tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88784781138517118772024-03-12T16:01:25.627-07:00Co·habit·areMaureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-32408186782415691502012-01-09T16:23:00.000-08:002012-01-09T16:57:52.828-08:00Stories from Marcus<div>Hello all, I'm back in California, feeling wonderfully grounded and completely enjoying the time I have to spend with loved ones. There are some things that I wanted to share which I never took the time to post over the last months. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a picture of Marcus. He was a camper at the summer camp I worked at over the summer in Rota, southern Spain. Marcus has down syndrome and quite a few family programs. I was captivated by his abundant love and imagination. During camp he would ask me to go on walks so he could tell me stories about his adventures, which were all created in his mind. These stories were vibrant with description and excitement. Most of all I am left with a fascination of his genius for story telling. Perhaps he tapped into this to escape from realities that accompany his disability and family life. His story telling is clearly a gift nonetheless.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems to me that each person has a very specific intelligence that one is to discover, cultivate and share. I see people, like Marcus, who face great obstacles arrive at an understanding and optimal usage of their individual genius. Hopefully one uses their comforts of life to encourage, rather than prevent, the discovery of one's true genius.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkIPEOtBbIN3-dKkKrRfiXgRSocZzeD7a_hEfgA7Db6WP93A-mC-22jDuKr8Bo6Yqc3iKS4stSTnv5C6rkJEj74fbEdA_mjU1yjJ4vehjpRppAFA1yXhnn6_ljB-7xHGsiAponyXa5Rf5/s1600/IMG_1495.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkIPEOtBbIN3-dKkKrRfiXgRSocZzeD7a_hEfgA7Db6WP93A-mC-22jDuKr8Bo6Yqc3iKS4stSTnv5C6rkJEj74fbEdA_mjU1yjJ4vehjpRppAFA1yXhnn6_ljB-7xHGsiAponyXa5Rf5/s400/IMG_1495.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695793346965710722" /></a>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-18650232998634182012011-11-08T12:09:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:35:14.989-08:00Geneva on fire<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxy9KOYkiv7CGn5Uq63y6vK3hddw0UhAhZX3N9HsASwx5tSBL46eSyBxEahVmETFe7QUeYU5DDiJStLjtr6-xPccf7L8JHpZzmZREL-2pae6Ly3RtbLx5y05MxumNKYrKeAuLePH3kHne/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; 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margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONSG5BVoXhWrSrJlNw5u00LGLcARZMF2JZEy0U8yhPoBY80fTaBrqtlzAeT97oysgyguVnrjyze3rFdcDMZ1nSeRrx_qn-pRO68DY41dB6Y5MCfG43_WnktZ-ZjiIifxB8qezVgPSYICw/s400/IMG_2525.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672726080031216418" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-2iLENPoAtpMS0RiuOL4nFIYdZXgBJegrgaPKRMEkBZDD6OzDwttDroGXt9ef0to3uPCz0XmV5xUabAG2UXvLPSLrFg707MFhxuT0eXqXiFmSilVSTflLzsbAbksjV4iqSQ5TNEg0zg6/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-2iLENPoAtpMS0RiuOL4nFIYdZXgBJegrgaPKRMEkBZDD6OzDwttDroGXt9ef0to3uPCz0XmV5xUabAG2UXvLPSLrFg707MFhxuT0eXqXiFmSilVSTflLzsbAbksjV4iqSQ5TNEg0zg6/s400/IMG_2522.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672726065067246754" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTYy73fboZJ7oNx6q6TswoS7wsnNSlLeSM-Ik2yhgVYtW6knkKEbhskPtpkQcp3eeJZq41P8jZwdicVEFTEv_onmrZZ8khEKb_-s_kG31RJKBhrsLaRuHFGQSo-aXFXCtfA95ljTl2CWK/s1600/IMG_2511.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTYy73fboZJ7oNx6q6TswoS7wsnNSlLeSM-Ik2yhgVYtW6knkKEbhskPtpkQcp3eeJZq41P8jZwdicVEFTEv_onmrZZ8khEKb_-s_kG31RJKBhrsLaRuHFGQSo-aXFXCtfA95ljTl2CWK/s400/IMG_2511.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672721511861645314" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Mp96dflMF3P-tylxupZU1T1sVP-uB9C6u7upmIS_l54F3qo1eUkPhgtovPOb2EPiqqxAshNkKBGQexKaz3z4kqRQXB8CKZOHnF-A4xhgewFORmyPMGmH9xH-MjkkTACfOyjs9LljCi5a/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Mp96dflMF3P-tylxupZU1T1sVP-uB9C6u7upmIS_l54F3qo1eUkPhgtovPOb2EPiqqxAshNkKBGQexKaz3z4kqRQXB8CKZOHnF-A4xhgewFORmyPMGmH9xH-MjkkTACfOyjs9LljCi5a/s400/IMG_2508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672721499884127538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ej24LpTBrqHf6akwUgscOTQyg2ugySoaTB_-VOm9b65jf4hVcNxCRxLplWtud64a1mSCt0ibMBcCycVlTXXQ5Qf3-7oDDvFS7bU_bSZgLyAwHWIXYmC9SA2UTYNGQRck4xC0yCecmzkK/s1600/IMG_2507.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ej24LpTBrqHf6akwUgscOTQyg2ugySoaTB_-VOm9b65jf4hVcNxCRxLplWtud64a1mSCt0ibMBcCycVlTXXQ5Qf3-7oDDvFS7bU_bSZgLyAwHWIXYmC9SA2UTYNGQRck4xC0yCecmzkK/s400/IMG_2507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672721493121648338" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMybS6ME4AUJ0cbH71qhZ_dZwLuR8GOLjgK96KiyrTKrq9CY0xwPAcvxNPwXuODpxmBfOLt-TffO_ADdAPvU3axcdlT03vvZKPTx0gdHcqGCEVHW1GH5_dis0nwTMjIuGnVwZFLnYiWVFW/s1600/IMG_2503.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMybS6ME4AUJ0cbH71qhZ_dZwLuR8GOLjgK96KiyrTKrq9CY0xwPAcvxNPwXuODpxmBfOLt-TffO_ADdAPvU3axcdlT03vvZKPTx0gdHcqGCEVHW1GH5_dis0nwTMjIuGnVwZFLnYiWVFW/s400/IMG_2503.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672721474814307650" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkCZCnMXEv0gWYlbzFQA2dXDLtEorzlxGiy1IYHFKc6ClnnNz2_gplxoVKYfxWESy0ysKyg1ozAwZ947KI0BCx5YiRoGKjCUPMY0-TVqFi3TCHTIyUH4qZmj-Lnvi_vbJXgSoWp_bejet/s1600/IMG_2501.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkCZCnMXEv0gWYlbzFQA2dXDLtEorzlxGiy1IYHFKc6ClnnNz2_gplxoVKYfxWESy0ysKyg1ozAwZ947KI0BCx5YiRoGKjCUPMY0-TVqFi3TCHTIyUH4qZmj-Lnvi_vbJXgSoWp_bejet/s400/IMG_2501.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672721466037432546" /></a>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-78108753622403122522011-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:002011-10-21T11:30:28.861-07:00O democracy, our fickle friend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIx7_8PMWdVNa1-QnBe3x5kNsypf1kBrW7P7emqEorBIkIWAuAz-Hl1A04TTnLvHoA01RhymB-EKd5UTdU5XF_Sbrq17VS9WZ3uR6vnP3DZHS_sF99r02c4n9Sf1zFc8KSm2gjsFc97pO/s1600/IMG_2481.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIx7_8PMWdVNa1-QnBe3x5kNsypf1kBrW7P7emqEorBIkIWAuAz-Hl1A04TTnLvHoA01RhymB-EKd5UTdU5XF_Sbrq17VS9WZ3uR6vnP3DZHS_sF99r02c4n9Sf1zFc8KSm2gjsFc97pO/s400/IMG_2481.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666013721519332450" /></a>A peaceful crowd gathered outside the Palace of Nations today to protest Vietnamese presence in Cambodia. Also present protesting today were groups from Iran and Egypt.Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-56451349478876203162011-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:002011-10-03T13:14:37.147-07:00Where speaking two languages is child's play<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfedO4dFTVUPk-NIbU_xAxZ7Kn68jCyR2KKL1lbbipE4uYzbhS0dVqLBK2csjgaVZj_ssAMDV1itiJJq10kcYcgQs3nQR_gLRE25ZRur-HEXLm_LNhnES0XBElvP1D-W7TrEsI1MSbqBrf/s400/100_1105.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659356671208258242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBMn36zCl_rk9wF9TTzE5REu53QGe7pb3rtVr-74QJxcvdgUxgOdgHzIgiqkeHY7feb3QewnBC7RV9ZVbqTQnclsZJ5GU113g2QFFNd36GpjB_IR_0sLM4OD-8okRhnB5GZGV_6CbY9tw/s400/IMG_2338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659357584964337842" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">las NN.UU.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">l'ONU</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">the UN</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">联合国</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">الامم المتحدة</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:24px;color:#ffffff;">ООН</span></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-91733024008286195312011-09-24T01:04:00.000-07:002011-09-24T09:28:40.216-07:00Around Geneva<div>Aside from it's snow capped mountains, open country sides, to-the-minute bus lines, lake, parks and small towns that surround it; Geneva leaves one with a refreshed feeling for another reason. A high contrast can be found when arriving in Geneva from Spain. The most apparent difference between Geneva and the average Spanish city is the high quantity of nationalities packed into one small city. The different languages, food, and mannerisms allow one the simple luxury to be different, not fit in a set mold. Naturally, a city that houses the United Nations is going cultivate this type of environment. Above all this is what I first found most interesting and quite refreshing. With all the diversity the city seems very oddly American; like the European version of California. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqEnmYc_HjaLX93wPGAdJ4FITeZ7M07k_GWVjbFxf2ao9i5SWyCfIo0lQGFybzvJjb6_Lk-JkQdOgpcn_BvCMA0QPOpJnIClcXXe9sUTFDvYL8IBxBFjPbHYC7wNN3Ts0ffvu1x4kVvvy/s1600/100_1159.