Kenneth Abolins

Taking each day as it comes.

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[kennethabolins]

The next chapter

The last few days in Madrid have been interesting as I have developed a small social network both of locals, Americans, and other travelers. This has given me much needed diversity from the routine that had been established. The locals have shown me the nightlife, the places to go for a nice drink, or just to simply dance. They are genuinely nice people and have opened my eyes to El Tigre Tapas Bar, and good lord its so delicious. The idea behind these Tapas bars is to indulge in good lively conversation while gorging on some simple appetizer like courses, likely coming with a mixed drink or glass of vino! It's a great night starter and is interesting in the sense of crowd that it draws. The place its self is a simple hole in the wall, but inside are people dressed in their finest nightlife attire. The Americans I have met are a study abroad group from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, and they are definitely a good time (particularly during the USMNT's matches!) But they have also guided me into smarter-tech savvy decisions on how to find quality shelter; now that I am technically homeless. Using AirNB Apartment rentals I have found an apartment that has sheltered me the last few days, and along with provided me the opportunity to meet people from around the globe! A couple from Sydney whom I have had the privilege of showing around Madrid (as I am now a seasoned veteran) to a group of wonderful old ladies who have been exploring Spain for months! In fact, they just finished the Camino I begin tomorrow! They have helped me a ton in preparing the logistical details to make the trip as rewarding as possible! I can't wait to begin the Camino which I will be starting in the town of Ponferrada which is about 200 kilometers away from Compostela! i will be hiking from tomorrow till the 30th only taking stops to sleep and watch the occasional match! For me this is exactly what I want. 200 kilometers to think, reflect, and release. While I am not one of strong faith, I do believe that this "pilgrimage" can help me internally! Just another refreshing experience to add to my book. After the Camino I intend on spending a few days in Valencia before moving on to France/Germany! I imagine after 288 kilometers of walking I'll want to rest, so hello beach time! I'll keep you updated.

Song of the week: Sweat It Out! - Why Can't You Say So (Remix Package Sample)

Love,

K@

[kennethabolins]

Update PT 2

For class purposes I'm knocking out all of my updates up in summary of our time in class (or exploring) however you want to look at it.After Portugal came our time in Segovia - let me tell you - what a polar opposite from Toledo. Both are physical proof of just how variant the cultures in Spain can be. The architecture and design of the cities was the most obvious difference. Attached are pictures of some examples from both towns, regardless of preference it was not hard to marvel at the enduring beauty both sites provided us. Personally, the aqueduct running through Segovia absolutely blew my mind. This phenomenal piece of engineering successfully hydrated the locals over 2000 years ago! While I loved Toledo and it's rich/moorish style I had a deeper appreciation for what Segovia offered me. 

Mister Wives ft. Sam Smith - Money On My Mind (Win & Woo remix)

Much Love,

K@

[kennethabolins]

Update Pt 1

Whoa, has time flown by! It honestly feels like just yesterday I arrived lost and shell shocked, but now I can move myself around the city pretty fluidly. I've found cafes with local cuisines I enjoy, food for the days I am a bit homesick, places to simply have some coffee or a beer and talk, and places to socialize with my class mates which has turned into us developing some relationships with Madrid locals! A few of us did end up going to NOS Primavera Music Festival in Porto, Portugal! Through all the hiccups (e.g. issues with transportation, hotel reservations, etc.) the trip was a blast. If I had enough time I would absolutely spend a week in Portugal, in particular Porto, the sheer uniqueness of the landscape and strange development of the urban city was quite a spectacle! The music festival was well worth it obviously the Pixies killed it! But I also truly appreciated Warpaint, who totally had the crowd in awe, both in sound and looks. Just talking about Portugal makes me want to go back! I feel as though I, "put just the tip in." All jokes aside, Portugal I will be back someday!

NOS Primavera Music Festival - Porto  

A block party? I guess is the best way to describe it, either way, beautiful people and an overall GREAT time. - Lisbon

Going need for speed in our rental BMW class 7 - Portugal countryside

Sao Nicolau - Lisbon

Song of the week - Deorro ft. Adrian Delgado "Let me love you" (Original Radio Mix)

Much love,

K@

[kennethabolins]

Lessons learned - El Camino de Santiago

Now 10 days into my arrival in Madrid I have had the opportunity to gather some sense of just how extraordinarily different life is here! From the daily lifestyle the locals live, general manners and customs, and most obviously their very different pace. While Madrid is still a hustle-and-bustle city, there is a strangely foreign pace to the way people move! On one side of the spectrum there is the Metro where people zoom by each other to get from A to B efficiently, and on the other is siesta time, where everything slows to a creeping halt from the hours of 1400 to 1700. For someone like myself it has required a certain level of patience because for me that is smack-dab in the middle of the day! Next is the food which has been hit or miss, I can't imagine everyone thinking Pork Stomach to be spectacular, regardless of how cultured and experienced they might be (or think they are.) Some might like it, but I unfortunately am not a fan. Though Paella on the other hand is right. up. my. alley. Attached is a picture of some Paella I ordered recently, my mouth is watering just looking at it. Today I had the chance to go to Prado Mueso and found a collection of works that hauntingly struck me, attached is a link of the artist Franicsco Goya along with some of the pieces that stuck out to me the most!

Currently I am looking up some dishes to try while in Portugal this weekend, yes I said Portugal, as in a different country. Again another mind blowing difference between home and out here is the accessibility to other worlds! We decided to take a trip for this long weekend and fly into to Lisbon tomorrow early morning then drive up along the coast to Porto to attend the, "NOS Primavera Music Festival," featuring the Pixies and Mogwai. Regardless somewhere in the weekend I'll be getting some local cuisine in my tummy. This weekend will also be a test run for my back-packing half of the summer, just bought my hiking pack and intend on getting some hiking along the cliffs of Lisbon done, I'll take pictures -- promise. I also have decided that I will be spending a few more days in Spain after class is done, I will be backpacking along the route known as The Way of St. James Pilgrimage or El Camino de Santiago. It is a very long route but by getting the Passport associated with the route you get free board and food along the way! How cool is that? Still working out the details but I'm shooting for starting somewhere near the last 350km in the city of Leon! I'll let you all know as plans are confirmed! 

Francisco Goya history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Goya

More information on El Camino de Santiago: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Way_of_St._James

Architecture in Toledo

 The Dark Paintings of Goya - Prado Mueso

The Dog - Goya

  Witches' Sabbath - Goya

Two Old Men Eating Soup - Goya

Saturn Devouring His Son - Goya

                Paella AKA Heaven

Toledo Selfie

Song of the week: Habits by Tove Lo (The Chainsmokers remix)

Much love,

K@

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RYAN LEWIS TALKS ON HIS MOTHER'S HIV BATTLE

Macklemore’s musical counterpart, Ryan Lewis, recently sat down with his mother and Anderson Cooper to discuss her blood transfusion HIV infection and to spread the news about the 30/30 Project, aimed at bringing healthcare to those in need. You can watch the interview here and get more information on the 30/30 Project below.

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[kennethabolins]

Sticks with me! The applicability is in all facets of life.