Duex L’eau

The title (read as: Do Lu) was one of the first French phrases I was taught by a friend I was meeting up with in Paris, France.  I had the opportunity to use the phrase in a McDonald’s, after ordering our quick snack (it means two waters).

McDonald’s you ask? Yes, McDonald’s. Ever since taking “Global Consumer Cultures” my freshmen year at Indiana University (an elective), I made it a mission to try a burger/chicken sandwich at a McDonald’s in every country I visit (so far I’ve got Canada, UAE, Spain, Portugal and France off my list). My goal is to apply theory to the practical world; we’ve been taught that McDonald’s practices consistency in all of its location (as much as possible), until it’s forced to change certain standards to meet the population’s needs.  This has been the case thus far. With some luck, I’ll be able to cross off seven or eight more countries before I leave Spain.

So, I agreed to make a trip to France (though it was shorter than usual) after being pestered by some dear friends (and cheap airline tickets, of course).  My hesitation stemmed from the many clichés of Paris being the “City of Love,” “A Paradise for Lovers,” etc, etc you get the picture.  But, as luck would have it, I chose the perfect time to visit.

Not only was the forecast showing sun for a five day period (rare for Paris) but it was also FASHION WEEK! I can hardly be pegged as a fashionista (the difference between Chanel and Christian Dior is beyond me) BUT the thought of being around famous, accomplished individuals always gets me worked up!  My friends and I accidentally stumbled upon a fashion show and were able to grab a few snapshots of some Guest of Honor beforehand… Daphne Burki being one of them!

Aside from being STARSTUCK, I had a great time playing tourist in the central location of one of my favorite conspiracy novels: the Da Vinci Code.  Visiting the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon, the Eiffel Tower and roaming the streets of Paris enhanced my appreciation for a culture so rich in the arts, history and diversity.  I was hoping to experience some French hostility (since I’m an AMUURICAN), but was greeted with much kindness and hospitality instead.  I definitely owe Paris (and the rest of France) another, more relaxed visit.

I also had the chance to visit the Palace Jamatkhana in Paris. I had expected it to be a grandiose, elaborate structure but was surprised when I found a modest sized building.  The only way I can describe it (I didn’t take any pictures) is to describe Northlake Jamatkhana, my second home for 19 years: a small, yet cozy, interior with enough décor to awe an outsider with just the right amount of simplicity to pull together a family of about 200 Ismailis for daily prayers.  Though I did not verbally understand most of the rites and rituals (they were conducted in French), I experienced nostalgia for the two hours that I was there.

Like I said before, I’ll have to return back to Paris to do some due diligence. Maybe it’ll be a surprise graduation present??? What do you think parents (look below)? J

Flowers Die and Candies Make You Fat

My conversation with one of my best friends, VB, reminded me why I never bought into the whole Valentine’s Day nonsense.  As VB puts it, February 14^th is the “Most Useless Holiday Ever”…chocolate makes you fat, the heart doesn’t look like a heart (he’s PreMed, if that didn’t give it away), flowers die in a couple of days and diamonds lead to little kids dying in Africa.

I agree (not so much with the little kids in Africa part).  In its origin, Valentine’s Day (El Dia de San Valentin) was established by Pope Gelasius I, in 496AD, to honor one (or more) Christian martyr, Saint Valentine.  There was never any love or romantic element associated with this day until about the 14^th Century, when people forgot the actual purpose of the holiday.

If you love someone, you don’t need a specific day to tell him/her that you do. Everyday should be Valentine’s Day.  And it shouldn’t only be a day to profess your love to a significant other, but to reiterate your love for parents, siblings, distant relatives, friends, and those who may have been part of your life for a short time for a certain purpose (as shown in the picture below with some of my beloved friends).

So my lovely readers, I leave you with one of my favorite love letters written by Beethoven.  The letter was never addressed to anybody but historians feel he wrote it for a married woman who he loved dearly (to remind the VB’s of the world the meaning of true love).

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all.

Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you.

No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men. At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection?

My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together.

Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.

Ever thine,
Ever mine,
Ever ours.

Salud. Dinero. Amor.

Health, Money and Love, three things a Sevilliano is blessed with when he sneezes; rightfully so, as my experiences, thus far, have proven these aspects to be some of the most important of life in Sevilla.

Keeping a long life in mind, Sevillianos pay extra attention to their daily diet.  With dishes based in olive oil, fresh vegetables and the finest meat, eating is an intense affair. Seriously. Over two days, I have consumed tapas after tapas at local bars, restaurants and cafes. And I’m not the slightest bit worried about gaining weight. Why, because it’s a way of life in Sevilla, and all of Spain for the matter.  Plus, the women walking on the streets are the representation of the average Sevillana: tall, slender and fit (therefore, no worries. I hope!).

Aside from stuffing my face every six hours, I have been shown the university where I will be taking my business classes, lectured about the importance of keeping a balance between schoolwork and “playing” in Sevilla and moved into my host family’s cute apartment.  Lola and her husband Manuel have graciously accepted my roommate Amanda and me into their small home and big hearts.

Greeted with a scrumptious lunch prepared by Mama Lola, my roommate and I had the opportunity to learn more about our hosts.  Parents of three grown men and an adopted niece (whose mother and father died while she was young), Lola and Manuel worked hard to raise their children and give them the best life possible.  Now, they enjoy a relaxing, retired life in their cozy apartment. In this society, family is a very important aspect of life cycle.  Having supported their children, the couple now enjoys monetary support from them.  Each individual takes care of the other, by getting a good education and a stable job to contribute to the family. It’s a great concept, one that allows Manuel to paint beautiful murals and Lola to perfect different recipes, in their free time. The power of Money.

And finally, my favorite, Love.  Never have I experienced so much emphasis on love during my travels than in Sevilla.  Spain prides itself with the Flamenco, a style of dance I was fortunate to see yesterday.  One type delineates the sorrow and pain a man/women suffers when separated from his/her lover.  I was able to capture a moment of this emotional dance.

I have felt this love everywhere in Sevilla: amongst older couples, parents and children, friends and even between los nativos y los extranjeros (natives and visitors).  I must admit, it’s a unique feeling being around such affectionate people…it makes me miss home and the good memories attached to it. Hand holding, public displays of affection, you name it…Sevilla’s got it. It’s a beautiful change in scene from the states, that’s for sure.

So the next time you sneeze, remember that I’m sending you blessing of health, money and love all the way from Spain.

Brazos y Besos (hugs and kisses) J