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Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Environmental awareness in Spain
While traveling through Spain, I had the opportunity to see first hand how the country conserves the environment. Spain’s focus is on clean energy, recycling and pollution reduction.
Caring for the planet needs to be a group effort. During my three weeks in Spain, I gained a real sense of pride and awareness about the environment. The focus in Spain is on energy conservation. I saw this in almost every hotel I stayed in during my trip. The room’s lights and air conditioning could only be turned on after inserting a key card into a special switch box, usually located on the wall of the room. Although this system was sometimes inconvenient it does help conserve energy when no one is in the room. According to Jeremy Jacquot, of treehuggers.com, approximately 27 percent of all Spain’s energy is clean energy. Throughout the country, wind turbines are present, especially in the countryside. These gigantic modern windmills stand taller than the Statue of Liberty. Their great stature gives them the advantage of using event he sightless wind flow.
The metro is another tool in Spain helping keep the air clean. The purpose of the metro is not only to provide a fast, reliable and affordable form of transportation, but it also helps alleviate congestion and pollution. I became a fan of the metro while in Spain, even if sometimes the strong body odor on the compartment made me wish I had walked to the bus, it was still a fast way to get around the city. The metro uses five times less energy than private vehicles. Subway tickets cost less than one euro. Often a better deal is buying 10 rides for less than seven euros. There is no excuse not to use their services. In Madrid there is another alternative to driving: the city buses. Most of these buses run on natural gas or ethanol fuels that aid in the reduction of carbon emissions. According to Scania, a Swedish a transportation company, Ethanol engines can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 percent, compared to engines powered by fossil fuels. Currently Spain’s government is pushing biofuels. While riding the bus, I asked Victoria Zendejas, my roommate in Spain, why we not have a transportation system like this back in San Antonio. She answered, “We should, for as big as San Antonio is, we should have one. It would save the public a lot of money.” I completely agree with her. San Antonio is a city with a population of over 1.1 million people. As a community, we could all benefit from a better public transportation system. Although we currently do have VIA (Via Metropolitan Transits), more often than not, a bus takes longer to get to your destination, and a few bus changes are necessary to even get to where you are going. Needless to say much improvement is needed for people to actively take our public busses.
Recycling is another important focal point in Spain. Almost everywhere I visited, I never failed to locate a recycling bin clearly marked for paper, glass or plastic on the streets. I was impressed as to how consistent the bins where found. Most importantly, I was awed to see that people would actually use them. I asked Zendejas. Why do you think we do not put as much efforts into recycling as they do in Spain? She replied, “Because we are lazy, plain and simple. The city does not make it simple to recycle.” San Antonio provides small bins only to those who request them, and are they often filled before they are picked up. Having little room to recycle discourages people from working the effort.
Spain works not only on recycling, clean energy and reduction of pollution. I noticed that each city took pride in their surroundings; everywhere I looked there were green trees and clean parks. In Madrid, there is an organization called Trees for Cities that is working closely with its local partner ARBA (Asociación para la Recuperación del Bosque Autóctono): ARBA is a volunteer-based organization whose focus is in reforestation project around urban areas. The Madrid tree project encourages the planting of native trees for both conservation and ecological value. The important lesson that is to be gained is to understand that our flora and fauna need conservation, especially in urban areas. Trees not only give beauty to our cities, they also give the vital oxygen we need to survive. According to Russell Ball of ARBA, “Environmental education will be a major element of this project with focus on climate change and all the associated benefits that trees bring.”
Currently a lack of public information about the preservation of our environment hinders us from knowing how we can help. In our society it is too common to expect someone else to make the effort in caring for our planet. Yet, it is only when working together that change is achieved. This is another reason why a step forward into modernization of our electric, transportation and recycling systems is necessary. Environmental awareness and involvement for each one of us should be made a priority.
Madrid, Spain Metro Station. Photo by Metro.com
Recycling bins in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Mariela Cox
Wind turbines in Spain. Photo
by Mariela Cox
Caring for the planet needs to be a group effort. During my three weeks in Spain, I gained a real sense of pride and awareness about the environment. The focus in Spain is on energy conservation. I saw this in almost every hotel I stayed in during my trip. The room’s lights and air conditioning could only be turned on after inserting a key card into a special switch box, usually located on the wall of the room. Although this system was sometimes inconvenient it does help conserve energy when no one is in the room. According to Jeremy Jacquot, of treehuggers.com, approximately 27 percent of all Spain’s energy is clean energy. Throughout the country, wind turbines are present, especially in the countryside. These gigantic modern windmills stand taller than the Statue of Liberty. Their great stature gives them the advantage of using event he sightless wind flow.
