The sky

            

Breathing heavily after a long run Tom stopped by a big cypress that was on top of a little hill, he could see now the silhouette of his house back from where he came. Still angry, for what happened back at his house, Tom laid under the shadow of a cypress breading his anger with his thoughts. Suddenly, Tom heard a noise behind him.  He turned anxious, trying to discover where the noise came from. A little face appeared from behind of a tree, two big blue eyes timidly looked at him while Tom incorporated, trying to see who the stranger that was spying on him was. 

-Hey! Tom said, why are you spying me? 
A little girl stepped out of the edge of the forest with a surprised look on her face.
- I am not spying you, she said contradicted. What are you doing there, that is my tree! she replied. 
Tom looked at the massive cypress and gave a look back to the little girl. 
-Your tree? That is really funny, Trees have no owners! they are just there! He said laughing, 
-Well, this one is mine, the little girl replied while she slowly walked to the cypress. Whats your name? She said. 
Tom took a moment to reply while he analyzed the little girl. Her hair was pretty short for a girl her age, she dressed a grey trousers and a comfy wool white sweater that was a bit big for her, her hands where almost hidden between the sleeves of the sweater. She walked graciously, almost floating, a big smile was always present on her face, almost like an expression of satisfaction.  But as she was getting closer, Tom could not avoid getting astonished with the incredibly big blue eyes of the little girl, they seemed to look at everything without fear. The girl realized that tom was looking at her and she immediately looked back, directly to the eyes. He felt a warm sensation all over his body that baffled him completely, suddenly Tom felt like all his problems were nothing, an immense peace sensation filled all his body hollows. Until, completely overwhelmed, he had to look away. 
-My name is Uriel she said, extending her hand to Tom. 
-I'm Tom he mumbled nervously, avoiding the eye contact. 
-What are you doing here? ,The little girl asked as she sat down in the shadow of the cypress. Tom quickly recovered and sat down next to the little girl, thinking what brought him to the forest. I hate my life he replied, all weekends is the same, I have to go to school, help mom during the week and when I have a little time to myself during the weekends nobody can play with me, on top of that my mom wants me to help my brother James to pick up the attic, when it was James and only him who messed all up. I wish I had another family; I hate all of them, said Tom finalizing his speech, visibly angry, and frowning. 
-I understand, said the little girl giving Tom some time to clear his thoughts. Where do you live said Tom? I never saw you around here… are you new in this neighbor? 
-Yes, Uriel replied, I come around here when I feel the need but I normally live far away from this town. 
Both of the kids let the silence of the evening surround them, the sun was starting to fall. The birds around flied close to the trees where they had their nest, on a disordered concert of sounds and flapping wings. 
-You know Tom, we do not always can have everything that we want, she said breaking the silence, and looking up to the sky. How beautiful this is. 
Tom looked up and discovered a pallet of colors on the ceiling of his world. The fading sun and the clouds were dancing in an explosion of tonalities that went between the most pure white to red and pink tones mixed all with different kinds of blue. The colors appeared to change every second, as the sun slowly faded in a picture that not even the most talented painter could ever imitate. 
-I like where you live Tom, is a beautiful place to be. However, I miss my home, I feel so well when I am there, like there is nothing else I need, just being there comforts me, I never feel anger or sadness, I feel loved and I love. But is not perfect, something is missing. Every place has something that makes it beautiful but also something that sometimes makes it hard. The same thing applies to our lives. The question is what are you going to do about it? We have to learn to live with the things that we have, if you really want, you will be able to feel how you choose to feel. Your life will be the attitude you have towards it.

Tom felt a little bit better after the comforting words of the little girl. The warm feeling and the peaceful sensation he experienced earlier started to grow again in him.
- I am glad I met you Uriel, Tom said, I feel much better now. 
The little girl gave him a loving smile and said: 
-You should go back home Tom, is getting late. I will do the same. 
Both of the kids stood up and Tom started walk back to his house, thinking in what Uriel told him. When he was on the edge of the forest he turned, one last time to say bye. But a question pooped out in Tom´s mind. 
-Hey Uriel, it sounded like you really miss your home, and as you described, it sounds so perfect. What is that thing you cannot have when you go back there? Tom asked intrigued.

