**There is no known connection to why the Klu Klux Klan have similar costumes**
These are some pictures I got from the internet of different colours of costumes, floats, and the women who participate in Semana Santa.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Semana Santa Costumes and Floats - Internet Pictures
Nazarenos are what the people dressed in costumes durring Holy Week are called. It is a mystery why these costumes that are used in Semana Santa celebrations are designed as they are. But their purpose is to cover their faces because they are in mourning, and it is also a sign of shame for the sins that they have committed throughout the year. In some large parades in Spain participants go to extremes by wounding themselves throughout the procession to make up for their sins. I did not see any of this thankfully, that would be scary.
**There is no known connection to why the Klu Klux Klan have similar costumes**
These are some pictures I got from the internet of different colours of costumes, floats, and the women who participate in Semana Santa.
**There is no known connection to why the Klu Klux Klan have similar costumes**
These are some pictures I got from the internet of different colours of costumes, floats, and the women who participate in Semana Santa.
Semana Santa
When I first arrived to Spain I visited the Casino. I honestly thought we were going gambling when we were searching for it, but it is not that kind of casino. The Casino used to be a gentlemen’s club, and still kind of is. Men can purchase memberships and use the facilities at the Casino, which basically include reading rooms, game rooms, and rooms to drink. Back in the day the Casino was the most popular meeting spot for men, and women were absolutely not allowed to enter. Women are now allowed to enter, and they have turned the Casino into a museum (except for the small area that remains a gentlemen’s club). We did a self guided tour through it with personal speakers. It is extremely beautiful in there. There are various rooms that you enter and learn about which are numbered off. The rooms contain art, sculptures, and some original architecture. The sculptures in there are built onto platforms. We learned that the Casino holds the “floats” that are used for Semana Santa (Holy Week). This past couple weeks before and during Easter there has been celebrations, and I got to see the “floats” be paraded proudly through the streets of Murcia for Semana Santa.
Over 14 days processions were held every day. Men carry these extremely heavy floats across the city for hours, and the whole city is out watching. Women and children are also dressed who are participating in the processions, and even the people sitting outside watching are dressed in their Sunday best. The plain and simple history behind this huge celebration is the commemoration of the death of Christ.
The people dressed up are stuffed with candy. The children who are watching with their families bring bags, it is like their version of Halloween, but it lasts almost two weeks! Lucky, lucky kids. That is a lot of possible candy collection by the end of it! A year supply, for sure.
Semana Santa was very interesting to watch, and the floats were beautiful. It was warming to see the community coming together to celebrate something they all support so strongly.
I think cultural tourism is a huge part of Spain's tourism income. Durring these festivities I noticed a lot of people speaking different languages all around, clearly who have travelled to view the festivities. Spain has a lot of celebrations commemorating their culture throughout the year, so their are lots of opportunities for people to come and experience Spanish culture year round.
The following are some pictures that my mom took while she was here, on the first day of the celebrations. Every day they were dressed in different colours. On Easter they were dressed in white.
I couldn't find anything on the internet, but a lot of these people grabbed their faces like the picture above. I thought it was to be able to see but then I saw a statue in Murcia of a man dressed in this costume and he was doing the same thing. So I think the face grabbing has some sort of cultural signifigance.
One of the floats, and the men carrying it. All of these men seemed to be in extreme pain carrying these floats. But I think it is looked at as an honour to be one of the people carrying it. Some of these processions last for hours and some men walk it barefoot.
It seemed like there were millions of people in the streets.
There were two priests who stood outside the Cathedral in a balcone everyday for the entire procession.
Some Pictures
This is a picture from inside the Cathedral in Murcia. I don't think it is very clear but you can see the 'exhibits' behind the bars up against the walls.
This is another picture of the Cathedral. This one is from the internet, but it is easier to see the bars on the walls in this one.
This is an area of Fuensanta.
Hiking around Fuensanta.
This is me climbing down the "Jesus Statue"
This picture is from the internet, it a further picture of Monteagado (Jesus Statue). This is more or less what I can see from my balcone.