The metro is another tool in Spain helping keep the air clean. The purpose of the metro is not only to provide a fast, reliable and affordable form of transportation, but it also helps alleviate congestion and pollution. I became a fan of the metro while in Spain, even if sometimes the strong body odor on the compartment made me wish I had walked to the bus, it was still a fast way to get around the city. The metro uses five times less energy than private vehicles. Subway tickets cost less than one euro. Often a better deal is buying 10 rides for less than seven euros. There is no excuse not to use their services. In Madrid there is another alternative to driving: the city buses. Most of these buses run on natural gas or ethanol fuels that aid in the reduction of carbon emissions. According to Scania, a Swedish a transportation company, Ethanol engines can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 percent, compared to engines powered by fossil fuels. Currently Spain’s government is pushing biofuels. While riding the bus, I asked Victoria Zendejas, my roommate in Spain, why we not have a transportation system like this back in San Antonio. She answered, “We should, for as big as San Antonio is, we should have one. It would save the public a lot of money.” I completely agree with her. San Antonio is a city with a population of over 1.1 million people. As a community, we could all benefit from a better public transportation system. Although we currently do have VIA (Via Metropolitan Transits), more often than not, a bus takes longer to get to your destination, and a few bus changes are necessary to even get to where you are going. Needless to say much improvement is needed for people to actively take our public busses.
Recycling is another important focal point in Spain. Almost everywhere I visited, I never failed to locate a recycling bin clearly marked for paper, glass or plastic on the streets. I was impressed as to how consistent the bins where found. Most importantly, I was awed to see that people would actually use them. I asked Zendejas. Why do you think we do not put as much efforts into recycling as they do in Spain? She replied, “Because we are lazy, plain and simple. The city does not make it simple to recycle.” San Antonio provides small bins only to those who request them, and are they often filled before they are picked up. Having little room to recycle discourages people from working the effort.
Spain works not only on recycling, clean energy and reduction of pollution. I noticed that each city took pride in their surroundings; everywhere I looked there were green trees and clean parks. In Madrid, there is an organization called Trees for Cities that is working closely with its local partner ARBA (Asociación para la Recuperación del Bosque Autóctono): ARBA is a volunteer-based organization whose focus is in reforestation project around urban areas. The Madrid tree project encourages the planting of native trees for both conservation and ecological value. The important lesson that is to be gained is to understand that our flora and fauna need conservation, especially in urban areas. Trees not only give beauty to our cities, they also give the vital oxygen we need to survive. According to Russell Ball of ARBA, “Environmental education will be a major element of this project with focus on climate change and all the associated benefits that trees bring.”
Currently a lack of public information about the preservation of our environment hinders us from knowing how we can help. In our society it is too common to expect someone else to make the effort in caring for our planet. Yet, it is only when working together that change is achieved. This is another reason why a step forward into modernization of our electric, transportation and recycling systems is necessary. Environmental awareness and involvement for each one of us should be made a priority.
Madrid, Spain Metro Station. Photo by Metro.com
Recycling bins in Madrid, Spain. Photo by Mariela Cox
Wind turbines in Spain. Photo
by Mariela Cox
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Still me, only different.
I am still an only child, I am still married, I am still me but this trip had changed me completely. When I sign up for this three week adventure to Spain, I had not idea that deep impact it would have on me as person. I knew that taking two college classes while on the move was going to be a challenge so I can say that I was shocked to see the amount of work and dedication it took to stay on top of all of our assignments. We usually had an hour to sit down and write our blogs, respond to emails and well honestly check myspace.com. Taking a class abroad yes was hard but I learned more in those three weeks in Spain that I could have ever learned in a regular classroom setting. The books came alive to me. After reading one chapter about the history of Spain, we usually had the opportunity to visit these magnificent places. It made history came alive, these places, the battle and the people where real. It is hard to understand what really happened from black and white, but seeing the palaces, the ruins made it real.
I had read about the Moors influence in Spain but I did not realize as to what extent. I was only after spending the day at La Alhambra that it made sense. I could undresntand why the Moors did not want to leave their paradise.
