A fresh take on the animator's reel.
The post This Spanish Animator Created the Best Resume of 2016 appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/15/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Roc Espinet, Animators, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/12/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Blender, Cartoon Brew Pick, Daniel Martínez Lara, Rafa Cano Méndez, Goya Award, CGI, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/13/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Ozzy, Alberto Rodriguez, Arcadia Motion Pictures, Buena Vista International, Capitan Araña, Juan Ramón Ruiz de Somavía, Pachacamac, Tangent Animation, Canada, Feature Film, Spain, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/11/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Awards, Spain, Festivals, Reka Bucsi, Alberto Vazquez, Christian Villacañas, Till Nowak, Khris Cembe, 3D Wire, Luce Grosjean, Paolo Polesello, Rebeca Núñez, Alan Carabantes, Anna Paddock, Appnormals Team, Delirium Studios, Diego Porral, Elisa Morais, Gammera Nest, Isabela Littger, Kriti Kaur, Loic Portier, Marc Briones, María Álvarez, Unit Experimental, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 9/27/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Spain, Festivals, Portugal, Wesley Louis, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Sergio Pablos, Sam Taylor, The Line, Abi Feijo, Eleanor Coleman, Klaus, Nicolas Schmerkin, Eric Goossens, 3D Wire, Adriano Schmid, Alexandra Ramires, André Luis, Andrea Basílio, Enrique Vazquez, Humberto Santana, José Miguel Ribeiro, Laura Gonçalves, Luce Grosjean, Nikotxan, Nuno Beato, Paolo Polesello, Rebeca Núñez, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 9/1/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Headless, Spain, Museum of Modern Art, Rodrigo Blaas, MoMA, Ron Magliozzi, Estudios Moro, Alberto Vazquez, Jossie Malis, Anna Solanas, Balet y Blay, Carolina López Caballero, Cesar Diaz Melendez, Francisco Macián, Isabel Herguera, Javier Mariscal, José Antonio Sistiaga, K-Hito, Laura Ginès, Mercedes Gaspar, Nicolai Troshinky, Robert Balser, Events, Classic, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 5/22/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Cartoon Brew Pick, Genis Rigol, Gutter Fest, Marc Torices, Pau Anglada, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 4/19/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Mixed media, Music Videos, Spain, Nacho Rodriguez, Cartoon Brew Pick, Sara López, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 3/23/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Call For Entries, Spain, Bridging the Gap, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Nicolas Schmerkin, Eric Goossens, Charlotte de la Gournerie, Guadalupe Arensburg, Manuel Cristobal, Paco Rodriguez, Shamik Majumdar, Silly Walks, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 3/8/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Cartoon Brew Pick, Trimono, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 2/24/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Events, Headless, Spain, cinefamily, Txesco Montalt, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Nicolai Troshinsky, Antonio J. Busto Algarin, Dvein, Aleix Pitarch, Iria Lopez, Alberto Vazquez, Christian Villacañas, Francesc Xavier de Manuel Ruiz, Jossie Malis, Khris Cembe, Trimono, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/17/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Feature Film, Headless, Spain, Reel FX, Adrian Garcia, Alfredo Torres, Daniel Nayer, Kirk Bodyfelt, Margaret Wuller, Patrick Hanenberger, The Neuland, Victor Maldonado, Wish Police, Add a tag
By: Kim Behrens,
on 11/20/2015
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Europe, unemployment, What Everyone Needs to Know, Spanish Civil War, Iberia, fascism, Social Sciences, *Featured, General Franco, WENTK, William Chislett, Spanish economy, Books, History, Catalan independence, Generalissimo, King Juan Carlos, Spanish history, Spain, This Day in History, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 11/18/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cartoon Brew Pick, Genis Rigol, Manson, Ruben Paniagua, Sawe, Spain, Nacho Rodriguez, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/2/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Jorge González, Artist of the Day, Dear Patagonia, El gran surubí, Fueye, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 5/5/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Feature Film, Spain, Stop Motion, Sam, Possessed, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Annecy 2015, Pos Eso, Samuel Orti Marti, Add a tag
By: Shelf-employed,
on 2/4/2015
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JacketFlap tags: YA, religion, historical fiction, Jews, Spain, J, Judaism, Catholicism, Spanish Inquisition, Add a tag
Her parents decide that to keep Isabel safe from the Inquisition, they will promise her in marriage to the son of the King and Queen's most trusted advisor. Luis is loathsome, however, and instead of Luis, Isabel falls in love with Yonah, a young Jewish silversmith, Soon the lives of the entire family are in danger.