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqEnmYc_HjaLX93wPGAdJ4FITeZ7M07k_GWVjbFxf2ao9i5SWyCfIo0lQGFybzvJjb6_Lk-JkQdOgpcn_BvCMA0QPOpJnIClcXXe9sUTFDvYL8IBxBFjPbHYC7wNN3Ts0ffvu1x4kVvvy/s400/100_1159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655878432860877778" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9QdY_SZuXjt03J0np_A75t3TdodOwEWU0uoySfj7qm7rttIO-LyKFun0F-HMgG34Lqzw4OiMMDNWbFxQWwRQBTDHIzMJwzF0CbWVOOaKVTkFjtp7mfzYn0qpsjOLICRfB2CHBpE-RJ0M/s400/IMG_2176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655858062475049282" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy19EbuyoZseRUnGGK-0M57fEoqIifFKY5p1Ld73OFFAe8eNJ8WdYy-xQ5i92T65fcvdmQ36TQgShJbvERm8Do7uc83855Ue3ynSZ46i2LOLsb6rA0I2lX0A9vdXwQjAf_P5bDIhaaJLIh/s1600/IMG_2367.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy19EbuyoZseRUnGGK-0M57fEoqIifFKY5p1Ld73OFFAe8eNJ8WdYy-xQ5i92T65fcvdmQ36TQgShJbvERm8Do7uc83855Ue3ynSZ46i2LOLsb6rA0I2lX0A9vdXwQjAf_P5bDIhaaJLIh/s400/IMG_2367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655877927100830882" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z0im0ClKWwGC0BQzJcFB0j0pc5TgfbULc3nMKXxY7hKT4MWec_3URw5mkRjaZKxRLldocPjeg3XscwHHQXkLuY7AGiTYxy7-uZbzcBVWbjk8TEfyttv72GFram8JDUPRd8sTlMphSqjl/s1600/IMG_2368.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z0im0ClKWwGC0BQzJcFB0j0pc5TgfbULc3nMKXxY7hKT4MWec_3URw5mkRjaZKxRLldocPjeg3XscwHHQXkLuY7AGiTYxy7-uZbzcBVWbjk8TEfyttv72GFram8JDUPRd8sTlMphSqjl/s400/IMG_2368.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655877924173164514" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklHQ8L9V7j5816unbdkaxj9-bOuvcszfhuvox88N4lsQamWqjABaTOK55wEmQlkTOsqHnXf4sCSEUU8T7H4KN9hHDJk4jm9qcnlqvIMp4ZHgiT7ZYiyLSgDJmQ_jrURvqM0Ch-lgYZavP/s1600/100_1036.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklHQ8L9V7j5816unbdkaxj9-bOuvcszfhuvox88N4lsQamWqjABaTOK55wEmQlkTOsqHnXf4sCSEUU8T7H4KN9hHDJk4jm9qcnlqvIMp4ZHgiT7ZYiyLSgDJmQ_jrURvqM0Ch-lgYZavP/s400/100_1036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655858066612336946" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9QdY_SZuXjt03J0np_A75t3TdodOwEWU0uoySfj7qm7rttIO-LyKFun0F-HMgG34Lqzw4OiMMDNWbFxQWwRQBTDHIzMJwzF0CbWVOOaKVTkFjtp7mfzYn0qpsjOLICRfB2CHBpE-RJ0M/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-83369375583022493642011-09-02T10:30:00.000-07:002011-09-10T01:34:08.760-07:00La Acogida<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I continue to be blown away by generous loving people in this world. This past month my sister and I were traveling in southern Spain for 17 days. I say traveling, but it was more like an interim period before we attended World Youth Day. For this reason, we did not plan our weeks very precisely; rather we trusted our days and stays would work out in one form or another.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">As it turns out, words can not express how well things fell into place for us every step of the way. We owe it all to the kind people who opened their homes, fed us well, and were excellent loving company. As a result we ever so smoothly passed our last days in Spain. My lasting thought is that I have the opportunity hope to return these acts of pure selfless giving with the same enthusiasm as was done unto us. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;">The various welcoming souls we found on our journey:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEciusbLSuqN-incFeIkA20zcQu8JVWvBqBlwJfOdXZNuTFXdCpBaVRvdzB9f98-zaDBmUdv0Q2Y-BFbVoI2rYs9mgTdIEC1v7HKvVPxXcLGs-3d0CE7Y4zKRR9QogBY7SfII2Bde7BSJ5/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEciusbLSuqN-incFeIkA20zcQu8JVWvBqBlwJfOdXZNuTFXdCpBaVRvdzB9f98-zaDBmUdv0Q2Y-BFbVoI2rYs9mgTdIEC1v7HKvVPxXcLGs-3d0CE7Y4zKRR9QogBY7SfII2Bde7BSJ5/s400/IMG_2073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647838930579594626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Isabel and Sr Antonia</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA-oJUR1mV59UpyLbYjLTSCsTZnYW4tZ0SNCdra0d2ZazmRwXvUzH0-4stnM6BgaXjkVQUCbMygnDmboy1PQQpOv5NTmlfak75jUTsjaxTPXk-UK9I4ZvVSf_Z52EqPLAWn8xwspiIsju/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA-oJUR1mV59UpyLbYjLTSCsTZnYW4tZ0SNCdra0d2ZazmRwXvUzH0-4stnM6BgaXjkVQUCbMygnDmboy1PQQpOv5NTmlfak75jUTsjaxTPXk-UK9I4ZvVSf_Z52EqPLAWn8xwspiIsju/s400/IMG_2079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648234885304822722" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Mila and Jiame</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1lNBDHlLGtBtuVbZ6Xbhx2qMnpWmIrvZEbE7xIQL0Qg1pbfSZ3R7N0tKQEXUXZrq13ZwuZHsOaScAzEB9x98KWcDR04YmGkQ6YnNQXJTaM_c_-O9PspDqJZ-saTc-NPJ4XSsMcRPRpMl/s1600/IMG_2144.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1lNBDHlLGtBtuVbZ6Xbhx2qMnpWmIrvZEbE7xIQL0Qg1pbfSZ3R7N0tKQEXUXZrq13ZwuZHsOaScAzEB9x98KWcDR04YmGkQ6YnNQXJTaM_c_-O9PspDqJZ-saTc-NPJ4XSsMcRPRpMl/s400/IMG_2144.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648234884943175474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maggie with Juan and Ana (Pedro, father of the family, not pictured)</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>!Gracias todo!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-55127267752890342832011-07-19T14:28:00.000-07:002011-09-10T01:33:39.198-07:00Humbled<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">As I near the end of my time in Sevilla I've been thinking about the impressions I have left on others, impressions left on me, and if perhaps anything has changed at all. I think that most people would like to feel that they had made a difference in a place were they spend five hard working months of ones life. The feeling of not leaving anything or not having accomplished anything is quite daunting. As of now I can not account for an impression or mark that I am leaving in Sevilla. Rather, I note the mark that Sevilla and Spain has left on me. That mark is one of true humility.</span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">Since diving into the Spanish language not only I have learned a lot about Spanish, but also volumes about humility. It is something easily learned from the persistent snickering of kids that comes with one’s mispronunciation. Or it can be found in the assignment to "act" as a group leader, but not actually be permitted to do anything because the other group leader thinks one does not understand. Expressions on people’s faces when one tries to explain something, the parenting of something that one understands completely, and the general sentiment that you are destined to be a follower in life – also all humbling. Over the past five months I spent many moments feeling like an immigrant from a third-world country; and not feeling like useful volunteer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;">For all this humbling, I AM grateful. I am grateful to feel a little more, and grateful to feel for others a little more. Never again will I look at someone and assume that they should understand the words I am speaking simply because they are in an English speaking country. Neither will I falter when it comes to helping someone understand protocols and norms. I will have a special eye out to make people feel comfortable to speak their mind. Above all I will search for those who NEED a smile to remind them that we are in the game of life together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 238); font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrNzQtM2ThcZ2UR5QJtFuWcl7o8DXkMf8V32kQ_yf_CJaP6FHmuM__fTjtQMwDq5Iu8xQtSwMiYhze5oWBD58SgDmWLNLooLOpkYgdjfI5P9yY4TWcRj0pXcA6OWJYvSpF6rz4awvybYC/s400/IMG_1441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632210572382024018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers that fill the countryside of Spain during the summertime.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family:Georgia;font-size:16.0pt;"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-47582800244730641252011-07-03T07:38:00.000-07:002011-07-03T08:47:22.475-07:00Went for a Walk; Calle Magdelena, Sevilla<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHYnojWJjPYO21pSxceWkOQdxggNVYbxKXDgilwPiseL7LaflwQYWq5qSUmkcdPVsYAadVdv7p8589-BVK-jswl8fBR0esawis5r8nVvmp7wSKZZGrpwRJ_oz1qpbIj7TzZ87rE1DIIk6/s1600/IMG_1364.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHYnojWJjPYO21pSxceWkOQdxggNVYbxKXDgilwPiseL7LaflwQYWq5qSUmkcdPVsYAadVdv7p8589-BVK-jswl8fBR0esawis5r8nVvmp7wSKZZGrpwRJ_oz1qpbIj7TzZ87rE1DIIk6/s400/IMG_1364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625153037355739250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OgONc4m6ddC9x5BOGlWmeWCLGVDWHxnjmhNvgngV1vvuSFGQqajztLNcptGrMIPbIsQlVMiQOfM3TNUxfw5rdHmGScv59pWpmfDuxfFiBXuikEj__i8TVOhx-xkP6GyyswhEvcX2K6EI/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OgONc4m6ddC9x5BOGlWmeWCLGVDWHxnjmhNvgngV1vvuSFGQqajztLNcptGrMIPbIsQlVMiQOfM3TNUxfw5rdHmGScv59pWpmfDuxfFiBXuikEj__i8TVOhx-xkP6GyyswhEvcX2K6EI/s400/IMG_1368.