ORANGE TULIP'S BLOG

Si no puedes ir a España, haz que España venga a ti!

2011-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Cuando en verano el calor NO aprieta en las antiguas tierras del Rey Arturo, que mejor que un vinito, unos taquitos de jamón y unas almendritas para sentirse como en casa. Londres es una ciudad cosmopolita a no poder más, una ciudad totalmente engalanada de actos culturales, entre ellos los hispánicos. Un evento a no perderse al menos una vez, el festival español en plena Oxford street para hacerse sentir un poquito más cerca de Spain! Todo un clásico ya cada Julio en el mismísimo corazón de London!

Los tamborileros del Norte

Churros and chocolate con un inglés muy españolizado

y que no falte ese jamoncito, por favor!

Nadal o lo que pretende ser nuestro embajador del tenis

olé y olé!

un día a la spanish!

A truly "paella valenciana" in deep UK

2011-06-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Once I heard a Portuguese intellectual claiming that it is easier to witness the most deeply-root culture of certain region precisely far away from that region! This statement is obviously arguable but I do not think that by saying this he was totally wrong. For example, the first 'flamenco' performance I attended to happened in Leiden, a little town of Holland more than 2000 km further away from the flamenco birthplace in South Spain! After many years in Spain I never saw a 'flamenco' concert!

In his speech the Portuguese gentlemen also included 'gastronomy' as part of that culture. Well, 'said and done' a group of 50 people had the privilege to taste a pure authentic and traditional 'paella valenciana' in the backyard of a brit house lost in the landscape of Reading, a town stuck between big brother London and historic Oxford.

The 'chicken' beginning...

I was happy to see the multi-purpose of this evening: a great paella tasting evening, a lesson about what a paella is (forget about fish, chorizo and other paella crimes), a wonderful bath of friends at difficult times, rich and emotional chats, the feeling that good friends were around... A pleasure!

To be continued...

Safety measures are always important!

Wow, that starts to smell good...!

Of course, accompanied by an authentic tortilla española

The sangría perfecta made by our sangria officer!

Part of the organizing team

Getting better and better, with batxocó and garrofó

Boiling as in mother Valencia

Mmmhh, the rice doesn't seem to good for this...

The party goes on!

Some rain and cold to remember where we are :-)

Champions!

2011-05-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

And here it is, the champion team of the 6th division Table Tennis Reading League. Excellent performance demonstrated during the whole year by all the team, with Jean-Noël, Gabor and Joaquín being among the top 10 best averages of the division! Next year won't be so easy in 5th division. Lads, now it's time to get ready things for next year, train those tricky services and top spin balls!

Greenwich

2009-01-17T11:32:00.000-08:00

For some people the word Greenwich is a synonym of Meridian zero. What do I mean ? Many years ago, the Royal Observatory of Greenwich was internationally adopted as the reference point to refer to Universal Time (UT). This is an astronomical concept and in practical words, Greenwich gives name to the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude) and Greenwich mean time, from where all countries refer their local time. If for example Greeks say "our local time is UTC+2", it means that in Greece it is two hours later than the reference, i.e., Greenwich. The line that goes through Greenwich is naturally imaginary, or perhaps not that much as I can show in these pictures ! The green line spitted by the Greenwich Observatory is the supposed Greenwich parallel !

The "real" Greenwich Meridian zero

Darth Maul under the Meridian zero

But Greenwich is much more than that "imaginary" line. That people not very attached to sciences may not have ever heard about this astronomical landmark, but however about their great cultural richness. Indeed in 1997, Maritime Greenwich was added to the list of World Heritage Sites, for the concentration and quality of buildings of historic and architectural interest. Many of them can be found at the riverfront on the south bank of the river Thames, next to greater London. Many of these buildings are free to visit, with amazing doms and paintings. An easy catch by a combination of London tube and DLR extension within the area 2 of London metro network, or otherwise said, just 1.60 pounds to reach with Oyster card ! Worth to visit !

The Paint Hall of the Royal Naval College of London

The riverfront of maritime Greenwich

Skiing in Pohorje

2009-01-06T16:03:00.001-08:00

Pohorje slopes

La hormiga atómica

Most of people who live far enough from those white winter mountains and fancy some skiing, they target big, huge ski resorts for their holidays. Why this ? These ski spots are very popular (Alps and Pyrenees in Europe) and they benefit of a lot of publicity about their incredible landscapes, fantastic slopes... But, let's face reality. Did you ever think about the disadvantages of these resorts ? They are usually very crowded during holiday periods and weekends, they are very expensive and you can hardly find a parking place or a seat in a restaurant at "human times". Far from chill out holidays. Furthermore, many of these casual tourist can hardly keep stand up on their "robocop" boots. So what's the point to pay very expensive ski passes for large ski complexes, when at most they'll hit some few, not too much steepy slopes with the blue sign at the beginning ? What's the point to pay for endless resorts when we won't even see 20% of their slopes? So why do we need to pay so much for those huge ski resorts ? What about hitting a smaller, more familiar, less expensive and less crowded mountain in a much less tourist resort ? I'd like to recommend one of the them which recently I hit by myself, situated in Slovenja, next to the Maribor city : Pohorje. Winter climate over there is very much influenced by convective freezing weather cells coming from the Balkans. This assures snow until certain limit at almost every altitude. The ski resort is small, not very high, but worth to visit and very beautiful. Moreover, prices are further down when compared to Alps for example. Even in Christmas holidays you can enjoy slopes very little populated, quick (not always) ski lifts and some free table in any coffee at the head of the slopes at almost any time. Just enyojable !!!

shinning slopes

the enchanted forest

A little taste of London

2008-11-30T14:24:00.000-08:00

From the architectural point of view I don't like London. There are astonishing buildings with remarkable decorations and great seals, heritage of the amazing legacy left by the old British Empire. But facing these buildings you can find horrible dark structures from the 70´s and in some cases the (in)harmony is completed when these buildings are scratched by an ultramodern top technology skyscraper. That's London and that's part of its center. On top of that, I don't like the color of the brick, a dark brown that gets even hazier when is wet, what in London it occurs pretty much often. Comparisons are hateful, but in this case I'd rather stay with the exquisiteness of the Parisian blocks.

However, London is a wonderful capital, one of the most important cultural centers of the world. Whatever you go, whatever you may think of, you'll find in London. There is always something going on and for sure no time to get bored in this city. What could you do in a cloudy Sunday day with nothing prepared in advance ?

Get up late (is Sunday!), then have a shower and go to a French bakery to have a midday brunch: delicious homemade cakes covered with based on wild fruits jams, a crunchy croissant filled in almonds, squeezed oranges coming from Valencia and and why not, accompanied by a delicious cappuccino with a taste of ginger or scented Japanese thees. Then take the subway and "mind the gap !". The first stop over could be an art gallery. In the wharf opposed to Waterloo you can find several cultural centers. Right now I wouldn't miss the world press photo exhibition. Just amazing ! After that why not enjoying in the same cultural center of some live music played by a new band of young talents. Next walk into the center and its charm, browse some books in an open-air old library settled in the Thames promenade and on the way towards St. Paul cathedral drink a pint in a cozy brewery. Move on to the museum of London. It is very interesting getting known about the fire that devastated the city in the XVII century. After that lose yourself up at the Barbican center. Who dare to design this ? Because I still have no clear what is it ! Either you'll love it or you'll hate it. But worth a visit.
If your body still needs a bit more let´s get back to the Southbank Center. There is always something going on there. This time there was a BBC jazz festival. Here you have an exemple of two bands that were playing. First one, an alternative grumpy jazz metal band. Something that you'd never dare to buy, but a life is worth to listen once... And second, Richard Mitchell elegant jazz.

(...tomorrow I'll hang here these two passes of the gigs...)

And let's finish this journey with a just cooked crunchy taste of pork marinated in rosemary and other spices with homemade appel jam. Gozzzzz !!! And ei, this is just a little of all that can be done ! Did you have enough for this Sunday ?

La cúpula de la vergüenza

2008-11-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

Esta semana pasada la cúpula que adorna la sala XX del Palacio de Naciones de la ONU en Ginebra ha sido noticia. Y vaya noticia... La renovación de esta sala ha costado la friolera de cerca de 20 millones de euros, que si por si queda alguna duda de la magnitud de la tragedia, en pesetas de las antiguas hacen unos 3300 millones. Ahí es nada !