Ontop of the castle in Lorca.
This is from the internet but it is a better view of the castle in Lorca.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Livin's Easy
I think for the most part Canadians have easy going and laid back personalities. We have grown to become a fast paced society, but I think that is happening almost all around the world. As much as we evolve and become a very "Go! Go! Go!" society, I hope we will always remain relaxed and happy.
Spanish culture is extremely relaxed. If someone is to move here who enjoys a scheduled lifestyle, I don't think they would last. How the Spanish view schedule and how we do in North America is so different. Our lifestyles are so different.
Firstly, Siesta Time is an amazing time and idea. For 3-4 hours everyday in the afternoon most businesses close. So if you want to go shopping or eat at a restaurant, this time of day has to be considered. Siesta is usually between 2-5pm. It isn't absolutly everything that shuts down durring Siesta but the city becomes so much quieter durring it. I think this is an amazing thing. This gives people time in the day to relax, do something for themselves, or spend time with their family.
On Sundays basically everything is closed. People relax and go to church on Sundays. One of the first things my roomates told me was to grocery shop before Sunday because I would be out of luck finding anything open.
"Take-Out" and "To Go" are barely apart of the Spanish vocabulary. They would rather take the time to sit back and enjoy a coffee or meal, instead of rush.
Rushing doesn't even exist. Noone is on time for anything. Setting a time for something turns out to be very lenient. People don't rush when they are at work, the bus shows up whenever it does, rent and bills get paid whenever you "get around to it", and even my teachers are usually a little late for class.
But when you think about it, what are we rushing for? I don't know why we are in such a rush all the time. People have so much stress in their lives and it has horrible effects on a person's health. Maybe we should introduce siesta time to Canadians and shut down businesses on Sundays. Life is too short for unhappiness and sometimes people lose thought in what really is important in life. Your family, friends, and happiness should always come first, "Go! Go! Go!" should come last. I think a lot of people need to re-think how they live their lives, because when it comes down to it we should have happy memories and no regrets.
Spanish culture is extremely relaxed. If someone is to move here who enjoys a scheduled lifestyle, I don't think they would last. How the Spanish view schedule and how we do in North America is so different. Our lifestyles are so different.
Firstly, Siesta Time is an amazing time and idea. For 3-4 hours everyday in the afternoon most businesses close. So if you want to go shopping or eat at a restaurant, this time of day has to be considered. Siesta is usually between 2-5pm. It isn't absolutly everything that shuts down durring Siesta but the city becomes so much quieter durring it. I think this is an amazing thing. This gives people time in the day to relax, do something for themselves, or spend time with their family.
On Sundays basically everything is closed. People relax and go to church on Sundays. One of the first things my roomates told me was to grocery shop before Sunday because I would be out of luck finding anything open.
"Take-Out" and "To Go" are barely apart of the Spanish vocabulary. They would rather take the time to sit back and enjoy a coffee or meal, instead of rush.
Rushing doesn't even exist. Noone is on time for anything. Setting a time for something turns out to be very lenient. People don't rush when they are at work, the bus shows up whenever it does, rent and bills get paid whenever you "get around to it", and even my teachers are usually a little late for class.
But when you think about it, what are we rushing for? I don't know why we are in such a rush all the time. People have so much stress in their lives and it has horrible effects on a person's health. Maybe we should introduce siesta time to Canadians and shut down businesses on Sundays. Life is too short for unhappiness and sometimes people lose thought in what really is important in life. Your family, friends, and happiness should always come first, "Go! Go! Go!" should come last. I think a lot of people need to re-think how they live their lives, because when it comes down to it we should have happy memories and no regrets.
Monteagudo ("The Jesus Rock")
Monteagudo is a small region about 4km away from Murcia. There is a small mountain/rock there with a large Jesus statue on top. When I stand on our balcone at the flat it is very visible in the near distance.
