shapes and patterns

The geometry, the symmetry, the intricacy, the design. The Alhambra is full of surprises. In the Islamic context, they signify the visualization of the infinite nature of Allah, extending past the visible, material world. The motifs, done in tile and stucco, are undergoing a massive restoration, as the palace suffered from centuries of neglect. The inscriptions are significant too, with the motto of the Nasrid Dynasty given most prominence - 'There is no victor except God'.

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the courtyards of Alhambra

The Calat Alhambra, the grand palace that served as fortress and court of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim rulers in Europe. Described as 'a pearl set in emeralds', it was used by Christian rulers after the Reconquista. Overlooking the city of Granada, set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, Alhambra is a stunning sight. Majestic yet filled with the most amazingly intricate architectural details ... the photos simply don't do it justice.

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the bright lights on the hill

We had yet another career workshop today. She started off with 'how many of you are interested in finding a job?' Not a great start. Did I find the rest of the session useful? In a word, no. Maybe it's her style, maybe it works with her corporate clients, but at the very least, I think we deserved the courtesy of a proper powerpoint presentation. Stylus-drawn Paint documents are cute and all, but analogies drawn in Paint of 'good managers are like tall trees, and bad managers are like bushes' don't exactly rouse enthusiasm.

I found both Sevilla and Granada to be absolutely stunning at night. They light up the buildings in an amazing amber light. Combined with the dark, starry night sky, it's all very imposing, majestic, all those grand words. Alhambra is especially beautiful at night. High up on the hill, bathed in light. Like the Queen of Sheba laying eyes on King Solomon's palace for the first time, there's a sense of wonder and other-worldliness to Alhambra. From another age, as splendid as it was all those centuries ago.

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How do you prepare a business case?

I'm so excited to share this - towards the end of our first term at IESE, my team - #TeamB5 - was approached by the MBA Office about participating in a new video describing the case study method. A film crew would film one of our Analyzing Business Problems classes and our team meeting, and conduct individual interviews with the members of our team. An easy yes. And now, the finished product. I hope that it helps whoever is researching, or deciding on business schools to learn more about the case study method, and feel the energy of the class and of our team. So incredibly proud of my teammates. Out to celebrate tonight!

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beat, and then we turn the corner ...

I am utterly and totally exhausted. Not proud of it, but I nodded off in class today and was caught by my professor. Shameful. My bad. But I've been working my ass off, preparing 3-4 cases a night, as well as keeping up with Spanish class. Modulo 4 finals in 2 weeks. Will I finally feel caught up? Maybe not - maybe for this entire MBA I'll feel out of breath, running on leaden feet. So we learn to find pleasure in the little things.

From Sevilla, we took a very, very early morning train to Granada. Worst idea ever. You can't go out late at night, so that night is wasted. You lose sleep catching the train, so by the time you arrive at the destination, all you want to do is nap. So this whole idea of let's get to the next place early so we have more time to explore is nonsense. Travelling isn't a race to hit as many guidebook must-sees as you can. So, that afternoon, still groggy from illness and lack of sleep, we wandered up to Albayzín. There wasn't much to see, most of the cafes were closed, and it was just an absolute labyrinth of tiny alleys and uneven cobblestone roads. And then we turned the corner, arriving at the Mirador San Nicolas. I sat down, taking in the view, the air, the sun. Not bad, Granada. Not bad.

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on broad, stone shoulders

The grand cathedral of Sevilla, the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, its construction on top of a former mosque spanning from 1402 to 1517. Holding the (still disputed) remains of 'The illustrious and excellent man, Don Colon, Admiral of the Ocean Sea'. Local legend says that members of the cathedral chapter proclaimed, 'Let us build a church so beautiful and so great that those who see it built will think we were mad'. And mad they were. Travelling around Europe jades you in all its cathedrals and basilicas and chapels, but this is really impressive. Epic, even. Puts the fear and awe of god in you, whether you're a believer or not. From the massive pillars to the naves, to the ornate carvings and of course, the incredible Giralda ... simply an amazing testament to faith, perseverance, commitment, and purpose. As I climbed up the Giralda, the former minaret of the mosque that stood here until Muslim rule, I kept thinking those words. Sure, business school makes you a bit cynical (ie. yet another example of the power and influence, both financial and political, of the Catholic Church), but there's also vision here. There's artistry and craftsmanship. It has endured the test of time. The gardens were beautiful; I was especially interested in the stone tiles built around the orange trees. And of all the views of the cathedral, my favourite was at night, when it's lit up. Against a starry night, moon bright and shimmering ... the facade indeed takes on an ethereal glow.