Los detalles asociados a la renovación de esta sala vienen acompañados de una serie de disparates que no hay por donde cogerlos. ¿ Qué señor/es puede/n tener la cara tan dura para aprobar dicho presupuesto ? Desde luego alguien a quien le importa bien poco el resto de los mortales que no compartan su exquisito círculo de pseudo-intelectuales. ¿ Crisis ? ¿ Quién ha dicho que hay crisis ? El señor Barceló, después de sus innumerables fracasos, se debe de haber jactado al poder vivir una segunda infancia jugando al paintball con mangueras en vez de pistolas de pintura, bajo el pretexto de reproducir un mar con distintos reflejos dependiendo del ángulo con el que se mire. Imagino que aquellos que sepan algo de física y óptica se habran echado una carcajada ante tan burda explicación. Seguro que los ganadores del último Nóbel de medicina (que contribuyen a salvar vidas) o el último Nóbel de física y química (que contribuyen al avance tecnológico) cobraran en varios años lo que este señor ha cobrado por dejarnos su incalculable legado artístico. Gracias Barceló.

Pero los despropósitos alrededor de esta obra sublime no se quedan ahí. De la partida destinada a esta "fenomenal obra" de arte comtemporáneo 500.000€ ( es decir, unos 90 millones de pesetas) vienen de los Fondos de Ayuda al Desarrollo (FAD). ¿ Fondos de Ayuda a quién ? Ya lo he entendido. Los señores mandatarios que se reúnan en la futura sala de la Alianza de Civilizaciones se sentirán mucho más inspirados y con ganas de contribuir al Desarrollo de los países menos evolucionados al mirar al techo, es decir, es una inversión de futuro que se amortizará en tan sólo un par de reuniones... Y aún más bochornoso si cabe, el 40% de esta obra viene de fondos públicos de los contribuyentes españoles... Mejor que esto no lo sepan muchos, porque en famosos tiempos de crisis más de uno se va a cabrear (y con razón).

La cantidad de atropellos que giran alrededor de esta obra no caben en la cabeza de una persona normal, ni siquiera en la de los políticos que allí se reúnan. Más de uno mientras se tome un canapé se preguntará por el fenómeno que ha sido capaz de justificar "esto". Mientrastanto nuestro querido Rey no tiene más remedio que poner buena cara y decir que bonito esta todo esto el día de su inauguración.

Bonito y elegante será todo lo que se quiera pero, ¿ de verdad se necesita invertir esta barbaridad de dinero para renovar una sala de reuniones ? ¿ No existen modos más austeros de decorarla con clase y lujo sin tener que malgastar el presupuesto de todos ? No quiero ni imaginar lo que upondría dedicar esta partida de dinero por ejemplo a investigación, a reformas institucionales, a educación, a conservación de la biodiversidad, entre otros... Lo más gracioso (si es que tiene gracia) es que nuestras instituciones europeas, aquellas que luchan y abogan por los derechos de todos y luchan contra la pobreza, contra la desigualdad, contra el analfabetismo, etc. ,(principalmente en Bruselas), están rodeadas de lujos, despilfarros, sueldos astronómicos, que si algunos supieran provocarian una revuelta social...
Pues bien, la cúpula de del despilfarro ya está bautizada popularmente como la cúpula de los pobres.

Philosophy

2008-11-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

[...] I wouldn't say that I miss you but I think very often of you. Even in the case I missed you very much it wouldn't be fair telling this to you, from this 'uckn perspective. But I do too, I do think of you quite often. You probably have that philosophical part which i miss or I can't / don´t want to see. Perhaps I look rather to those external things, perhaps my very old age have something to do (although i definitely thing that i don't follow the "normal" patterns of those who get my age ), but in the way this society is constructed, it is nearly always true that those external things that affect the live drive you primarely to happiness, or at least help in the search for that happiness. External, tangible things are very linked to happiness too, to the good-feeling sense, we'd like it or not. Internal things are undoubtadely more honest with yourself, are those which will really make you feel good as a person and exactly as you look like and with what you have. But unfortunately this is a building that can break down in any moment, not in harmony with the external things. It is sort of utopia as it happens with the perfect, best of all politic systems in the earth : the comunism. [...]

- Unknown author, but worth to read -

Georgia vs Russia (PART-II) : Chill out

2008-11-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

It's true, I let it go, didn't write the second part right straight, but I think it's even worthier 'cause makes things even clearer. After several private requests here you have the second part. I'll make it sort, no worth make it longer...

So what's A.P. ? Simple : authorities and politics ! Time gave me the reason. They were just war games, too much noise and some diplomatic provocations, but that's it. The deep world economical crisis has substituted any other important dossier, as that "war" was. It is true that likely Sarkozy played a very important role, key in the mediation to stop all kind of armed hostilities, but I guess that in one or another way the end of this story would have been the same. Nobody wanted this war, USA is already immersed in some other wars, EU wants to be the mediator of all world problems, an exemple for the world (and still not able to solve its own ones), Russia had no chance in this war...

But the horrible part of this is that a majority of civilians did not have anything to do in this war. Russians were acting in the name of Russia, but did politics think about its already suffered and very punished population ? Now that economical prosperity seems to scratch again new layers of the russian population, of course interest zero to get back again... And georgians ? Did somebody think about georgian population when authorities challenged russians tanks ? I was about to hang up two extracts of a couple of friends of mine, one russian and one georgian, about what they thought about this war.... I won't 'cause this is already "past", but their messages were concluding : "We don't care about this war, we just want to leave in peace ! I wish politics lived in a world far from ours".

New English period

2008-11-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ei, don't be afraid, values are in miles/h !

Back barely a week ago, I took my car and I saw Toulouse getting smaller and smaller until it completely disappeared in the rear-view mirror of my car. Then I realized that this time yes, this time is was not for holidays, for an excursion or just for a few days away. The french period of my life was over, or at least it is over until a new job will get my back over there. It is sad 'cause after so much time I leave many things behind but life is like this and new changes likely prevent us for being away from routine, make our lives more interesting though.

The British welcome is not cozy, specially in autumn, but I was mentally prepared for that. From Paris to Calais clouds were getting ready to discharge loads of water. And after the funny Eurotunnel cross things didn't get better, rather worse. First thing to do when you enter in UK by car is "changing your chip" as driving is on left side. The most dangerous are roundabouts. You better drive slowly, carefully and just to be sure look to all directions ;-) Apart from that, food based on meat, baguette almost nonexistent, pint of beer is almost like drinking a glass of water and then obviously fights during weekends get also sort of national sport, the service in restaurants is generally much better than the southeuropean average, be ready to pay for e-ve-ry-thing and more expensive than in your own country, big supermarkets opened 24h (what i find very useful), lifestyle closer to american standards with semi-detached houses with garden, etc. By the way, in average bikes are used very little... A pity !

Welcome to UK !

soirée adieu

2008-10-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Et voilà quelque photos promises du dernier (cette fois si, snif, snif) événement.

" La fin du chemin est arrivée, il y avait un feuillage épais, des arbres très difficiles à grimper, d'autres plus faciles, même un étang de couleur bleu ciel baigné par des chênes hébergent des belles créatures. Mais la fin du chemin est arrivée, je me trouve au sommet de cette montagne. Maintenant il faut la descendre pour se faire un bain de gloire [...] "

Préliminaires

Dis ouiiiii

équipement DJ

Canapé AIRBUS - CNES - Météo

À la prochaine, Toulouse / See you, Toulouse.

2008-10-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

Every story has a beginning and an end. It seems that I'm reaching the end of my
long adventure in Toulouse. Happiness and sadness, smiles and tears mixed up... For
sure, I'll miss it ! Maybe see you soon Toulouse. Little party before departure ?

Hola !

Eh non, vous ne vous êtes pas trompés, moi non-plus, je "fête" ma (dé)pendaison de
crémaillère ! Première et dernière fête chez moi ! Probablement vous le savez déjà,
après presque cinq ans de la histoire de ma vie à Toulouse, je déménage vers des
terres plus humides. Je me sens vraiment triste, car Toulouse me plait, car
Toulouse me fait sentir très bien, car je laisse de bons amis à Toulouse et car une
petite partie de moi appartient déjà à la ville rose... Mais la vie est comme ça et
la nouvelle opportunité est à ne pas manquer.

Alors venez nombreux le prochain samedi 4 Octobre à partir de 21h00 pour un
dernier rencontre avec moi (je préfère ne l'appeler pas "fêter"). Je fournirai
boissons et des trucs à grignoter. Si vous voulez, amenez quelque chose afin
d'assurer les existences jusqu'à bien entrée la nuit. Pas de soucis pour amener
des amis/copains/amants/connus... Mais s'il vous plait, je vous remercierai si
vous me confirmez ou pas votre présence, questions de logistique, au plus tarde
mardi de la semaine prochaine. Faites un forward si j'oublie qqn (côté météo)!

