25.8.11
Madrid, Spain: First Impressions
**My brain is going right back into Spanish, so it’s been more difficult for me to write English well. Forgive me, for any seemly un-edited ‘moments’ in my writing***
While flying into Madrid, I noticed that it looked brand new, sort of ‘sub-divisiony’, and tan, like the desert. Everything was the exact same color from above. It made me feel like I was entering Saudi Arabia, not Spain but then again, I’ve never been here, so what do I know?
After we landed and began heading to the passport ‘check-point’ I couldn’t help but notice the herds of Americans, mainly students, entering along with me. There were also plenty of Spanish and/or Spanish speakers to go around too. I would bet it was around 50/50. All the lines to enter the country seemed to go toward the same end. Everyone just get in line! Sweet, that seemed easy enough. And you wouldn’t believe HOW easy it was. The “border control” never talked to the people with the Spanish passport, they just scanned them, checked their photo, while talking to their co-worker and the Spanish citizen entered. They were even advertising a way for the Spanish to enter, faster, with just their thumb print called the ABC system. When it was my turn to go in, they didn’t even make sure I completed my form, which I hadn’t, because I had a question, but it didn’t seem to matter, they just tore off my copy and I was given the green light. No questions asked.
After I entered, there were people randomly shouted English at me which of course irritated me and I quickly found my luggage and left toward the subway (Metra). I took a small amount of money from the ATM, changed it in for ‘monedas’ which are coins and headed to the ‘Metra’ (http://www.metromadrid.es/es/index.html) which is connected conveniently to the airport. During my walk along the long corridor toward the Metra, dirty young backpackers lined the halls in sleeping bags trying to get some shut eye. Did I mention that they were dirty? I felt sort of sorry for them.
The Metra was so easy, I didn’t even need to get the coins, and there were several real people to talk to when I arrived, including machines with options to use your credit card. ***Don’t let them sell you on some crazy card just pay for the one ride to your hotel/hostel Eu2.50, grab a Metra map and deal with the next ride when you use the subway again. The city isn’t that big and walking around is really where the excitement is. Unless of course you were determined to see every single site in one day, then maybe a day pass would come in handy.
The ride was easy, comfortable and clean. Granted it was very early in the morning, but I was very happy and I would’ve taken my grandmother on this train. It waited for people and took off slowly. The only thing was that I didn’t realize right away that the scrolling text light-board on the inside of the train listed the final destination, not the next one. There were also individual map lines to other connecting lines which took me a minute to orientate. This could be confusing to people familiar with other systems. I was happy that I had picked up the map at the station because it really came in handy!!!
As I walked around that the city, I noticed that it seemed empty and everything was closed. I thought at first that it was the time of day but later discovered that it was the time of year. This is either a good time (or bad time) to come to Madrid because everyone is on vacation until August 31st. For those wanting to spend money, it’s not a good time. For a person like me, on a budget and a photographer who wants to shoot the buildings, it is perfect; I just wandered the empty streets with seamless photographs for blocks and blocks. Looks like I’ll have to come back another time to see all the traffic, that's not such a bad deal.
Other than that, apparently, there are no places that needed to be avoided. I have met several people from Buenos Aires and they laughed at the idea of Madrid being unsafe. There are people who need money but it certainly doesn’t feel heartbreaking or dangerous, like it did in Buenos Aires. However, when it began to get dark, I began to get the feeling that I should get home. The crowds of people were beginning to arrive and everyone was clearly drinking, it felt a bit uneasy. The men began looking at me a little more and there were huge groups of people on the subway and also at the plaza’s (pictured above) but I felt immediately safe as soon as I got to my neighborhood.
People were enjoying themselves on the street. Everyone was hanging out. It was super relaxed. There was a little business of people selling beers on the street. I could imagine that Americans who like to drink to the point of vulnerability could definitely get taken advantage of. Common sense folks!
I highly recommend Madrid so far, outside of the CENTRO or anything off of Gran Via, which scares me. This is where all the big chain hotels are, including any chain fast food or restaurants. Outside of that zone, what I have seen has been super comfy, relaxed, good on a budget, safe and the people have been very friendly. FYI: In chill areas: EVERYTHING CLOSES 11PM. So don’t forget to EAT SOMETHING or buy food before that happens!!!!
21.8.11
6 1/2 weeks in Europe.
I have always been fascinated by Europe. I love the idea of being one of those writers or artists wandering the streets, meeting people, speaking different languages. To some, it may seem to be an irresponsible thought but for me it's an actual part of who I am. I am a natural traveler and I am an artist. I don't have too much of an attachment to environments or material possessions. I only have attachments to music, art, literature, people and occasionally food. I am the type of traveler who likes to know a little or a lot about the city I am entering into. I will also walk all day to discover new things when I get there. I am a natural tour guide to friends and if we were on a camping trip, I would be the type of person who would go out to the unknown and report back to where everyone is safe by the fire. I can’t tell whether it’s courage or stupidity, feels like a fine line sometimes.
