Return of the BLOG

After three full months of stagnancy, MIS VIAJES RETURNS! This weekend I will give some updates on the voyage of my life. Regardless of where I am in the world, whether it is the United States or abroad, my life is constantly full of exciting adventures and interesting people. Brace yourself, again, to experience the greatest blog ever written!

Only #7!?

By now you have surely heard the news that the Princeton Review recently declared the University of Dayton to have the 7th "Happiest Students" in the nation. While I am honored that my university holds such a prestigious award, I am not content with being only the 7th happiest students. I mean, what else does the student body of UD need to do? The only logical solution is that students are simply not eating enough ArtStreet Cafe. The euphoric joy one undergoes while sinking their teeth into a grilled panini or nibbling on a garden-fresh salad is truly indescribable. The more people who eat there, the happier the campus will become. Next year, the Princeton Review will rank the University of Dayton students as the happiest in the nation, thanks to the delicious, and convenient, ArtStreet Cafe.

The Dark Knight in 3 Words

Complexity. Intensity. (the) Joker.

photo property of Warner Brothers

Complexity
The Dark Knight is complex on two levels. The first level is the complexity of the story and characters. Numerous characters are introduced and play pivotal roles in the development of the constantly twisting plot, making it easy to be confused in this tangled web of characters. Certain scenes are too drawn out and could have been shortened to improve the conciseness of the movie, not to mention the length. Even with the most die-hard Batman fans at the midnight showing, I noticed some people start to get anxious towards the end of the 152 minute ride.

The second level of complexity is deeper and more subtle. I would be bold to call The Dark Knight a satire on the American paranoia of terrorism; however, director Chris Nolan left no modern-day taboo untouched. Scenes featured ransom videos, lying to public, random acts of terror, relentless killing, wiretapping, the role of the media, and psychological limits being challenged. The constant struggle of Batman’s personal ambitions, the strength in Harvey Dent, and the insanity and unpredictability of The Joker all revolve around the theme of terrorism. Additionally, Nolan also highlights the dualism between good and evil when The Joker screams, “YOU NEED ME!” to Batman. This movie will make you think long after the credits are finished.

Intensity
If you dislike watching people explode, implode, impaled, shot, punched, kicked, crushed, sliced, poisoned, burnt, or disfigured, I would not recommend this movie. The Dark Knight lives up to its title of being dark. You rarely have time to catch your breath during this movie. In fact, you may grow nervous and fear the next twisted or horrifying situation the characters face. Psychologically, you will not know how to process all of the ruthless killing and insanity. A warning should be presented before the movie begins: this film may give you nightmares. There was a point in the movie where I thought to myself, I cannot handle this heinousness. This chaos was rooted in, without question, the strongest aspect of the film…

The Joker
Insane? Psychotic? Malicious? Hilarious? Soulless? Mastermind? Disturbed? Only one word can accurately describe The Dark Knight’s Joker: incredible. The combination of Heath Ledger’s menacing performance, the disheveled make-up, the uncanny wardrobe, and the sadistic (yet witty) dialogue, The Joker stole every scene and the entire movie. If you are not completely terrified by Batman’s sinister archnemesis, you will love this character. Everything down to his yellow crooked teeth was evil but, at the same time, so much fun to watch. You are captivated by his “magic” trick. You have been asking friends and family, “Why so serious?” Perhaps, you were even secretly rooting for The Joker to reign victorious.

The brilliance in the character transcends behind the performance and into the secret genius of The Joker. Ledger* delivers some great lines, confessing his inner-disarray and psychic nature. One of my favorite lines of the movie was when The Joker described himself as a dog chasing after a car, but not knowing what to do when he finally reaches the car. The Joker was such a powerful force that he psychologically challenged the lives, and sanity, of every character in the movie, include the bat himself. He brought out evil in some characters and tempted others to the breaking point. All of his scenes were outstanding, but the interrogation scene was my favorite, and, perhaps, the best in the movie.

*For clarification: this character was NOT Heath Ledger. This character was NOT Heath Ledger as The Joker. This character WAS The Joker. It was that good.

Does The Dark Hype live up to its unreal expectations? No, this movie is not perfect, but it comes extremely close. It is an excellent film, one of the best summer movies in a long time, and a movie that I will definitely see again on the big screen.

Wall-E in 3 Words

Unconventional. Compelling. Beautiful.

photo property of Disney/Pixar

Unconventional
No dialogue between the two main characters. No poop and fart jokes. No signing animals or musical numbers. What kind of computer animated film is this?! With a few exceptions, today’s computer animated films are essentially all the same movie with clichéd characters and cheesy humor. Wall-E is a drastic outlier from this model, making the story more real and more lovable. A story about a lonely robot falling in love and a sharp satire about consumerism and environmentalism? What was Pixar thinking? Pixar was thinking.