Joaquín
29, rue d'Antipoul, appt.7. À 200m du métro Patte d'Oie et à 5 min à pied de la
Place St. Cyprien

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Hola !

No dears, neither you nor me made a mistake, I celebrate my housewarming/
farewell party ! First and last party in my apartment ! You likely know it already,
after five intense years of my life in Toulouse I move to more humid lands. I feel
really sad, 'cause I like Toulouse, 'cause Toulouse make me feel good, 'cause I
leave very good friends over here and 'cause a little bit of myself belongs yet
to "la ville rose"... But life is like it is and this new opportunity is really
important.

Therefore folks, come next saturday the 4th of October from 21h00 for a last
meeting with me (I'd rather not using "partying"). I'll provide beverages and stuff
to nibble. If you want, bring something with you so we can assure stocks till deep
night... No problem to take with you friends/boyfriends/lovers/... But please, I'd
be very glad whether you could confirm your attendance (or not) before tuesday of
next week, logistic reasons ! Please, forward this email to anybody I might be
forgotten.

Joaquín
29, rue d'Antipoul, appt.7. To 200m of metro Patte d'Oie and to 5 min walking
distance from Place St.Cyprien.

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Georgie vs Russia (PART-1) : Russia, the impolite bad boy.

2008-09-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Russian A.P. entered into an armed conflict with Georgians A.P. justified by a supposed military Georgian A.P. agression to a pro-russian (with russians) region. But we all know how M. Saakashvili (Georgian President) childly took the bait thrown by Russians A.P. Russian P. tanks were waiting behind the Roki tunnel to Saakashvili order of entering into armed conflict in Ossetia and Abjazia territories. How can you explain that a good bunch of tanks and well trained russian A.P. army was just a few meters behind the internationally recognized border with Ossetia ? From Moscow (and from many military russian A.P. stations) to Ossetia there are many hundred of kms ! Tanks are not well known for their speed yet ! Too much suspicious... In any case, I can admit that it might be just purely speculation. In my humble opinion, Russian A.P. were just waiting patiently in their armchair the mistake of Saakashvili who has provoked such a mess.

Why should Russia A.P. be so interested at these "tiny" regions ? Why to trigger off an international crisis ? Is not Russia big enough to fight for just a few hundred of square kms ? This strategy has been very well planned :

- Firstly, Russian A.P. could justify his actions pointing back to the Kosovo speech.

- Secondly, Russian A.P. can rejustify his actions supporting an "humanitary action" against the georgian A.P. agression.

- Third, Russian A.P. have never accepted the dissolution of the ex-comunist imperium. Is it sort of the "bad loser" in many wars and they still hide some resentment. They live under the shade of US power. No doubt, another way to fjustify their presence over there.

- Fourth, they want to reafirmate as a very powerful and influencing country, and nothing can be done without taken into account Russians A.P.

- And finally and mainly, this is simply the war for the gas !

This war does not benefit anybody, but still less to all Russians. Russians A.P. know perfectly that nowadays they cannot face the duet EU/USA economically and militarly. Socially they'd have a big modern opposition tired of wars and far from the soviet feeling. It'd also be an important brake for the development of their economy. But Russians A.P. have been pretty intelligent, just pushing till the point of the provocation, unveiling EU disfonctionning in many points and proclaiming promises which not necessarely and have to be accomplished (the world of the diplomacy). I bet they won't fall off the cliff...

And who is the winner and who is the loser of this supposed "war" ? (in part II)

Toulouse à la nuit

2008-09-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Et comme complément de la beauté de Toulouse à la tombée du jour (http://joaquinval.blogspot.com/2008/03/toulouse-au-couch-du-soleil.html), voilà des jolies vues vers le Pont Neuf et le centre ville depuis l'agréable Pont de St. Pierre. Qui a dit que Toulouse n'est pas romantique ?

Vue du Pont Neuf à la nuit imprégné de la fraîcheur de la Garonne

Un peu spectacle lumières

Le Pont Neuf qui change à rouge avec la lune comme témoine

L'art de ser valencià !

2008-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

Podràs saber conduir o no, podràs tindre més o menys gust per vestir-te a la moda, podràs tindre més o menys ma per la cuina..., però el que és clar es que si ets nascut à València sabràs fer una paella ! Siga per la tradició, siga perque els valencians estén molt acostumats a la paella dels diumenges, de les falles o de les festes de qualsevol poble, siga pel que siga, però tot valencià sap fer una paella, o al menys té la recepta al cap, com part de la saviesa popular.

I que és la paella ? Quines son els seus ingredients ? Desgraciadament al estranger es pot veure tota classe d'aberració culinària con respecte a la susdita paella : xoriço, cigrons, salsitxa... Bufffff... No, no, no... I tampoc fa falta anar molt lluny per n'adonar-se que els mateixos espagnols no tenen molt clar el significat gastronòmic, cultural i social d'una paella. Encara pitjor, la paraula "paella" es mal-utilitzada per tot arreu, en Espagna i fora, com atractiu publicitari dels turistes i a vegades, els pobres, tenen que menjar una barreja de sobres del dia anterior. Per aquests "atrapa-turistes" sense escrúpols dins la paella es pot ficar de tot... Potser tots els espanyols es senten identificats amb el flamenc o els toros ? Potser els gallecs es senten identificats amb el gaspatxo o els andalusos amb les vieires ? Doncs moraleja, cadascú al seu !

I voilà aquí a que es pareix una deliciosa paella valenciana feta aquest ultim cap de setmana, amb els pocs ingredients que es poden trobar a Toulouse... Ni marisc, ni xoriço ni pebrot... només paella valenciana !

coent-se, prenent forma

llista per gaudir-ne

i per què no acabar amb un saborós postres de fruita mediterrania ?

Ascensión a la cima de los Pirineos. El Monte Perdido.

2008-08-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

.
¿ Perdido, perdido ? No tan perdido, la subida al Monte Perdido debería hacerse tomando como base el refugio de Goriz, dónde se puede acampar igualmente. Subir el mismo día desde la Pradera es posible, pero te arriesgas a que al día siguiente te tengan que levantar con una grúa o tengan que ir a buscarte en helicóptero. Aún así, la subida desde Goriz es también bastante dura, con unos 1200m de desnivel, algunos de los cuales son especialmente pontiagudos...

No olvidar : martillo y tacos de hielo en caso de condiciones difíciles, calzado de montaña, agua y comida, gorro, sweater, polar o chaqueta impermeable (en un buen día de pleno verano las temperaturas allí arriba pueden oscilar alrededor de los 0 grados !), bastones muy recomendables para la bajada, una cámara de fotos, una buena ración de motivación y una sonrisa.

La ascensión podría considerarse como accesible, larga, más dura unos tramos, menos dura otras, pero accesible para la mayoría, hasta el tramo final. Unos 600m con una pendiente muy pronunciada, llena de piedras pequeñas mezclada con tierra muy resbaladiza que no permiten agarrarse y en dónde uno rápidamente puede venirse abajo moralmente. No es el tiempo de desistir del objetivo. Hazlo muy poco a poco, no tengas miedo y la recompensa bien valdrá la pena. Aunque no tengas sed, bebe regularmente para evitar la deshidratación y los consecuentes malestares físicos.

He aquí cuelgo mi narración personal del último tramo de la ascensión. ¡ Buena suerte ! :

Llegada a los 2800 m. Lo peor está por llegar...

3000 m. Empieza la fiesta...

3200 m. ¡ Atención con los que tengan vértigo !

3300 m. ¡ No puedo más !

En la cima... ¡ Objetivo conseguido !

Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido

2008-08-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hay que reconocerlo, una joya, la obra maestra de los ya por sí impresionantes Pirineos. Si alguien se pregunta por qué este Parque Nacional desde 1918 pasó a ser declarado en 1998 Patrimonio Mundial de la Humanidad por la Unesco, tan sólo le invito a darse una vuelta y encontrar su respuesta.

Una visita que deje un muy buen sabor de boca debería al menos agrupar la visita al cañón de Ordesa, subida hasta el refugio de Goriz y ascensión al Monte Perdido. Para todo este trayecto deberían bien reservarse al menos tres días, tener unas condiciones físicas buenas y a menos que se esté buscando alpinismo extremo, ¡ mejor la visita en verano !

