Spain has just enthroned her sixth King Felipe. The following is a quick peek at the kingly lives of these six Felipes.

Felipe I of Habsburg: Born in Bruges, Belgium (1487), this Felipe received the Spanish crown and introduced the house of Austria to Spain through his marriage to Juana I de Castilla, daughter of the Catholic monarchs. Juana became heir to the throne of Aragón and Castile when her older siblings Juan and Isabel died. After the death of Isabel the Catholic, King Ferdinand hoped to continue ruling. The flatteringly nicknamed “Felipe the handsome” however was not willing to renounce his own power. They reached an agreement known as the Concordia de Salamanca (1505) which granted joint rule to Ferdinand of Aragon, Juana, and Mr. Handsome himself. Felipe and Juana had six kids, the second would inherit the throne for being born the first boy. He would go on to rule under the name Carlos I.

The son of Carlos I, Felipe II, represents the height of opulence during the Spanish empire. He was the king of Spain, Naples, Sicily, and Portugal, and for four years he was even the king of England. His reign saw the construction of the San Lorenzo del Escorial Monastary, where he died in 1598. He’s something of a controversial figure: some consider him a paragon of virtue while others (including protestant historians) think he was a more of a fanatical tyrant. The Spanish empire would extend around the world under Felipe II’s rule, a time when the famous phrase “the sun never sets on Spain” emerged. He married not twice nor thrice but four times, and had a total of eight kids. The penultimate of these heirs would carry on the Habsburg’s dynasty under the name Felipe III.

Felipe III reached the height of Spanish expression. He showed much more interest in theatre and painting than politics, which he delegated to his favorite, the Duke of Lerma. In many history books, this Felipe’s reign remains in the quiet shadows of ambitious dad Felipe Sr.’s incredibly prosperous rule, along with that of his gramps, Carlos I. Felipe III, known as Felipe the pious, did however achieve a high level of culture in Spain and an unprecedented 23 year period of peace known as the Pax Hispanica. He had eight children with his wife Margarita de Austria. The first-born boy, would be would reign as Felipe IV.

Known as the Planet King, Felipe IV occupied the throne for nearly 45 years, the longest lasting reign of the Habsburg dynasty. The Count-Duke of Olivares Gaspar de Guzmán would prove fundamental to his reign, a politician who maintained a firm foreign policy to preserve Spanish power in Europe. Spain’s constant wars with France and European Protestants drove Spain to a crisis. France’s Louis XIV took advantage of the state of his weakened neighbors and promptly went about becoming Europe’s most powerful king. Felipe IV had seven kids with his first wife Isabel of France, five of whom died before reaching adulthood. He later married Mariana of Austria and had five kids. After the first two boys died, Carlos II inherited the crown. Felipe IV had at least eight children out of wedlock.

Felipe V had to wait 35 years before becoming king, but then he went on to rule for 45 years, the longest lasting reign in Spain’s history. He was also the first Spanish king of the house of Bourbon. His connection to the throne recalls a soap opera-like storyline; this Felipe was the grandson of Luis XIV of France, the great grandson of Felipe IV of the house of Habsburg. He couldn’t take the French throne because he wasn’t the first-born son and because his grandmother had renounced her dynastic rights to marry Luis XIV of France. King Carlos II of Spain had no heirs, so in 1698 the European monarchs put together the First Partition Treaty of Spain, which named José Fernando de Baviera as successor to the Spanish crown. José died a year later however, which obliged Europe’s monarchs to create the Second Partition Treaty of Spain in 1700, granting the crown to Archduke of Habsburg. King Carlos II surprisingly designated his grand-nephew Felipe as heir, hoping that this Felipe, supported by the French crown, would prevent the empire from falling apart. Felipe V was crowned in November of 1700. All European monarchs recognized the new king except the House of Austria. A conflict erupted between the two dynasties, the Habsburgs and the Bourbons, resulting in a war of succession that pitted Felipe supporters and Archduke Carlos supporters against one another in and outside of Spain. In 1713, Carlos ended up taking the throne of the German empire. The rest of the European powers signed the Treaty of Utrecht to control the growing dominion of the Habsburgs. The treaty removed Spain from the Habsburgs’ control, but allowed them to keep their overseas land and their metropolitan areas (except Gibraltar, which was given to Britain). All European monarchs recognized Felipe V, except Emperor Carlos, who continued claiming the Spanish crown.