Compelling
Even though Wall-E and EVE never exchange any words, the dynamics between the two characters is incredible. No words are necessary because the animation, facial expressions, and movements of the characters are so organic and believable. One feels sorry for the forlorn Wall-E, yet admires his curiosity and bravery. Wall-E exhibits loneliness, love, and self-sacrifice better than any (human) actor could. The satirical aspect of the film (humans pollute the world to intolerable conditions and rely on technology to live their lives) is just as compelling and plausible.

Beautiful
The beauty of this movie brought tears to my eyes, especially during Wall-E and EVE’s “dance” in space. Other wonderful scenes included Wall-E and EVE exploring the contents of his “house” and Wall-E’s departure from Earth. Visually, it is Pixar’s greatest achievement with an uncanny amount of realism (the credits were especially well done), but, more importantly, the content of the movie was truly brilliant. I am convinced that a strong story is the most important part of any film, and Wall-E gets it right on so many levels. Wall-E is a biting science-fiction satire of today’s world akin to something out of The Twighlight Zone, surrounded by a gripping love story between two robots. Sure this movie does not have the laugh-out loud moments found in Toy Story or Finding Nemo, but it is so wonderful in itself that it does not need them. Wall-E may be the first animated film that you will touch your heart and challenge your mind.

Fotos... Finally!

At long last, I have successfully uploaded pictures de mi viaje de Europa! I created a nifty slideshow through the (awesome) Google program, Picasa2.

You have three viewing options:
A. Click the arrows to progress through the show at your own speed.
B. Relax and let the slideshow play for you, pausing on each photograph for a few seconds.
C. Click on any photo for a larger image or to view thumbnails for the entire album.

I did not add captions, but the pictures progress in this order:
Madrid - Morocco - Malaga - Granada - Barcelona - Paris - Rome

Enjoy the show!

21st Birthday Wallpost Superlatives

Did you write the worst Facebook wall post on my 21st birthday? Read my Official 21st Birthday Faceboook Wallpost Superlatives to find out! (Click images for larger view).

Most Encouraging

Why thank you, Drew. I am glad someone cares about my goals in life. Unfortunately, my goal of 300 was not met, unless I receive about 200 people wishing me a late happy birthday 4 days after it happened.

Best Present I Will Never Receive

Thanks, Liz. In-N-Out Burger at this moment would be incredibly delicious.

Biggest Disappointment

Let me explain, Mary. Your post was not the least bit disappointing, I am simply apologizing that I disappointed you. You hoped that my 21st birthday "would be everything that I would have dreamed of and more." I am sorry to disappoint you, but I never dreamed of blogging on the eve of my 21st birthday.

Best Obligatory Alcohol Reference

GLBC= Great Lakes Brewing Company. Rob was the only person who offered to buy me a drink on my birthday, and I, regrettably, did not capitalize on his offer.

You Must Really Care About Me

4:46am, Jackie? I am so touched that you woke up early extra early so you would not forget to wish me a happy birthday.

Biggest Self Esteem Booster

Not only does Monica include a nice balance of capitalization and exclamation marks, but she also includes a reference to Geauga Lake in there. The fact that she read my blog and found it hilarious is enough to inflate my ego to biblical proportions. The smiling face at the end really seals the deal.

Best Combo

Kara's post is an excellent work of prose on its own, but she was the ONLY individual who distinguished herself from the rest of you heathens that only wrote on my Facebook wall by calling me. Surprisingly, some people do in fact still call their loved ones on birthdays. I was serenaded with an unforgettable rendition of happy birthday that was truly heavenly.

Best Example of Brotherly Love

Look at this, my younger brother does his best to make me happy on my birthday. What a bro.

Most Effort

Daniel felt it necessary to add 57 (yes, I counted) exclamation marks to his wall post. I initially labeled this post as overkill; however, I soon realized how much work Daniel really put into this. You see, 57 was my high school football number. Daniel must have searched through archives of old pictures and rosters to discover this. Additionally, his confession of reading my blog and feeling obligated to include an excessive amount of punctuation warmed my heart.

And finally...



THE WORST

No comment.


Thank you all for your birthday wishses. I geniuely appreciate them!

the 21st birthday blog

Guess how I am spending my 21st birthday?! Blogging, of course! Were you expecting an eventful night of drunken debauchery with my best friends as we romp through bar after bar, flaunting my newfangled ability to legally purchase alcoholic beverages? Well, I am genuinely sorry to disappoint you.

After 21 years of societal and media temptation, I can finally, and legally, consume the demon drink in public; but, to be honest, "celebrating" my 21st birthday does not live up to the hype. I am in no rush to travel to bars and buy over-priced drinks, essentially because I will have the rest of my mortal life to visit the over-glorified bar scene.