If Isabel abandons her lifelong faith a little too easily and if Eva Wiseman paints Isabel's future a little too brightly, this is a small price to pay for a book suits an older, middle-grade audience and draws attention to a terrible period of religious persecution that is not often covered for this age group, grades 6 and up.
Spoiler:
Ironically (in light of today's current political, social and religious climate), Isabel and her family leave Spain counting Moorish refugees as their friends. Together they head to Morocco in search of freedom and a better life. How much has changed; and yet, how much remains the same. We learn so little.
Note:
My copy of The Last Song was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I'm sorry that I did not get to it sooner.
By: Jerry Beck,
on 1/16/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, Artist of the Day, Escuela de arte de Zaragoza, Islena Neira, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 1/14/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, RIP, Estudios Moro, Jose Luis Moro, Raúl GarcÃa, Familia Telerín, Jose Luis Moro Escalona, Add a tag
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/15/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, Roc Espinet, Animators, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/12/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Blender, Cartoon Brew Pick, Daniel Martínez Lara, Rafa Cano Méndez, Goya Award, CGI, Add a tag
In a busy life, Copi is a father who tries to teach the right way to his son, Paste. But...what is the correct path?
The post ‘Alike’ by Daniel Martínez Lara and Rafa Cano Méndez appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/13/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Ozzy, Alberto Rodriguez, Arcadia Motion Pictures, Buena Vista International, Capitan Araña, Juan Ramón Ruiz de Somavía, Pachacamac, Tangent Animation, Canada, Feature Film, Spain, Add a tag
Not every Disney release can look like "Moana."
The post Disney Will Release ‘Ozzy’ in Spain Tomorrow appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/11/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Awards, Spain, Festivals, Reka Bucsi, Alberto Vazquez, Christian Villacañas, Till Nowak, Khris Cembe, 3D Wire, Luce Grosjean, Paolo Polesello, Rebeca Núñez, Alan Carabantes, Anna Paddock, Appnormals Team, Delirium Studios, Diego Porral, Elisa Morais, Gammera Nest, Isabela Littger, Kriti Kaur, Loic Portier, Marc Briones, María Álvarez, Unit Experimental, Add a tag
Watch the trailers for the short films that won at 3D Wire in Segovia, Spain.
The post ‘Love,’ ‘Dissonance,’ ‘Decorado’ Top 3D Wire Fest in Spain appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 9/27/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Spain, Festivals, Portugal, Wesley Louis, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Sergio Pablos, Sam Taylor, The Line, Abi Feijo, Eleanor Coleman, Klaus, Nicolas Schmerkin, Eric Goossens, 3D Wire, Adriano Schmid, Alexandra Ramires, André Luis, Andrea Basílio, Enrique Vazquez, Humberto Santana, José Miguel Ribeiro, Laura Gonçalves, Luce Grosjean, Nikotxan, Nuno Beato, Paolo Polesello, Rebeca Núñez, Add a tag
3D Wire is a major Spanish animation event that highlights the vitality of the country's animation, video game, and new media industries.
The post 150 Animation Projects and High-Profile International Guests Set for Spain’s 3D Wire appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 9/1/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Headless, Spain, Museum of Modern Art, Rodrigo Blaas, MoMA, Ron Magliozzi, Estudios Moro, Alberto Vazquez, Jossie Malis, Anna Solanas, Balet y Blay, Carolina López Caballero, Cesar Diaz Melendez, Francisco Macián, Isabel Herguera, Javier Mariscal, José Antonio Sistiaga, K-Hito, Laura Ginès, Mercedes Gaspar, Nicolai Troshinky, Robert Balser, Events, Classic, Add a tag
A must-see screening series of Spanish animation, past and present, is coming to New York City.