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625152437533274610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZTo9raoWwp44CqM4LjGEGLY-dCZWjDnmmyYTIXhmMtJxoeTWcvHUtvbyfRc64cmxJVEWdFgrQV72iuLjS8aKcvDSE2UrU5I5fcVLGorZb0XCHmo_KQGoYGEpl_LSIU92ZWSkOtSc6s2/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNZTo9raoWwp44CqM4LjGEGLY-dCZWjDnmmyYTIXhmMtJxoeTWcvHUtvbyfRc64cmxJVEWdFgrQV72iuLjS8aKcvDSE2UrU5I5fcVLGorZb0XCHmo_KQGoYGEpl_LSIU92ZWSkOtSc6s2/s400/IMG_1370.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625151853006069570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEmd9qrpK0RPv3r0Wt8Tl3KkJdH7i-FlPFfYycXq6Ziz-O_xg_N8jGJd6f4DJzR_4_B8PZkR9nFgva13RjGJiAglE-n0NsnHOFjuZYoxqM8AAMmy7ylBMUROQifd0Zydx4o45sh_NOWyt/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEmd9qrpK0RPv3r0Wt8Tl3KkJdH7i-FlPFfYycXq6Ziz-O_xg_N8jGJd6f4DJzR_4_B8PZkR9nFgva13RjGJiAglE-n0NsnHOFjuZYoxqM8AAMmy7ylBMUROQifd0Zydx4o45sh_NOWyt/s400/IMG_1372.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625150945708277362" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On my Sunday morning paseo last weekend I was doing my normal wandering through the streets of Sevilla when I heard the very typical Andalucian band music This music can be heard all year long throughout Sevilla. (I say typical but actually it is quite striking, strong and beautifully specific to processions in the area.) As the music got stronger I turned the corner to find a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">paso</i>” taking place for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Corpus Christi</i>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Of course, with a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">paso</i> also comes a cloud of incense and the well-dressed Spanish families to view the procession. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Pasos </i>go out all during the springtime for different celebrations; and apparently go out during summer as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Having seen and been a part of numerous of these processions, to this day I remain enamored by the music, smells and people that makeup a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">paso</i>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When viewing it is a highly interactive experience. I feel like I am stepping into a dream sequence as the music starts expelling vibrations of pride and tradition. Then when one gets a whiff of the incense and Spanish commentary, no more can be done than to enter this surreal world.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-41578787314745036732011-07-02T14:27:00.001-07:002011-07-02T14:27:58.892-07:00Surprise - I'm Catholic<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">The other day I went to mass at the school where I taught English this past spring. The mass celebrated the last day of school before the kid’s summer vacation. What I find interesting is the look on one of the student’s faces when I went up to receive communion. The girl looked at me, pointed, and said “you too!?” . Later that day, in class, she came up to me to ask if I was Catholic. She seemed pleasantly surprised to find out that I am Catholic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This makes me smile for two reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The first reason, is that she assumed since I speak English that I am not Catholic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Which is such an innocent, yet scary assumption. Her assumption is insight to how people start to form think of other unfamiliar people and cultures.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Second, this 10-year-old’s reaction was so genuinely delighted to find out that people from other parts of the word share in the same faith as her. Of all commonalties we shared during our classes this seemed to bring her the most joy.</p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-76605994410103865262011-06-12T06:54:00.000-07:002011-06-14T01:32:29.484-07:00Little wild woman<div style="text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Sor Antonia, 73 years young, is the embodiment of a good laugh. If she is not talking she is laughing, hiking or sleeping. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>This is a woman who laughs at herself when she trips and laughs when others trip. At the dinner table, or when turning the corner, she will try to catch your eye to drag a giggle out of you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>She gives away her scarves and fans the second someone is cold or hot. Sor Antonia sings her heart out in the chapel as if she is starring at Dios right in the face and sending him praise. This woman absolutely lights up when she sees anything that has do to with nature.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>In her size five shoes she sets out on our hike along side a river in the sierras of Andalucia. Her tiny legs move so fast to try and maintain with a pace that matches my slow stroll. Through the brush Margaret, some older women, and I follow her lead to leave the walking path and dive amidst the brush to get a closer look at the river. This hike is made comfortable as she trailblazes, with her walking stick, all that crosses our path. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p>Antonia will keep going and going, and talking and talking … but when she stops, she is out. Sitting down on the sofa, with her pastry in hand, she powers down and is out like a light.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Here are some pictures of the sierras. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxxuIX7rw15F1nFEH2AiuMxdTIQ3a2IgSqwF6C6O30hlODZRTUwLdyURY617FZ_ik3WGKNLektemceel8AfG61GEE3aAJZUfyTwqaAzexdtFmKa6eM6msW-Ljz0JAJLeQy1J6UJYDN2V3/s1600/IMG_1124.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxxuIX7rw15F1nFEH2AiuMxdTIQ3a2IgSqwF6C6O30hlODZRTUwLdyURY617FZ_ik3WGKNLektemceel8AfG61GEE3aAJZUfyTwqaAzexdtFmKa6eM6msW-Ljz0JAJLeQy1J6UJYDN2V3/s400/IMG_1124.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617339607934810146" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Margaret Marie</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNdIiaC_8pJcfEwpRQbiVClRjHU4gsZ0m-qX7wjSTw1krxLWwa3mRyuTAttjXXfZT7oPjGw5SkcdiMO3l4-u9G-Sf_cL6A_xA-NKK-rI3cFpQQrta02x82W8KhlhsHe-SWW7ck24xISO/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bNdIiaC_8pJcfEwpRQbiVClRjHU4gsZ0m-qX7wjSTw1krxLWwa3mRyuTAttjXXfZT7oPjGw5SkcdiMO3l4-u9G-Sf_cL6A_xA-NKK-rI3cFpQQrta02x82W8KhlhsHe-SWW7ck24xISO/s400/IMG_1143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617337932629105154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kiddies playing in the river with daddy</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3SPP0VCXZhUcyPL445Ff2PcUHFSuOYEbzxSDnFNlCLX9NGoLIfdUSEDJfLjkK6CEjflLr7_lUTePk2Khw4-BjXjrESJGJA1E9rKzTTytuHguICJsMdQh_tc9apQ6AH-0VFuMR_IcTTUc/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3SPP0VCXZhUcyPL445Ff2PcUHFSuOYEbzxSDnFNlCLX9NGoLIfdUSEDJfLjkK6CEjflLr7_lUTePk2Khw4-BjXjrESJGJA1E9rKzTTytuHguICJsMdQh_tc9apQ6AH-0VFuMR_IcTTUc/s400/IMG_1136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617337918537923618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7Z2xzvBWQdh2QF9o3nLdxP5n4mnhljcnzsjpDmV8sma8nbY05prhyphenhyphen-sD-t1Nm5Thk42QfXjh9HodO69nJ_SeTus0vTElVP-x4Pda2KPWNjujfoPQUSBKfPCYeaakSObz6EJYZQ3cqkeK/s1600/IMG_1126.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7Z2xzvBWQdh2QF9o3nLdxP5n4mnhljcnzsjpDmV8sma8nbY05prhyphenhyphen-sD-t1Nm5Thk42QfXjh9HodO69nJ_SeTus0vTElVP-x4Pda2KPWNjujfoPQUSBKfPCYeaakSObz6EJYZQ3cqkeK/s400/IMG_1126.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617337915011044930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">When these goats passed us Margaret said they smelled like milk. They had the biggest utters in the world wish I had a picture to show you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8HX_G_mmnBUNBoRoKk8aMpJ3C5j5x4LRGPCuaxhmwKoV7kHMD0bUWa5eJvTYnr_LqN45-58A9hyjhZh0iB5Yx1NRwnwFL58mENjKeeyo9iUTqratPrcFTI0onjlaM7QHkw3nMjMGEL44/s1600/IMG_1122.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8HX_G_mmnBUNBoRoKk8aMpJ3C5j5x4LRGPCuaxhmwKoV7kHMD0bUWa5eJvTYnr_LqN45-58A9hyjhZh0iB5Yx1NRwnwFL58mENjKeeyo9iUTqratPrcFTI0onjlaM7QHkw3nMjMGEL44/s400/IMG_1122.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617337905084715314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Sor Antonia with her frogs in hand.</div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-59618002980404880892011-05-28T09:13:00.001-07:002011-05-28T10:08:16.483-07:00Maria Luisa Park, Bikes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OPc6awKF1tXkT3wgC8bAY6dlNdvkYmZn-5M2baEGdmPYZje9E036O0JR_B2TwyWbwbnZBEzYjyEhazs5E7PtWtvRhPvOmFffdf3XOcS4-T-ovnY38T7nTXqbvJUrz9d-8Qq5qcM4I4SU/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OPc6awKF1tXkT3wgC8bAY6dlNdvkYmZn-5M2baEGdmPYZje9E036O0JR_B2TwyWbwbnZBEzYjyEhazs5E7PtWtvRhPvOmFffdf3XOcS4-T-ovnY38T7nTXqbvJUrz9d-8Qq5qcM4I4SU/s400/IMG_0987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611802438655664658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwAQJjwh_Kej6PfnpogIxTgeGN4sQfg79OxFxozp6QhhRCn7Bf-B0uqVxpJ_I5CmphJgclcI5IE61Pzi1x8SqcnRhzo4rt9dKd50y0KhW91RVWoYSSoIpk0MQdOaWpAZa_oBw2lQ0SWwJ/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwAQJjwh_Kej6PfnpogIxTgeGN4sQfg79OxFxozp6QhhRCn7Bf-B0uqVxpJ_I5CmphJgclcI5IE61Pzi1x8SqcnRhzo4rt9dKd50y0KhW91RVWoYSSoIpk0MQdOaWpAZa_oBw2lQ0SWwJ/s400/IMG_0988.