Studying abroad open my eyes to the world. Seeing how another culture functions, seeing the advances and disadvantages made me realized that as a person I could make a difference, I can make the world better. I have to be honest I wish the United States would adopt some of the European ways, especially siesta and the awareness of the environment. I was so impress as to how easy it was to get around Spain, how clean it was and how life seems to revolve around food and good company. I know that I will return to Spain, actually I have chosen to study at the university of San Sebastian next summer as part of my degree in Bilingual Communication. I also know that when ever someone was to ask my opinion if they should study abroad, I am sure I will scream at them and say “GO, go get your suitcase ready!” Spain has gotten under my skin and I feel the need to return and gain more experience. The travel bug has really gotten a hold of me. Not only do I wish to return to Europe, I wish to see more of the world. If I was able to gain this much from just three short weeks in Spain, I can only imagine what more I could learn from seeing the rest of our world. I encourage for anyone who has the opportunity to travel to do it with an open mind and a good attitude, no travel is perfect but that is where the fun part usually starts
I had read about the Moors influence in Spain but I did not realize as to what extent. I was only after spending the day at La Alhambra that it made sense. I could undresntand why the Moors did not want to leave their paradise.
Studying abroad open my eyes to the world. Seeing how another culture functions, seeing the advances and disadvantages made me realized that as a person I could make a difference, I can make the world better. I have to be honest I wish the United States would adopt some of the European ways, especially siesta and the awareness of the environment. I was so impress as to how easy it was to get around Spain, how clean it was and how life seems to revolve around food and good company. I know that I will return to Spain, actually I have chosen to study at the university of San Sebastian next summer as part of my degree in Bilingual Communication. I also know that when ever someone was to ask my opinion if they should study abroad, I am sure I will scream at them and say “GO, go get your suitcase ready!” Spain has gotten under my skin and I feel the need to return and gain more experience. The travel bug has really gotten a hold of me. Not only do I wish to return to Europe, I wish to see more of the world. If I was able to gain this much from just three short weeks in Spain, I can only imagine what more I could learn from seeing the rest of our world. I encourage for anyone who has the opportunity to travel to do it with an open mind and a good attitude, no travel is perfect but that is where the fun part usually starts
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Back at home
July 14th, San Antonio
Well the journey is sadly over. It is nice to be back at home with my friends and family but I do wish I could go back tomorrow to show my husband just how beautiful Spain really is, the pictures really do not do justice.
I returned home with over 800 pictures, and just thousands of memories, fun stories and adventures that will stay with me for a life time. This trip has really changed me in the way I view the world, and how I could improve something's here at home. Spain is focus on keeping a clean environment they pride them selves in using clean energy, recycling and using public transportation it was all this things that made me more aware of the little effort I have put into in keeping a clean environment in our town. Some of my project will be to start recycling, and start pressing our city to provide more options for recycling, since we live in a rural area we do not have city trash pick up but instead we rent dumpsters with no option for recycling. Also I am more energy efficient aware and I will start implementing some changes around my home and also encourage others to do the same. I believe that if we can start working together it is possible to keep the earth clean, first starting with ourselves and family encouraging others to also make the small effort to make a big change.
There is one thing I do regret now coming back from the trip, and that is not keeping a daily journal. So many things happened, that is hard to think back to what city I was even in however I am planning to sit down this week and work on writing as much as I can remember form each place, with the help of the hundred of photos I have, to conserve those memories.
Tomorrow is back to reality, we return to class bright and early where I will be working on grammar and editing the past blogs.
Thanks to all of those who read my blog, I truly appreciated the feedbacks and encouragements.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
All good things must come to an end
Sunday, July 1st 2007
Madrid
Here I am in a small and a little smelly Internet cafe not far from our hotel, it is very crowded today there is even a man with a small parakeet on his shoulder and the bird is making a lot of nice. This will be my last blog entry until I return to the states, but how I wish I could stay here longer.
After only three weeks of hard bread, lots of water, walking endlessly, and tons of fun my trip to beautiful Spain has come to an end. Tomorrow we are heading back to Newark, NJ where we are expecting a 7 hour layover, yuck! but some of us are thinking of quickly escaping to New York in search for some knockoff purses and little sightseeing.
Last night was a night of celebration here in Madrid, it was the Gay pride parade it was really a blast, there was more than 300,000 people on the streets dancing, drinking and having fun. We stayed out walking the party buses come down the street full with, well what can you expect, full of almost naked men. To see that many people out on the street was something rather shocking I had never seen a sea of people just having fun and being themselves.
I can not wait to return to Spain and hopefully soon. I have already spoken to my husband about returning later on this year or early next since I have truly fallen in love with this country. Spain is going to be the place I will recommend to people to come and vacation in there is so much to do and see.
Thank you Spain for the great memories and good times!
Chao
Madrid
Here I am in a small and a little smelly Internet cafe not far from our hotel, it is very crowded today there is even a man with a small parakeet on his shoulder and the bird is making a lot of nice. This will be my last blog entry until I return to the states, but how I wish I could stay here longer.
