We went to the local coffee shop and got the thickest hot chocolate you could ever imagine. We also enjoyed fresh-squeezed orange juice. (Actually we went to this place every night). We also went to Hard Rock Barcelona to get T-shirts.

We went back to the hotel for check-in and supposed curfew. However, our trip leader thought it would be awesome to take his little group out after curfew. We caught a cab and rode to downtown to see a jazz concert. When we got to the little pub, he decided it was too shady and smokey. We then hiked back the twelve blocks stopping for knickknacks and treats along the way.

The Day I Discovered the World

December 28th

This was quite possibly the most intriguing day of the trip as we began the day with a strange pastry-driven breakfast. We then boarded a bus to be ferried around the best locales in Barcelona.

We drove through the beautiful and historic city and "ooed and awed" over all the amazing buildings. The first stop was the beautiful Sagrada Familia which is seen in the picture. It is adorned with sculptures, statues, and spires that have been under construction for the better part of 2 centuries.

We drove to see the infamous world's largest bench that wraps around the deck and provides a great view of the city. This including a nice collection of palm trees and one of Pablo Picasso's former houses.

Next, we drove out to the Olympic Park, the home of the 1992 Olympics. We only briefly saw the park as we drove by in the tour bus. We continued to a park near the Port of Barcelona. We were able to look out onto the Mediterranean and turn and see the large, bustling city. It was my favorite view of the whole trip as I had never seen a city like that before. It was breathtaking and something I hope to see again someday.

The bus drove us to the middle of downtown and dropped us off to spend the rest of the day on an adventure. We split into groups and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the crevices and inner workings of the incomparable Barcelona. This day began the day we formed not just a trip group, but a life-long group as we each experienced a life-changing trip. The group consisted of classmates and buddies Kevin Pojezny, Jonathan Pratt, DH Dilbeck, our Spanish teacher and trip leader Mitch Cook, and me.

We explored downtown Barcelona that afternoon and worked our way through various shops and a modern art museum. That evening we had dinner at the hotel (strange food that none of us liked very much). Then we turned in after a long day that including a whole lot of walking. We fell asleep quickly with the anticipation brewing for another day in Barcelona.

The End of Travel

On December 27th, we finally reached our destination of Barcelona, Spain. After the many long hours of traveling, we spent a few hours getting acclimated, had dinner, and then made up our rooms to prepare for a night of much needed sleep.

Upon arrival at the airport by way of Germany, we got into a bus that took us to the hotel. I do not know what I was expecting, but the area around the airport was I guess you could say, "shocking." It appeared underdeveloped but a closer look revealed heavy construction in every direction.

So, the drive to the hotel was indeed very interesting as we took in the sights and enjoyed the atmosphere (once we got outside the airport area, it was amazing!!). The bus trip was very exciting, but we were all very tired.

We explored the hotel and had dinner and then fell victim to the comfortable beds in our 3 person rooms. Classmate and buddy Kevin Pojezny, underclassman weirdo Ben Britton, and I shared a cozy room with a lookout over the hustling town of Barcelona.

We went out early as we knew we would rise early to explore this intriguing foreign country.

The Best Trip Ever

As I reminisce on Christmas and all it has to offer, I can't help but think about Christmases of the past. The Christmas I am thinking about is the Christmas from two years ago during my senior year in high school.

That was a wonderful Christmas, everything was in order, from the lasting traditions of Christmas Eve and Christmas day to the family celebrations. Everything was absolutely perfect. We all gave and received the best gifts and we did it with sincerity in our hearts.

Then I think of the day after Christmas, the 26th of December, and I think about what happened and I remember that that was the day I embarked on the greatest trip of my life.

That day, me and a group of people from school boarded a plane to Spain. So the 26th was a day of pure travel as we flew from Oklahoma City to Chicago to Munich to Barcelona. Talk about a long flight. The portion from Chicago to Germany was like 14 hours and was easily the longest I had ever been in a plane. I tried to sleep in the plane, but was just too excited about the coming trip, plus I never sleep in any kind of transportation (I was also enamored with the movie channel - unlike anything I had ever seen before).

So, as I reminisce on the 26th of December both in past and present, I remember how awful that day of traveling was, but I assure you the traveling was well worth it.

Today, I count my blessings and I think about how much I love my family. I think about how awesome of a Christmas gift a trip to Spain was. My only regret is I wish I could have taken my family on that trip because I know they would have loved it.

Someday, when we are all rich I will take my family on a trip of a lifetime. And it truly will be.

To all, count your blessings and love on your family.

Christmas Eve for All

Christmas comes but once a year, so enjoy the festivities this year. Remember the important things of Christmas. Of course, Christmas is not about the presents or the gifts, but it is about the family and the love and joy of coming together.

So enjoy this short post and enjoy Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!!

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew! It's been a week since I made it on here. I came down with the big flu/influenza. For the past week. It came at perfect timing too, right as I start my Christmas break. I woke up last Friday feeling like I was going to die, and unfortunately I had two finals that day (I ended the semester with 4 B's and 1 A: not bad, I guess).

So, I'm back.

I watched "Good Morning Vietnam" last night for the first time ever and I simply loved it. Aside from being downright hilarious, the movie touches the censorship of radio during war. Robin Williams gives a terrific performance in a role that at one point was based on an actual character, but turns out to be a complete mockery of the military and the real guy's life.