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611802431184185362" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV-15EWJLQlMdEpiZCIUaDhKnWjEkD2sM9DEtFeWPhyailrX6LacSMM7KWM-q0TH4FWqbJtvQkpcbCfJ-39KCmzrhSn6Qcy5tjrvAv8ARrLC9FhbOjjqTHpfvPuR6igRfaNaZIwnJRSbj/s1600/IMG_0990.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV-15EWJLQlMdEpiZCIUaDhKnWjEkD2sM9DEtFeWPhyailrX6LacSMM7KWM-q0TH4FWqbJtvQkpcbCfJ-39KCmzrhSn6Qcy5tjrvAv8ARrLC9FhbOjjqTHpfvPuR6igRfaNaZIwnJRSbj/s400/IMG_0990.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611802423554387538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR190n-x4LGXb_85qBGiLimNuI4oyJh55dwasvwxUjofxr1Em7aLA3Nc9nMXIcjwCwJl4lzPTl3SCt4TFWGcUczo9h57g4MxdUkWUKliZK1E9ks3W3kFIdnF2cNpAXb40WmTOjiv4ul-9/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR190n-x4LGXb_85qBGiLimNuI4oyJh55dwasvwxUjofxr1Em7aLA3Nc9nMXIcjwCwJl4lzPTl3SCt4TFWGcUczo9h57g4MxdUkWUKliZK1E9ks3W3kFIdnF2cNpAXb40WmTOjiv4ul-9/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611802420637649202" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#336666;">This day was particularly lazy. I think I saw more people stopped with their bikes than actually moving on them.</span>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-40241174406929981252011-05-28T08:48:00.000-07:002011-05-28T10:08:32.142-07:00Maria Luisa Park, The way of life marches on<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#336666;">Post-Feria and Semana Santa the mentality for fiesta and relaxation is ever present in Sevilla.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRD9oxRYyKWircAg6PZnN6jgo5-B3Hrs0KKZHc4VJ95bnw0rBm4j44EmhCcRwWc-YDz0HCTeaI2SVYVgLCPG81ylWV1hF4xsAF9wspYL_VtvhHRJDag8hV-4IXkQKCeTfNy0G_pODE7pt/s400/IMG_0982.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611795825867886770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPGzXbtJaHoBwMzzW_CjV9bqqvgOFvh8j3x4KmJuq-15MhHfrjFsGSjdoR3YowvrgereivDACrkcDyXMcwwvOBWMKfRzS0llbrQkoGVkl6ewb1fyWPA4sJiwVs8CkZtPnEGLgQOtnRg3b/s400/IMG_0983.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611795830311212434" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8mB4E7Ro25De-LEa8aCv2oAEpWGUInjjZUTcL8G2gnd_41VUoGDjWnlPz1pxyr9G_YgBhp8wg03kES8SUG5EmQCISXk5a51MyOyVj1aEPqeLdcSfqWhxSE0LGARviX6b0nFqZBk93TRj/s400/IMG_0989.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611799997423310738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-42124863333644668822011-05-07T03:36:00.000-07:002011-05-07T06:44:12.352-07:00Talk about a way of life; Feria de Abril, Sevilla<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoJIQ8jk17yWiOid20mkjJ2ur1lyvyxnoz92uLPNJO0eVoT9V6ZsXnjT1CYc4x_EuuHmCgGrsqHUasXZvd6-PwAdo6XvfcMwWGWZAvboAaWpYiibq8DLbdgBbvaJtmLzdC8lkyYUskl1N/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7rPOAnv_JZz054nw4Ot1JW-H5mPmGr_Gnok5n0PU7R40YUFiAleoFCq_tUtKaTmUfmPVCEpp5j0VMoG3O6Jvd6dlCZSwg-C68HXTLlc-hsHe4ZPzUVRb_kyNxOTvP9HYv6DcYICK8S0l/s1600/IMG_0913.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey122rx-XFkZZHiS37rfDEwyLlswl4W7h6bOgaYx0WB8FsLC-blI63f0icR2Ti1eIFJXclCQcFncAt8XKwv_B8E3P-NC2xEtdXmKMOuCOsagqN53gKEl8zAsUqyrDl0AQYaWoqzn4fbMl/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EeM7M7opWVdHwvpqF9Mm7edEUpLWEqJ9bVIzIaeCg2lthYEVxggWNOzyxfJYbumFauJAcAFIp-tH9GS018RCotpPvQUdO4i4SgN3qVW2aaMy7-kRTFntZbIdBzomjVEEPAqn_ge_mz-S/s1600/IMG_0922.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EeM7M7opWVdHwvpqF9Mm7edEUpLWEqJ9bVIzIaeCg2lthYEVxggWNOzyxfJYbumFauJAcAFIp-tH9GS018RCotpPvQUdO4i4SgN3qVW2aaMy7-kRTFntZbIdBzomjVEEPAqn_ge_mz-S/s400/IMG_0922.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603926939088876786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOq5HZvUl_K2bo_eQKuMjNJcMDIp1kl3hak0WBClHhC79JT1C0hRZRYREmaW0zp5v7T4keB25yxy0uOiIKKBF6mNZdAXWgNdBzN46VFUWFiUSFoAIO9zwLYuywux2UO5qgqZ459q5ptvu/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5Jf4VaPWmfr4zkfLp1VjmaAa3HHWmnAHpQIICMr11QMQjirb2qSe6eBfs-bTz01U_ATvaknFFXbKw3bnjFfFXNHd5Ai-vZ5mw4qMaurIMAVEbWsyzt6CxkCkkeWs7bHnf_6lJ7gMGK4/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5Jf4VaPWmfr4zkfLp1VjmaAa3HHWmnAHpQIICMr11QMQjirb2qSe6eBfs-bTz01U_ATvaknFFXbKw3bnjFfFXNHd5Ai-vZ5mw4qMaurIMAVEbWsyzt6CxkCkkeWs7bHnf_6lJ7gMGK4/s400/IMG_0929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603926945252373490" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T_vU35SsA6-t8B_9a8KrAs_g2JcfM53KRi-61HM2QcNDbYJT6LN6w2l1lZ2MahUG_NLBxzdMBD8FfaGVMTk4IDbPexoI3W00uCUYROZdS3vpdmWEPGWay_B_qDKblancjXkNPSwIx9j_/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T_vU35SsA6-t8B_9a8KrAs_g2JcfM53KRi-61HM2QcNDbYJT6LN6w2l1lZ2MahUG_NLBxzdMBD8FfaGVMTk4IDbPexoI3W00uCUYROZdS3vpdmWEPGWay_B_qDKblancjXkNPSwIx9j_/s1600/IMG_0924.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T_vU35SsA6-t8B_9a8KrAs_g2JcfM53KRi-61HM2QcNDbYJT6LN6w2l1lZ2MahUG_NLBxzdMBD8FfaGVMTk4IDbPexoI3W00uCUYROZdS3vpdmWEPGWay_B_qDKblancjXkNPSwIx9j_/s400/IMG_0924.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603926943728510066" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOq5HZvUl_K2bo_eQKuMjNJcMDIp1kl3hak0WBClHhC79JT1C0hRZRYREmaW0zp5v7T4keB25yxy0uOiIKKBF6mNZdAXWgNdBzN46VFUWFiUSFoAIO9zwLYuywux2UO5qgqZ459q5ptvu/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603926948310923074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EeM7M7opWVdHwvpqF9Mm7edEUpLWEqJ9bVIzIaeCg2lthYEVxggWNOzyxfJYbumFauJAcAFIp-tH9GS018RCotpPvQUdO4i4SgN3qVW2aaMy7-kRTFntZbIdBzomjVEEPAqn_ge_mz-S/s1600/IMG_0922.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey122rx-XFkZZHiS37rfDEwyLlswl4W7h6bOgaYx0WB8FsLC-blI63f0icR2Ti1eIFJXclCQcFncAt8XKwv_B8E3P-NC2xEtdXmKMOuCOsagqN53gKEl8zAsUqyrDl0AQYaWoqzn4fbMl/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6gWo1QaeYPjwFbqxMMFY2rWb4GSdjqhFfDr-C6XcvvhApCS44j9RRXUxrhLpNmAivlo_DnywQ3vvrqcuQanUN2ytPCdMuM18D04k-84Yfgrs-_CTgst0n0ZZ32T7itIO2SZpOvxGcdin/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6gWo1QaeYPjwFbqxMMFY2rWb4GSdjqhFfDr-C6XcvvhApCS44j9RRXUxrhLpNmAivlo_DnywQ3vvrqcuQanUN2ytPCdMuM18D04k-84Yfgrs-_CTgst0n0ZZ32T7itIO2SZpOvxGcdin/s400/IMG_0931.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603929444361550130" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_iFPcrRr7k1l9BA6gvW1ve0_QWOUaEDGoPhzpYSy3fsmM1zusuuWoP5FufgF95LJ3DP9dLxH2lKrpyJhpzaHpJYEMnGBQvmhfjlvAjz2lc04j-pUkI8b_uYxH_-5kJHSQZQY47Fu4FAt/s1600/IMG_0969.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_iFPcrRr7k1l9BA6gvW1ve0_QWOUaEDGoPhzpYSy3fsmM1zusuuWoP5FufgF95LJ3DP9dLxH2lKrpyJhpzaHpJYEMnGBQvmhfjlvAjz2lc04j-pUkI8b_uYxH_-5kJHSQZQY47Fu4FAt/s400/IMG_0969.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603929442151029458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px; " /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey122rx-XFkZZHiS37rfDEwyLlswl4W7h6bOgaYx0WB8FsLC-blI63f0icR2Ti1eIFJXclCQcFncAt8XKwv_B8E3P-NC2xEtdXmKMOuCOsagqN53gKEl8zAsUqyrDl0AQYaWoqzn4fbMl/s1600/IMG_0975.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey122rx-XFkZZHiS37rfDEwyLlswl4W7h6bOgaYx0WB8FsLC-blI63f0icR2Ti1eIFJXclCQcFncAt8XKwv_B8E3P-NC2xEtdXmKMOuCOsagqN53gKEl8zAsUqyrDl0AQYaWoqzn4fbMl/s400/IMG_0975.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603929447928539218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_iFPcrRr7k1l9BA6gvW1ve0_QWOUaEDGoPhzpYSy3fsmM1zusuuWoP5FufgF95LJ3DP9dLxH2lKrpyJhpzaHpJYEMnGBQvmhfjlvAjz2lc04j-pUkI8b_uYxH_-5kJHSQZQY47Fu4FAt/s1600/IMG_0969.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7rPOAnv_JZz054nw4Ot1JW-H5mPmGr_Gnok5n0PU7R40YUFiAleoFCq_tUtKaTmUfmPVCEpp5j0VMoG3O6Jvd6dlCZSwg-C68HXTLlc-hsHe4ZPzUVRb_kyNxOTvP9HYv6DcYICK8S0l/s1600/IMG_0913.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7rPOAnv_JZz054nw4Ot1JW-H5mPmGr_Gnok5n0PU7R40YUFiAleoFCq_tUtKaTmUfmPVCEpp5j0VMoG3O6Jvd6dlCZSwg-C68HXTLlc-hsHe4ZPzUVRb_kyNxOTvP9HYv6DcYICK8S0l/s400/IMG_0913.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603933316327865010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 400px; " /></a>Feria de Abril in Sevilla is the place to eat tapas, dance the night away, wear flamenco dresses, and drink rebujitos. It is a stunning display of tradition and a vibrant culture.