The latest in this long series of Felipes was proclaimed king on June 19, 2014, with the name Felipe VI. He took the throne after the abdication of his father, who had remained the King of Spain since 1975, after the death of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. Upon Franco’s death, Felipe became the Prince of Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne. A young Felipe VI studied for one year in Canada before starting at university. He earned a degree in law from the University of Madrid and later a masters degree in international relations from the University of Georgetown. In 2004 he married Leticia Ortíz, a well-known TV reporter. The couple has two children: Leonor (2005) and Sofia (2007).  

Young Spanish Musicians

Music is the backbone of this conglomeration of traditions, languages, geographies, and cultures that we call Spain. Spanish heritage is surprisingly rich and diverse, and the music here, in its most “classic” form, provides a special source of inspiration for many Spaniards. Spain has 45 symphonic and/or philharmonic orchestras, but we’ll be taking a quick peek at Spanish youth orchestras.

Limited space for text has obliged us to focus our list on 10 of these groups. We certainly have no intention of undervaluing those that don’t appear here. 

 

Joven Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid This group got its start in 1991 with 15 to 26 year old students from Madrid-area conservatories and music schools. Young musicians may only participate with the JOCM for up to 3 years, during which they attend classes taught by professional orchestra members. The JOCM puts on concerts every year in the Auditorio Nacional de Música, the Teatro Monumental, various theatres throughout Madrid, and as part of tours around Spain and Europe. (http://www.jorcam.org/)

Joven Orquesta de la Generalitat Valenciana The JOGV was also created in 1991 as a state-sponsored private entity. It remained private until 1996, when the Office of Culture, Education, and Science took over full responsibility. Members of the JOGV are between 16 and 25 years old. They must have also passed the final year of studies of their instrument at the intermediate level, and they must pass a test that will allow them to be members of the orchestra for 3 years. Members may prolong their membership for 3 more years after passing the required exams. The JOCV is made up of over 100 musicians who participate in a minimum of 3 yearly performances in Valencia. (http://ivm.gva.es/cms/)

 

Joven Orquesta Nacional de Cataluña In 1993, maestro Josep Pons founded the Jove Orquesta Simfònica de Catalunya, which changed its name in 1999 to its current Joven Orquesta Nacional de Cataluña (JONC). The group’s main goal has been to provide young musicians from Catalonia comprehensive orchestral training through lessons with professionals and visits from some of international music’s most noteworthy figures. The JONC serves as a stepping stone for young talents to break into the world of professional music, where they may have the chance to join some of Catalonia’s greatest orchestras such as that of El Liceu or the Palau de la Música Catalana. (http://www.jonc.cat/)

 

Joven Orquesta Nacional de España The JONDE belongs to the Instituto Nacional de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música, which operates under Spain’s Department of Culture. The JONDE was founded in 1983 to help train young musicians before beginning their professional musical careers. Classes here are offered by prominent figures such as Mstislav Rostropovich, John Williams, Teresa Berganza, etc. The orchestra places a special focus on contemporary music, attested to by the creation of the Academia de Música contemporánea in 2003. This orchestra makes up part of the Asociación Española de Jóvenes Orquestas (AEJO) and the Federación Europea de Jóvenes Orquestas Nacionales (EFNYO). Young musicians who have completed 2 or 3 years with the JONDE may enter a scholarship program allowing them to finish their music studies in the country and with the teachers of their choice. (http://jonde.mcu.es/)

 

Academia de Estudios Orquestales de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife This academy aims to create a bridge between the life of a music student and that of a music professional. The teaching staff is responsible for transmitting their knowledge with students of the JOST (Joven Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife). Former students have gone on to become members of the JONDE, the Orquesta Gustav Mahler, the Joven Orquesta de Canarias, and other institutions. This program has proven so successful that the academy has put on symphony and chamber music concerts in the Auditorio de Tenerife and in different venues in the Canary Islands and the rest of Spain. What started as a program with admissions limited to 16 students has grown to accept 65. (http://www.ost.es/)

Joven Orquesta Provincial de Málaga This orchestra created in 1991 promotes passion for music in the province of Malaga and in the rest of Andalusia, focusing on helping young musicians develop their abilities to perform collective music and symphonic music in particular. The JOPM has an orchestral school, which accepts students aged 10 to 15 who will later join the JOPM and possibly go on to make a career as a professional chamber or symphony music player. (http://jopma.hol.es/index.php)

