All posts tagged: music

an international language: music & food

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“Mmmmmmm,” we both squeeled as the flavors of the chocolate candy melted in our mouths. We were in France for the afternoon Christmas shopping. And while our basic French language skills could order us lunch and ask for the bill, having deeper conversations about the different types of chocolate was quite difficult – until she handed us each a chocolate to try. And voila! Mmmm. The international sound of pleasure. Fastforward four days. Lucy and I find ourselves in a local bar in Donosti, Spain watching a band from Portland, Maine. As two of the six or seven women in the entire bar, we stand out; we’re not Basque and we’re clearly not regulars there. And we laugh and sing along to the catchy choruses of the Pop-Punk Rock n’ Roll sounds tearing up the stage, I realize that we are probably the only two who understand everything from the lyrics to the attempted stage-audience banter – which got me thinking about the international languages of music and food. It’s an incredible thing to be …

| like a river flows so surely to the sea |

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Like the lyric says, some things are meant to be. Some songs strike a certain chord within a person – for whatever personal story hidden deep within their heart, whatever memories they make flow back, or whatever loved ones suddenly cross their mind — certain songs touch us and instantly become special. The other day I stumbled upon a cover of the Elvis song, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and all I can say is that it left me breathless. The rendition was played on a ukulele and the voice of the artist surprised me after seeing some of his other work. But that’s the beauty of love – like the artist and his surprisingly beautiful voice – is the constant surprise of how someone can make you feel. The unknown of letting your guard down around a person and knowing they can give you the greatest happiness or sadness. That happiness and sadness overwhelmed me all at once. I thought about the happiness and sadness that love has allowed me to feel …

Music Monday | Sept 16

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Inspired by my love of music and two friends from university, I decided to start my own Music Monday with a new friend. Our time together has been short, but it’s been filled with laughter, food, a trip to the hospital — along with the realization that we both have soft spots for competition and discovering badass music. And even though it’s an unknown amount till we’ll get to wreak havoc in Spain together (hospital trips almost a guarantee), the beauty of technology allows us to fulfill our petty competitions across country boarders.  Beers are on the line for anyone who forgets a Monday. Let the games begin. First day, all good. Posts were submitted by 00:07 San Sebastian & at 00:13 Edinburgh — I started with my submission of a classic. An all time favorite band of mine that has been by my side through thick and thin; blasting through my truck speakers, driving through back roads and city streets in various countries; and in live performances of reenactments. They are THE BAND. I thought …

a concert in heaven

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It was a concert in heaven. The skies were hidden by a thick layer of clouds as the city lights flickered below contrasting the dreariness of the evening. We wandered from amusement park attractions to food stands looking for cover from the rain as it poured from above. The music sifted through the heavy fog that lay just lightly above the group of people huddled in front of the stage. The musicians protected from the rain performed with soul and energy that kept the crowds warm despite the winds.   This was Kutxa Kultural Festibal 2013 | Monte Igueldo.  

| the southern soul |

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The rain had soaked through my boots. The lines were long and we were sent from one end of the property to the other in the pouring rain. I didn’t have a jacket and I was hungry, but somehow I just didn’t care. Afterall, we were at the Alhambra. After three hours in the car that morning from Seville, with an Italian girl, a pup, and an Andulucian with dreads, we made it to the city of Granada. Greeted with downpours, construction work and long lines at the Alhambra, we finally made it inside. The beauty of the Alhambra is hard to describe as most spectacular places and moments are impossible to put into words. The details of the walls, ceilings, and floors steal the show. Intricate designs of floral patterns, highlighted with blue hues make the Alhambra a unique spectacle in the middle of this Spanish city. The gardens are neatly taken care of featuring orange trees, beautiful pools, and other well trimmed hedges. Although we only passed through the gardens quickly as we …

| just call the germans & tell them a lie |

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The title of this post may lead you to believe I want to write about god knows what — however, this post is about music. And no, I have nothing against Germans. Being surrounded by music is something that I’ll always look for in my life. I can’t imagine my life without it. Even though I play around with the guitar a little bit, it’ll never be like hearing truly talented musicians play. I was lucky to have grown up in a home that always had music on the radio, a CD playing, or melodies pouring from my brothers bedroom from one of the few instruments he plays. Then when I went to college I surrounded myself with talented friends who could play the guitar, sing, and simply had a love of performing. And now again, my life here in San Sebastian, I have found myself in the midst of artists from around Europe. I couldn’t imagine spending my Sunday evening any other way – glasses of wine, freshly baked cookies, and good friends sitting around and making …

| I’ll MISS THIS |

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Driving to Augusta this morning with the country radio station revving me up for an all day conference I needed to be awake for – it hit me: I only have two weeks left in this country for a long time. I only have two weeks left driving my truck, listening to country music on the radio, and living with my parents. Some things I’ll miss more than others, some will just become fond memories. I’ve realized these are some of the things I’ll miss the most from the USA: My family My friends Snuggling with Lily Driving the yota a.k.a. my toyota tacoma Blasting country music and driving down back roads The way the leaves change & the smells of fall in Maine Not having to pay rent (or the heating bill, the electricity, etc.) Relatively cheap peanut butter – but let’s be honest, I’ll probably still buy it in Spain I’m sure as time goes by once I’m in Spain I’ll realize more things that I miss about this country. But I can’t dwell on …