About a month ago I decided to walk over and climb it with a couple other people. This is another instant where differences are visible between Canadians and other cultures. I dont think 4km is a far distance at all - to walk, and especially drive. A lot of people told us it would be impossible to walk the distance. I think because Canada is so large, distances don't phase us. A lot of Canadians have family and friends across the country so driving 4, 5, 6 hours, or more, to visit someone or to get away is not a big deal. Walking to the other side of town instead of driving is also normal for Canadians. (Except lazy ones). One of the girls I was with is from Russia, and as everyone knows Russia is HUGE. We had the same conversation - walking and driving far distances. She said in Russia distances aren't a big issue just like in Canada. So maybe its a size thing? Well, walked to the Jesus statue/rock/mountain and it didn't take long at all.
There are stone steps and metal ladders set up to help people get to the top. There aren't any barriers beside the steps or ladders so if you fall your not in a good position. It is definitly not okay for people with vertigo. The climb is very steep and I would be impressed with anyone who would bush wack (rock wack?) there own way up.
Every so often there was a flat bank as you progess higher. It was nice to have them there to stop and catch your breathe and enjoy the scenery. The scenery was awesome. You could see all the mountains around us and and amazing views of the cities surrounding us. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to put my memory card in my camera so all the pictures I took weren't actually there. I ended up breaking my camera on my way down anyway, but I will get back to that.
The last stretch to get to the very top where the statue is didn't have any steps or ladders so you to do some mini rock climbing up about two metres. It was easier to climb up than down.
So now backtracking, as we got closer to the top we were on one of those flat spots taking a break as a man came out of nowhere. He must have been crazy enough to climb the rock without the steps and ladders, and equipment. He was a little strange but he dissapeared. One of the other girls and I did the last stretch after we saw him, and separated at the top. We both ended up running into him a couple times and he seemed pretty out of it and mumbled alot and lerked around while grabbing himself. The Jesus statue is actually a tower on the inside so we wanted to see the view from the top. We climbed about halfway in and it was pitch black from there on up, so we left because it was kind of sketchy. When we got down the "lurker" was blocking the doorway, naked and masturbating, and trying to speak to us. SO, we ran but he followed us. I broke my camera because I threw my backpack down the 2m rock we had to climb to get to the steps to get up there. He stopped following after a little bit, but last week one of the girls I was with went back with some other people. Same deal, except this time he grabbed one of their legs and followed them thirty minutes down the highway until they got into a cab. So anyway, I've heard of religious masturbators but this guy seems pretty wacko. And if he was there on two different occassions and follows people, I dont see why anyone hasn't done anything about it...
Maybe a little too much information, but, that was my trip to the Jesus Rock!
About a month ago I decided to walk over and climb it with a couple other people. This is another instant where differences are visible between Canadians and other cultures. I dont think 4km is a far distance at all - to walk, and especially drive. A lot of people told us it would be impossible to walk the distance. I think because Canada is so large, distances don't phase us. A lot of Canadians have family and friends across the country so driving 4, 5, 6 hours, or more, to visit someone or to get away is not a big deal. Walking to the other side of town instead of driving is also normal for Canadians. (Except lazy ones). One of the girls I was with is from Russia, and as everyone knows Russia is HUGE. We had the same conversation - walking and driving far distances. She said in Russia distances aren't a big issue just like in Canada. So maybe its a size thing? Well, walked to the Jesus statue/rock/mountain and it didn't take long at all.
There are stone steps and metal ladders set up to help people get to the top. There aren't any barriers beside the steps or ladders so if you fall your not in a good position. It is definitly not okay for people with vertigo. The climb is very steep and I would be impressed with anyone who would bush wack (rock wack?) there own way up.
Every so often there was a flat bank as you progess higher. It was nice to have them there to stop and catch your breathe and enjoy the scenery. The scenery was awesome. You could see all the mountains around us and and amazing views of the cities surrounding us. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to put my memory card in my camera so all the pictures I took weren't actually there. I ended up breaking my camera on my way down anyway, but I will get back to that.
The last stretch to get to the very top where the statue is didn't have any steps or ladders so you to do some mini rock climbing up about two metres. It was easier to climb up than down.