Día 1 : En primer lugar, la entrada y subida al Parque Nacional hasta "La Pradera" sólo puede hacerse en autobús desde Torla (precio del billete sencillo 3€), o andando (1h30 - 2h). Desde "La Pradera" recomiendo el trayecto hasta la "Cola de Caballo" por el camino de abajo (para no quemarse a las primeras de cambio), transcurriendo por preciosas cascadas. Después, subida al refugio de Goriz dónde pasaremos la noche (ojo, a menos que llevéis tienda de campaña, mejor llamar antes al refugio). Durante la tarde, si no estás muy cansado, alrededor de Goriz hay numerosos picos bastante accesibles que bien valen la pena y que probablemente te permitirán ver alguna que otra marmota.

Las cascadas de Soaso, de camino hacia la cola de Caballo

La subida hacia Goriz en primera persona

El pie del cañón de Ordesa

Las marmotas muy curiosas y ruidosas en la tarde

Coronando uno de los numerosos picos que se erigen alrededor del Mte. Perdido

Día 2 : Ascensión al Monte Perdido. No olvidar ropa de abrigo, gorro, agua, algo de comer y calzado de montaña. Los bastones, aunque no necesarios, sí muy recomendables. Preguntar también en Goriz (por cierto, gente muy maja) si la subida necesita de tacos de hielo y martillo. Y alehop, cuenta entre 4 y 5 h, por lo menos, para llegar a la cima. Sobretodo no desmotivarse en la última subida, muy dura, ¡ pero ya queda un poquito ! A la bajada una buena idea es mojarse los pies en el "Lago Helado" (si es que lo puedes resistir por la helor del agua), a los pies de la última gran rampa de subida. Finalmente llegada a Goriz, dónde puedo asegurar necesitaréis un buen descanso.

Los primeros bloques de nieve perpetua van apareciendo por encima de los 2800 m

El lago helado quedándose pequeño en la última ascensión al Mte Perdido

Un mar de nubes envolviendo las laderas montañosas desde la tercera cima de los Pirineos

Día 3 : Vuelta a la Pradera por el camino de arriba. Prometo que las vistas son para dejar la boca abierta durante mucho tiempo. Simplemente increíble. También durante este recorrido puede verse la Brecha de Rolando allí a lo lejos, otra de las atracciones turísticas de este paraje. La última bajada con un desnivel de 700m se hace muy dura, las piernas están ya muy castigadas... Si llegas a la Pradera, ¡ enhorabuena, lo has conseguido !

El cañón de Ordesa con la cola de Caballo al fondo

Último break antes del último agudo descenso hasta La Pradera

Más información aquí

Destiny

2008-08-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Destiny? Who does truly believe in it? I have to admit it. I'm one of those who believe that future is not written. I'd rather say that it's up to you the way you build up the road of your life. And only you have the power to modify it. Nevertheless, when some incredible coincidences come across the line of your life, when unbelievable things happen to you, then you may reformulate the answer to the destiny question. What if I'm wrong and destiny is just there ? What if an event happens because it has to happen ? Some of my personal examples just to think about it...

# Five years ago I found myself in the center of Vienna when suddenly somebody gently touched my back. Joaquín? What the ___ !!! He was a secondary-school mate, there, in the center of Vienna, after 13 years.

# A few years ago I received a phone call from a very old friend of mine. After 15 years with no news. Today we are good friends.

# Not long ago I jumped into a random tram, into a random wagon in Brussels and I found a friend from Russia ! What are you doing here ? Unbelievable, no way, embarrassing situation, I couldn't even remember her name. I should ask a mathematician for the probability to happen that meeting, that day, in that place, at that time with that person. I bet unbelievable low. But it happened !

# When all seems ready for my departure to rainy lands, then my nearly dreamed job come up in Lisbon. Why there ? Why now ? So what to do ?

# But my last unbelievable meeting just a couple of weeks ago have made me think about destiny. I was in the center of Warsaw, alone, walking around, random time, random walk. Then I decided to have a little break. The lighting was perfect for a nice picture. I'd like to take a picture of this place with me ! I raised my head, looked around me and I found somebody with big sunglasses not far from me. I'm going to ask her to take me a picture : "Please, would you mind to take me a picture ?" ; "Joaquin ?" ; "Ehrrrrrr??" She took off her sunglasses... Jesussssssss, no way, just impossible. I found Daniela, an Italian girl who I met once in a party and who I barely know but who I got to know much better that evening. And this meeting, for me is just incredible for many circumstances ! Why ? How is that possible ? Destiny ? Why ?
And here a couple of the pictures who certify my last random astonishing meeting !

Destiny ? Yes or not ???

The french Mediterranean, Canet plage and Collioure.

2008-07-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Have you ever visited the southern most part of the French Mediterranean coast ? Well, I'd say that it's worth to have a look ! For those who love virgin nature and quiet places this is not probably the best place where to go, 'cause all around you'll find many high-block buildings licking the sea shore. But where actually along the Mediterranean coast can you came across an untouched spot ? Likely nowhere, and nevertheless this is one of the most visited areas worldwide ! So, what's the secret ? Well, if you have never visited this part, go just once, and either you'll be astonished by the lively atmosphere, the beaches, the sun, the night promenades accompanied with the sea breeze, ..., or you'll just hate it, such amount of people !!!

Voilà a glance of Canet Plage and Collioure.

Canet Plage, what to say, I didn't like it, nothing special apart from the amazing beach of several tens of km non-stop. Perfect place to suntan and have a deserved holidays not further than beach-swimming pool-feeding yourself-muck around...

- Colourful photo in front of a portion of Canet Plage -

- Nice dinner with the traveling greek-english family, but horrible frozen fish. What did you expect at the first line of the beach ? -

- Self-photo with the irish army at the refreshing sea shore -

And then in summer, not even dare to take the small roads along the beach if your next destination is the quite well known town of Collioure. No, unless you like desperating traffic-jams at 35 degrees. You rather drive back to Perpignan and take the comfortable highroad to Collioure.
Well, you're arriving to Collioure, the town is down the mountains, the scenery quite beautiful. Upon arrival, first thing is how the hell to find a place to park the car... Sunday, summer, puffff... go far my friend and try not to lose your nerves. Because afterwards, Collioure is a very beautiful summer town, crowded by tourists (of course), but picturesque, plenty of nice corners worth to explore and with a transparent chilly water. Recommended yes !

- better use all kind of gadgets to protect yourself from the sun, or next day you'll seem a burnt prawn -

- the "old" town has lovely narrow and plenty of local color streets and corridors -

- " a la rica sangría de vivos colores " ! -

- Collioure, reality or postcard. Guess it ! -

Dépression post-vacances à Toulouse ???

2008-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Rien de mieux qu'une semaine plein d'évènements pour faire fuir toutes les dépressions d'été. Après des vacances à côté de la plage, entouré pour les amis, bien nourris par maman, etc., qui est vraiment motivé pour le retour au travaille ? Donc, pour quoi pas profiter du bon temps de Toulouse à l'été, du soleil, de la magnifique température et le merveilleux ambiance ? À Toulouse on peut faire plein choses, et encore plus, si on est bien établi depuis quelques années. Voilà cette semaine qui commençant par mardi.

Mardi --- On va bien ouvrir l'appétit au bar " Le Gigo". Bar situé à la place Victor Hugo, ambiance un peu jet -set, c.à.d, des hommes business vers la quarantaine, bien sûr avec cravate, un décor à la espagnole (c'est la mode en France), serveurs avenants et tapas dessin. Mais bravo, très bon et à un prix raisonnable !

- À table -

- Elles sont bien mangées ! -

Mercredi --- Il fait bon, soleil partout, allons-y, la barbecue obligé au court intérieur d'un bâtiment de la rue de Pergaminières.

- Torraeta de saucisses, merguez et chorizo -

- et petit repos après la bouffe -

Jeudi --- Eloi nous laisse pour s'aventurer à Sanghai. Fête de départ chez lui et mon ami, bonne chance, je n'ai pas doute que tu vas réussir.

- l'équipe vertirouge avec Eloi -

- Al rico appéro -

- Les cinq magnifiques sans pas trop cheveux -

Vendredi --- Anniversaire du copain d'Emilia, dans son jolie jardin aux alentours de Toulouse. Tortilla espagnole, poulet à l'aille, jambon espagnole, gazpacho andalu, ..., des enfants partout... !!! Ooooppss, pas de photos !

Sans doute, semaine enlève-dépressions ! Et le weekend à la plage... ! To be continued...

F.A.Q

2008-07-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Some answers to the questions I got about this blog :

1.- Are the pictures that you display yours ?

Almost all photos I publish are taken with my humble camera and the photographer is usually me !

2.- I'm afraid of commenting something, everybody will read it...

That's not a problem ! All the contrary, please comment in any article you want, it can be something stupid, less stupid, whatever you have in your mind. Furthermore it can be totally anonymous and by commenting you help to become my blog more popular. So please, comment ! By the way, I don't earn a single eurocent with this blog. It is no my intention, I don't admit publicity.