</div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-29455961783857817232011-04-28T11:50:00.001-07:002011-04-30T03:18:50.960-07:00The Art of a Line Dry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9j4BsMJ0HfZ2NMlu2hH6dI1pawiuqgd6AYKa0V0A8Bm-LlgWXVZWdMIgcOi215XHF6GTqidVbMqBdUBnMFVfzi5KmqX1lPUqN6i25zp0Y1T-7-Kh3ND3eGuGB2ZIY9tz7CjhP-tHhqfV/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9j4BsMJ0HfZ2NMlu2hH6dI1pawiuqgd6AYKa0V0A8Bm-LlgWXVZWdMIgcOi215XHF6GTqidVbMqBdUBnMFVfzi5KmqX1lPUqN6i25zp0Y1T-7-Kh3ND3eGuGB2ZIY9tz7CjhP-tHhqfV/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600709643028421794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWorsC_qLZGFJ5C1N2zoG6lyuSQHaYZoxvrnyBj-lthrH4zkL2-EEykTWq6LAk5oGm52AFP4j-v4G3rIg-cUhV-X0gDuQsZbbIusPHnjl6GG_FilKIoVtAUP_peikjZsFQJWYC09OxunBQ/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWorsC_qLZGFJ5C1N2zoG6lyuSQHaYZoxvrnyBj-lthrH4zkL2-EEykTWq6LAk5oGm52AFP4j-v4G3rIg-cUhV-X0gDuQsZbbIusPHnjl6GG_FilKIoVtAUP_peikjZsFQJWYC09OxunBQ/s400/IMG_0549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600709641965703074" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The roof must be my favorite place in the house. From the roof of Sor Eusebia one can enjoy a view of the city on one side and a view of the countryside on the other side. Sun, wind and the sky are also in abundant supply up on the roof. But the best thing about this roof is the laundry. As opposed to dreading the task of doing laundry, hanging laundry up on the roof gives one a chance to gain perspective.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Yes, obviously I have seen a line a line dry before. I am simply in aw of the view of the city and all the elements. Now it's clear to me that this luxurious method to tend to your cloths. On the roof one feel the wind, take in the cool air, and infuse cloths with the warmth of the sun. All this in while doing a "chore". Not to mention with the view one can reorient ones mind to others in the world. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Freshly ruffled by the wind, line dried cloth are lively and fragrant. </span></div></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-33674334171326960972011-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:002011-04-20T23:14:55.074-07:00Center of Sevilla, Monday; Semana Santa<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A paso is a procession displaying figures of Jesus and Mary in an elaborate manner. They are constructed by different </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">hermandades</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> (which are like fraternities for different churches in Sevilla). The pasos have candles and flowers. The men in the hermandades carry the pasos on their shoulders; many men are needed to carry one paso because they are so big. </span></span></span></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnQF939IEdyjk_GF3oIrzmMNYkYUyk5hQZ9k3NQin76L96aRbxHhSmsd-rlUS5ZYhnSWFe0g0MhniMvNYJGDP2BDKUD-shyEwGqPWkTs2fKOObRPCE0IoGnh2YqdiEh2iKfPrgmHYijHK/s1600/IMG_0802.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FRgPvnCzVdQqpqu9u9FY5jSOXaCa4eoOpcxBO3a5Mso6V0BfrdAOsaXnRi-ujgDIHRxVwi-5lhmIyKkRvYx9MM3fOe_gFMxUqY-SNgeQ5eLFgq8c6jM9UfucY6IeQMtI5IN7Z2TEAL_6/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6FRgPvnCzVdQqpqu9u9FY5jSOXaCa4eoOpcxBO3a5Mso6V0BfrdAOsaXnRi-ujgDIHRxVwi-5lhmIyKkRvYx9MM3fOe_gFMxUqY-SNgeQ5eLFgq8c6jM9UfucY6IeQMtI5IN7Z2TEAL_6/s400/IMG_0804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597769687178068178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Well dress sevillianos line Serpentes, the main street for </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">pasos</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in Sevilla</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bUlZBs7m-1vF6NywteJYdC3LXlEJsLuHFlY04NNlFl0STjeo5ZX9lpwoqmHiw2hgLbPMQMYfkoL9RLo3ABpUzYJIpaylf5iquJz1hqFCac3UFLBC0kYFfRtuDOOe3e9h9GD5ImPcbfzu/s1600/IMG_0800.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bUlZBs7m-1vF6NywteJYdC3LXlEJsLuHFlY04NNlFl0STjeo5ZX9lpwoqmHiw2hgLbPMQMYfkoL9RLo3ABpUzYJIpaylf5iquJz1hqFCac3UFLBC0kYFfRtuDOOe3e9h9GD5ImPcbfzu/s400/IMG_0800.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597769679633677778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnQF939IEdyjk_GF3oIrzmMNYkYUyk5hQZ9k3NQin76L96aRbxHhSmsd-rlUS5ZYhnSWFe0g0MhniMvNYJGDP2BDKUD-shyEwGqPWkTs2fKOObRPCE0IoGnh2YqdiEh2iKfPrgmHYijHK/s400/IMG_0802.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597775153490723522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Literately thousands of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">nazerenos</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> lead the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">paso.</span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtrhuMnSai2h7rBKk-i-gQJXqvAEy2utX852S_IxlQ2VOkRYfVlBIQrTXsFeiWE44Tu7NVoRxmKvwNGex24qC07MmUVGNhL-hExoFZoKyCu0Nlv-6Y6FPgjmKsXSSbD2KDr4VmlaVoFD6/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wA_hfehWHOc4o_PZXJdeyAQKnK_E5xswSIiKWBW5cHtcoenMlqHDnuO1tOsuzpw-zERY71QsuFDNHMb_z-AxtxdJNPOp5jTyvJ7rlFemSsSmWR8PLBaQs1x3flNPeSXeWNCWDOkzbFl6/s400/IMG_0794.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597769668503854690" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The crowd quiets as upon the arrival of Jesus and the Virgin.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8s5RGfzgWLJ3H-NLhYRkZXYgVG6HlNWGMV-TCOVqSGGrN1VjAqnw0tmhutloV7swntjZaJhldqDOA6fZCiw29vLPe932LORuyxvaPa6eGnhxsLz3j2vKTJTQVmR3PK-YaOBTiItVzsGR/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8s5RGfzgWLJ3H-NLhYRkZXYgVG6HlNWGMV-TCOVqSGGrN1VjAqnw0tmhutloV7swntjZaJhldqDOA6fZCiw29vLPe932LORuyxvaPa6eGnhxsLz3j2vKTJTQVmR3PK-YaOBTiItVzsGR/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8s5RGfzgWLJ3H-NLhYRkZXYgVG6HlNWGMV-TCOVqSGGrN1VjAqnw0tmhutloV7swntjZaJhldqDOA6fZCiw29vLPe932LORuyxvaPa6eGnhxsLz3j2vKTJTQVmR3PK-YaOBTiItVzsGR/s400/IMG_0797.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597769670875601298" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wA_hfehWHOc4o_PZXJdeyAQKnK_E5xswSIiKWBW5cHtcoenMlqHDnuO1tOsuzpw-zERY71QsuFDNHMb_z-AxtxdJNPOp5jTyvJ7rlFemSsSmWR8PLBaQs1x3flNPeSXeWNCWDOkzbFl6/s1600/IMG_0794.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtrhuMnSai2h7rBKk-i-gQJXqvAEy2utX852S_IxlQ2VOkRYfVlBIQrTXsFeiWE44Tu7NVoRxmKvwNGex24qC07MmUVGNhL-hExoFZoKyCu0Nlv-6Y6FPgjmKsXSSbD2KDr4VmlaVoFD6/s400/IMG_0798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597769676830055250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here you can see the men's feet who are carrying this </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">paso </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">on their shoulders.</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></i></span></div></div></div></div></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-41091181841205492432011-04-20T13:09:00.000-07:002011-04-20T23:15:22.491-07:00Palm Sunday: Domingo de Ramos<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgxPvOeBta0H5SrVamWBZ8RwkGYA2MT7pwOOGreXINYhQIHXAFRHebJ6gfmALLIiCVCcmcTrlIVDofvBAHh7cq-rFdW2br2UV5YCKws5csskjQQnzPNpwE5K71QQG6qKpxP-BQA67zdv0/s400/IMG_0767.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597762671359820386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Well dressed for the first procession of the Holy Week</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiFEa8gGsPI5w0uedqJ-FCKkslmlItANCZx52LWhuyJF6Ip8Cpw8xL7QF5v_fOJ2FSk8Vy7hwBuY5H5Mm_M0bUuUkaI3gilunMA4s7xD5xuUSlpM7GcaMCw36ihyYx5TiBYLqjgcrp2i0/s400/IMG_0786.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597762660873132546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A07GB0aPcAlM-ce7f8-NdSvsidKfzE4r71jz0n76p8wcErnHsCbgXUZ627w9uHtgZidajQrYRcsuFbwyS5J3QbwueLJeLxYWbH-zVhXhsKVIjdspcHvjx1HurLKR7KdxT7Pu9Bdj_oN3/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__fHI4p1LtpWQkK4V4RFGF4Dg5J0buI2cZYqa0J7Jk48ppkminDsxI9ichW-DPB29cCLZ9KbZelGopbx4RLvqIkiJpDA54wkVGMKYyWF3R6lSi9ZN8X-Fuvcc5pYmGWSF31RmVxY5edQ/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__fHI4p1LtpWQkK4V4RFGF4Dg5J0buI2cZYqa0J7Jk48ppkminDsxI9ichW-DPB29cCLZ9KbZelGopbx4RLvqIkiJpDA54wkVGMKYyWF3R6lSi9ZN8X-Fuvcc5pYmGWSF31RmVxY5edQ/s400/IMG_0775.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597762680067026178" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__fHI4p1LtpWQkK4V4RFGF4Dg5J0buI2cZYqa0J7Jk48ppkminDsxI9ichW-DPB29cCLZ9KbZelGopbx4RLvqIkiJpDA54wkVGMKYyWF3R6lSi9ZN8X-Fuvcc5pYmGWSF31RmVxY5edQ/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__fHI4p1LtpWQkK4V4RFGF4Dg5J0buI2cZYqa0J7Jk48ppkminDsxI9ichW-DPB29cCLZ9KbZelGopbx4RLvqIkiJpDA54wkVGMKYyWF3R6lSi9ZN8X-Fuvcc5pYmGWSF31RmVxY5edQ/s1600/IMG_0775.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Preparing for the procession</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6zWTOsuMNRMb5qFY7vxHkEipHxPXCrxcfhH5FWxDSRFLcQXL9ifHzkUSQI59AEyFe91u28VTKyH629FqTEHK8oYoPrBeqCVehv5J6a_PIiOfpo8k_0QH-XceoawfQj6in-ttWOQOtco/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR6zWTOsuMNRMb5qFY7vxHkEipHxPXCrxcfhH5FWxDSRFLcQXL9ifHzkUSQI59AEyFe91u28VTKyH629FqTEHK8oYoPrBeqCVehv5J6a_PIiOfpo8k_0QH-XceoawfQj6in-ttWOQOtco/s400/IMG_0776.