Friday, June 25, 2004
Wednesday class--Kyle and Ali restarting the debate about whether or not Sabir is gay. Ali had said yes because of the flowery shirts and waving hands around. Kyle said something about it being legal for homosexuals to adopt. Ali had changed his mind, saying that S didn't quite fit the type, Kyle still thought he was, saying that not all fit the type. I just couldn't resist turning around and asking Ali what the type was. He said that Sabir was all artsy but wasn't all the way acting like a gay person would. He mentioned that S favored a particular girl in the class, and that if he favored a boy in the class he might think differently. Found it amusing, just had to point out that a lot of straight men favor guys in classroom. Knee jerk reaction to educate--4th Bryan influence.
Evening stayed in computer lab until closing time. Asked a few people where celebrations were as leaving. So rare to actually converse with UPC students. Arrived to empty house, Rosa had left note that she was out until late. Went to call center to call Mom and see if English Speaking Club had event going on (did but it cost 25 E!) and on way, saw huge pile of trash and furniture in middle of street. So after running back for digital camera, came back in time to see beginnings of fire. After started, people clapped, some men danced around with bottles of champagne. Seemed like whole neighborhood was out--many families with multiple generations. Kids with sparklers and small firecrackers. Very noisy. Talked with older woman there with grandkids. As fire got bigger the ambiance got a little sinister as people backed away. Cars and buses had to turn edge--would be worried. Firemen a few blocks away would come by late to put out fire and trash men would clean up in morning, woman explained.
People out at tables chatting, toasting at bar/cafes. Talked with man there with his family who told me how it was Catalunyan--guess I stood out as foreigner. Though struck during night by how many foreigner looking people I saw--Peruvians, Chinese, Pakistanis, and Filipinos, all part of neighbordhood and carrying on local tradition.
Thought that there might be more going on in Montjuic so stopped back home to refuel just as Rosa coming back. Told her that I was going and she said she'd walk with me. So we walked by Miro park, lots of people still there, many kids with their noisy crackers and Rosa jumping and flinching as we passed by. Though Miro Park had always been devoid of people, full tonight with fireworks and metal band and Catalan flags. Walked around Plaza Espana, many people, glowing bracelets, small fireworks but nothing big. Different ambience. So came back, Rosa bought us both ice cream cones, and chatted as we walked home.
Evening stayed in computer lab until closing time. Asked a few people where celebrations were as leaving. So rare to actually converse with UPC students. Arrived to empty house, Rosa had left note that she was out until late. Went to call center to call Mom and see if English Speaking Club had event going on (did but it cost 25 E!) and on way, saw huge pile of trash and furniture in middle of street. So after running back for digital camera, came back in time to see beginnings of fire. After started, people clapped, some men danced around with bottles of champagne. Seemed like whole neighborhood was out--many families with multiple generations. Kids with sparklers and small firecrackers. Very noisy. Talked with older woman there with grandkids. As fire got bigger the ambiance got a little sinister as people backed away. Cars and buses had to turn edge--would be worried. Firemen a few blocks away would come by late to put out fire and trash men would clean up in morning, woman explained.
People out at tables chatting, toasting at bar/cafes. Talked with man there with his family who told me how it was Catalunyan--guess I stood out as foreigner. Though struck during night by how many foreigner looking people I saw--Peruvians, Chinese, Pakistanis, and Filipinos, all part of neighbordhood and carrying on local tradition.
Thought that there might be more going on in Montjuic so stopped back home to refuel just as Rosa coming back. Told her that I was going and she said she'd walk with me. So we walked by Miro park, lots of people still there, many kids with their noisy crackers and Rosa jumping and flinching as we passed by. Though Miro Park had always been devoid of people, full tonight with fireworks and metal band and Catalan flags. Walked around Plaza Espana, many people, glowing bracelets, small fireworks but nothing big. Different ambience. So came back, Rosa bought us both ice cream cones, and chatted as we walked home.
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