3.- There are some stories which I'd like you'd write more, like "love pain".
Just drop me a mail and we'll see...

4.- How often do you write ?
Depending on the period, but I'll try to do it pretty often.

5.- Why do you write in several languages ?
Well, just to make it accesible to everybody. Anyhow, if you don't understand something I recommend you to use google translator tool. You'll have a very good approximated translation of the article !

¡ Una de amigos con calamares !

2008-07-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Tesoros pueden haberlos muchos en la vida, de muy diferentes formas, gustos y colores. Algunos los llaman dinero, otros salud, otros amor, otros vacaciones... pero entre todos ellos yo me uno a aquellos que dicen "el mayor de mis tesoros son los amigos". Sin querer quitar ni un ápice de importancia a aquel tesoro que nos une por sangre con nuestros padres y nuestros hermanos, la familia, el que tiene un amigo tiene un tesoro. Y cuando digo "amigo" se comprende no aquella persona que te enaltece con su presencia cuando todo marcha sobre ruedas, sino entiéndase aquel sujeto que te aliviará y estará a tu lado en los momentos de dolor, desesperación, pánico, tristeza...

Hace unos días pasé una semana de vacaciones en Valencia. Allí volví a ver a algunos de estos que yo llamo "amigo". He aquí este artículo gráfico dedicado a todos ellos. ¡ Dese por aludido quien quiera !

Una de pizzas en la mansión del "jefe" del clan de los fabinos.

Ángel en una de sus actuaciones estelares

Inmita la dulce tomándose un limoncín en Play Puig beach

María conduciendo "el bólido" y desesperándose de camino a Toulouse

Y de camino a Toulouse, merendola a la valenciana, coca de llanda y yogurth hacendado

Y para finalizar, he aquí la sección especial "El Gito". Primeramente una demostración estelar de este pedazo de artista :

y aquí el talento de imitación de nuestro querido "El Lozi", bajo techo y en diferido :

y al aire libre y en directo :

Barcelone en Juillet

2008-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dans mon article précèdent j'ai dit quelque mot sur Barcelona. Il faut pas me mal interpréter ! Je pense que Barcelone est une jolie ville avec ses grandes monuments et avec une bonne planification structurelle. Ceux qui je n'aime pas sont ceux qui se félicitent de nommer à Barcelone comme la ville la plus"cosmopolite" d'Espagne. Oui, probablement c'est vrai, mais à mon avis trop, trop cosmopolite jusqu'au point de la faire parfois une pure attraction touristique. Franchement, il me manque l'ambiance espagnol, cet ambiance que l'étranger cherche quand arrive à Barcelone. Pour cela il faudra bien aller loin du centre. Barcelone est loin d'être synonyme de "toros", "paella" ou "flamenco". Ne le cherches pas ici car vous trouverez un truc purement désigné pour le touriste !!!

Par contre, Barcelone a beaucoup à offrir et de grande qualité grâce aux artistes qu'ont laissé un patrimoine d'incroyable richesse culturelle et architectonique. Tels sont les exemples que l'on peut trouver à Barcelone de Miró, Picasso, Ramon Casas, Domènech i Montaner ou bien sur, l'héritage de l'oeuvre de Gaudí. Alors quoi faire à Barcelone ? Voilà un plan intéressant pour deux jours et demi avec arrivée à la fin de l'après-midi :

Première demi journée, montée à Montjuïc avec sa superbe vue de Barcelone, puis visite au port commercial. Finir la journée en se laissent imprégner de l'ambiance de "las Ramblas", avec une visite au "Café de Fades" et un rafraîchissement à la Plaza Real.

La deuxième journée sera la plus intense. Commencer pour "El Barrio Gótico" ; visite à la cathédrale (quelque bougie à offrir aux nombreux Saints qui sculptent la cathédrale ?), laisser se perdre dans ses charmant rues étroites (shopping shopping), rejoindre las Ramblas et arriver à la Pza. de Catalunya. C'est le moment d'enfiler le "Paseo de Gracia", où trouverons plusieurs merveilles architectoniques, tels que "Casa Batlló" ou "Casa Milà" (La Pedrera). Ensuite on rentrera directe sur l'Eixample pour arriver à la majestueuse "Sagrada Familia". Pour quoi pas une petite sieste ? La journée devra continuer avec l'adorable "Parc Güell". Deuxième sieste ? De retour vers le centre, on pourra bien plonger dans les nombreux boutiques. Mon dieux, est-ce qu'il y avait des magasins de chaussures ?

Troisième journée ; on ira directe vers la Ciutadella, en traversant la charme des quartiers les plus anciens de Barcelone. Une fois là-bas, profiter d'un temps de repos à l'ombre sous l'abri d'un vieux arbre. Ensuite, déjeuner au port olympique et longer la mer en direction de la statue de Colon. Le soir, cette fois là avec l'aide d'un véhicule, visite au Tibidabo et couronner ce séjour avec un dîner "de tapas" à un bar submergé dans un quartier populaire. Il val vraiment la peine !!!

Intense ? Oui, très intense, mais il te permettra avoir une bonne impression de la charmant ville de Barcelone !

Demain, Toulouse !!!

¿ Valencia ?

2008-07-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

¡ Qué Barcelona tiene La Sagrada Familia ! Sí. ¡ Qué Madrid es la capital ! Sí. ¿ Y qué ocurre con una ciudad con cada vez más nombre como es el caso de Valencia ? Cada vez que voy allí me topo con una ciudad moderna, vanguardista, que se mueve... No discuto la belleza de Barcelona, pero bajo mi humilde punto de vista, si el extranjero que viene a España busca el famoso ambiente español, Barcelona está lejos de ser el buen sitio. Paseando por las encantadoras Ramblas, es más fácil oir un "Today is tuesday" o "Ogi é mardi" o "Vandaag is dinsdag" que un "Hoy es martes". No discuto la grandiosidad de Madrid, pero le falta esa inmensa masa de agua que constituye el mar.

No quiero afirmar con rotundidad que Valencia sea la ciudad más bonita de España, pero eso sí, puedo afirmar que es una ciudad muy muy completa : sol, playa, mar, gastronomía, modernismo, historia, pubs por doquier, ciudad grande pero no gigante, una abrumadora Ciudad de las Ciencias, una zona marítima de ensueño, un zoo de primerísima generación, unas fiestas únicas... y un ambiente que desborda. ¿ Qué le quitaría y qué le pondría ? Pues bien señora alcaldesa, aprovéchese del buen clima de Valencia y el hecho de ser una ciudad plana, para quitar coches y más coches y dejar paso a bicis y más bicis.

Y las comparaciones son odiosas, pero dos eventos únicos de gran magnitud tendrán lugar próximamente en Valencia : El gran premio de Fórmula 1 en circuito urbano y segundo de la historia después de Montecarlo, dónde ayer tuve la oportunidad de realizar algunos giros con mi coche (la carne se te pone de gallina...), y un segundo sólo reservado para las grandes ciudades, un concierto del último world tour de la diva del pop mundial, Madonna. ¡¡ Allí estaré y os contaré !!

Zaragoza - EXPO 2008

2008-07-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Upon arrival to Zaragoza airport and later to the Expo, we discover that there is still lot of infrastructure meant to be done for this event, not finished yet. The most tragic exemple is the marvelous train station "Estacion de Delicias". Still under construction..., what will happen after the Expo ? What will happen with those luxurious hotels close to the airport which are not finished yet ? I hope Zaragoza has a ambitious plan post-expo.

And the expo... It was my first one, likely I had lot of expectations, because joined to the poor content of most of the "pabellones" (some of which were just a pure shop far from the topic of this expo), the organization was at some points catastrophic. We had appreciated more information. Dear folks, upon arrival remember to queue for the "fast ticket", without which you'll miss most of the sparse worth "pabellones". Germany was an exemple of a worth pabellon in harmony with the topic of the expo.

Food ? Well, expect a single-slice cheap jam sandwich if you choose the cheap option. Otherwise, a wonderful place is the Mexican bar at the first floor ground. Wow, really tasty original tapas with a cold Coronita. The atmosphere pretty nice, the fairground is done up for that and the main attraction, "La Torre del Agua"... dude, take it easy, you'll walk up for and endless corridor of 1.2 km, equivalent to a 20 stories building and what will you find up there ? Well, nothing, just a bar where you can quench you thirst... Then same way for walking down... disappointing though... From my humble point of view, the best is the night atmosphere, mainly around the concerts and shows that are programmed all around. Worth to go ? Why not if you live closeby, but definitely not if you have to travel long just for a single day in the expo.