So now backtracking, as we got closer to the top we were on one of those flat spots taking a break as a man came out of nowhere. He must have been crazy enough to climb the rock without the steps and ladders, and equipment. He was a little strange but he dissapeared. One of the other girls and I did the last stretch after we saw him, and separated at the top. We both ended up running into him a couple times and he seemed pretty out of it and mumbled alot and lerked around while grabbing himself. The Jesus statue is actually a tower on the inside so we wanted to see the view from the top. We climbed about halfway in and it was pitch black from there on up, so we left because it was kind of sketchy. When we got down the "lurker" was blocking the doorway, naked and masturbating, and trying to speak to us. SO, we ran but he followed us. I broke my camera because I threw my backpack down the 2m rock we had to climb to get to the steps to get up there. He stopped following after a little bit, but last week one of the girls I was with went back with some other people. Same deal, except this time he grabbed one of their legs and followed them thirty minutes down the highway until they got into a cab. So anyway, I've heard of religious masturbators but this guy seems pretty wacko. And if he was there on two different occassions and follows people, I dont see why anyone hasn't done anything about it...
Maybe a little too much information, but, that was my trip to the Jesus Rock!
Sites
I have done a little bit of site seeing this past week while I had people visiting. Mostly in Murcia and the cities surrounding.
Earlier in the week Kieren came with me on a school trip to Lorca. It is a city around one hour away from here. The bus ride took us into the mountains and we got to go on a tour of the castle in Lorca and the castle grounds. The castle seemed ancient and it was beautiful. We went up to the highest point where the watch guards used to be, and the view from the top was very pretty. We were surrounded by mountains we could see the city, and further cities. The tour was in Spanish so it was a little complicated to follow, but it was still nice to see.
I also went to the Cathedral, I have been there before and walk by it everyday, but I wouldn't mind going back a few times. There are a bunch of 'exhibits' in the Catheseal that are enclosed by bars. They look like ancient religious symbols, statues, and monuments. It kind of feels like a museum in there, but services still take place.
We took a walk into the mountains and explored the area of Fuensanta. There is an old monestary up in the mountains that we got pretty close to, but there were groups practicing for the upcoming processions and we didn't want to bother them by going onto the monestary grounds and the path they were on. We did a little bit of hiking and that whole area is beautiful.
The rest of the time we spent in Murcia exploring locally. There is a lot of history within the city and the architecture is fantasic.
Earlier in the week Kieren came with me on a school trip to Lorca. It is a city around one hour away from here. The bus ride took us into the mountains and we got to go on a tour of the castle in Lorca and the castle grounds. The castle seemed ancient and it was beautiful. We went up to the highest point where the watch guards used to be, and the view from the top was very pretty. We were surrounded by mountains we could see the city, and further cities. The tour was in Spanish so it was a little complicated to follow, but it was still nice to see.
I also went to the Cathedral, I have been there before and walk by it everyday, but I wouldn't mind going back a few times. There are a bunch of 'exhibits' in the Catheseal that are enclosed by bars. They look like ancient religious symbols, statues, and monuments. It kind of feels like a museum in there, but services still take place.
We took a walk into the mountains and explored the area of Fuensanta. There is an old monestary up in the mountains that we got pretty close to, but there were groups practicing for the upcoming processions and we didn't want to bother them by going onto the monestary grounds and the path they were on. We did a little bit of hiking and that whole area is beautiful.
The rest of the time we spent in Murcia exploring locally. There is a lot of history within the city and the architecture is fantasic.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Visitors
My Mom when I first got surprised.
Me, Kate, Kieren
Kate, Kieren, and I
All of the visitors!
Visitors
Our friend from Cranbrook, Kieren, who also went to COTR is here visiting us for a couple of weeks. She came durring "that time of the year" so we can't travel as much as we would like to, but we have still been trying to experience a lot of the culture while she is here, and have saced some things that we wanted to do for her arrival. Kate's mom is also coming to visit and is arriving tonight.