Forest Whittaker plays a great supporting member as the radio station coordinator/helper. He also provides some comedy as the radio hosts continue to rebel against their superiors.

Just a downright awesome movie and this is a short post because I am exhausted.

GOODBYE VIETNAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Baseball Players are a Bunch of Cheaters

As I am sure you all have heard by now, the investigation into Major League Baseball's "steroid problem" is officially concluded. Fomer Senator George Mitchell conducted the investigation into steroid abuse in the MLB over the past 20 months.

His list is frightening.

It includes players from every team in the MLB including Roger Clemens, Andy Pettite, Miguel Tejada, and Eric Gagne. Every team in baseball abuses steroids.

Barry Bonds, of course, was the first one on the list. Is there any doubt that his record should be stripped? Mark Ecko branded the record-setting ball with an asterisk and sent it to Cooperstown. Hilarious.

So what next for baseball? Some are calling this the saddest day in baseball history. This report is a direct slap in the face of MLB and I commend it. It must have taken a lot of guts to make this report and I applaud Mitchell's efforts.

This is a clear sign that it is time for the MLB to step up and set up some kind of steroid reviewing company.

Either that or give everyone steroids that way we can all be super-human freaks with huge heads. Maybe the government should develop steroids to give us the ability to fly through the clouds as one BIG happy family.

Check out the article here http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/13/steroid.report/index.html

The Weight of Water

Do you ever sit there and think about ridiculous things? How about not getting sleep because you just thought about something crazy? My brain refuses to shut down when I try to go to sleep especially during this finals week.

What if the land and water switched places on the earth instantly? Imagine just hangin' out in your favorite state, and all of a sudden the oceans and continents switched places. North America turns into the Atlantic and the Atlantic turns into North America.

How ridiculous would that be? What about the people on the shore? How weird would it be to be standing on the beach looking out at the ocean, and then you blink your eyes and the ocean is now land and the beach and land behind you is now water.

What about the people out in the middle of the ocean? If the water switched to land, they could end up on top of a skyscraper or mountain. Strange...

Living so far inland in Oklahoma, I would probably be dead. Unless I could swim to the nearest lake. Still it would be so shocking and confusing that most people would panic and end up drowning. Wow, this turned really morbid, o well...

Be careful, it could happen. Always keep a boat near you just in case.

Diving in Head First

Ok, so after much deliberation (and mainly procrastination) I have decided to try out this blog thing to "get the creative juices flowing" as they say. Regardless of whether or not anyone reads this, I feel it will be a good exercise for transcribing my thoughts into the world outside. Hopefully, this endeavor will increase my writing skills as well.

So, I thought to get my first post started, I would talk about that which I love most, and that is definitely movies.

I won a 52" plasma HDTV last week and I have been watching movies ever since. Lately, we popped in blockbuster action flicks such as Live Free or Die Hard, Mission Impossible 3, I, Robot, and Armageddon. And let me tell you, the picture is scrumptuous. I love it. The sucky thing, however, is that regular cable is weak unless you get a HD box. So, I might have to get a new deal with the cable man.

Anyway, I just finished Mystic River, the captivating story brought to the big screen by none other than Clint Eastwood. The 2003 movie is an adaptation of Dennis Lehane's 2001 novel of the same name. After seeing the movie, I feel I should read the book. The movie is about three childhood friends that are brought back together in the wake of a tragedy. The characters had grown apart at a young age because one of the boys was sexually abducted by some local freak in the Boston area.

They grow apart and we fast forward to the characters as grown men with families and careers. Jimmy Markum's (Sean Penn) world is rocked when his daughter is brutally murdered on the way home one night. Jimmy's childhood buddy, Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon), is now a homicide detective and is called to the crime scene to investigate the murder. Accompanied by his partner, Sgt. Whitey Powers (Lawrence Fishburne), Sean's investigation leads right into the lap of his abducted childhood friend, Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins).

Dave quickly turns into the prime suspect through mysterious evidence that clearly links him to the crime. Sean must quickly find the murderer before ex-convict Jimmy takes matters into his own hands.

When it boils down, each character must solve his own problems and wash their sins clean in the Mystic River. The theme of the movie is responsibility and overcoming life's curveballs. Sean learns that it is his move to apologize to win his wife back. Jimmy must learn to let go and understand that he must take care of his other two daughters and wife. Dave has to come to grips with his childhood encounter and somehow put it behind him.

Clint Eastwood is a terrific storyteller and his acclaimed direction starts with Mystic River. It is truly amazing how well Eastwood tells stories. He has become one of the most dependable directors in Hollywood today with his ability to consistently tell exquisite stories and it doesn't hurt that he nabs one of the best casts in modern cinema that includes Penn, Robbins, Bacon, Fishburne, Laura Linney, and Marcia Gay Harden

Time-tested Tim Robbins and Sean Penn both grab Oscars for this movie and they are well-deserving indeed. Tim Robbins is spectacular as the troubled and warped father and husband. Sean Penn is good, but not great. I was surprised he won the Oscar for Best Actor. He was going up a pretty lame set of nominees in 2003, so that ensured him the victory.

Again, this movie is so terrific because Eastwood is a sheer genious. In addition to direction, Eastwood lends his hand as the music superviser and performer. The shots in this movie are beautiful and the music takes it to another level. Daytime Boston looks gorgeous. Love Eastwood and watch this movie.

Eastwood may kill you...Punk!