The post MoMA To Present ‘From Doodles To Pixels,’ An 8-Part Retrospective on Spanish Animation appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 5/22/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Cartoon Brew Pick, Genis Rigol, Gutter Fest, Marc Torices, Pau Anglada, Add a tag
A promotional film created for the fourth edition of Gutter Fest in Barcelona.
The post ‘Gutter Fest: The Movie’ by Genís Rigol, Pau Anglada and Marc Torices appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 4/19/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Mixed media, Music Videos, Spain, Nacho Rodriguez, Cartoon Brew Pick, Sara López, Add a tag
A music video for Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop's "Every Songbird Says."
The post ‘Every Songbird Says’ by Nacho Rodríguez and Sara López appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 3/23/2016
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Call For Entries, Spain, Bridging the Gap, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Nicolas Schmerkin, Eric Goossens, Charlotte de la Gournerie, Guadalupe Arensburg, Manuel Cristobal, Paco Rodriguez, Shamik Majumdar, Silly Walks, Add a tag
The intensive six-day lab helps young artists develop TV and feature film ideas with the help of industry professionals.
The post Bridging the Gap Animation Lab For Young Artists Now Open For Submissions appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 3/8/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Cartoon Brew Pick, Trimono, Add a tag
"Humans, since you don't know how to solve your own problems, the subnormal monkeys have come to deal out justice and elegance with their sexy and tropical style."
The post ‘Monkey Love’ by Trimono appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 2/24/2016
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JacketFlap tags: Events, Headless, Spain, cinefamily, Txesco Montalt, Guillermo GarcÃa CarsÃ, Nicolai Troshinsky, Antonio J. Busto Algarin, Dvein, Aleix Pitarch, Iria Lopez, Alberto Vazquez, Christian Villacañas, Francesc Xavier de Manuel Ruiz, Jossie Malis, Khris Cembe, Trimono, Add a tag
Get a taste of what animators in Spain are creating nowadays.
The post Tomorrow Night in LA: Contemporary Animation From Spain appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 12/17/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Feature Film, Headless, Spain, Reel FX, Adrian Garcia, Alfredo Torres, Daniel Nayer, Kirk Bodyfelt, Margaret Wuller, Patrick Hanenberger, The Neuland, Victor Maldonado, Wish Police, Add a tag
Reel FX is moving forward with its exciting collaboration with the Spanish directors of "Nocturna."
The post Reel FX Reveals First Artwork, New Details for ‘Wish Police’ Directed by Headless (EXCLUSIVE) appeared first on Cartoon Brew.
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By: Kim Behrens,
on 11/20/2015
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Europe, unemployment, What Everyone Needs to Know, Spanish Civil War, Iberia, fascism, Social Sciences, *Featured, General Franco, WENTK, William Chislett, Spanish economy, Books, History, Catalan independence, Generalissimo, King Juan Carlos, Spanish history, Spain, This Day in History, Add a tag
Forty years ago today (20 November), General Franco, the chief protagonist of nearly half a century of Spanish history, died. ‘Caudillo by the grace of God’, as his coins proclaimed after he won the 1936-39 Civil War, Generalissimo of the armed forces, and head of state and head of government (the latter until 1973), Franco was buried at the colossal mausoleum partly built by political prisoners at the Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen) in the Guadarrama mountains near Madrid.
The post Spain 40 years after General Franco appeared first on OUPblog.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 11/18/2015
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Originally conceived as a branded content short film, "Twerkilator " was rejected by the client.
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 10/2/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, Jorge González, Artist of the Day, Dear Patagonia, El gran surubí, Fueye, Add a tag
By: Margot Justes,
on 5/8/2015
Blog: ACME AUTHORS LINK (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, Barcelona, Antoni Gaudi, Add a tag
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If you love architecture, and whimsical work that makes you smile, feel happy and celebrate life, then there is no better place for you than Barcelona. That is where you’ll find Antoni Gaudi’s work, and where you will commune with nature in a most wonderful way.