Joven Orquesta de la Fundación Caja Duero This orchestra, sponsored by the Salamanca-based savings bank Caja Duero, makes up part of an educational project launched in 2005 to help young musicians develop their talent by working together with professional musicians. The project originated as a chamber orchestra with 21 musicians. Today it has 61. In 2006, this young orchestra participated in the musical project “Fl milegio musical salmantino”, an effort which earned the appreciation of Salamanca residents. (http://www.fundacioncajaduero.es/musica/orquesta_home.aspx)

Joven Orquesta Sinfónica de Granada Over 10 years in existence, the JOSG is made up of musicians aged 15 to 23. It has an excellent reputation on a local and national level. The JOSG has participated in international festivals such as the Eurochestries and they’ve brought their wonderful brand of classical, symphonic, and chamber music to towns around the province of Granada where residents may not get the chance to hear it very often. The orchestra has also participated since 2008 in the FEX event of the Festival International de Música y Danza de Granada. It also receives the consistent support of the renowned Orquesta Ciudad de Granada. (http://www.josg.org/)

Orquesta de Jóvenes de la Provincia de Alicante The OJPA emerged in 2009 from the music-loving atmosphere that characterizes the region of Valencia and especially Alicante. Soloists and conductors of great prestige teach young members to develop and perfect their musical talent. The orchestra’s high level of education earned it great success in 2012 at the Teatro Monumental of Madrid, the home of RTVE’s Symphonic Orchestra. That same year, the young orchestra performed at the prestigious Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Germany. Last year, the OJPA invited the Swiss Jugendorchester Oberthurgau, the Twist Youth Orchestra of Brussels, and the JOPM to participate in the 1st Festival International de Orquestas de Jóvenes, held in Alicante. This year, the OJPA will take part in the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival Vienna, and it will host the 2nd Festival International de Orquestas de Jóvenes. (http://www.orquestadejovenesdelaprovinciadealicante.com/)

Barcelona 2014

This year on Sept. 11, the Catalan city of Barcelona celebrates its 300th anniversary. The celebration is known in Spain as "Tricentenari," literally translated "three hundredth anniversary", and highlights the most important events that took place in Barcelona's history in 1714 during the month of September. In collaboration with the Catalan government, the city council has organized events, debates, seminars, walking tours, artistic exhibitions and official celebrations to rediscover 18th-century Barcelona.

• Taking a city break to Barcelona this year? Imagine yourself in the Barcelona of the 18th century and discover the city in a different perspective.
• The Catalan city's 300th anniversary will be celebrated extensively through a wide range of activities.
• The purpose of the celebration is to show what Barcelona looked like 300 years ago and the impact of the violent events of Sept. 11, 1714.

The city of Barcelona in the 18th century was an upbeat and dynamic city striving to become a prosperous city again. After the death of childless King Carlos II in 1700, Emperor Charles V declared himself a candidate for the crown of the Spanish monarchy. Unfortunately, Carlos II, had named Philip V as his successor, leading to the War of Spanish Succession. During this war, it was Catalonia, which supported Carlos II against Castilian Spain, which supported Philip V. After 13 months, the city of Barcelona fell to the French and Spanish armies on Sept. 11, 1714, and Catalonia took over the city. Today, this is a National Holiday of Catalonia, "Diada Nacional de Catalunya", and commemorates the most valiant defeat in Barcelona's history.

After the fall of Barcelona, the massive 'Castilinization' began: Castilian was replaced by Catalan in every official document and planned housing projects began. With the construction of the new castle, where Ciutadella park is now located, the inhabitants of the 'La Ribera' neighborhood were exiled and housed in 'La Barceloneta'.

Now, in the Barcelona of 2014, these events are open to the public with the opening of the impressive market hall "Born Centre Cultural," a new archaeological cultural center where exhibitions are held. Here are a few exhibits dedicated to the Tricentenari. During a city break in Barcelona it is fun to visit the 'Mercat del Born' and to see the huge 18 by 14 meter map of Barcelona from 1714. This stands between the 'Parc de la Ciutadella' and 'Arc de Triomf'. This map shows the main points of old Barcelona and through a mobile application you will receive information about the historical sites. Also, top Barcelona chefs will prepare typical Catalan dishes from the 18th century. Will you be in Barcelona this year? Then take a look at 17th century Barcelona and see the city from a completely different perspective!

After reading an article in the Wall Street Journal, an interesting dilemma has come forth for the North American viewer of the World Cup. Is it a better soccer experience watching the game with commentary in a language you may (or may not) know better than English?

Curiously, during the 2010 World Cup, Univision, the Spanish language broadcaster in the US, received consistently higher ratings versus their English-speaking counterparts ESPN and ABC. It wasn't until the final that ABC was able to receive higher marks: 13 million viewers vs. 8.3 million for Univision. In any case, 8.3 million viewers is a hefty number of viewers for a sporting event and a total of 21 million viewers for a soccer final is downright great.