 Uriel gave him a big smile as she looked up, taking her time to reply. 
-Well Tom, this is really funny, but, the thing is that, from heavens, you cannot see the sky… 

The Rhetoric of art as an individual expression

What is art? Truly, the concept of art itself can be vague, broad or open to interpretation. However, is rich in messages that sometimes can be really hard to identify. Art itself is one of the most pure forms of individual expression. An artistic piece is not necessarily created to state a message or to communicate, but some of the most famous masterpieces are a reflection of the artist thoughts, a picture of his deepest feelings or a provocative message to the society. The representation of Saturn devouring his sons by Francisco de Goya constitutes a strong political message that could have caused him death if it were expressed on a written document or on a speech. This masterpiece can be categorized as a mythological composition, and indeed it is. However, Goya also intended to represent the struggle of the people being squeezed by the politics of the Spanish royal family at the beginning of the XIX century.

Analyzing the rhetorical concepts, it can be stated that Saturn devouring its sons is a masterpiece because Goya was a well-known reputed artist that worked for the 1800’s elites of the Spanish society. That can constitute Goya Ethos, he has credibility, and therefore, the message will have a strong consideration. Following that, the painting shows a horrific scene, a little figure covered in blood, totally defeated, against the old Saturn, represented as massive, pop-eyed and unhinged man dismembering its own heir. All in that image surely provokes an emotion, the Pathos of the message. Attending to the logos, Goya makes logical analogies with what the country was facing. Spain was consumed in wars, its people (Saturn sons) were being taxed heavily to support the cost of a corrupt, old and inefficient absolute state (Saturn). Moreover, According with the myth Saturn feared that their sons will overthrow him and therefore he decided to brutally eat them. The same fear that an inefficient government may have of its people. A common reaction would be to control the situation implementing a suppressive politic based on fear and terror. Finally, the painting, and therefore the message, was made in the precise moment when important historical events were happening. The defeat of the Spanish army in the battle of Trafalgar, the War against France, Britain and Portugal, the economic crisis and the Aranjuez coup d’état were contemporary to the painting, a suitable moment for a political message that can be identified as the Kairos.

Secondly, speaking about the invention, the author choose to his rhetorical message a mythological theme to make an analogy with the social situation of the country. The use of a mythological theme to convey a message seems logical, since the author would risk too much if he directly criticized the Spanish government. The message is hidden but still effective. On the other hand, the arrangement is clearly visual, Goya did not need to write or speak about his piece to convey the message he wanted to state. All the elements present in the painting are structured and organized to imply an image of obscurity and desolation, this point connects with the style of the art piece. His “word choice” is once again obscure, setting a feeling of despair and negativity about the situation, the color distribution is dark and murky. The only fading light emanates from the dismembered body of the son (the people). This obscurity can have a strong impact to the intended audience, an uneducated society that maybe cannot identify the double meaning of the painting, but surely will be impacted by its darkness. Lastly, speaking about the memory, the mythological story of Saturn thus terrible and despairing ends with a message of hope. The Titan Gea hided and protected her son Zeus from the voracity of Saturn, whom once strong enough overthrow his father, liberated his brothers from the oppression and cruelty of his progenitor.  Once again the analogy appears, sending  a message of faith to the listener that invokes memory.

We do not want muslims here... No queremos musulmanes aqui...

Ebram. Born and raised in Egypt. Copt Christian.

The horror of terrorism sometimes seems a distant problem. However, I was impressed when Ebram told me that he was expelled out of a pub in Montmartre just because he seemed to be Muslim.

I just spent four wonderful days in Paris and my visit was mainly a touristic thing. Nevertheless, I had enough time to meet some people from all over the world and listen to their stories.

To me, Paris represents a living symbol of the western civilization, an example of freedom and tolerance. I could see with my eyes the fear of people, the streets were empty, the city was awaking of a horrific nightmare, and the army was patrolling everywhere, especially in the most touristic places. I understood the fear, I saw the pain of the city in Plaçe de la Republique. Especifically, I have the image in my mind of an old woman that was burning a candle in the memory of an 18 years old girl who was killed in the attacks.