There are the Dali, Picasso and Miro museums, but Gaudi’s work alone is worth a trip to Barcelona, many of his buildings were designated World Heritage Sites. In 1878 upon receiving his degree, the Director of the School of Architecture of Barcelona, said. “I don’t know if we have given this qualification to a madman or a genius, only time will tell.” Time has told, an unequivocal original genius.
Gaudi is considered a major contributor to the ‘Catalan Modernism’ style of architecture, and the leading proponent of the Art Nouveau movement, but the end result refuses to be qualified as anything but ‘Gaudi’. His style cannot really be classified, it’s unique, extravagant, original, earthy, beyond whimsy, and simply stunning.
Gaudi was born in 1852 and died in a tram accident in 1926. His last days were spent at his most famous unfinished work, La Sagrada Familia. There is hope that it will be finished by the 100th anniversary of his death, in 2026. He left enough detailed information that the basilica can be completed, and with public donations it is a work in progress.
The interior of La Sagrada Familia is now open to the public, and the use of light from above and through the stained glass windows is mesmerizing. The columns reach the top to support the structure, and it reflects his love of nature, showing a dazzling and lively interpretation of a forest with branches reaching for the light.
His use of ceramic tile, wood, wrought iron, brick, colorful paint results in a stroll through a fantasy, as can be witnessed in the Pedrera, and Casa Batllo buildings, as well as La Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell, where a serpentine bench provides a respite, along with a pure sense of joy.
His work is truly amazing, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll want to see it again, and never forget it.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 5/5/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The debut stop motion feature from an Aardman alum will screen in competition at Annecy.
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By: Margot Justes,
on 4/25/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Barcelona, Montserrat, Add a tag
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Barcelona is filled with amazing and whimsical architecture, Gaudi’s work is a prime example, the people possess an unbound zest for life, there are world class museums, and of course delicious food.
Barcelona and the surrounding area is Catalan country, and to this day they are extremely proud of their Catalonian heritage, and many Catalonian flags could be seen flying from apartment windows in Barcelona. There was even a political movement for the Catalans to secede from Spain.
A short hop away is the Montserrat Monastery. It is one of those places not to be missed. High in the mountains, about 38 kilometers from Barcelona, an hour by bus, and the ride itself is quite an adventure, slinking along a narrow street with twisting and tight curves that seem never ending.
There are a few ways to reach Montserrat, car, private limo, or bus. If you take the train, you will need to take the cable car or rack railway to get to the top. I decided it was best to leave the driving to the professionals and took a bus. Driving to Montserrat is not for the faint of heart, nor for that matter, riding in a bus.
At the highest point, about 1,236 meters above sea level, the view below is breathtaking. With steep rock formations the monastery is nestled beautifully into the mountains. The setting is glorious, and the views stunning wherever you turn.
There are quiet and peaceful garden areas, and many paths that allow for that perfect silent, and contemplative walk. That being said, it is a huge draw, both for tourists and locals alike. It is considered a place of pilgrimage, that is what I was told by a local visiting couple.
The monastery began about 1025, the rich archeological history dates back to 3,000 years BC. The credit for the monastery’s existence is given to Abbot Oliba, a powerful figure in Romanesque Catalonia. An aristocrat, elected Abbot of Ripoll, and he along with a group of monks decided to build the monastery next to the chapel of Saint Mary.
Beside the church, the monastery, a library, the meandering roads, beautiful gardens, and artistic treasures, there is also a hotel. I plan to go back and spend a night or two, the few hours I was there just wet my appetite for more.
At the time of my visit on a Sunday, the church was packed, it didn’t help that a noon performance by the boys choir happened at the same time. You could not squeeze in, it was truly filled to capacity and beyond. Packed solid-even a well oiled sardine would have had a problem. I got a glimpse of the ornate church, but couldn’t handle all the humanity, it took me fifteen minutes from the very back of the church to get out the door, and into fresh air.
