SOUTH INDIA CIRCUIT: Bengaluru, Madurai, Cochi, Ooti, Mysore

For those who are only used to developed countries first impression could be a bit of a shock. Even if you have some travel experience around the world you might be impressed the first time you step into an Indian city. Those who were here 20 years ago told me that things have changed a lot, that things look much better, so wowww....

These were my impressions:
- Chaotic towns and villages, driving follows the hardest law of the jungle "only the strongest survive". Do not get scared if in the middle of a curve you come with a truck speeding on your way... You'll get used to that, Indians know how to get away with that. I just wonder how they manage to drive like this. I absolutely wouldn't recommend to rent a car here...They horn every 5-10 seconds, so people and drivers are immunized for strident horn noise. Will you be able to stand it? Take it easy pal. Auto rickshaws are the easiest and cheapest way to move around cities. But you'll have to bargain the price if they don't want to put the taximeter on. However reliable and I found them charm. At least a trip by train is a must, to see how Indians travels, what trains means for them. But I wouldn't take the cheapest ticket for trains or you might regret it. Trips by road are at least twice as slower as it'd be in your home European country.

- Do not expect great cities with a sense of planned intelligent built streets. I had the impression that they are very slowly coming out of extremely poverty, so little by little, please do not complain if you don't meet your European standards, because otherwise this is not the right place for you where to go. Roads half constructed, huge potholes everywhere, no indications, no pavements in streets, etc.

- Sometimes it can be hard, you might see scenes which you won't like to see, so just get ready for that. Many Indians wait for tourists at front of the top touristic places. Although they can be quite annoying, relax, keep cool, if you are not interested for what they offer or want to sell you, just say no and the third time they'll go away. No need to be rude, really, you wouldn't like to be at their position, so please respect and treat them well.

- You'll find people almost everywhere, little places where you can find some relax, better bring your earplugs for sleeping. Most of Indians are Hindus and is easy to get into their temples. You may find someone who'd like to guide you through, better if you check that is an official guide, otherwise they'll rip you off, but we are talking of just 2-3 euros maximum, so don't really worry.

- People stare at you, but is not that bad as in countries as China.

- The best of Bengalure is the Sultan Palace, but overall India needs a couple of days before you feel acclimated. Madurai has a superb temple, amazing, the rest of the city is hard to see sometimes. Cochi has a great colonial part, but again shoppers will try to drag you in their shop. It is also very worth to pop into the Chinese fishing nets. Just great spot and you can even buy the fish you like and they'll cook for you in a restaurant. Even with very small budgets, you can afford most of things in India. For European is really really cheap. Ooty is in the mountains. It has a great places to see, but nothing you have never seen if you have travel a little bit around. Mountains are very crowded over here, but still worth to have a look if you have the time. Mysore is probably the best city I found of all of this circuit. Maybe because I felt better in India, maybe not, but they have a great Maharaja Palace and a few other amazing temples in "closer" town (about 150 km away).

For me it was such an experience. India is vast, if you connect with it you may spend a great time, but if you are looking for comfort no way to come over.

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

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

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.

Champions!

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

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

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

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

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

[...] 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

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

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

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.

       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  

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*--*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*---*-*-*-*-*--*-*--*--*

   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.

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

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 !

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.

.
¿ 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

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

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.

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 ! -