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flying down south, gazing at grandeur

I jetted down south to Andalusia, landing in Sevilla in the early morning. After taking a much needed nap, strolled out into the bright sun and stumbled into the Kingdom of Wadiya. The Plaza de España, built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The Renaissance Revival style of Spanish architecture in all its grand, stony glory. The bridges, the tower, the alcoves ... a monument to Spain. 

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charging into 2nd term

So it's been a month, but the second term of the MBA is here! Back to school tomorrow, and I actually am excited to get going again. After a few months of intense work, it felt strange to suddenly just ... have nothing to do but play. Don't get me wrong, it's been an epic month. A bit of travelling around Spain, lots of food, lots of drinking ... lots and lots and lots of drinking. New experiences, great memories, and an empty bank account. Good times. The face says it. This is the face of the daredevil who discovered some of Barcelona's hidden Catalan food hangouts, who drank oceans of gin tonics, who marvelled at the masterpieces in Madrid's museums, who wandered the great cathedral of Sevilla, and who conquered the sacred gypsy mountain of Granada.

Charge!!!!

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in the beautiful sun

I'm back from Andalusia! What a stunning, stunning place. The architecture, the food, the people, the sun ... a world away from Catalunya. Tired, still sick, but so exhilarated at what I've seen these past few days. Need a good 12 hours of sleep, and be back with photos and stories ...

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drinking vermut in Madrid

I did not know vermouth was such a big thing here in Spain. We stumbled on a bar in Madrid, an old one (whose floor apparently hasn't been washed since the early '90's ... 1890's), where they pour vermut out of taps, topping it with a bit of water. Served with nuts, I almost didn't know what to do with it. You drink it ... straight?

I didn't particularly care for the vermouth from here (a bit too sweet, cloying), but we had examples from other places that were really interesting. Perfumed and floral, the best ones had a complexity and balance that was very unexpected. You know, they do this thing called the 'vermouth hour' in this country. It's when you take a vermouth and some tapas before lunch. Some liquid courage before sitting down at the lunch table with the mother-in-law, you see. And we all know that if the Spanish see a chance to sit in the sun, have a drink, and socialize, they'll take it.

There's a lot of charm in vermouth, in drinking one - a throwback, especially when taken in this type of unadulterated, unmixed form. The best Spanish vermouths are produced in Catalunya, apparently - something I'd love to explore a bit, but after the holidays, money has gotten really tight. There's a few bars around Barcelona that are supposed to do vermut de la casa really well.

Amazing, learned something new these holidays. So interesting to see that Europe doesn't just produce beverages - there's an entire culture around them as well, both in their production and consumption. They certainly do truly define the term enjoying a drink. I'm in soooo much trouble here ...

Flying out early next morning to Andalusia!! Sevilla first, then Granada. Still feeling quite sick, but ready for another adventure!

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getting medieval in Toledo

Our last, rainy day in Madrid was spent in equally rainy, grey, miserable Toledo.

We saw an old bridge ...

... and an old cathedral ...

... but as much as I wanted to mope, what can you do but stare in awe at the magnificent things dedication and centuries of hard labour construct.

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getting some culture

It's nice to be a spectator and just look at things ...

... especially when you're in a grand capital of Europe ...

... and standing in grand monuments to culture.

The Prado, the Reina Sofia ...

... keepers of art and treasures, of passion and beauty ...

... whatever angle you look at it ...

... and in whatever mood. Light and beauty, reminding us that sometimes the best part of traveling is simply to close your mouth and open your eyes.

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heading back to Barca, back home

Sitting in Madrid's beautiful airport, can't wait to head home after 5 amazing days here. So much fun, so much drinking. But even with all the mirth and good times with friends, it's good to be heading home. I always wanted to be careful, but yeah, I've taken to calling Barcelona 'home'. Because that's what it is. It's where I've gotten settled, where I've gotten more comfortable. Funny, huh. Home for a few days, then another quick trip to Andalusia before our 2nd term begins!

DF

Post No. 2901

Ha ha, fantastic ... 100 of these ago, I didn't even have my student visa to Spain settled. And now look at me. New Years was fantastic, photos later. Things are closed in Madrid today, so staying in and, well, drinking. So much drinking. I could say a lot of things of the things that've happened in the last 5 months or so, but all I want to say in my currently half-drunk state is this: I've never been happier, I've never been more motivated, and I've been more in control of my life. Full throttle for the next 100.

DF