However, I just thought that that terror must not undermine the values of our western culture. We are the light in the darkness of the intolerance and in the moment we allow this kind of thing to happen we are losing what make us unique and we are losing the battle. Paris is a moveable feast said Hemingway, and we must keep it that way...

Ebram:

Nacido y criado en Egipto. Cristiano Copto

.
El horror del terrorismo a veces parece un problema lejano. Sin embargo, me impresionó cuando Ebram me dijo que fue expulsado de un bar en Montmartre sólo porque parecía ser musulmán.

Acabo de pasar cuatro días maravillosos en París y mi visita era principalmente una cosa turística. Sin embargo, tuve el tiempo suficiente para conocer a gente de todo el mundo y escuchar sus historias.

Para mí, París representa un símbolo viviente de la civilización occidental, un ejemplo de libertad y tolerancia. Pude ver con mis ojos el miedo de la gente, la ciudad se despertaba de una pesadilla horrible, las calles estaban casi vacías, el ejército patrullaba los lugares más turísticos. Entendí el miedo, vi el dolor de la ciudad en la Plaza de la República. específicamente, tengo la imagen en mi mente de una mujer mayor que encendía una vela en la memoria de una niña de 18 años que murió en los ataques.

Sin embargo,  yo sólo podía pensar que el terror no debe socavar los valores de nuestra cultura occidental. Somos la luz en la oscuridad de la intolerancia y en el momento en que nos permitimos este tipo de cosas suceda estamos perdiendo lo que nos hace únicos, y por ende la batalla. París es una fiesta móvil, dijo Hemingway, y debemos mantenerlo así ...

Secco Wine Bar Critique. Cary Street. Richmond

Secco Wine Bar Critique. Cary Street. Richmond

http://www.seccowinebar.com

Discovering Richmond culinary bids has become with time an interesting gastronomic experience. The wide range of little restaurants with a strong identity is becoming a characteristic signature on the cookery offer of Virginia’s capital. Suggestions of the local press and some friend’s recommendations made me want to explore this little bistro located on a Cary street corner.

Seco Wine Bar is presented by local press as a restaurant which respects the product and has a wide list of international wines (Pickeral). It has a convenient location that makes more desirable to give it a try. Since you come in, you can appreciate the importance of wine trough a vast list displayed on the wall. Although, I have to say the place inside remains a little bit unwelcoming and cold. The dark color of the ceiling, the lack of light, and the need of additional space makes it a little bit obscure and foggy. However, the candles on the tables at night, the welcoming staff and the muttering of people (mostly packed on weekends) contributes to a cozy perception. The dinner menu offer is unpretentious and straight. Nine entrees, eight main courses and three desserts, plus a five course tasting menu with vegetarians and gluten free options. (Secco).

I habitually say that the company is the best side for any meal. Mine last Saturday was without any doubt the perfect combination. My friends Kassie and Amanda were the ideal garnish for this meal. We decided to start ordering a glass of Lopez de Heredia 2006. As well as a cheese and meats table and a Tortilla tapa (Small ration). Speaking about the wine itself, it had a clear and bright Rubi color, with a persistent aroma and smooth and fresh taste. The composition of this Rioja Crianza was Tempranillo grape (65%) and Garnacha (25%) with some Mazuelo and Graziano and other types of local grapes. (Wineries, Lopez de Heredia). Speaking about the appetizers, at first it shocked me that the chef decided to bake the Omelet instead of cooking it in a pan. I expected it to be dry and chewy. Nonetheless, I found it juicy and savory. The potatoes were well cooked and crispy on the outside. The egg coverture had a perfect golden color and the presentation was attractive and balanced. The cheeses and meats were suitable for the casual conversation, and slow dinner that we were having and the flavors of the cheese, prosciutto and calabresse salami matched perfectly with the red wine, all of the three different cheeses (Garrotxa, Brebirousse d'Argental and Langa la Tur Brunet) had a strong personality and a completely different flavor from the other. In addition, they were displayed with some nuts, jam and crostini’s on a slate board, which made the food attractive and visual.