Before I began studying Spanish in 2008, I met a dear friend from Buenos Aires. I told him about my dreams to learn his language and then move to Spain. I had dreamt about Italy for many years prior but set my sights on Spain after working for 13 years in the restaurant business with half Spanish speakers and seeing the usefulness of the language in my own country. When I told this Buenos Aires, friend of my dream, he said very nicely, ‘Molly, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your vision but why not go to Buenos Aires?’ He explained that it was much cheaper and very similar to the Spanish culture. That evening in the fall of 2008, I went home to begin my research of Buenos Aires, and discovered that not only did it have Spanish influence but also Italian. It was a two in one deal. One year later I moved there.
I fell in love with Buenos Aires and I will always see it as my first love. I stayed there through thick and thin and it never seemed to let me touch the ground. That city was very good to me, I felt very grateful for that because I met a lot of people who didn’t feel that way. I felt very lucky to be there and extremely humbled. After a year and a half, my mind began to dream again in Europe. The problem was that I was earning the peso. That turned out to be around 1000 dollars a month. I saw the other people struggling and dreaming about these places too. I knew that I didn’t have to struggle if I just went back to the states for one summer to work. These were the moments that I felt privileged to the point of guilt.
After one year and a half in Buenos Aires, a full set of friends, a good job and a home, I packed up and left Buenos Aires toward the only “time” in Chicago, summer “time”. I came home for the summer to save money and go to Europe but I have received so much more. I have connected with new friends and old. I met my new nephew, Ryder Robinson Russ for the first time. I have seen the uniqueness and beauty in the city’s world famous architecture like never before. I reconnected with the streets, I plugged back into the rhythm. My favorite part of my return has been to speak with the locals like only a local can. It makes me feel that I am home and safe.
Now, the summer is coming to an end and I am preparing to leave for a 6 ½ week adventure to Europe. I feel so blessed to be living in this time where I could literally see the world in a couple years vs. the whole lifetime it took my family to settle to Chicago from Northern Europe, little over 140 years ago.
I start in Madrid, which is actually a very young city, founded in 1631 after taking over ownership from the Moors. Madrid has birthed many great architects and artists. There is a dreamer type attitude in most all people that I have met from Spain. Also, any person that I have met from there, so far, is very lively, fun and full of energy.
I will move through toward Barcelona and then toward Paris, then possibly Germany but over to see a friend in Krakow. This journey of mine will end in Italy thinking of the Roman Empire and how far I as an individual have come, as well as mankind, some things for good, others with room for improvement. I hope to be able to take all of it in fast enough to report back to the campfire.
Before I began studying Spanish in 2008, I met a dear friend from Buenos Aires. I told him about my dreams to learn his language and then move to Spain. I had dreamt about Italy for many years prior but set my sights on Spain after working for 13 years in the restaurant business with half Spanish speakers and seeing the usefulness of the language in my own country. When I told this Buenos Aires, friend of my dream, he said very nicely, ‘Molly, I wouldn’t want to get in the way of your vision but why not go to Buenos Aires?’ He explained that it was much cheaper and very similar to the Spanish culture. That evening in the fall of 2008, I went home to begin my research of Buenos Aires, and discovered that not only did it have Spanish influence but also Italian. It was a two in one deal. One year later I moved there.
I fell in love with Buenos Aires and I will always see it as my first love. I stayed there through thick and thin and it never seemed to let me touch the ground. That city was very good to me, I felt very grateful for that because I met a lot of people who didn’t feel that way. I felt very lucky to be there and extremely humbled. After a year and a half, my mind began to dream again in Europe. The problem was that I was earning the peso. That turned out to be around 1000 dollars a month. I saw the other people struggling and dreaming about these places too. I knew that I didn’t have to struggle if I just went back to the states for one summer to work. These were the moments that I felt privileged to the point of guilt.
After one year and a half in Buenos Aires, a full set of friends, a good job and a home, I packed up and left Buenos Aires toward the only “time” in Chicago, summer “time”. I came home for the summer to save money and go to Europe but I have received so much more. I have connected with new friends and old. I met my new nephew, Ryder Robinson Russ for the first time. I have seen the uniqueness and beauty in the city’s world famous architecture like never before. I reconnected with the streets, I plugged back into the rhythm. My favorite part of my return has been to speak with the locals like only a local can. It makes me feel that I am home and safe.
Now, the summer is coming to an end and I am preparing to leave for a 6 ½ week adventure to Europe. I feel so blessed to be living in this time where I could literally see the world in a couple years vs. the whole lifetime it took my family to settle to Chicago from Northern Europe, little over 140 years ago.
I start in Madrid, which is actually a very young city, founded in 1631 after taking over ownership from the Moors. Madrid has birthed many great architects and artists. There is a dreamer type attitude in most all people that I have met from Spain. Also, any person that I have met from there, so far, is very lively, fun and full of energy.