Knowing that there is a demand that viewers apparently desire a more exciting and partisan commentary for their soccer game viewing, Univision is taking on the big broadcasters on their own turf—with English language commentary. For many people, listening to the game with the emotion that normally isn't transmitted in the American English-language broadcast adds an element of entertainment that they want to hear and experience—even  though they may not understand anything that is being said!

The World Cup 2014!

For this year's World Cup, Univision will continue to maintain and reinforce their emotive announcing style while also trying to appeal more to the non-Spanish speaking viewer. This year they will provide more bilingual commentary and their on-air personalities will tweet continuously in Spanish and English. Univision has also hired commentators like ex-Team USA defender Marcelo Balboa, Italian World Cup winner Mauro Camoranesi and ex-Barcelona FC and Bulgarian soccer legend, Hristo Stoichkov.

These commentators will easily move between English and Spanish and their Soccer (or is it football?) credentials are unquestionable. Their insight and experience will be key for the American viewer better understand and appreciate the little details that make soccer the world's most popular sport.

As an American in Spain, I must admit that I really had no clue about this sport when I arrived. Over the years I have slowly come to appreciate the appeal of this sport and how entertaining it can be; living In a country with one of the best soccer leagues in the world also helps a little. But one thing I have noticed here is the completely partisan approach in the transmission of international sports events. From F1 to Soccer there is an unashamed Spanish-centric approach to sports commentating that can be frustrating at times to downright funny.

For a quadrennial global championship where a country's national pride and honor goes on the line, I vote to hear sports commentary where the emotion reflects this urgency and anxiety. We're not talking about a tennis match or a chess game—this is the WORLD CUP! Also, if I had a choice of watching a game in German or Italian (both languages I don't speak but I've seen their soccer coverage) I would take the red-blooded Italian commentary over the German's cold insightfulness any day.

Fortunately for me, in Spain I understand the local commentary and I will enjoy every scream, yell and collective "UFFF". If you're in North America you'll have a viewing choice of two contrasting styles—take a look and pick the one that works for you. You're World Cup experience will depend on your choice.

One of the most alive summer festivals in Spain: the International Music and Dance Festival that takes place every year in Granada. For three weeks, the festival is intensely celebrated and as many as 30,000 people come to the famous city of Andalusia to attend this festivity. The birth of this festival was in the year 1883 when a concert was held in the Palace of Charles the Fifth but also 9 years later, in 1992, when the flamenco song was performed in the Alhambra with the help of Federico García Lorca, Manuel de Falla and other intellectuals and artists of the time. This year is the 63rd edition and the festival will take place from June 20 to July 11. 

• The origins of the festival date back to 1883, to the first concert given in the Palace of Charles V and to 1992, when the first flamenco song was shown in the famed Alhambra with the help of famous artists and intellectuals.
• The Alhambra, Generalife and Albaycín in Granada are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many festivities of the festival are given in one of these artistic creations.

The festival involves many different musical styles and genres, each held in an exceptional setting in the city. National and international artists gather in Granada's most notable neighborhoods to give dazzling performances. Past editions of the festival have been 95% occupied and nearly all sold out. The festival is not only popular for Spaniards. Thousands of residents from France, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, USA, Brazil, Finland and Colombia also visit Granada during this festival.

Many festivities are given in one of the artistic creations listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alhambra and Generalife are originally from Islamic Spain of the 16th century. The Albaycín, on the other hand, has something of the Moorish influences. The concerts of the immense symphony orchestras take place in the "Palacio de Carlos V. The dancing and ballet performances are performed in the outdoor theater in the "Jardines del Generalife. These beautiful gardens belong to the Generalife Palace, which was originally the summer palace and mansion of the Nasrid Sultan of Granada. In the morning there are several concerts in Granada's ancient churches and buildings. At night, the characteristic neighborhoods of El Albaicín and El Sacromonte are transformed into "nights of Flamenco" and world music is played.

The International Music and Dance Festival in Granada joined the European Festivals Association in 1955 as the first Spanish festival and is one of the popular summer and music festivals in Spain and for people who love Spanish culture, this is the perfect summer festival. Granada is full of artists, orchestras, dance groups and much more during these three weeks. At the same time, you can enjoy the beautiful Spanish summer weather and this ancient UNESCO city with Moroccan and Moorish influences.