After this first impression Kassie, Amanda and me were more than interested to explore deeply the menu. We decided to change the wine and our server recommended us to cross the Spanish border and get immersed in the Bordeaux Region. We continued with a Chateau Lescalle Bordeaux Superieur 2011. This wine presented balanced dark tannins with a strong weight, but an appropriate freshness and acidity (Voss). The Grape variety was Bordeaux blend red which is a mixture of Bordeaux region local grapes. We accompanied this wine with a Four Beast meatballs (Pork, chicken, beef and lamb) and a Ribollita. Unfortunately, The meatballs were a little bit uncooked. So we decided to resent them to the kitchen, unluckily waiting too much for it to come back. However, the flavor it was good and savory. Finally, the Ribollitta was perfect for the rainy day. The vegetables and beans where impeccably cooked and the sauce of the stew full of taste. Though, the presentation was artless. It did not really called your attention.

We finished up our meeting ordering some desserts and Amontillado wine. The Amontillado is characterized by its slightly sweet and dry flavor. The taste of this wine should be woody, with notes of tobacco, honey, vanilla and coffee. However, the wine was served extremely cold so we had a hard time trying to identify those flavors. We needed to warm it up a little bit before we could drink it. About the desserts we all were really pleased. The chocolate cake was smooth and spongy with a strong chocolate flavor well balanced between the sweetness of sugar and the bitterness of cocoa.

In conclusion, we all agreed that Secco was a really positive experience. We only perceived minor incidents like the wine temperature, the uncooked meatballs and some minor concerns like the cold decoration of the place or the presentation of the Ribollita. I found the wine a little bit overpriced but the general price of the dinner was fair.

Bibliography:

Pickeral, Varmit. Richmond Times Distpach. 25 June 2010. <http://www.richmond.com/entertainment/article_f072e1e6-ffec-5447-923f-5c5938ac5993.html>.

Secco. http://www.seccowinebar.com/. 09 october 2015.

Voss, Roger. http://buyingguide.winemag.com/catalog/chateau-lescalle-2011-red-superieur. 1 9 2013. 5 10 2015.

Wineries, Lopez de Heredia. http://www.lopezdeheredia.com/english/vinos/cubillo.html. 2012. October 2015.

La Carboneria Sevilla

La Carboneria: Calle Levies 18. Sevilla / 18th Levies street. Seville

Pocos bares en la milenaria ciudad de Sevilla tienen tanta solera como este. Situado en pleno Barrio de Santa Cruz, la Carbonería es el perfecto lugar para encontrarse con el misterioso duende que habita entre los callejones de la capital hispalense.

Fundada en 1975 con los últimos coletazos de la dictadura franquista, este antiguo despacho de carbón se convirtió en el punto de encuentro de la Sevilla mas bohemia y folclórica. Gracias a la dirección del gran Paco Lira.

Sin duda es un lugar de referencia para una noche en la que te sientas libre y sin ningun animo mas que el de encontrar algo original y auténtico. Un momento irrepetible y único en un ambiente acogedor en el que se respira arte por los 4 costados. Desde un pianista interpretando, a un recital de poesía, una improvisada escena de teatro popular o lo que es mas común en las noches de verano, un improvisado espectáculo flamenco.

Concretamente eso fue lo que me encontre el pasado mes de Julio. Un guitarrista una cantaora y un anciano cantaor habitual del lugar. Bulerias, soleares y rumbas acompañaron a las cervezas que Emy, Patricia y yo disfrutabamos con una sonrisa junto con otros 20 soñadores que como nosotros se dejaban querer por el duende sevillano.

Con la muerte de Paco se va un grande de la noche sevillana. El barrio de santa cruz llora su pérdida, pero entre las paredes de este templo del arte sigue y seguira vagando su alma bohemia. Mostrando a los extrangeros un atisbo del arte del flamenco o reuniendonos a los mas castizos de Sevilla con lo mas profundo de nuestra alma.