I will move through toward Barcelona and then toward Paris, then possibly Germany but over to see a friend in Krakow. This journey of mine will end in Italy thinking of the Roman Empire and how far I as an individual have come, as well as mankind, some things for good, others with room for improvement. I hope to be able to take all of it in fast enough to report back to the campfire.
5.8.11
Oak Street Beach
The Lake, "Michigan" was named by the French, after the Ojibwe word "mishigama", which means "large water" or "large lake”. We use this ‘large water’ for 26 miles of activity, homes and some restaurants but mostly just pure protected lake. It is lined with a bike/walking path, grand parks and beaches. You could literally walk all day in the city without ever entering the concrete jungle.
Oak Street Beach is located in the Gold Coast, just off Oak St. through an underground tunnel. It is one of the most impressive beaches with a wonderful cafe and a view looking back at the great City of Chicago.
13.7.11
The 'EL' and what that actually means.
One of the greatest things about Chicago is the very easy public transportation system. Although not the fastest system around, it certainly is one of the easiest and can theoretically get you everywhere. I say theoretically because there are certain parts of the city where you must take a bus or be picked up in a car and that can be very time consuming. I have waited over a half hour during a transfer. It has also taken me up to two hours to travel long distances, even just within the city limits.
Let me ‘break it down’ for you…
All the buses and city trains are run by CTA (City transit Authority) http://www.transitchicago.com/
If you want to ride the bus or city train, called the ‘EL’ because it’s mostly on an elevated track, you can use one card. You can go to the train vending machines and put money on a disposable card with cash or use the alternative machines in the station with a credit/debit card. For a 1/3/7/30 day pass go to a currency exchange or Jewel/Dominick’s grocery store. The most recent thing is called a Chicago card (or plus), which is a hard plastic card. This card gives you more protection and control over the money you put on it because you can monitor your money through the internet and cancel it if it’s lost/stolen. You can get this online and at some stations.
Keep in mind that when you are downtown the Red and the Blue line are subway trains and there is an underground transfer tunnel that connects them at Jackson. If you ever have questions, there is almost always a CTA employee at the station and they will help you, usually happily (unlike NYC).
Although they are cutting costs big time within the CTA, they are also adding conveniences that can ease the ride. Now, they are tracking the next train in many of the busier train stops with an electronic board that says when the next train will arrive. I like that, at least, I can make a choice to take a cab if I am in a hurry. For the buses, if you have internet access, log on to bus tracker http://www.ctabustracker.com/bustime/home.jsp. This will tell you when the next bus is coming. Once in a while the bus is not ‘trackable’ for whatever reason, weather or traffic. But overall it is a great system and is very accurate. I ran to another bus stop once with a stranger because we tracked a bus on a neighboring street. It was fun.
**Be careful!!! Lately, there is a new phenomenon called Flash Mobs. Several people (5-6), usually teenagers, are jumping/robbing people, who aren’t paying attention because they are on their phone or listening to music. Currently you will see a group of guys out wearing red berets, called the Guardian Angels. These group of guys are volunteering their own time and protecting stations with high crime rates. The program began in NYC in the 70's. These men are to be put at the utmost respect. To be a Guardian Angel, learn more or donate go here:
http://www.guardianangels.org/
Be mindful when you are riding the train. Don’t ‘zone out’ or trust people. Don’t fall for card game scams or any type of money scam. No one really needs money if they already got on the train and no one ever wins money on the train. Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instinct but don’t act afraid or naive. Stay out of any anger related situations that may occur in front of you. Stay out of peoples business, don't stare if someone is hitting their child. Be nice, calm and confident if someone talks to you or shouts at you. Don't worry, the bad experiences are few and far between. Just be cool kids.
On a lighter note, the trains to the suburbs are much nicer, quite luxurious in fact. There is also a conductor who collects your ticket and keeps out the riffraff. It’s a lot of fun to ride these trains.
If you are going to the BURBS, check out, Metra Trains http://metrarail.com/metra/wap/en/home.html
These trains will literally get you to every city in the Chicagoland area and beyond or close enough. One even goes to Wisconsin. Be careful to figure out which train station you are leaving from downtown because there are several. Union Station (225 South Canal Street)/ Ogilvie (500 West Madison Street) are the biggest and historically impressive. They are both located just west of where the Chicago River curves. You could hypothetically just go there, pick a city and go. You don’t even have to purchase your ticket at the station, although it’s cheaper. You could just get on and purchase it from the conductor. Trains are fairly frequent. Here are some suggestions for a day or night trip with a map here:
http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map.html
Kenosha Wisconson
Arlington Heights downtown (my home town)
Arlington Heights Race track
Elgin downtown (Gambling Boat)
Woodstock, Illinois
Hyde Park
Evanston (You can also get there by El train)
Ravinia music venue (http://www.ravinia.org/ )
The list goes on but those are just a few popular places. Enjoy Chicago without a car. I have been doing it very happily since 1998.
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