CLASSIC RESTAURANTS AND THE PERIL OF THE PANDEMIC: (1) Casa Salvador »
As Salvador and his nephew Pepe were both warm and outgoing and served great food, Casa Salvador, founded in 1941, became a meeting place for people from all walks of life: leading politicians, influential bankers, journalists, writers, artists, entertainers and bullfighters. The list of regular diners and celebrities is endless. And Angeles, third-generation Blázquez, says: "I love what I do and I am determined to keep the doors to Casa Salvador open during these difficult times"
TOKYO OLYMPICS, A BEACON OF LIGHT OR A SUICIDE MISSION? »
At the height of the pandemic, on 2 March 2020, the Tokyo Organizing Committee had confirmed that preparations for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics were "continuing as planned". The IOC did the same. But the widespread sentiment was that Tokyo 2020 should be postponed if not entirely canceled. Today, not even a no-spectator restriction would appease those who don't want the Olympics this summer. COVID-19 has made Tokyo 2020 historic even before it could begin.
THE LAVENDER IS SPANISH TOO! »
If you go by fame alone, you’re bound to think there were only two varieties of lavender worth naming in Europe: the English lavender and the French. But giving them a run for their money is the Spanish variety. And the small town of Brihuega is the place to go -- and enjoy the spectacular display of Nature's very profitable work of art.
A Second Opinion: Moving Part III »
Pendleton, Oregon is where our new home is. It is famous for its Round-up Rodeo. We are so lucky. It’s been a miracle to find such a reasonable house in a nice neighborhood in a smaller town than Portland, which had gone downhill over the years. I won’t be a homeless waif like I thought I might be
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “The Renaissance Quartet — Middle Ages Music Re-Created”, 11 December 1970 »
Could you believe it? "The organ grinder and light operas called zarzuelas are considered quaint among Madrid’s young sophisticates." And that's supposed to be a sign that "Madrid is rapidly becoming as culturally cosmopolitan as other great European cities" and that the nation's capital is "certainly musically coming of age." That, at least, is what Guidepost had observed on 11 December 1970.
NOCHES DEL BOTANICO, THE NIGHTS OF THE OLD NORMAL PERHAPS? »
When school is out for summer and the campus is emptied of students, it could happen – and does – that music would flow into the vacuum, calling people back that they might give a listen to music. This is what’s happening at the Complutense University now. With its 86,000 students gone for vacation, the university’s Alfonso XIII Royal Botanical Garden is converted to an open-air auditorium during the warm and fragrant nights. Forget the classrooms! Let the music flow. Rock. Soothe. Vibrate.
“FARRUQUITO Y AMIGOS” IN THE TEATRO REAL »
On July 9th, the purest Flamenco will resound in the halls of the Teatro Real with the presentation of “FARRUQUITO Y AMIGOS”, when three generations of the FARRUCA family will appear on El Real's hallowed stage. Says Farruquito: “I want to share with the audience the basic essence of my flamenco, which is a fusion of improvisation and choreography, two concepts I learned at an early age.” The dancer confesses to barely sleeping or eating for the past two weeks, awaiting the auspicious occasion of his presentation for the very first time in the Teatro Real!
WHAT’S GOING ON, PER THE AMERICAN CLUB. CHECK IT OUT HERE! »
President's Letter <> July holidays, USA & Spain <> Juneteenth <> Historical dates <> ACM member spotlights <> etc.
ANOTHER WAY FILM FESTIVAL: HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A MOVIE PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OR SCRIPTWRITER, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE! »
Maybe you’ve got great stuff in your drawer. If it needs polishing up, do it quick and submit it to AWFF. Who knows? Someone out there is a Pedro Almodovar in the making. It could be you!
MUSINGS, A TRILOGY: BRIDGES »
Standing on the new bridge, on the Camino, I looked down. Below me was an old Roman bridge. A past life. The river alive with movement and memories. And to my surprise, my shadow was down there also. I was at the beginning of a new life, looking back to see where I had been, also looking forward to the future wondering what might be.