Few bars in the ancient city of Seville have as much history as this one. Located in Barrio de Santa Cruz, Carboneria is the perfect place to meet the mysterious soul or "duende" that lives in this famous Spanish city. Founded in 1975 with the last breath of Franco´s dictatorship, this old coal shop became an space for freedom seekers and bohemians from all over the country. Always with the mentorship of the great Paco Lira.

From a pianist playing to poetry reading or what is most common on the hot Seville nights, an impromptu flamenco show La Carboneria it is certainly a must in the sevillian night for those moments when you feel free and without any expectation more than finding something unique and original. An unrepeatable moment in a cozy environment where you can breathe art, music and friendship.

Specifically this is what i found in the month of July. A singer and a guitarist  playing Bulerias, Soleares and Rumbas, while Emy, Patricia and I enjoyed our cañas (Small beers, served extra cold) with some olives. Us and 20 other dreamers like us, smiling, transporting ourselves with the hypnotic rhythm of flamenco.

With the death of  Paco Lira an icon of Sevillian night leaves. Santa Cruz cries his loss, but his effort, his creation will never die. La Carboneria will be always a place for bohemians trying to begin in the music industry, or flamenco dancers wanting to show his abilities. Travelers from all over the world continue to come every night to understand a glimpse of flamenco art and the citizens of Seville continue going when they feel their soul needs it.

Gracias Emy....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAhYUnCP1dI

El puente

Todos los viejos de aquel pequeño pueblo en mitad de la nada se lo habían explicado una y otra vez: La forma mas segura de cruzar aquellos montes es el camino del norte niña, le decían con sus cabezas gachas asintiendo todos ellos al unísono. Pero ella tenia una incomoda sensación en el estómago que le hacia dudar, cada uno de aquellos viejos contaba su historia a su manera, eligiendo las palabras cuidadosamente pero sin querer entrar en demasiados detalles. Eso la inquietaba. Su travesía hasta aquel pequeño pueblo no había sido fácil. Pero el camino parecía despejado y seguro, la primavera la reconfortaba y la animaba a confiar en aquellos desconocidos que le habían asegurado que no había nada que temer. De todas formas, el miedo era algo que ya había vencido en otras ocasiones.

Sin mas compañía que su mochila Cristina se adentró en el bosque y anduvo largo tiempo, distraída con la vida que brotaba a su alrededor. Hasta que por fin lo vio. Aquel puente medio derruido y angosto era tal y como ellos lo habían descrito, la tranquilidad del agua reflejaba a la perfección el perfecto arco que cruzaba el rió. Cristina comenzó a atravesar el vado, observando su silueta en exacto compás hasta que llegó a su mismo centro. Su reflejo la inquietaba, era demasiado real, demasiado bello, atractivo y poderoso. Sin poder parpadear Cristina observó hipnotizada cada uno de los detalles de su propia silueta y absorta contempló como su reflejo tendía una mano invitándola. Parecía estar tan cerca... tal vez si estiro mi mano lograre tocarlo; se decía a si misma mientras su cuerpo se corvaba peligrosamente sobre el borde del puente. La tenía tan cerca... ya casi estás... sus ojos azules miraban profundamente el fondo de su propia alma mientras su nemesis mostraba una cálida sonrisa. Era inevitable, su cuerpo cedió a la misma gravedad cayendo desde lo alto del puente a la fría agua que la había cautivado. Un golpe de realidad invadió su mente. Toda la paz del rió se vio interrumpida por el agua en movimiento, el bello e irreal reflejo desapareció y Cristina lamentaba su torpeza. Será mejor que me ponga en marcha dijo sintiéndose estúpida y tratando de escurrir el agua y sacudir su ropa mientras se encaminaba de nuevo al sendero. Allí estas, se dijo, tras andar otro buen rato. En la lejanía apenas se vislumbraba el inmenso y fértil valle del que tanto había oído hablar. El sol lo iluminaba en toda su grandeza y un impulso casi instintivo, nacido desde lo mas profundo de su ser movió su cuerpo hacia delante. Cuando llegué allí será primavera...

Foto de Kilian Shonberger