Among the many organizations sending help to Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the Junta of Castilla-Leon sent a rescue team. As you can see from the photo in the New York Post below, these people managed to save a boy from the rubble:
That’s heroic work and all of us are impressed with the risks and sacrifices made.
Here’s a great video from Spain’s Channel 1 showing the New Year’s Eve festivities at the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Keep a keen eye on the footage as they project scenes from various countries on the main building behind the hosts.
And aren’t those hosts snappy dressers? You bet! Someday I’ll have to experience New Year’s Eve in Spain. I did in Aruba once, and many other times in the USA. Each country has their own approach. Viva la diferencia!
Special thanks to www.madridman.com for tipping me off to these video.
Alicia de Larrocha passed away several days ago. Being in transit, I only learned of this sad fact last evening. A friend sent me some YouTube links of her in concert. Here’s one for those interested in seeing a great pianist making it look easy.
Even with those small hands, Sra. de Larrocha could play with ease, the true sign of a master. She will be missed not only in Spain, but the world over, for her beautiful music and legendary performances. As a side note, consider the magnificent tone of that Steinway in the video. Also a treat.
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain is worth all the hype. While planning another visit to Spain, I came across this video on YouTube, which shows many of the highlights of the palace/fortress in a computer generated animation.
The American writer Washington Irving’s Tales of the Alhambra is a great primer for anyone considering a visit. Irving is given credit for initiating the historical preservation movement thanks to this account of his travels to Spain and the Alhambra specifically. When I first toured the Alhambra, my guide made special note of Irving and went so far as to thank him for making his job possible. This sounded a bit over the top until I did some more research and discovered into what sorry shape sites such as this had deteriorated.
In earlier posts I also mentioned H.V. Morton’s A Stranger in Spain. He touches lightly on Granada but his insights into Spain in general are well worth your time. Like Irving, his account is first hand. Both of them interacted extensively with the local populace, experienced the authentic culture, and are capable writers.
Good research ahead of a trip makes it much more enjoyable and fulfilling. I’ll post more on that soon.
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