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597762675291072050" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A07GB0aPcAlM-ce7f8-NdSvsidKfzE4r71jz0n76p8wcErnHsCbgXUZ627w9uHtgZidajQrYRcsuFbwyS5J3QbwueLJeLxYWbH-zVhXhsKVIjdspcHvjx1HurLKR7KdxT7Pu9Bdj_oN3/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A07GB0aPcAlM-ce7f8-NdSvsidKfzE4r71jz0n76p8wcErnHsCbgXUZ627w9uHtgZidajQrYRcsuFbwyS5J3QbwueLJeLxYWbH-zVhXhsKVIjdspcHvjx1HurLKR7KdxT7Pu9Bdj_oN3/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597762685703914786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Procession through the barrio; the people are holding olive branches. A cross leads the crowd and the band follows the crowd. Sunday is the only day of the week which the public can participate in the procession.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiFEa8gGsPI5w0uedqJ-FCKkslmlItANCZx52LWhuyJF6Ip8Cpw8xL7QF5v_fOJ2FSk8Vy7hwBuY5H5Mm_M0bUuUkaI3gilunMA4s7xD5xuUSlpM7GcaMCw36ihyYx5TiBYLqjgcrp2i0/s1600/IMG_0786.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-4671612732309044922011-04-15T14:17:00.000-07:002011-04-16T03:09:44.461-07:00And so it begins: Semana Santa<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Of all my first time encounters in Sevilla I can only recall a couple people who didn’t ask me straight away if I knew about S</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">emana Santa</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> (Holy Week). In fact, the first night I arrived here I was asked this question, told to prepare for the event, and taught the history of S</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">emana Santa</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">, all in the span of a thirty-minute conversion. At the first sight of spring sevillianos have an extra hop in their step with knowledge that the “sacred” week grows closer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>Two months before S</b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>emana Santa</b></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>: </b>I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); ">ncense fill the air o</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">n the streets, homes, and in schools. During the week, a group of kids play drums in the hall after the recreation hour. Sunday at a neighborhood school, Sevilla’s most respected band named "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Banda el Sol," </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">along with other well-known bands, perform the music of S</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">emana Santa</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>One month before:</b> Children construct mini-pasos in class. Chairs are placed in the center of Sevilla to be purchased at high prices. These chairs are used during the processions so people can comfortably view the pasos. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>Two weeks before:</b> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Torrijas </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">(bread fried and soaked in honey) are eaten to celebrate the coming of <i>P</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">ascua</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> (Easter). People gleam with excitement for the much anticipated week of vacation and fiesta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>One week before</b>: At school kids handout cards of pasos for which they or their parents are associated. Also at school, an exhibition room displays the different virgins, Jesus, and apparel for the penitents and narzarenos for the upcoming pasos. On the weekend, people flock to churches to view the recently completed pasos which are now ready for procession. After viewing the pasos on Sunday, the people fill the center of Sevilla and spend hours talking in cafes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><b>Less than one week:</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Entering the school today I walk through a cloud of smoke from the incense. A procession of drums and horns passes me in the hall. The boys in the procession disregard the fact that class is in full course. A class sings the traditional song </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">La Saeta</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> of <i>S</i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">emana Santa, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">written by the sevilliano poet Antonio Machado. To resume the school week is a presentation called </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">el pregon</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">; for this children play instruments, women belt out traditional music, and others speak on the significance of the week. The completion of the presentation marks the beginning vacation for students and celebration of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Semana Santa</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> for all.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); ">This a week is set aside for reflection on the passage of Jesus. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); "> Yet, t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); ">he question left lingering is: How "sacred" is <i>Semana Santa</i>? </span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-64988412371376703062011-04-10T07:40:00.000-07:002011-04-16T05:17:48.694-07:00Primavera en Sevilla<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Spring in Sevilla has captured my heart. Take a look at the life in these photos.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYuLI41JWCAxEYG9JW50NVfZzL4SBgcQldFOcWnYkKqxdx77ubudfl7u-8IRUVR65f_itEtdzk3iXmWSGEs0JVBc5t5jDl751-tlED4Yc7al4JbooogDT_mKxzlZF0Jc2E_4PcMeOrHuH/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYuLI41JWCAxEYG9JW50NVfZzL4SBgcQldFOcWnYkKqxdx77ubudfl7u-8IRUVR65f_itEtdzk3iXmWSGEs0JVBc5t5jDl751-tlED4Yc7al4JbooogDT_mKxzlZF0Jc2E_4PcMeOrHuH/s400/IMG_0670.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593967250773263378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">A tree old enough to shade the 17th century sevilliano painter Esteban Murillo when he worked in this park.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug3Ay9kCKBCrZwiW_cL7Vs-yYJllycepWYZa4IEIBxCM7EsRb4UMkpI_EBOtFE57xFvQ7K46lgkfuaXB37WUy101fog2ff7jXAJKqZyeADg79mqQb-YzKzJ-qQwIpEKsu_f2-qXa7ReUH/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug3Ay9kCKBCrZwiW_cL7Vs-yYJllycepWYZa4IEIBxCM7EsRb4UMkpI_EBOtFE57xFvQ7K46lgkfuaXB37WUy101fog2ff7jXAJKqZyeADg79mqQb-YzKzJ-qQwIpEKsu_f2-qXa7ReUH/s400/IMG_0681.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593967247380003714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Discovering the tierra.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0t8eyRRcXUzNP9FBHCmaGRHQ2NQc3JrXIok6ScR8C_M8s8oM9RhyZyxzJ6Igr_DuMYr7sKVEvvVj8yPFGnO4tQ3-vQ3n5ZyqdxXs_32oWjKxQo6mO_nv-NUUjlqwWY-UdAdxiI8xIQL0/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0t8eyRRcXUzNP9FBHCmaGRHQ2NQc3JrXIok6ScR8C_M8s8oM9RhyZyxzJ6Igr_DuMYr7sKVEvvVj8yPFGnO4tQ3-vQ3n5ZyqdxXs_32oWjKxQo6mO_nv-NUUjlqwWY-UdAdxiI8xIQL0/s400/IMG_0725.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593967240089015986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Margaritas, for Miss Margaret today on her 21st birthday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NhGwRuxWp1gyHAXUoE1VYVoTb24WtBv4fjwQtblD4YEf-k9_cX4D0EbhQvvpVWw_L4iA8sr4ZRfMbcDdbLq_q97LR1oHQjbsb4zMqneiaiVXomYGXkfkIXnTgeOncCiuP7CdWki91NZ7/s1600/IMG_0716.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NhGwRuxWp1gyHAXUoE1VYVoTb24WtBv4fjwQtblD4YEf-k9_cX4D0EbhQvvpVWw_L4iA8sr4ZRfMbcDdbLq_q97LR1oHQjbsb4zMqneiaiVXomYGXkfkIXnTgeOncCiuP7CdWki91NZ7/s400/IMG_0716.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593967229605056482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The outskirts of the city.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrv7guEMJOF0nALk2rJ-mYPkfDHMph3wSGO6BvVK1TEJcOsh3nQ4VqZidzkkQTjkAra-ATDwSvcq2pNtBFzBiuuxzdeSFNB1cL_ShBJd1HcEzVamWywLvLxcENC_iXbE18xzG8yLTtSMg/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrv7guEMJOF0nALk2rJ-mYPkfDHMph3wSGO6BvVK1TEJcOsh3nQ4VqZidzkkQTjkAra-ATDwSvcq2pNtBFzBiuuxzdeSFNB1cL_ShBJd1HcEzVamWywLvLxcENC_iXbE18xzG8yLTtSMg/s400/IMG_0714.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593967225580395394" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">This last picture is a welcome home gift I found upon arriving home from Madrid. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">With the arrival of spring in Sevilla also comes the much anticipated weeks of fiesta for s</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">emana santa (</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Holy Week) and the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">feria de abril (</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">fair). Stay tuned for a post on </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">semana santa.