Americans get a bad rap for not being able to speak a language other than English and that includes their global representative and leader—POTUS or The President of the United States. While heads of state from other countries can give speeches or press conferences in another language (English, more frequently than not) we always see American presidents with an interpreter in tow or just plain speaking in English like to a crowd of Germans at the Brandenburg Gate. Is this image representative of the American capacity to speak another language?

American Presidents Speaking Foreign Languages

Surprisingly, of the 44 presidents that have occupied the office, more than half have had exposure to another language and achieving a level that may not be fluency but certainly enough to read and understand a language other than English. But, this piece of information also comes with an asterisk. Many of the Presidents that have understood another language were taught Greek and Latin which count, obviously, as another language.      

John Adams was the second president of the US, he was a Founding Father, the first Vice-President, diplomat and a 5^th generation descendant of the first Pilgrim settlers. Originally destined to become a church minister, Adams was taught Latin at an early age in preparation for his entrance to Harvard College where he went when he was sixteen. Later, he would also become fluent in French.

Like Adams, 12 of the 23 presidents from the 19^th century were fluent in Latin while some were also fluent in Greek such as Thomas Jefferson (#3) and James Madison (#4). But Greek and Latin don’t really win over crowds. So what 19^th century presidents were fluent in a language that was actually spoken outside of the university?  Well, as mentioned earlier, Thomas Jefferson was fluent in Greek and Latin but he also knew Hebrew (!), French and Spanish. It is said that Jefferson taught himself to read and write Spanish on a nineteen-day boat ride across the Atlantic!

John Quincy Adams (#6) was also multi-lingual speaking Latin, French and German along with a little Greek and Dutch. Speaking of Dutch, Martin Van Buren (#8) has been the only American president to learn English as a second language since Dutch was his first language. Growing up in a small Dutch community in New York, Van Buren learned English during his primary education. Curiously, his wife, Hannah, never lost her Dutch accent.  Apart from Greek or Latin, American presidents would hit a communicative dry spell until Theodore Roosevelt (#26) became president.

Roosevelt was homeschooled and learned French, German, Latin and Greek. Like some other presidents, he passed through the gates of Harvard when classical languages were still  required for getting in (this would not begin to change until 1892). It appears as though Teddy had other things on his mind other than Cicero and he ended up just getting by and would never claim to have fluency in either of the classical languages. With Teddy Roosevelt, the golden age of multi-lingual Presidents would come to an end.

From the 20^th century to the present, language has taken a back seat in the priorities and education of the American President. From Obama (#44) to Taft (#27) here are the Presidents that have fluent non-English language skills:

--Woodrow Wilson (#28) knew French and German.

--Hoover (#31) knew Latin and Mandarin Chinese (from when he worked in China as a mining engineer).

--Franklin Roosevelt (#32) knew French and German. And that’s it.

Jimmy Carter (#39) knows a little Spanish, Clinton (#42) a bit of German and George W. Bush—or just “W”—(#43) knows a little Spanish too which is something he used, more or less successfully, during his presidency. Barack Obama has spoken (or read) Spanish but admittedly doesn’t know it or another language. On the campaign trail he has admitted this by saying “I don’t speak a foreign language. It’s embarrassing”.

 As we can see, the list of presidents that speak or have spoken another language, while on paper, is very positive. But, the result is skewed due to the style of education that was in place in America prior to the 20th century. But even in 19^th century America where people were educated in classical languages, you surely wouldn’t have been able to order a meal at a restaurant in Boston by saying: Ígnósce mihí! Ésurió.

Today, knowing another language is useful for many things and in our increasingly globalized world maybe another 19^th century-style emphasis on languages is needed. Considering that in the US, Spanish is the number two language spoken and in States like California, where Latinos will surpass non-Hispanic whites in numbers, Spanish will continue to grow in importance. Just to give you an idea…in 2050, it is projected that the United States will be the largest Spanish Speaking country in the world and 10% of the world’s population will be Spanish Speakers.        

American presidents are a reflection of American Society and right now the United States is undergoing a tremendous demographic shift which includes migration towards areas that have traditionally not been receivers of immigrants. A clear example today is the fact that Swahili is the most spoken African language in Kansas! In the United States, knowledge of languages will be more and more of a necessity and should not be considered as just another elective in school.

Before, a President speaking another language was a novelty: remember Kennedy’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” when he stood up to the threat of Communist Europe? Today, the ability to speak the language of wherever you may find yourself is very practical and considered something positive and welcoming. In the future, for an American president, it may also be politically savvy and essential for survival.