There were a few tents set up on the main road, and local artisans sold their wares, the most prominent items displayed were the local delicacies, various cheeses, honey, hams and fig cakes. I can vouch for the local hams, cheeses and fig cakes. Positively yummy.
I just touched on Montserrat, if you find yourself in Barcelona, Montserrat is not to be missed. I still hope to spend a night-I’ll need to go back and do more research, my next hotel book is set in Barcelona.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
A Fire Within
and coming in June A Hotel in Venice
www.mjustes.com
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By: Margot Justes,
on 4/19/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Montserrat, Spain, Barcelona, Gaudi, Add a tag
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I’m working on the fourth hotel book, and this one is set in Barcelona. It is a city filled with art, amazing architecture and an incredible zest and appreciation for life.Barcelona is exciting, vibrant and the locals know how to enjoy themselves, they possess the joie de vivre that is hard to miss, and often times hard to find.
The architecture is unsurpassed, modern and old blends well together, and of course there is Gaudi-it is worth a visit to Barcelona just to see his work. It is unforgettable. I loved it so much that I posted a separate blog about his stunning and imaginative style. The amazing thing is that once you see it, you want to do it again, and again, simply because you probably missed the marvelous details the first time through. His work is beyond whimsy.
There are museums to be sure, Miro, Dali and Picasso have a foundation in Barcelona. The stunning architecture will take your breath away, everywhere you turn you see a magnificent building, from Gothic to Art Nouveau to the indescribable Gaudi treasures, to contemporary and everything in between. Landmarks abound.
At any given time stroll on La Rambla, and you’ll see locals and savvy tourists sit down in a cafe and enjoy a beer, tapas, coffee, along with a dish of green olives, or just stroll arm in arm on the wide avenue that is both romantic, hectic and invigorating. There are many souvenirs shops that line the famous paseo, all the kitschy tourist stuff, pottery, foods and other items made locally, along with entertainment, and all of it delightful.
The street is filled to capacity, and I for one at this stage in my life don’t like crowds, and if truth be told-never did-but I really rather enjoyed the lovely walk, and a stop for the obligatory delicious coffee. I had a wondrous adventure just walking down the street. You see people smile, nod their heads in acknowledgement as you stroll along as if in a romantic dream.
The city also boasts a beautiful coast line, and one of the biggest ports in Europe, along with some beautiful parks, even one designed by Gaudi.
Have I forgotten to mention the food-it is delicious-they create a mouth watering delight with just potatoes. Okay, I’m Polish and happen to love potatoes, but the Patatas Bravas are truly yummy, roasted potatoes, a yummy sauce with a slight bite that you feel on the tip of your tongue. The excellent bread and incredible local hams would have kept me happy for a long time.
A huge array of cheeses, hams, breads, olives, an amazing selection of fish, all that is available in many tapas bars. The offerings are small, so you can visit many places and taste the amazing variety of appetizers. A delightful and delicious way to sample the local cuisine.
Shopping abounds on Passeig de Gracia, favorably compared to other famous boulevards with prices to match. I enjoyed the walk, and window shopping, the displays are imaginative and fun, and I was grateful that I travel light with little room for souvenirs.
That being said, I managed to buy a few small trinkets for family and friends, the souvenir shop at the Gaudi Casa Batllo was amazing, and yes-all my souvenirs came from that shop.
There are many hotels and as always prices range from low to high, it all depends on your budget. You will find delicious and reasonably priced tapas bars off the main tourist areas, but if you’re in with the tourist crowds be prepared to pay. I do a bit of research before I leave, but I always allow for a tourist trap or two.
I booked the Casa Fuster Hotel, on Passeig de Gracia 132, on my first visit, a beautiful hotel reminiscent of Gaudi’s work, the service was superb, the rooms a good size, the breakfasts superb, and the staff always eager to help with directions and available tours, they were friendly and caring. I hope to return and stay there again.