After only three weeks of hard bread, lots of water, walking endlessly, and tons of fun my trip to beautiful Spain has come to an end. Tomorrow we are heading back to Newark, NJ where we are expecting a 7 hour layover, yuck! but some of us are thinking of quickly escaping to New York in search for some knockoff purses and little sightseeing.
Last night was a night of celebration here in Madrid, it was the Gay pride parade it was really a blast, there was more than 300,000 people on the streets dancing, drinking and having fun. We stayed out walking the party buses come down the street full with, well what can you expect, full of almost naked men. To see that many people out on the street was something rather shocking I had never seen a sea of people just having fun and being themselves.
I can not wait to return to Spain and hopefully soon. I have already spoken to my husband about returning later on this year or early next since I have truly fallen in love with this country. Spain is going to be the place I will recommend to people to come and vacation in there is so much to do and see.
Thank you Spain for the great memories and good times!
Chao
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Could I just stay here please ?
June 30th, 2007
Madrid
When I first sign up for this trip, I had not idea it was going to have such a great impact in my life, it had actually change me as a person. After spending three short weeks in Spain, I have fallen in love with this country, its people and their life style. This week had been a great week very relaxing, it felt to good to say ¨I don’t have anything plan for today but there is always something to do in Madrid.
Last night a group of us went to the opening of the Gay pride week, it was very interesting to see, and a lot of fun there was great music playing and everyone was dancing in the streets, as soon as we got off the metro and walked up the stairs to the street, the whole place was packed with people just having fun and being themselves, something I have never seen in the US. It seems to me that people here in Spain are more open to new ideas and are not as judgmental as back in the states, but that is just my personal opinion based on what I have seen and experienced.
Today Victoria and I went and had lunch at this great Argentino restaurant where we had some steaks, finally!!. We have spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city, window shopping and looking for a new suit case for me to take back with all the souvenirs i have gotten.. what can i say i love to shop. I am looking forward to coming home and spending time with my husband, relaxing at home. I will post pictures and videos of this trip as soon as I return home.
Until then... Olé!
Madrid
When I first sign up for this trip, I had not idea it was going to have such a great impact in my life, it had actually change me as a person. After spending three short weeks in Spain, I have fallen in love with this country, its people and their life style. This week had been a great week very relaxing, it felt to good to say ¨I don’t have anything plan for today but there is always something to do in Madrid.
Last night a group of us went to the opening of the Gay pride week, it was very interesting to see, and a lot of fun there was great music playing and everyone was dancing in the streets, as soon as we got off the metro and walked up the stairs to the street, the whole place was packed with people just having fun and being themselves, something I have never seen in the US. It seems to me that people here in Spain are more open to new ideas and are not as judgmental as back in the states, but that is just my personal opinion based on what I have seen and experienced.
Today Victoria and I went and had lunch at this great Argentino restaurant where we had some steaks, finally!!. We have spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city, window shopping and looking for a new suit case for me to take back with all the souvenirs i have gotten.. what can i say i love to shop. I am looking forward to coming home and spending time with my husband, relaxing at home. I will post pictures and videos of this trip as soon as I return home.
Until then... Olé!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
I saw an orginal Picasso!!!
Sevilla
June 24th, 2007
Our second day in Sevilla is winding down but the heat is definitely not. We arrived yesterday and shortly after checking in to our hotel, which by the way is beautiful, we went out for a walking orientation of the city but soon after starting our walk our guide, Gary realized that we were all melting in the sun and everyone was falling behind so we cut the walk short. Victoria and I decided to walk back to the hotel, but only after getting some cold and much earned ice-cream I got the lemon and mango sherbet, it was so refreshing.
Dinner at the hotel was also excellent, although it was nearly 100 degrees outside we had chicken soup for dinner, it seemed that everyone loved it because there was hardly any plated still full, the second course was pork sirloin and watermelon for desert.
Today had been a full day again. We had a 7 am wakeup call and breakfast at 8 am, the breakfast was so good, I wanted to eat everything that they had, I could not get enough of the fresh squeezed orange juice. After eating we had a guided tour to the Plaza España.
The highlight of my day was going to the Museo de Bellas Artes, where I saw an original Picasso painting, La Planchadora. I had dreamed of seeing an original Pablo Picasso painting and today it happen. I was amazed to be standing in front of this magnificent work of art. Today we also I had the opportunity to visit the tomb of Christobal Colon, that was something spectacular, to be standing in front of the final resting place of the man who discovered the Americas, and to think that it was thanks to him that I am here was mind boggling.
Well my time is coming up to get off the computer since there is people waiting to use the computer. I will post more once I arrive to Madrid.
Stairs at the Plaza Epaña1.jpg)
Pablo Picasso. La Planchadora
Real Alcazar Palace
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