Brazil 2014

On June 12, it's that time again! The 20th edition of the World Cup will take place in South America, in the host country Brazil. This year, 32 teams are participating and they will compete against each other in eight squads of four teams. The first two qualify for the eighth finals. From the eighth finals, play continues under the so-called “knockout system”: winners advance to the next round and for the losers, the tournament is over. After the World Championships in 1950, this is the second time the tournament will take place in Brazil. It will kick off at the new São Paulo stadium with the match Brazil v. Croatia.

• The World Cup is in Brazil early this summer. The games will be played in one of 12 stadiums in the host cities: Manuas, Cuiabá, Brasílía, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre.
• The Dutch soccer team's first match is against Spain and will take place on June 13 at 9 p.m. Dutch time. After the Netherlands lost to Spain in the final of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, this match will be very exciting.
• Of course, there will be a spectacular opening and a World Cup song again this year.

It was not entirely intended that Brazil would again host the World Cup. In 2003, FIFA decided that the tournament would be held in South America. After the withdrawal of Colombia and Argentina, it was announced that Brazil was the only remaining candidate. Still, a battle was struck by stating that Brazil must meet the required quality standards. In the end, it succeeded and the games will be played in one of Brazil's 12 host cities.

We all know that Brazil is known for its carnival and for its rythmic atmospheres. Therefore, the slogan of the FIFA 2014 is “all in one rythm,” or everything in one rhythm. Choosing the logo, a masscotte and the ball was done by an Internet poll. The logo is a typical representation of Brazil, it consists of three hands that together represent the World Cup. The hands are yellow and green, the colors of the Brazilian flag. The mascot also has the colors yellow and green. Its name is “Fuleco,” a compound of the words “Futebol” (soccer) and “Ecologica” (ecology). Many Brazilian soccer names also end in -'eco'. Fuleco is a three-banded armadillo found only in Brazil and a very funny detail is that the animal can roll up like a ba when in danger. The soccer ball will be called 'Adidas Brazuca'. Brazuca is a national word by which Brazilians denote the national pride of the way of life. It symbolizes emotion, pride and benevolence.

Spain - Netherlands

Spain and the Netherlands both managed to qualify for the World Cup. The Spanish and Dutch teams have soccer history. In the past, Spain and the Netherlands have played each other 10 times. Surely the most memorable match is the final match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Spain won against the Netherlands in reserve time. Now, 4 years later, the Netherlands will again play the opening game against Spain. Even though statistics show that the Netherlands has a small chance of winning, we believe that the Netherlands will win the match! This match will be played in the stadium of Salvador on June 13 at 13.00 (Dutch time 21.00).

So at the beginning of summer, the 2014 World Cup begins. The opening will take place on June 12. Make sure you don't miss it. This edition's World Cup song will be sung by Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and popular Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte. The song is called “We Are One,” and expectations are that it will be as much of a hit as Shakira's World Cup hit “Waka Waka. Expectations for Spain's soccer and Latin American countries Argentina and Uruguay are also very high, so be sure to stay tuned!

Travel to Spain

One of the best travel opportunities you can have as a tourist is coming to a country like Spain and living in a house or flat just like a typical Spaniard. This kind of experience is unique and incredibly gratifying since you get a perspective that a regular tourist can only dream of. Not living in a hotel means that you’ll have the chance to go to the different neighborhood stores to buy your meat, produce, bread and groceries. You’ll meet and talk to people from the neighborhood in the corner bar while you’re having a coffee and churro for breakfast. But not all is sidewalk cafes and roses…there is a downside to all of this greatness (as there usually is). One day you will have to use the oven, dishwasher or washing machine. It’s then when things start to get a little sketchy and you'll begin to question the wiseness of not staying in that 4 star cubicle.

 

If you’re coming from the US then you are probably used to control dials on a washing machine, for example, that conveniently point to programs like “normal”, “heavy duty” or “delicate”. No fuss, no mystery. But in Spain (and Europe for that matter), it is not that easy or straight forward. Photo by: Benj Carson

In the case of a washing machine we will encounter symbols like spirals, arrows, shirts and the letter “u” with stars! An oven or dishwasher is not that much different. There is really no way to know intuitively what the symbols mean and there is a high probability that you will put your designer hand wash shirt through the heavy duty cycle if you don’t take the time to inform yourself beforehand. Photo by: Paul Hudson

Ovens are also demanding. In the US normally you just have to hit the bake, roast or broil button, program the temperature and you’re good. Here there is usually a wheel of fortune with another group of icons that you must decipher, these may include: a square with two lines, a fan, a fan with on line, a fan with two lines and the madness goes on and on. Photo by: Jonathan Abourbih