The second hotel was the Majestic, also on Passeig de Gracia 68-70, was a little more centrally located-by just a few blocks from Casa Fuster. That being said, I would rather walk the additional 4 or 5 blocks than stay at the Majestic again, lack of overall service, and a snippy registration cured me of ever staying there a second time.
The Majestic staff lost interest after I didn’t want to book a private car to Montserrat to the tune of 600Euros. After a discussion on booking a reasonable tour failed, a short 10 minute walk took me to a travel agency, where I was able to book a round trip ride for 29EU that would take me to the Montserrat Monastery for the better part of the day. It is a trip not to be missed. I’ll post a separate blog on the location-it is in the mountains and it is magnificent.
I’m a breakfast person, and tend to eat the meal at the hotel to save on time, and the breakfast at the Majestic was outstanding. I couldn’t have asked for a more varied or delicious selection, and the coffee was delicious, but the lack of care and concern from the registration staff ruined any chance of my return to the hotel.
Barcelona has it all, and is definitely worth a visit or two, or three.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com
0 Comments on Barcelona, Spain by Margot Justes as of 4/19/2015 12:31:00 PM
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By: Margot Justes,
on 4/9/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Add a tag
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Tenerife, is the largest of the Canary Islands, and according to our guide has a population of about 800,000 people.
The capital and major port is Santa Cruz, that is where we docked and spent the day touring. It is a the major port of the island, and Santa Cruz has a population of about 220,000 residents.
It is bright, lively, like many tourist attraction there are beaches, high rises-at least high rises for a volcanic island-shops, gardens, restaurants along with many houses that have staircases that seem to climb up to infinity-a perfect venue for rest and relaxation. The climate and landscape are very diverse, and there are more things to see here than the other two islands I visited.
A short bus ride took us to the beautiful market, neatly laid out, one aisle after another offers produce, meat and sausages, cheeses, flowers, spices-you can stop for coffee and soak up the atmosphere. The items for sale seem never ending, and the aromas were divine, especially from the spice areas.
The next stop was the Archeological Museum that has impressive exhibits of the life and death of the Guanche society-the first inhabitants of the Canary Islands dating back to the 1st and 2ndcenturies BC.
A fascinating exhibit that lists many of the plants found on the islands, reminiscent of the Audubon style, they were beautifully drawn and labeled and framed. There is a knob on each of the framed exhibits and when you pull on the knob you open a door, and it has a picture or drawing of the discoverer of the plant. Very neat indeed. This museum serves as a learning center for all the schools in the Canary Islands.
Our next stop was La Laguna, a World Heritage Site. Designated a site because of the buildings, the intrinsic layout of the city, its colorful and distinctive architecture and beautiful patios. Smaller than Santa Cruz, it is more intimate and somewhat less touristy.
We stopped and visited another market square, this one smaller and older, but equally charming. Then on to the Cathedral and a couple of the famous interior patios. We had a few minutes to shop and stop for coffee. I opted for the coffee and a wonderful local delicacy, fried bread that I swear had custard inside, it was soft, gooey and delicious.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Fire Within
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
and coming in June A Hotel in Venice
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0 Comments on Tenerife, Canary Islands by Margot Justes as of 4/9/2015 6:44:00 PM
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By: Margot Justes,
on 3/22/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Gran Canaria, Spain, Add a tag
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The second island we visited in the Canary Islands was Gran Canaria, an island much more open to the present, visible oil rigs along the shore, and a modern approach to tourists, high-rises everywhere and beautiful beaches for tourists and locals to enjoy. Colors of homes and buildings were varied and plentiful. It is larger than Lanzarote and seemed for more cosmopolitan.
The island is volcanic in origin, and part of the island was formed somewhere around 9 million years ago, give or take a million, or two, or three...suffice it to say, it is indeed old.
Maybe as far back as 500 BC, the Guanches first settled in Gran Canaria. A varied and often brutal history followed, the island was finally captured with the help of Queen Isabella I, and the conquest helped expand unified Spain.