Then, modernity, rush, crowd, hot, show, music, queues ...

Love pain

2008-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Pain caused by love, does it exist ?

Although it may be a topic of passionate discussion, you'll mostly agree with me that YES. It's sort of psychological pain but it also may yield physical problems, like lack of appetite, insomnia, depression, etc. In any case, it is popularly known as the "worst and most harmful pain" !

Let me tell you an extract of the story of a friend of mine, which is now deeply suffering this pain. Sometime ago, he met an extraordinary girl, with a blinding smile. Soon after their first meeting, they started a cute relationship. It was not just another relation to include in their lists, but they both thought that it could be an important, perhaps definitely one. Despite their similarities, they had some problems since they both wanted to impose the way the other had to be. After this, my dear friend had some doubts facing the intolerance of his girlfriend. However, he rapidly understood the sadness of his girlfriend at this situation, and he self-convinced that he had to fight if he wanted to construct something in his life. If my friend had stopped their relation at this stage, his girlfriend had likely suffered most of the pain. But soon after they concluded that they loved each other and that they had to join forces to make it work.

After some time, my friend became the problem and they reached their first big crisis. However, after some talk he engaged himself to change and make to his wonderful girl the happiest person in the world. From that moment, everything seemed to work very well. My friend gave for his first time his heart to a girl. In spite of all his previous relationships, he hadn't do it before, likely because his not easy way of life. From that moment, my dear friend started intensively to find the way to get closer to her (they were separated by many km as it happen with modern relations), the way they could see each other very often. What is more important, he started to plan his life in order to design a future which soon would bring them together, not in no matter which way, but with stimulating lives and jobs. And the day came when my friend, after all his amazing efforts, managed to be appointed for that new incredible job which would bring both of them happy and very close. Everything promised a wonderful future.

Nevertheless, the storm arrived the same day he was appointed for a new job. At night, when they used to speak, she planned to leave him. Unexpectedly, my friend experienced in the interval of 8 hours the terrific feeling from being the happiest person in the world to the saddest person over the earth ground. He confessed that the pain he felt is like that produced by the sharp blade of a knife.

Even though the conclusion for them might be that they are very similar, that they pursue kind of similar objectives in life, that they were looking for the same relation and even as a couple, they looked a pretty nice (even admitted by their respective friends), some obscure inspiration contaminated her suddenly. What a few weeks ago it wasn't even a tiny obstacle for her, now it became a big wall, what she was dreaming a few weeks before for him and their lives, now became a big problem for her... During this last stage, the pain sharpened, as coincidentally he discovered that a third person was involved...

My friend still thinks that this girl is probably unique, he admires her for her talent, for her way of being, for her intelligence, for her smile. However, hypothetically this girl clearly showed an important lack of maturity, she just gave up conditioned by the combination of her own soul and the third party. At her frustration for this failure, she hypothetically takes shelter at this new guy, making the pain even worse for him. Disappointment and wounded is as he feels.

My friend has now lost his smile, he is not the same, he suffers in silence and he feels the pain inside him like a person that has brutally being tabbed. So yes, the answer is yes, when I look at my friend and feel what he is going through, all the pain he is feeling under all these circumstances, then I'm sure he feels a distressing pain.

But I know my friend, he is really strong, he has a remarkable force to recover from all kind of situations, he has a beautiful smile too, he is enthusiastic and active and he'll go forward. My friend, I'm sure that, with the help of your friends (included myself), I'm sure you will overcome this terrible pain you feel. The destiny wanted them to continue being alive, and the same whimsical destiny might join them once again. And my friend, don't worry, live calm, you are a worthy person, she perhaps doesn't deserve you, not yet, but if she does, once she will come back to fix that coin of your heart that she has broken in so many pieces and that so much pain is producing you. Breath, chill out, be yourself and smile...

Now my friend,
good night,
sleep well,
and don't let the bugs bite you.

Reporting...

Toulouse au couché du soleil

2008-03-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Il y a seulement quelque semaines ils ont ouvert à Toulouse une promenade qui part du jardin des Abbatoires, alonge la Garonne et elle arrive jusqu'à presque la Prairie de Filtres. Elle est tout opposée aux berges de la Garonne qui passent par la Daurade. Quand il fait bon, elle est une jolie promenade. Juste quand le soleil commence à disparaître vous pourriez prendre de jolies photos comme ceux qui je vous montre ici. De plus, vous pourrez sentir la chauleur stockée dans les murs "roses" de cette promenade.

Estambul beach

2008-02-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Seguro que muchos de aquellos que han tenido la suerte de visitar Estambul han estado alojados en la zona de Sultanameth, llena a rabiar de hoteles, hostales y albergues juveniles. Se trata del área más turística de Estambul, histórica, impresionante, grandiosa y muy cerca del mar, confluencia entre el estrecho del Bósforo y el Mar de Mármara. Aquí yacen muchos kilómetros de paseo bordeando el mar. Esta zona es ideal para atrapar un buen bronceado. Sin embargo no pierdan el tiempo buscando la playa en el sentido tal y como la conocemos, porque no se toparán con ella por mucho que la busquen. Este paseo está separado del mar por bastas rocas. Aha ! Esta es "la playa" que deberías buscar ! Alejáte un poco del comienzo de este paseo, a la salida de los jardines del Top Kapi Palace, con mucha gente, un poco sucio y maloliente y piedras bastante irregulares. Anda un poco, aproximadamente entre 15-20 minutos y encontrarás largas piedras casi planas, muy poca gente, y con vistas impresionantes al estrecho del Bósforo (ver la foto). Aquí puedes tomar el sol tranquilamente durante todo el tiempo que quieras. Además, un chapuzón también es posible, sin ningún peligro, y con los enormes cargos desfilando justo delante de ti. Enjoy it !

A year off. New period.

2008-02-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

More than a year has passed by since I wrote for the last time in this blog. The main reason was the end of my PhD. This is a very hard period, which many of the Dr. will understand very well. After that successful period I decided to take few months off to travel and learn a lot about the world. The experience has been extremely positive. I found many great things and people in my trips. Then I started working again in a new place, looked for a new house... More than a year has passed by.

In this new period of my blog I want to mainly write about my trips. Not only what I did or what beautiful monuments I saw, but rather than that my idea is giving tips based on my own experience, advices which you likely won't find in any other touristic guide. Welcome to this new period of my blog. I hope you like it !

Una bonita ruta pel Sud-Oest de Turquia

2006-07-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Com la majoria, comencarem la nostra aventura en Estambul, una ciutat d'unes dimensions difícils a imaginar. Des de l'aeroport es pot agafar el metro, que et pot portar fins a l'estació d'autobusos (Otogar) o prop del centre (Aksaray). Nosaltres vam arrivar fins a l'Otogar, ja que volíem anar directes a Izmir. Allí preparat per a ser abordat per molts turcs, que aparentment volen ajudar-te a trobar un bitllet. Fins i tot intentaran ajudar-te amb el teu equipatge. Es pot fer fastigós. El objectiu es que lis dones una propina (amb 5 TYL deuria ser suficient, encara que ells et demanaran més). Existeix una gran quantitat de companyies de bus. Les més eficients son Ulusoy i Varan. Son més cares que les altres, però no molt més, i et portaran en un bus d'un comfort, que difícilment trobaràs al teu païs!

Izmir; resulta impressionant la bahía tan gran que té. D'un extrem a l'altre transcurreixen molt kilòmetres, de forma que hi han mini-vaixells qui tallen pel mig, fent el camí molt més curt. Primera impressió: a l'Universitat no deixen barrejar nois amb noies. Deuen dormir en edificis separats, qui a més estan vigilats! Al centre es pot menjar acceptablement per menys de 5 euros! Després es pot fer la festa a un dels múltiples garitos nocturns que existeixen. A part del centre, resulta interessant agafar el telefèric i pujar fins a l'alt de la muntanya. La vista és fabulosa! També és de visita obligada el centre de Mevlana i, si fa molta calor, passar una vesprada al Aquapark d'Izmir.

D'Izmir podem dirigir-nos cap a Ozdere, una ciutat que no tindria res d'especial si no fora per les seues platges! Té uns bons kilòmetres al costat del mar, així com calitas d'aigua transparent. La ciutat és ideal per anar de compres, ja que els preus son molt reduïts i es pot trobar tota mena de souvenirs que cerquem. Prop d'Ozdere estan Ephesus i Sirince. Ephesus és una antiga ciutat romana. Resulta impressionant constatar la grandària d'aquesta antiga ciutat i vore la quantitat de ruïnes que hi han, amb un gran teatre romà. El dia es pot tancar amb una degustació de vins a Sirince, petit poble però molt acogedor i on pots comprar un souvenir dins una de les múltiples tendes qui hi han pel turista. Els preus poden generalment negociar-se!