I’ve noticed that some European appliances sold in America do have these symbols but they are accompanied by a written description next to each icon on the control panel. There must be a shortage of paint here in Europe because that nifty cheat hasn’t been applied here for most appliances. I guess you can always go out and buy a label maker though. If you are one of the lucky people to have a European appliance (with labels) in your American home, than you are definitely one step ahead of the rest of us. Photo: Courtesy Electrolux USA

Other unknown appliance symbols await the traveler that will be living in a home during their stay in Spain. I guess this is the small price we must pay for having the unique opportunity of living like a native and, by doing so, have an experience that is only attainable when you are here as an indigene. When you travel the traditional way, you’ll never have the chance to try to order a tri-tip from a local butcher (Spanish cuts of meat is another blog entry) or help solve the parking problems of Salamanca or Madrid. Fortunately, this appliance problem is not so bad since there is always the internet to turn to in a pinch. Remember: If you come across an appliance that endangers your clothes or meal, you can simply do a quick search on the internet for the appliance and more than likely you'll quickly crack the code. No Rosetta Stone needed, just a tablet or notebook computer.

 

The Spanish team in Brazil

As we all know, Spain is defending the World Cup at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this summer. By now it is known that Spain is in the same pool as the Netherlands. Together with Australia and Chile, they form Pool B and the first matches will take place on June 13. Even though "La Roja," the Spanish team, won both the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, they still fear a bit for their opponents. Our Orange, of course, is fully focused on getting revenge for the lost 2010 final. But they also fear Chile, currently one of the most dangerous teams in South America.

• It is not yet clear who will be in the Spanish team's selection at the World Cup in Brazil, but there are bound to be many familiar names such as Ramos, Alba, Villa and Piqué.
• It remains to be seen if the older guard like Casillas and Alonso will be in the selection.
• If Spain wins the 2014 World Cup, it will become the third country besides Italy and Brazil to successfully defend its world title. 

This year la Roja is again under the direction of Vicente del Bosque, who was also the coach during the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship. Since 2008, del Bosque has been in charge of which players represent Spain in international matches and tournaments. And he does it well, given the successful results in recent years. Spain's soccer success keeps coming, including being in the history books as the first team to successfully defend its European title. In fact, Spain also became European champions in 2008, and again the team was led by Luis Aragonés.

It is not yet known exactly what La Roja's selection will look like during the World Cup, but many of the players will most likely be from Spanish soccer teams Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and FC Barcelona. Notably, the regular players in the national team are Ramos, Alba, Iniesta, Valdén, Villa, Fàbregas, Piqué, Busquets, Pedro and Arbelo. Many of them will be seen during the World Cup in Brazil.

During the 2014 World Cup, the Spanish team will stay at the CT do Caju training center in Curitiba. The training center known as the largest and most modern in Brazil. By choosing Curitiba, the team is also fairly close to the cities where the first matches will be played.

Under del Bosque's leadership, the Spanish team has lost only eight of 85 games in international competition. But before the World Cup really begins, Spain will play one more game, a friendly against El Salvador at the Redskins' stadium in Landover, Washington. There are very many positive expectations from the Spanish team and Spain will of course do everything possible to bring in the cup.

¡Viva España!

 

It’s May – spring is in full swing and nature has donned her finest splendor. Below you’ll find a panoramic peek at scenic, historic, relaxing, and spectacular gardens around the Spanish speaking world.

1. El Generalife Granada’s Generalife gardens were built in the 13th century as part of a summer residence for Nasrid caliphs. Although the gardens are located just outside the walls of the Alhambra palace, they originally could not be accessed from there, being accessible instead from the Cuesta de los Chinos. Today visitors reach this masterpiece in landscape architecture from the palace fortifications by first crossing a bridge over the moat, then following the Paseo de los Cipreses (Walkway of the Cypresses) to arrive at the Jardines Nuevos (New Gardens) and its open-air auditorium. The Patio de la Acequia (patio of the irrigation canal) highlights the Generalife gardens with its summer palace. This grand estate has served as a place for relaxing ever since its creation eight centuries ago.

2. The Aranjuez Gardens This ensemble of gardens just a few kilometers outside of Madrid complements the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, which is something like the Spanish version of Versailles. Four gardens make up this large green space: the Parterre, with four fantastic fountains, the Isla, surrounded by the Tajo River, the Principe, measuring 7 meters in perimeter and featuring an artificial lake called el Estanque de Chinescos, and the Isabel II, the most modern of the four (19th century). Visitors can expect to see pines, cypresses, magnolias, and banana trees including Madrid’s tallest tree the Plátano de la Trinidad standing at 57 meters.