One of the first things we did with Kieren was shop. I realized before that there was a huge difference between the styles here and in Canada but then I got used to it until Kieren brough it to my attention again. I feel like in Canada people definitly follow trends and fashion is important. Although, I feel like a lot of people still dress comfortably for a regular day. At COTR I feel completely fine going to school in sweatpants, but so out of place when I do it here. Going to school is like walking through a fashion show. Although I do enjoy these differences and it emphasizes and reminds me that I am in a completely different place than home. It feels like I expected Europe to be like.
Kieren was also with us for the extreme heat we experienced at the beach in Alicante. Some of the other things we have planned are visiting Mar Menor, hiking in the mountains, climbing Monteagudo (a huge rock with a Jesus statue on the top of it), and other small day trips.
...
As I was writing this blog in my notebook I was sitting in my living room waiting for Kate to get home with her mom. She got here just as I finished the paragraph above, and we went onto the balcone for a little bit. When I walked back inside from the balcone my mom! was sitting in the living room! I had no idea she was coming. It was an awesome surprise, and we live in different provinces so I don't get to see her very often. We have done some site seeing and some touring around since then. It was Monday the 11th when I started this blog and it is now Saturday the 16th as I am finishing it. My mom, and Kate's mom leave on Tuesday morning. It's going ot be kind of depressing, but I guess I will have some more things to write about!
One of the first things we did with Kieren was shop. I realized before that there was a huge difference between the styles here and in Canada but then I got used to it until Kieren brough it to my attention again. I feel like in Canada people definitly follow trends and fashion is important. Although, I feel like a lot of people still dress comfortably for a regular day. At COTR I feel completely fine going to school in sweatpants, but so out of place when I do it here. Going to school is like walking through a fashion show. Although I do enjoy these differences and it emphasizes and reminds me that I am in a completely different place than home. It feels like I expected Europe to be like.
Kieren was also with us for the extreme heat we experienced at the beach in Alicante. Some of the other things we have planned are visiting Mar Menor, hiking in the mountains, climbing Monteagudo (a huge rock with a Jesus statue on the top of it), and other small day trips.
...
As I was writing this blog in my notebook I was sitting in my living room waiting for Kate to get home with her mom. She got here just as I finished the paragraph above, and we went onto the balcone for a little bit. When I walked back inside from the balcone my mom! was sitting in the living room! I had no idea she was coming. It was an awesome surprise, and we live in different provinces so I don't get to see her very often. We have done some site seeing and some touring around since then. It was Monday the 11th when I started this blog and it is now Saturday the 16th as I am finishing it. My mom, and Kate's mom leave on Tuesday morning. It's going ot be kind of depressing, but I guess I will have some more things to write about!
Summertime in the City
When we first arrived to Murcia at the end of January, it was a little cold but nowhere near how cold it was in Canada. The Spanish people were bundled up and I Kate and I have not worn a winter coat since Cranbrook. Around the end of February - mid March it started getting even warmer. The last couple weeks have been HOT. It has hit 40 degrees celsius and has been in the 30s for a really long time now. For some reason, the Spanish people are still bundled up from head to toe and the "crazy" Canadians have been in flip flops since February. If they are still bundled up in the scorching heat it makes me wonder how hot it is actually going to get! This week we spent a day at the beach and in onlu 4 hours (three Canadians) were burnt to a crisp and bright red. These burns have not dissapeared and it has been days now! Apparently the O-Zone layer is weak in some parts of Europe and I definitly believe it.
I wonder if the Spanish people ae used to these extrene heat conditions and to them it is still a little cool? And because Canada is so cold our bodies react differently to heat. I'm no exactly sure what it is but it blows my mind that peole are flabergasted to see flip flops and tank tops, and ask if we are cold. It is interesting to see how people adapt to weather differently all around the world.
I wonder if the Spanish people ae used to these extrene heat conditions and to them it is still a little cool? And because Canada is so cold our bodies react differently to heat. I'm no exactly sure what it is but it blows my mind that peole are flabergasted to see flip flops and tank tops, and ask if we are cold. It is interesting to see how people adapt to weather differently all around the world.