El següent puesto, anant una mica cap al Sud, és donar-se una volta per Kusadasi. Aquest és un lloc molt turístic, on els preus s'incrementen considerablement, encara que és pot dormir a un hotel amb vistes al mar i amb desdejuni per només 6 euros! Per tenir una bona vista aura que pujar fins a la estàtua d'Ataturk. Però atenció, per anar allí tindrem que passar pels més modests blocs de vivendes, algunes molt pobres. Sense cap dubte, això crida l'atenció dels habitants d'aquella àrea. Et trobaràs normalment desbordat per molts xiquets que et portaran fins a la estàtua. Els crits i el alborot podríem fer-te sentir insegur! Durant el dia no deuria haver cap problema, ja que els homes estan treballant al poble, però millor anar amb companyia... Després es pot anar a una de les platges de Kusadasi. Generalment son molt petites i estan plenes plenes de gent. Es pot acabar el dia per una visita, més tranquil·la, al vell castell.

Pròxima parada: Tire, ara si, prepara't a viure la Turquia tradicional . Val la pena barrejar-se amb la cultura popular, comprar al bazar, fumar la pipa a un bar, anar al barber, visitar el carrers centrals... (llegir el blog baix). El final de la ruta ens pot portar a llocs més coneguts. El nostre camp podem plantar-ho a Fethiye. Però de camí (encara que no exactament), visita obligada a Pamukkale. És increïble. Si be també posseig moltes ruïnes, amb un teatre encara més impressionant que el de Ephesus, tot això es veu eclipsat pels banys naturals d'aigua carregada amb oxid-càlcic. Resulta impressionant, encara que uns anys darrere hi havia molta més aigua i tot el mon podia banyar-se. Ara només es pot fer dans certs piscines que es troben camí del descens...

Fethiye és conegut per les seues platges. El més tradicional és rentar un vaixell (12 islands trip), que et portarà fins a unes cales d'aigues transparents i on pots fer una banyada. A més els vaixells venen equipats d'un bon equip de música i de restaurant, que et farà sentir-te com un rei per algunes hores! A una hora de Fethiye en bus es troba Saklikent, un altre puesto molt conegut ja que aquí es pot trobar un paratge natural impressionant. Manantial natural d'aigües, es pot passejar per unes gargantes molt estretas al mateix temps que chapotant aigua barrejada amb terrissa i que diuen molt sa! L'altre puesto obligat és Dalyan. D'aquí es pot anar fins a les platges d'Oludeniz, inclòs el Blue Lagoon, un lloc imposant, on les altes muntanyes arriven fins a la mateixa vorera del mar i el llac i, formen un lloc molt bonic. Per passar al Blue Lagoon es deu pagar un petita entrada. Per acabar el periple en el Sud-Oest de Turquia es pot agafar un altre vaixell qui et portarà dins un parc natural de canyes, on si tens molta sort podràs vore una tortuga, passaràs per les Rocky Tombs i et portarà fins altres platges molt boniques fins al migdia. Després un restaurant pel camí i parada final als banys de terrissa. Allí flotaràs en la terrissa, encara que el olor siga molt dolent, com a ou podrit! No obstant la terrissa amb les aigües termals deurien deixar-te la pell molt suau...

Aquest trajecte es pot fer en dos setmanes, encara que siga intens val la pena i farà del teu viatge pel Sud-Oest de Turquia un viatge inolvidable !

Tire, straight to the traditional Turkey

2006-07-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I step on turkish lands and honestly, it has caused an important feeling on myself. Let's forget the touristic Turkey, with sandy beaches, transparent waters and done up for 'the rich tourist'. Instead let's get deep into the turkish lifestyle and let's gonna spend some days in some traditional cities, such as Ozdere or Tire. Tire is a small city, with a population of less than 50.000 people.

It is a very conservative, muslim town. The first cultural shock was when girls of our group were asked by our turkish friends to wear moderate clothes, nothing of low-cut shirts or mini-skirts. It is not banned, but it respects the local dress-style. Actually, the superiority of men, at women's detriment, it is still imposed at this town. Women wear mostly shawl, only a few of them work, they are prohibited to go to bars, which are men-exclusive. Previous agreement with the owner of a very centrally situated bar, we got into one of these bars with the girls of our group. We could check the complains of some old men, but that was all... In these bars men smoke water-pipes, drink a turkish coffee or thee, or just look what is going on outside. If you try to find accomodation with a large group of people in a public institution (such as the University), be ready to be separated in different building boys and girls, with the impossibility to adventure incursion at women's building, which is surveilled...

At this city, as in many others around, the most ancient jobs can still be contemplated: horseshoe-maker, carpet and handmade gift makers and specially it results relatively easy to find a barber! Yes, they are practically extinguished in Western-Europe, but in Turkey is pretty easy to find them. Some of us got a raze-shave. Wow! How much would you pay for a delicate hand shave, included face creams, perfumes, hairbrush, taking away ugly face hairs, tidy the neck hair contour, face massage and if you are lucky, as I was, shoulder and arms massage simultaneously by three persons? Furthermore, turkish coffee and cigarette included. Well, I'd probably pay around 10 euros. We just paid 2.5 TYL (1.2 euros) !!!

Turkish bazar are like our street markets. However they are specially good concerning spices, fruits and vegetables. Prices result derisory for western-europe citizens. For example, for a few saffron threads we'd pay around 1 euro. In Tire we got for the same price natural saffron enough for cooking for at least two years. A kilo of excellent quality apricots or cherries cost also 1 euro. And what to say about items of clothes... Markets are, moreover, popular and very big for the town size. Everything is negotiable not only in markets, but at every regular shop. At the moment that shopkeepers notice you are foreigner they might try to benefit by increasing the price of the item. A friend of mine paid 1.5 TYL for a half-liter EFES bier in a normal shop. Three minutes later I had to pay 2.5 TYL for the same bier in the same place. Worth anyway!

In general people results to be very cordial. The Tire major welcomed us in his office and asked us about our opinion of what could be improved in the city. Local people use to look at you as if you were a sort of alien. Don't take it badly, since they are not used to see people like us. It is also remarkable the amount of inhabited buildings which are not completely finished, or those which only the framework is build up! The lack of money seems to be the main reason, but a tax trick seems also to be behind this. Traffic is wild, no rules, no clear traffic signs, people loves tooting horns all around...

Turkish celebrate boys circumcision in style. The boy, dressed with traditional clothes, is driven through the city with half of his body off the window, while everybody waves and toot car-horns. A food-music party follows this ritual. Turkish love natural yogurth in every meal. Don't miss Ayran, a sort of salty milk, which however is healthy and particularly I found pleasant.

If it is the first time you get into a muslim country, you'll be astonished by the imam chants at every mosque. They do it five times per day during a few minutes and the chant can be listened all around the neighbourhood. Specially charming seems to hear it at 5:00 AM, when there are no other background noises, from the top of a Tire hill, with the echo of all different chants. Really astonishing and beauty. Maybe those who live next to a mosque do not share this opinion...

Don't waste your time looking for a bowl water, meaning that place where you sit down, maybe read the journal or smoke a cigarette and has as objective defecate. Usually you'll come across a hole and a water jug, which is supposed to be used to clean your bottom. With what? Guess it... A final curiosity of this peculiar city: old men play also a game, which combines features of marbles and 'petanca' game, and supposed to have the origen in Spain.

My opinion is that nothing can result charmer than spend a few days under real turkish life. You'll get a strong impression of many things, you may have the feeling of going back 30 years back on time, but you may love it and will help you to appreciate all that you possess.

Un España-Francia de la copa del mundo, desde Francia...

2006-06-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

No tengo que volver a recordar el resultado del partido de ayer, todos lo conocemos, todos lo hemos visto una y otra vez en todos y cada uno de los medios de comunicación existentes. Lo que sin embargo la mayoría no saben es lo que significa vivir en Francia, tener muchos amigos franceses, ser un futbolero, y tener que vivir la derrota del equipo español rodeado por los cuatro costados de franceses...