3. The Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid Created by order of Fernando VI in 1755, this is Spain’s oldest botanical garden. Today it sits on the Paseo del Prado, next to the museum. It was moved to this location shortly after its foundation in 1781. This engaging garden displays aromatic and medicinal plants from Europe, America, and Pacific coastlands in handsome terraces, the largest of which is the Terraza de los Cuadros. The Terraza de las escuelas (Terrace of the Schools) is unique in that its plant families are taxonomically organized in a way that allows observers to follow the plants’ evolution. A statue of Carl Linnaeus stands in the center of the Plano de la Flor Terrace, which offers a splendid collection of bonsai trees.

4. Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava The name of this botanical garden located on the island of Tenerife in Puerto de la Cruz recalls its 18th century origins, a time when Puerto de la Cruz was not yet a town separate from La Orotava. The garden was created to acclimate plants brought from the America’s so they could later be grown on the Iberian Peninsula; Spain’s first tomatoes, peppers and ears of corn all grew here. This is a must-visit garden in the neighborhood of La Paz.

5. The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco To the south of Mexico City, in Xochimilco, a network of canals conjures images of a distant past, an age when Tenochtitlan served as the capital of the Aztec Empire. Colorful Trajineras, traditional boats propelled by poles manipulated with expert precision by drivers, carry passengers to these aquatic gardens.

6. The Japanese Garden of Buenos Aires In Buenos Aires’ popular Palermo neighborhood, and between Casares and Figueroa Alcorta avenues, this garden stands out from its Argentine surroundings. It’s like a slice of Japan right in the middle of BA that gives residents and visitors the chance to admire the elegance of Japanese art captured in this garden. It was created by the local Japanese community as a tribute to then crown prince of Japan Akihito and crown princess Michiko when the couple visited the city in 1967. Today the garden is home to a cultural activity center and the Fundación Cultural Argentino Japonesa. Visitors can expect to see the wonderful autumn reds and ochres of cherry trees, azaleas, and Japanese maples (remember the southern hemisphere is in the middle of fall).

7. Huerto del Cura In the city of Elche (in the province of Alicante) and within the city’s enormous palm grove, this garden was accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Huerto del Cura is a thriving botanical garden that covers 13,000 square meters and features over 1,000 palm trees along with pomegranate trees, jujubes, orange trees, lemon trees, and fig trees that all create a refreshing atmosphere filled with the sweet spring aroma of orange blossoms. Huerto del Cura, meaning “the priest’s garden”, takes its name from the property’s early owner José Castaño Sánchez who was a priest and owned the land until 1918.

8. The Alcázar Garden These gardens in Seville, embracing the Royal Alcazars Palace, tell the tale of the region’s fascinating past through the diverse architectural and landscaping styles that they exhibit. Mudejar, baroque, renaissance, and gothic styles are all present here. There are a total of 12 gardens, most noteworthy of which are the gardens displaying Arab style, the Garden of Mercury designed in mannerist style, and other more current gardens. There is also a labyrinth that invites visitors to “lose themselves” among the enjoyable scenery.

9. Ciudadela Park Ciudadela Park was Barcelona’s first great garden-park. Built on the land that once held the city’s fortress (hence the park’s name meaning citadel), it was designed after Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens. The park covers 17.5 hectares, not including the space occupied by the adjacent Barcelona Zoo. Curiously, the park continues to hold the old arsenal of the citadel, the current location of the parliament of Catalonia. The park was built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition, and a young Gaudí participated in its design by creating the Cascada Monumental, an incredible sculptural ensemble that is full of surprises. Take a stroll around the park to also discover the Castle of the 3 Dragons and a replication of London’s Crystal Palace erected for that city’s 1851 Expo.

10. Turia Garden In 1957, when a terrible flood in Valencia cost the lives of 81 people, local authorities decided to put an end to the threat of flooding in the city by redirecting the Turia River and laying a highway in the place it had flowed. The highway project was never carried out, but in 1986 a city park was installed that would become a distinguishing feature of Valencia. These gardens help make up Spain’s largest city park, which covers 110 hectares and crosses the entire city from the impressive City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) all the way to Bioparc, which houses the city zoo. 23 bridges of all different styles cross these gardens connecting the old banks of the Turia River.