That Time of the Year (written a couple weeks ago)
Even though I'm not in Canada, I can still feel that feeling that always comes around this time of the year. It's stressfuk and usually entails limitied to no sleep - it's the end of the semester. I hate this time of the year with a passion, I can't wait until it is over! It has probably been the worst one yet. It has been extra stressful juggling two schools in two different languages and continents. I've never ever failed before but I still panic that I might every year. Having classes in Spanish has been hard and it uses up a ot more time and effort. So with courses and wrapping up at home (reports and exams galore) and trying to understand what is going on here, it has been anything but fun. But! I know it will be over soon and then it will be time to breathe and relax!
So, because of "that time of the year" I haven't been up to a whole lot this last couple of weeks. Semana Santa is cming up very soon and I'm really looking forward to it. Apparently it is a huge deal in Spain, and it is one of the most important times of the year in regards to culture, religion, and festivals. It last for about two weeks - a week before 'easter week' and the whole week of easter. I've looked at pictures of the festivals on the internet and I'm really excited to get to see it in person. I think it will be an awesome experience, and by the time it gets here the semester will be over and I will have a little more spare time to be able to enjoy it!
So, because of "that time of the year" I haven't been up to a whole lot this last couple of weeks. Semana Santa is cming up very soon and I'm really looking forward to it. Apparently it is a huge deal in Spain, and it is one of the most important times of the year in regards to culture, religion, and festivals. It last for about two weeks - a week before 'easter week' and the whole week of easter. I've looked at pictures of the festivals on the internet and I'm really excited to get to see it in person. I think it will be an awesome experience, and by the time it gets here the semester will be over and I will have a little more spare time to be able to enjoy it!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Language Barriers
One of the reasons why I was really excited about coming to Spain was that I hoped I could learn a whole new language. I imagined I would be fluent in absolutely no time! That, did not happen. But! I have learned a lot of Spanish – way more than I would have ever known if I had stayed home. It keeps improving and it is getting easier with time. When I first arrived it was a struggle and once or twice I wondered what I had gotten myself into. How bad was it going to suck living in a foreign country for four and a half months and not talk to anyone? I thought I might lose my mind and have to begin talking to myself! Thankfully it did not have to come to this.
When I first arrived I went through a little bit of a culture shock. I had to travel from the airport, to a train station, then to Murcia. I was thankful Kate and I were together because I had someone else who knew how I was feeling. And with our combined Spanish knowledge we could get from A to B. The shock started as soon as we got to the airport in Madrid. I knew how to ask where the train station was, but the hard part was understanding the answer unless it consists of “a la isquerda” or “a la derecha” (left or right). It is still hard to communicate sometimes but at the beginning it was extremely difficult. Everything was different and simple things were much harder to do. Getting to a train station, getting train tickets, giving/receiving directions, asking where things are, buying things, going grocery shopping, etc. All the small things turned into big things. For a while I avoided doing things if it required talking to someone if there was a way to get what I needed without communication that was the option for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to learn, it was that I didn’t want to sound like an idiot. I felt so bad when I had broken conversations with people, and felt a little bit rude when I tried talking to a Spanish person with the worst Spanish ever. I always dreaded that puzzled look on people’s faces that clearly said “what in the world are you talking about”? I still get those looks but what has changed now is that I’m not afraid of getting it.
I am by no means fluent in Spanish, but I am happy and fairly impressed with what I know. Now instead of avoiding making eye contact with people, I get pretty excited when a random person on the street asks me a question. I look forward to seeing if I will completely understand what they are asking and then it is an even better success when I can answer. I have gotten to a point where I can mostly understand someone when they are speaking to me, but I can’t always find the words to answer back in proper and complete sentences. I’ve recently started watching Modern Family which is an American show, but one of the main characters is Columbian and she usually goes on rants in Spanish. So far I have understood all of her Spanish freak outs... which is kind of exciting.
So! My Spanish is in no way perfect, but I’m proud of how it is coming along. There is a huge difference between being absolutely terrified to speak and being comfortable and excited about trying. I have two months left and hope it keeps getting better!
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