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-69298499830354899052011-03-28T14:49:00.000-07:002011-03-28T14:59:52.676-07:00When women fight<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDAIGQ4FjqWMLkObbD7AYAl4sr78OEV5nUoQD-AUuD1qr6HXf0ZcGZai2X8Q6_Mqpr2CqGGHCkV3XGYYq1C_OwymzDuRPtE28APQTHjjCe3_MGoypTgWyFzhnmbF2OkEwbQUFaJSn3Un1/s1600/IMG_0601.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDAIGQ4FjqWMLkObbD7AYAl4sr78OEV5nUoQD-AUuD1qr6HXf0ZcGZai2X8Q6_Mqpr2CqGGHCkV3XGYYq1C_OwymzDuRPtE28APQTHjjCe3_MGoypTgWyFzhnmbF2OkEwbQUFaJSn3Un1/s400/IMG_0601.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589253767550638610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjjS-F6qe4GtccEZAWAaw5jIHUwCAw1DnOtNThRB8V4BxcRZnTX5goFxU1g6FH2eY043AxqKmK38U5COAytkp_VO6z0pmu9BhJf3EPYWVtKMZGY1EURqADAmz84mpFaOw8yyPBVufn7lq/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 253px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjjS-F6qe4GtccEZAWAaw5jIHUwCAw1DnOtNThRB8V4BxcRZnTX5goFxU1g6FH2eY043AxqKmK38U5COAytkp_VO6z0pmu9BhJf3EPYWVtKMZGY1EURqADAmz84mpFaOw8yyPBVufn7lq/s400/IMG_0625.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589253766474049570" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDQl_wZxVQGR9fG6TFxPGnQQhalb9rcicga9Q8jANVliCg_eq2kR7ABdzHbiuhY2aphX8MLypzzCINP1z5eJW5lcfCKJ_DFT-UiUwA8oIfUUobhiH4hkd9l3UzuCmNNGGrGymI24bIrqQ/s1600/IMG_0628.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDQl_wZxVQGR9fG6TFxPGnQQhalb9rcicga9Q8jANVliCg_eq2kR7ABdzHbiuhY2aphX8MLypzzCINP1z5eJW5lcfCKJ_DFT-UiUwA8oIfUUobhiH4hkd9l3UzuCmNNGGrGymI24bIrqQ/s400/IMG_0628.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589253753963917858" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYrwCOZ9SRKHOHaTgxXSy1PmZDpBH0IgTRWAUSHmpZ78rR9YZHNvHOAharkvWF6GjcNq9ucwQjPorLNXdUXykA1EQV0BzNLYUwdjV3Y31kPtwSViHvKSnpuPlbyABEWX4vo_Ua7YxH38Q/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYrwCOZ9SRKHOHaTgxXSy1PmZDpBH0IgTRWAUSHmpZ78rR9YZHNvHOAharkvWF6GjcNq9ucwQjPorLNXdUXykA1EQV0BzNLYUwdjV3Y31kPtwSViHvKSnpuPlbyABEWX4vo_Ua7YxH38Q/s400/IMG_0588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589253745414455250" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Perhaps one’s character grows into an exaggerated form as a person ages. If this is true, than the characters in Sevilla are full-size from birth. I find this particularly true among the women of Sevilla who have a distinct way of expressing themselves.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Each day is a pleasure when it is colored with the communication style of these women. Before I step out the door in the morning I get two scarves, two jackets, and six kisses. The world in which these women live is not just “pretty”. Rather, in the words of the sisters I live with, things in the world are be: “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">How gracious, how beautiful, how suave, how perfect, how skinny, how suave, how waaarm, or how very very cold, very very sick, and how very sorrowful!</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">” all in one. With all these profound emotions and expressions exclaimed, life is colorful to say the least.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Consequently, the affection of these women boils just as openly as the anger. There is an art to the fights of these women. The fight is rich in emotions. “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Eschuchame!</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">” (listen to me!), says one nun quarreling about the best way to get to the market. These women’s quarrels are laden with facial expressions and hand motions; as well as the names </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Jesus, Mary, Joseph</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">, and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Dios.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> It seems this type of fighting functions as a cleansing agent for the women’s soul. It is loud, blunt and quick. Both sides completely express what needs to be said. When the fight is complete, all is restored to natural order and both sides walk away satisfied. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The fights are loud. The love is louder. And the food is dang good. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-85170989050632718562011-03-17T15:18:00.000-07:002011-03-23T08:08:13.484-07:00American culture's imperialism at work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXEFWJ9D90ecg3EFGzUSEYYpshTCb8SYhTGd4yqZKnesjlJkOeF7sSPggBkgcHUh3dpes3a9qTH_P-Cc50epvLd23czmFg6mYdavXgBrTx5mVtgqv1n2AjhdyC1F-nWtTdO_egtQXhsEC/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); ">I went on a walk today. Look what I found:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHhbDMDts_K7lx3bZzoX6s1SCIhOXTLdJBbXjB7Bh_ipIWezX1biWKvnRbP6BWQ4T1qWjzrRYtZsfS6jGOoYtN5IvtMmuAgHxvzlfRWR6smpPIsTQFfxaFFk2mjcA8wPGxo5263fjtomn/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHhbDMDts_K7lx3bZzoX6s1SCIhOXTLdJBbXjB7Bh_ipIWezX1biWKvnRbP6BWQ4T1qWjzrRYtZsfS6jGOoYtN5IvtMmuAgHxvzlfRWR6smpPIsTQFfxaFFk2mjcA8wPGxo5263fjtomn/s400/IMG_0631.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585177936169876418" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">St Patty's Day poster for the study abroad students looking for a party. Not bad, but still out of place.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:large;"></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9Ur7KT_1wst1gdvib-x_jsL58CWXkkyLpCJDfn85kKfXqviRP4aKIuRkpEg2wKtKmGfklAiHE9C1Xna1SiZZNQ_Ss6Ich6qT5cHE2b8HFYZzFHOISTymPcI8-nM_ADnBShCIv049oDQY/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585179110593666002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Burger King in one of Sevilla's nicer barrios, no me gusta. And here comes the straw that broke Maureen's lovely walk...</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXEFWJ9D90ecg3EFGzUSEYYpshTCb8SYhTGd4yqZKnesjlJkOeF7sSPggBkgcHUh3dpes3a9qTH_P-Cc50epvLd23czmFg6mYdavXgBrTx5mVtgqv1n2AjhdyC1F-nWtTdO_egtQXhsEC/s1600/IMG_0639.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXEFWJ9D90ecg3EFGzUSEYYpshTCb8SYhTGd4yqZKnesjlJkOeF7sSPggBkgcHUh3dpes3a9qTH_P-Cc50epvLd23czmFg6mYdavXgBrTx5mVtgqv1n2AjhdyC1F-nWtTdO_egtQXhsEC/s400/IMG_0639.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585180324788241986" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But of course, Starbucks. American imperialism at its finest.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O, and I would not be Irish if I didn't wish you a Happy St. Patty's Day!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-13932203532805144192011-03-15T07:59:00.000-07:002011-03-15T15:28:00.889-07:00Thinking of you Japan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYaaGgFjwT4RzRBtwweONxOzfD2wXs7Tq0BC7h9Q455PY87p6F7xOyJHcIfsIDlDisaOhRS0BV62BQthPQ7oEAYcm1nBBfEGPJVRLJSS90VdnGLOYef-aSI5UPjaLWRGDKsZwFpUNdWs3/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYaaGgFjwT4RzRBtwweONxOzfD2wXs7Tq0BC7h9Q455PY87p6F7xOyJHcIfsIDlDisaOhRS0BV62BQthPQ7oEAYcm1nBBfEGPJVRLJSS90VdnGLOYef-aSI5UPjaLWRGDKsZwFpUNdWs3/s400/IMG_0613.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584322489051381506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Dear Japan, </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">In this time of utter devastation, may your heart be warmed at this moment knowing that you are in the prayers of us at Sor Eusebia throughout the day.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">With love from one brother to the next.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-60088307751932455942011-03-13T10:49:00.000-07:002011-03-13T10:56:47.889-07:00Contenta<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76NTSckT-qx1ug2GsLT9i4fHsOZzgKa4YSY0j80GhboMouIERfWXGOP8b7GYSRijeuxeuIWdH-GBX-iRDyi443kKPsLcsnVoOSlf8Qs9iwiTKYumTNgsx1YXWR_t8xvGyZzeR2xMNyhCU/s1600/IMG_0574.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76NTSckT-qx1ug2GsLT9i4fHsOZzgKa4YSY0j80GhboMouIERfWXGOP8b7GYSRijeuxeuIWdH-GBX-iRDyi443kKPsLcsnVoOSlf8Qs9iwiTKYumTNgsx1YXWR_t8xvGyZzeR2xMNyhCU/s400/IMG_0574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583623607176759714" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">When there is much new in ones life, to express yourself in another language could be quite frustrating. One wishes to talk about the joy and challenges one is experiencing. But you can’t! What do you do? One word answer: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">contenta; <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">meaning pleased or content in English. </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">This one word that sums up all these things so perfectly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I learned the word </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">contenta</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> from women that surround me. When I am at a lose for words in Spanish (quite often), others understand then simile and simply say “</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">tu </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">estás</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> contenta</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">.” With this word I can be at ease. This word perfectly sums up all that I want to say. At times it can be frustrating to learn a language with many words for things that seem to have little differences. However, one quickly finds the beauty in the language when one finds the exact word to describe one’s thoughts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">[pictured: A paseo with Sor Angustias. How great is that tile]</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-1917732802165454852011-03-10T06:54:00.000-08:002011-03-10T14:19:48.678-08:00Orange you glad to live in Andalucia?