Desde ayer a las 22:58h hasta esta mañana a las 11:25 he recibido ni más ni menos que 16 llamadas, 13 SMS y 8 mails por el famoso partido... El calvario empieza en la casa de mi amigo Francesc, en plena Toulouse, donde unos 35, mezclados entre españoles y franceses, nos juntamos para ver los octavos de final de la copa del mundo. Al final del partido comienzan las primeras "felicitaciones" entre sarcásticos cánticos de "que viva España, lalala...". Y a partir de ese momento el teléfono no para de sonar y sonar... Más y más felicitaciones... Al principio uno aguanta pero poco a poco te empiezan a tocar los xxxx. De camino con mi coche español hacia la emblemática Place St.Pierre de Toulouse, decenas de coches me hacen luces, me tocan el pito, me cantan en los semáforos... bufffff... Por suerte dejo el coche algo alejado de la susodicha plaza, donde me reúno con unos amigos. Más y más franceses siguen felicitándome... Al cabo de media hora decido volver a casa, tanta Marseillaise, tanto chovinismo empieza a hacerme sentir mal... El que es futbolero, siente esto como un duro golpe, y viviendo en Francia el efecto se cuatriplica...

Hoy en el trabajo más de lo mismo, prácticamente no he conseguido trabajar en todo el día, todo el mundo viene a verme, tooooodo el mundo desfila por delante de mi oficina... Me cuelgan un gallito francés en la puerta... ¡Buffff, qué día, qué día...! J'en ai marre !!!

En el fondo nos lo tenemos merecido, desde el primer partido nos auto-proclamábamos campeones del mundo, el mejor equipo del mundial. Desde los periódicos deportivos españoles se le estaba jubilando a Zidane, y el último gol de Zizou en el último minuto hace daño, mucho daño, pone el dedo en la herida... Menos "chambrer", menos caperucitas... El supertoro español se ha quedado otra vez en ovejita, algún día entenderemos que hay que ser humilde y que esto del fútbol no es tan sólo jugar con el pecho bien hacia afuera.

The game of selling militar patrol boats and transport planes

2005-11-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

And finally they got an agreement... Spain is going to sell military material to Venenzuela. And I don't say construct, because the most important components, engine and avionics, will be done in Germany and France. Spain will have the honour to mount all the structure of the planes and boats and, become commissioners of French and Germans. We not even use our right to fabricate high-tech components, not for this deal, but for a really big contract with Airbus.

Zapatero, once more, has been able to use his delicate exquisiteness to put us against EEUU, as he did when, childlike, he didn't get up when the American flag passed in front of his face in Madrid. But despite this, despite that anti-Americanism which he proudly shows off, despite his unique skills to break sharply the relations with the most powerful economy of the globe, despite that, I have to get up and dedicate a noisy clap to the current Spanish government. They have been able to hold and achieve an important contract, which will create several hundreds of employments and will give life for a few years else to some Spanish shipyards.

However, when I look further I wonder if it is really such a good deal: The diplomatic relations with EEUU are getting even colder, altough Moratinos has the rudeness to say that they are fluid and better than ever. Instead we earn 'democratic' friends like Chavez and Castro. American investments, which suppose the 6% of the PIB, are held up and difficult to envisage new ones (as example remember what happened with the boycott to the Catalan cava).

Is it that good ? Bravo Zapatero ...

Mum, what do I wear tomorrow?

2005-07-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Today is not what I would say a scorchy, tedious, hot day. Here, at the South of France, the day is clean, bright, but due to the unstable atmosphere of the past few days, the ambience is rather chilly for this period of the year. However since yesterday I had pretty clear what to wear today: "pirate pants", of those very light, perfectly designed to stand summer high-south temperatures, and a light blue polo shirt, together with a pair of sandals... in other words, ready for the summer. However I have to be honest, but I have felt cold almost the whole day!

It is pretty funny, I have remarked it already, but in general terms, people do not wear clothes depending on the weather that day or on the weather forecast of the last evening. In turn, people use to look at the calendar and wear clothes accordingly, no matter if it is rainy, cloudy or clear. I remember last winter, second week of january, I left home wearing as everyday, gloves, cap, scarf and a thick coat. Nonetheless that was an anormal hot day for winter season, and most of people as well as me, we were roasting ourselves with all these attires.

Another advantage of the weather forecast service: mum, what do I wear tomorrow?

La politisation des JJOO

2005-07-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Cinq candidats, cinq grandes villes du monde, cinq concurrents pour un seul grand prix: l'organisation des olympiades de 2012. Encore loin, c'est vrai, mais beaucoup d'illusion entre toutes les candidatures. Et spécialement, d'accord avec ça qu'on a lu dernièrement, beaucoup d'espoir pour Paris, Madrid et aussi Londres.

La première votation arrive. Moscou est éliminé. Ça été prévu. Mais on commence les mouvements politiques, les clignes de l'oeil des unes et autres, les donne-moi et je te donnerai... La partie des échecs déclenche. Et après Moscou, New-York perd ses options. Cette fois Espagne prendre l'avantage. Mais ce n'est pas gagné pour Madrid et, à la prochaine votation les américaines se vengent du manifeste anti-américanisme du nouveau chef d'état espagnol, le messieur Zapatero. Sans le support des États-Unix et ses partisans, Espagne est "incompréhensiblement" éliminé. Et arrive le moment final, Paris est sûre de ses chances, mais ils ne content pas avec la préférence espagnole pour Londres (demander a Zapatero) et les membres africaines du COI qui partagent une bonne relation avec le gouvernement de Blair. Échec et mat. Bravo Anglaterre, ils ont gagné cette partie.

Moi comme la majorité de entre nous, je pensait que par une fois le sport était raisonnablement séparé de la politique, que l'esprit des ceux qui ont le pouvoir de choisir tel où quelle ville ne répond pas aux intérêt politiques. Moi, quel ignorant! Peu choses échappent aujourd'hui au monde des intérêts économiques et politiques. Dommage! La votation de la ville que accueillera les olympiadas de 2012 a devenu une partie d'échec multi-jouer, avec les anglais comme les meilleurs stratège.

El bazar francés del referendum

2005-05-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

No quiero entrar en descripciones políticas, en quién tiene la razón y en quién no la tiene, dónde una política social se hunde ciegamente en las profundidades de los mares o dónde tal Ministro evidencia maestría legislativa... Para todo esto ya hay mucha gente que escribe.

En tanto que residente en Francia, me he encontrado irremediablemente envuelto por la gran pregunta de este año: Constitución Europea, ¿sí o no? Nunca llegué a imaginar la lucha tan feroz que esta consulta social provocaría en el seno de la sociedad francesa. Los partidiarios del SÍ y del NO se han encarnizado en una lucha desenfrenada, culpándose los unos a los otros sin compasión alguna. Hasta aquí todo más o menos normal...

Ayer domingo 29 de mayo el NO gana en Francia. Unos cientos de sus partidiarios, en buena parte integrantes de la izquierda extrema francesa, salen a la calle a ondear sus banderas y hacen alarde de la derrota de Chirac. ¿Derrota de Chirac? Empiezo a no comprender la situación. Pensaba que era una consulta europea que poco tenía que ver con la política nacional.

Pero el guirigay se destapa cuando ayer por la noche se organiza en TF2 un "debate" seguido a la consulta social. Por momentos empecé a acordarme de aquel programa de Canal 9 con el padre Apeles como protagonista donde unos y otros se vociferaban e incluso liaban a mamporros en medio del plató. La gran diferencia es que en la mesa de ayer habían dos Ministros, Secretarios Generales de partidos políticos y otros nombres de peso. Sin embargo, la ley del más fuerte se imponía regularmente a la hora de tomar la palabra e incluso los Ministros parecían entrar en este juego, el moderador parecía una marioneta a la que nadie escuchaba y las descalificaciones y calumnias estaban en boca de la mayoría. Los partidiarios del SÍ se sentaban en frente de los del NO, pero entonces empecé a darme cuenta que en los dos bandos habían políticos del mismo partido y que entre ellos mismos se producían acaloradas discusiones. Cada vez entiendo menos...

Tras esta campaña y el debate de anoche me he dado cuenta del bazar político que se vive actualmente en Francia. Los partidiarios del NO, en muchos casos irresponsablemente, han querido castigar a Chirac teniendo toda Europa que pagar por ello. Dentro de un mismo partido existen varios bandos y no hay un claro ganador del SÍ o NO. La posible entrada de Turquía se ve popularmente con malos ojos y por ello se vuelve a castigar a Europa. Mientrastanto, Nicolás Sarkozy y De Villepin se frotan las manos por el más que presumible cambio de Primer Ministro...

Conclusión: La idea de una Europa unida y fuerte se va debilitando y el euro empieza también a acusarlo, los intereses nacionales prevalecen cada vez más sobre los europeos y aquellos que dirigen el viejo continente se resisten a verlo, puesto que el pastel europeo sigue siendo muy goloso. Europa, ¿SÍ, NO? Señores, hagan sus apuestas.