Las Palmas, is the capital city, founded in 1478, the history is simply amazing. It is a vital sea port, where about a thousand ships visit the port a month; anything from fuel ships, to cargo and cruise ships, and all sizes in between.
Gran Canaria is touristy, and commerce seems to be thriving. The island is far greener than Lanzarote and doesn’t quite leave such a distinct and memorable impression. It is more commercial, still exotic but ready for the summer onslaught of tourists. It is known as a “Miniature Continent” because of the different climates and landscapes found in a relatively small, round island that is approximately 50 km in diameter.
Whereas Lanzarote was a sleepy, quaint village style of an island, with an unforgettable landscape, Gran Canaria was lively, exuberant, celebrates Carnaval in a grand style, and
is ready for tourists even in late October. The cultural side is not at all neglected, and the Museo Canario, is an important and incredible archeology museum that depicts the history of the archipelago.
There is the potential of oil development, and several rigs were already in the port. In Tenerife, I later found out that the locals are opposed to the plan, and the prospect of the oil rigs occupying their ocean coast, but as our tour guide indicated, Madrid, the seat of political power thinks otherwise.
We took a hair raising bus ride to Cruz Tajeda (Cross of Tajeda), up 4,800 ft. The roads are really narrow, the curves many, and every time we came upon a bend, the bus driver sounded his horn-because the bus could not be seen from the other side, and the road wasn’t big enough to share even with the smallest vehicle, and the bus wasn’t big to begin with. The views were fantastic, we even caught a glimpse of a kitchen of a modern cave dweller, the hole was small and it was too dark to take pictures.
We saw two rock formations that were supposedly worshipped by the Guanches, the first cave dwellers of the area. They, like the ancient Egyptians embalmed their dead, for a safe passage to the new life. The next island of Tenerife, we saw some of the mummified remains in a museum.
As many know, cruising is my preferred way to travel now, and sometimes spending a day in one port is never nearly enough, but it gives me a glimpse of the area that in many cases I would not have had. Happy travels!
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Fire Within
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0 Comments on Gran Canaria by Margot Justes as of 3/22/2015 12:24:00 PM
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By: Margot Justes,
on 3/7/2015
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JacketFlap tags: Spain, Cartagena, Add a tag
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I love the Spanish cities I have visited in the past-all unique and all beautiful, and Cartagena, located in the Region of Murcia was no exception.
A long maritime past and many cultures have left an imprint and a rich heritage that the locals are very proud of, and are hoping the rest of the world will soon discover. It is a city with a spectacular waterfront, and recently discovered Roman ruins that date back about three thousand years.
The Roman Theatre is a must see, along with some terrific Art Nouveau architecture, like the Grand Hotel, the Casino and City Hall to name just a few. According to our guide, the ruins have seriously put Cartagena on the tourist map, and that is excellent news.
Funds are needed for additional architectural digs and discoveries. As recently as 1987 they found remnants of the Punic wall, and other treasures that date back to Hannibal.
The question of further digs is twofold, there are houses, businesses, and parks that rest on potential archeological treasures, and many who live on those sites would prefer to continue to do so, while others want the excavations to continue. It is not so easy to start digging, yet the sense of history and preservation is desirable, and besides ancient ruins tend to bring tourists in, and of course that builds the economy, but as always there are many sides to every issue.
Along with the recent discoveries, fortunately for Cartagena, they have a wonderful moderate climate, reasonable prices and lovely beaches to motivate the tourist industry.
The development of the industry is still a work in progress, few tourist shops, except for the usual Flamenco dolls and the obligatory Cartagena stamped stuff.
However, there is progress if the one shop I visited is anything to go by. Our guide mentioned that the wine produced in the region was quite good, and recommended one store that would carry it. I looked for others in the main square but couldn’t find any. What I found instead was the glorious paseo, the wonderful Spanish tradition of a leisurely stroll on the boulevard. It seems everyone was out and that included the family pets.