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zyJHjtibUc4sFz97P08yTC7mtztKu-txAP0GHLYUNeE3mkvZX-uP9YGx6RgyT1G87Xqu326JWQfkabwMWFMJZ5VeTDUNvymZmO695-jo9LOjT7D-k-gKoJa5G4uJIAv47sJVBXnQXwuE/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zyJHjtibUc4sFz97P08yTC7mtztKu-txAP0GHLYUNeE3mkvZX-uP9YGx6RgyT1G87Xqu326JWQfkabwMWFMJZ5VeTDUNvymZmO695-jo9LOjT7D-k-gKoJa5G4uJIAv47sJVBXnQXwuE/s400/IMG_0560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582465836893200482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxLJEfqgiMl2r9hQeLAob0PQ_KgXTn4Tw14JKeOFzywGPHjmerW4TGZO-nRCuzgMqwdDkYYyWTpIMH05jlFFAiIYnpUPKkD3S5HRM1_vwoAAMvN_NLqOaOuhBmCWOsiIjDANiZmOa_Bys/s1600/IMG_0561.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxLJEfqgiMl2r9hQeLAob0PQ_KgXTn4Tw14JKeOFzywGPHjmerW4TGZO-nRCuzgMqwdDkYYyWTpIMH05jlFFAiIYnpUPKkD3S5HRM1_vwoAAMvN_NLqOaOuhBmCWOsiIjDANiZmOa_Bys/s400/IMG_0561.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582465828767626322" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Where oranges grow year-round; and the juice is cheaper than water.</span><div><br /></div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-49525519630267604442011-03-06T10:23:00.000-08:002011-03-06T13:01:21.555-08:003° Celsius, but oh so warm.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFCz7rQzNNZHZj94Y-_xqaV4LaTcZzeBom6uwkfNj93njYUM1LrQdRLEBWDtmqzu_JcGpj8Yev_WuqkqsLn53o6d1ZT81ZaiJCOE2BPWRvGVBEvLzxehEn1ee49W42ZUuI95QfEYXksRi/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFCz7rQzNNZHZj94Y-_xqaV4LaTcZzeBom6uwkfNj93njYUM1LrQdRLEBWDtmqzu_JcGpj8Yev_WuqkqsLn53o6d1ZT81ZaiJCOE2BPWRvGVBEvLzxehEn1ee49W42ZUuI95QfEYXksRi/s400/IMG_0543.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581034853510008002" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Temperatures in Sevilla are uncharacteristically cold this winter season compared to weather the town typically experiences. Yesterday the temperature averaged 3° C. Despite this drop in temperature, the vibrancy of the Sevillanos shines through. People in this town live with great openness and warmth of heart. As a newcomer to the town I felt that I was wrapped in a blanket of “Bienvendios!”. The Sevillanos live for each other.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Sevillanos greet and talk with strangers as if they were old friends. Take for example interactions around the bus. Without even looking to see who the other person is, elder women start conversations with anyone who sit next to them at the bus stops. When on the bus, a young boy can ask an elder lady for a tissue; and she obliges as if she was the boys mother. Walking down the street an elder may have a question with directions. Simply by approaching a younger person and saying “Joven!” (young) they find help. In fact, all passer-bys jump at the chance to chime in when one asks for directions. On a walk around the barrio with Sor Angustia, every other casa gives kisses to the hermana and I.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 204, 204); ">In a city known for its sizzling summers, the Sevillanos are group of people who stay warm in body and heart year round. Like rays of the sun, a positive frequency vibrates through the barrios. This a frequency that instills confidence and a love for socializing in inhabitants of Sevilla. If the climate of a city has any affect on a community’s attitude, this group is living proof that warm weather does a city good.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8878478113851711877.post-21080935487743341292011-03-03T02:19:00.000-08:002011-03-03T04:53:02.863-08:00Eusebia<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4FWv9QXMIAs8QkrQ0x19IJ_iNLWEdIWic_vY-5-ECQz1fI7zMEfWKD02z2RKu7lkG2KPTcHEUVF1tjuTBSAsZT9ZlPHh0eYtgyt4agkip01tnu7Sg5a3W3_05AFlCWm7shBQvYkdlUdI/s400/IMG_0536.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579831660686640466" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYktKYdd9J0Cko_9P5H1XhJB7zDesTOtjcWPvmSKLsGy7C_5LlnejSwi2JYBxF6hEpYB0DNJDqexGCW0JVDR0xqagkYzH0g896akMzfa5bSWdko4NjXWvB6HCG4eKvhb0RBk_Ji79NPpk/s1600/IMG_0533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYktKYdd9J0Cko_9P5H1XhJB7zDesTOtjcWPvmSKLsGy7C_5LlnejSwi2JYBxF6hEpYB0DNJDqexGCW0JVDR0xqagkYzH0g896akMzfa5bSWdko4NjXWvB6HCG4eKvhb0RBk_Ji79NPpk/s400/IMG_0533.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579797000809059778" /></a><br /><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Buenas dias from Sevilla. I now live in a barrio with six Salesian Hermanas. The barrio is named “barrio de musica” … or so 95-year-old Hermana Angustias says; actually the name of the barrio is “su eminencia”. The name of the casa is </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">sor Eusebia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">. How do I start to explain life in this part of the world!? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">For me, the things that bring the most intrigue are the small routine happenings that take place with fluidity in the Hermanas and Sevillianos everyday life. Though small and routine, these nuisances contrast greatly from life, as I know it. Things like how to peel and orange, attend to people and settle an argument are each specific to the culture Sevilla. Every moment of the day these nuisances immerse me in a world of different activities and sounds. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">I can start by telling you that the life here at sor Eusebia lacks a lot of the “stuff” common to my life in California. Still, the life here is rich in so many other things. In part, the lack is due to the fact that I live in a house with religious hermanas. However, the different lifestyle is greatly attributed to the Spanish way of life. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">The Spanish weekend, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">fin de semana, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">are days of great rest. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Fin de semana </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">in Sevilla holds a sacredness that rivals religion. One might say that the break from weekly routine is the universal religion in Spain. I arrived when the weekend was already at the forefront of the minds at Sor Eusebia; Friday night. After sleeping for ten hours that night I arose to go to a grand mass at the large Cathedral in Sevilla. On Sunday, the following day, I went on a voyage to a mountaintop church with great vistas. On this trip I celebrated mass, viewed the great vistas; and spend two hours relaxing, conversing, and eating lunch. Though the trip was three hours there and back, it was a pleasant day to say the least. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;">Later that night in a conversation with one of the hermanas, she sympathized with me that did not get that much rest over the weekend. She pointed out that tomorrow was a fiesta for the region of Andalucia, so I would have another day to recollect. This is when I realized that the Spanish put great value on the two days of rest. It is my impression that if one's weekend consists of more than enjoying the company of others, cleaning house, and eating – then one is not truly resting. Two days are set aside for rejuvenat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ing one’s self. It will be interesting to see how this perspective plays into other parts of the culture. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"> </span></o:p></p> <span style="font-family:Cambria;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCCCCC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Note: The mission of this blog is to take notice of different aspects of coexistence in every part of life. I do not anticipate to journal all events or trips of my days. However, for the purpose of this entry I thought a little context is necessary to be adequately equip for future entries. Enjoy! </span></span></span><!--EndFragment--> </div>Maureen Kathleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10739846707913577729noreply@blogger.com1