While most are home and ready to enjoy their holidays with the families and friends I am in Madrid, Spain about to embark on something new. Trying to enjoy a Christmas holiday away from my family. No matter where I have been back in the U.S. I have always made it back to my parents home for Christmas. This is the one time I will not be able to make it and so far I do not have any regret. Well maybe just a little bit…
Location: Plaza de Cibeles & Plaza Mayor (Sol) – Madrid, Spain
Another beautiful winter afternoon, perfect weather and an awesome couple… who could ask for anything more. Both Jasmine & Johnny met while students at University of California in Irvine. Jasmine took the opportunity to come to Madrid and teach English while Johnny stayed behind to finish his education. Yet, Johnny couldn’t stay away from Jasmine, who could blame him, and made the trek to Spain to spend the holidays with her. Happy Holidays!
Location: Parque de Plaza Castilla – Madrid, Spain
I continue to get lucky while I am here in Madrid. I was contacted by Sami who herself is also an English teacher in Paris, France. The opportunity to capture her simple wedding day was a no-brainer. To be established as International Wedding Photographer you have to accept every opportunity available and I have been very fortunate and lucky to have this chance. Sami and Lamine, who is from Madrid, have learned the universal language of love and will continue to speak it forever. Cheers to you both!
Locations: Plaza Mayor in Sol, Casa de la Villa & Parque del Oeste – Madrid, Spain
I have always been one to give back to those who help to defend our country and Zack is an awesome man who is right now in the United States Air Force. While visiting his girlfriend Ashley on holiday in Madrid it seemed a perfect time to set up a Beloved session for these two beautiful souls. Thank you both for letting me capture your experience…
Locations: Jardines de Sabatini & Palacio Real de Madrid – Madrid, Spain
A gorgeous couple, perfect weather and a spectacular setting is all I can describe about this session. One of the most beautiful areas I have seen in Madrid where the weather is a perfect scene of the fall foliage in the city. Both Pamela & Kostyn met here in Madrid while both were teaching English and both have a spectacular future in store…
Location: Parque del Oeste – Madrid, Spain
“When beauty comes to your small town you have the choice to challenge yourself and chase the dream of a lifetime.” Simple words but yet they cannot describe the love that Lauren & Alejandro have for each other. Both met in Sevilla when Lauren was teaching English. Both fell in love almost instantly and recently were married in ceremonies in Cadiz and Boston, Massachusetts. Now both are living in Madrid where Lauren continues to teach English and Alejandro owns his own IT business.
Locations: Parque de Retiro & Puerta de Alcalá – Madrid, Spain
College Sweethearts. You can stop right there and the story can just right itself with those two words. Hayley is from my “neck of the woods” in Southern California while Michael grew up in a simple town in North Carolina. Both attended Davidson college and both knew that their lives where meant to be together… even if that meant coming to Spain together to teach. Both are English teachers and are enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.
Location: Parque de Retiro – Madrid, Spain
Fall is officially upon us and I am in a place where I can actually see the real seasons. Fall foliage and all.
The skylight is leaving earlier and the night is lasting longer.
Here are some of my images from November…
Locations: Parque de Retiro & Puerta de Alcalá - Madrid, Spain and Plaza de Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Columbus Day has different meaning in all countries. But in Spain, especially, it is held in one of the highest regards. This was my first experience in a country that holds it with such high regards. The Fiesta is the only parade that includes all the Military Branches, the political parties and the Spanish Monarchy as well. Enjoy!
The Tanks are getting ready!
Traditional Uniforms!
The King is a HIGH ROLLER!
The Youth admiring the parade…
Well it has officially been 1 week since I made the official “reboot” of my life. (Now please note, when I say reboot what I mean is that I wanted to make a change and alter the path I was on and like a computer, a reboot was needed) Some may say that I was being selfish but, mind you that I am always there to do for others and I normally put myself 2nd or last, normally. This, for instance, was an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to see another part of the world while being able to use the “overpriced” college education I so desperately struggled to achieve.
I won’t go into semantics but here is a simple recap of the last 7 days of my life.
Sunday 9/25 – 4am trip to LAX for a 6am flight to Miami and 6 hour layover while I wait for my redeye flight to Madrid. (Special thanks to the single mother for bringing an obviously ill toddler on an almost 9 hour flight. The vomit stains are still being cleaned off American Airlines flight AA66) A new friend and Language Auxiliar, Jessica, was able to snooze on the flight to Madrid while I spend all of 30 minutes waiting for the nightmare flight to end…
Monday 9/26 – After almost 16 hours of travel (1st 4 hours in First Class – totally worth the upgrade fee) I am in Madrid and checked into my Hostel for the next 5 days while I look for a place to stay. Next stop, the phone store for a sim card for the Blackberry. Yes, in Spain I went with Blackberry since I didn’t want to jailbreak the iPhone. Siesta time; then it was off to the Gran Via area for Tapas & Mojitos with my new friend Rosana. She has been a total angel when it comes to helping me find my way and get me organized.
Tuesday 9/27 – Jetlag finally kicked me in the butt. Slept until 4pm. Yes, almost 16 hours. But still managed to get up for another fun night with some awesome new friends. A few pints to celebrate the move then it was off to Sol to check out the sites… at midnight…
Wednesday 9/28 – Orientation Day – will not go into a story but it was uneventful. Best part of the day was Taco Bell (yes, I said it) at 9pm with JD & Jessica since it was our only meal of the day!
Thursday 9/29 – 1st Metro Rail trip to Coslada, Spain. Wanted to check out the new school where I will be a Language Auxiliar for the next 9 months. Was introduced to other professors, the director and one class of students who seemed very interested to learn more about me than about my lack of talent with the Spanish language. So far a success… Next, meeting with my cousin Raquel. She is so awesome and very patient especially with the fact that I do not speak Spanish well, at all. But we are able to have a decent conversation about life and she even spoke to my mom for a little bit. Overall, the day was a success. Reward – Bocadillo de Jamon, Large Chocolate doughnut and water!
Friday – 9/30 – With hopes of continuing on yesterdays success I hit a roadblock, no success in the “piso” hunt. Bummed but not beaten I start to scour the Facebook forums for our page which has advice and comments by other Auxiliars in the program. Totally a lifesaver and one of the successful reasons I am in Madrid. Was able to find a room with another Auxiliar and her boyfriend in the Tetuan area of Madrid. A total WIN – WIN! No need to celebrate just back to the Hostel to pack and get ready for a new day.
Saturday – 10/1 – Moving Day to my new digs, simple shopping at the Mercado and lay back with some pizza, Euro Sprite and a real shower in my new place. Thank you God!
Sunday – 10/2 – Breakfast with the new roommates and then it was off to Lazipies for lunch with new Auxiliares. Totally cool to meet new people and capture some new images with the G12. The Think Tank Roller has not been unpacked but will be soon…
Be sure to keep following for new updates every week within my new adventures.
by Danny
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