The store sold some excellent local wines, tomato jellies, along with beautiful locally made pottery, and a few wine related trinkets. That was the only store I fund that sold locally produced items, reasonably priced and the pottery made for some beautiful gifts.
I also discovered a local liqueur, simply called Licor 43. The secret formula has 43 ingredients, chief among them is citrus, fruit juices, with a hint of vanilla. It is luscious, and it is available on Amazon. I’m beginning to think everything is available on Amazon.
The owners were friendly and eager to expand their tourist trade, and were excited about their product. I was told that soon they will ship wines internationally, and they looked forward to growing their business.
Our tour guide went beyond the normal tourist offerings, and made sure we learned about his city’s important heritage and recently discovered ancient past.
The plaza is just down the street from the beautiful waterfront, I sat down in a cafe and enjoyed my obligatory coffee and the view.
Cheers,
Margot Justes
Blood Art
A Fire Within
A Hotel in Paris
A Hotel in Bath
Hot Crimes Cool Chicks
www.mjustes.com
0 Comments on Cartagena, Spain by Margot Justes as of 3/7/2015 12:42:00 PM
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By: Shelf-employed,
on 2/4/2015
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JacketFlap tags: YA, religion, historical fiction, Jews, Spain, J, Judaism, Catholicism, Spanish Inquisition, Add a tag
Wiseman, Eva. 2012. The Last Song. Plattsburgh, NY: Tundra.
Some locations and eras appear regularly in historical fiction - the US during the Civil War, the Midwest during the Dust Bowl Era, the British Isles in the medieval period, Europe during the Holocaust, the list goes on ... but seldom does it include Spain during the Inquisition.
In this first-person, chronological account, teenager Doña Isabel learns her family's deepest secret - her parents are not devout Catholics as she was raised to be. Secretly, they practice the Jewish faith - a practice punishable by death under the rule of Ferdinand and Isabella, and their Grand Inquisitor, Tomás de Torquemada. Set in Toledo, Spain, 1491, Isabel is the daughter of the King's physician, a position that has always kept the family in wealth and privilege. As the Inquisition grows more brutal, suspected heretics are forced to wear sambenitos (sackcloth), they are beaten, tortured, murdered, and burned alive at autos-da-fé.
I looked around to keep awake. The church's walls were festooned with the sambenitos of the heretics who had been burned alive at the stake during different autos-de-fé.
"So many sambenitos," I whispered to Mama. "They should take them off the wall."
She rolled her eyes. "They are supposed to be reminders to the families of the condemned heretics. They are warnings to them not to follow in the footsteps of their relatives," she whispered. "They are a warning to us all."
Her words filled me with fear.
Her parents decide that to keep Isabel safe from the Inquisition, they will promise her in marriage to the son of the King and Queen's most trusted advisor. Luis is loathsome, however, and instead of Luis, Isabel falls in love with Yonah, a young Jewish silversmith, Soon the lives of the entire family are in danger.
If Isabel abandons her lifelong faith a little too easily and if Eva Wiseman paints Isabel's future a little too brightly, this is a small price to pay for a book suits an older, middle-grade audience and draws attention to a terrible period of religious persecution that is not often covered for this age group, grades 6 and up.
Spoiler:
Ironically (in light of today's current political, social and religious climate), Isabel and her family leave Spain counting Moorish refugees as their friends. Together they head to Morocco in search of freedom and a better life. How much has changed; and yet, how much remains the same. We learn so little.
Note:
My copy of The Last Song was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I'm sorry that I did not get to it sooner.
0 Comments on The Last Song - a review as of 1/1/1900
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By: Jerry Beck,
on 1/16/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, Artist of the Day, Escuela de arte de Zaragoza, Islena Neira, Add a tag
By: Jerry Beck,
on 1/14/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Spain, RIP, Estudios Moro, Jose Luis Moro, Raúl GarcÃa, Familia Telerín, Jose Luis Moro Escalona, Add a tag
José Luis Moro Escalona, who ran one of Spain's leading commercial animation studios and created the iconic Familia Telerín, died yesterday in Madrid at the age of 88.
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