You know what I am really looking forward to today? Facebook wall posts. Your birthday is the only day where you are thankful for Facebook because everyone you know or don't know will show you some appreciation. Last year, I felt the love with 80 posts; however, I was a little dissappointed. I am hoping for at least 300 "Happy Birthday" posts this year. I hope that people who do not even know me add me as friends today just to write "Happy Birthday" on my wall.

For clarifcation, a simple "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Birthday Bubba" will not cut it. The least you can do is add an exclamation mark! Do you realize how much happier I feel when I receive a "Happy Birthday!" instead of the bland, boring, and, basically, heartless "Happy Birthday"? You want my birthday to be happy, right? I mean, you are wishing me a happy birthday, aren't you?

You know, on second thought, I should have gone out tonight.

Exciting News!

I have a confession: I used my European trip as an excuse to start my own personal blog, documenting my everyday adventures and activities. Mis Viajes served as a springboard into a blog which will discuss my other travels in life. I am still working on the specifics, but I do not have much time to describe it to you this morning because today I have a meeting with...



In a few short hours, I will be at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pennsylvania riding the new Ravine Flyer II and visiting my good friend Kara, who is the lead performer and manager for the park's shows. Please excuse the brevity of this entry, I need to hit the road. Expect a full review of Waldameer Park soon!

Final Days

26.06.08
Today marked the beginning of the trip's end. Sight-seeing and touring was finished. After a light breakfast, Bryan, Ryan, and I walked to the central transportation hub of Rome: Termini. There were dozens of buses and a massive train/metro station. At 10:30 this place was already saturated with tourists and locals. We scrambled to find our bus, which departed at 10:40 for the airport, but we had no luck. Someone finally pointed us in the correct direction of our bus, alas it was too late. Just as our bus came into our view, it drove away.

Not a problem. Since we were in the central transportation of Rome, we knew there would be multiple ways we could get the airport. We jumped on the metro and rode until the final stop. From there, we took a convenient shuttle to the airport. Despite the fact that we missed the bus, we arrived at the airport in a similar amount of time and for only E2.20.

Having some spare time in the Rome airport, I bought a panini-type sandwich from a vendor with cheese and salami. As you can imagine, it was delicious. Sure the sit-down restaurants are good for the relaxing experience and ambiance, but one would truly miss out on some excellent food if he or she were to constantly avoid the vendors.

Plane to Madrid. No problems. In Madrid, we took the metro one stop to our hotel for the evening. Our hotel was about a 10 minute walk from the metro station, so we walked through a quiet suburb of Madrid. There were no tourists here, only locals. It was a nice little town and quite peaceful. The hotel was clean and comfortable. Bryan and Ryan watched some television, but I immediately fell asleep when we entered the room.

A few hours later, we walked down the street to a restaurant that had a television so we could watch the big soccer game: Spain vs Russia. We watched the entire first half, before returning to the hotel. Spain won the game 3-0, and we heard small fireworks going off after the victory.

Before falling asleep, the three of us reminisced about the previous few weeks. We discussed our favorite foods, who we became better friends with, the good times, the bad times, where we wished to stay longer, etc. It was a great way to spend the final night in Europe.

27.06.08
Today's flight was the one we could not miss. Thankfully, there were no problems in returning to the airport or with our luggage. I said "adios" to Madrid and jumped on an 8 hour plane ride back to the States. In retrospect, the plane ride was not too bad. I watched all three movies: The Bucket List (despite the poor writing, it made me cry at the end), Curious George (a plot would be appreciated), and Sabrina (meh).

The real highlight of this flight was the food! I am still baffled as to why airline food has such a bad reputation. Everything I ate on my flights was delicious. The first course included chicken, asparagus, pasta, roll, salad, and mini-apple cheesecake. The (unexpected) second meal was a bag of potato chips, chocolate-coconut candy, and a warm turkey & cheese sub. That second meal really sealed the deal on my love for airline food.

As we fly into the Newark, New Jersey airport, I saw New York City for the first time in my life. I have never been to New York City, but I would like to travel there. My first impression was one of disappointment. That's New York? It doesn't seem that big, I thought. I had this mentality until I saw Cleveland from the air later that night. I instantly revoked my thoughts and recognized the massive size of NYC.

Upon entering the U.S., I had an interesting conversation with the customs agent who stamped my passport.
U.S. Customs: "What's up, man?"
Me: "Hey."
(Hand him my passport)
Customs: "Aurora, huh? Where exactly is that?"
Me: "In Ohio, near Cleveland."
Customs: "Yeah, I know that, but where is it exactly?"
Me: "It's about 24 miles from downtown, near Solon and Twinsburg."
Customs: "Oh, right. I have an aunt who lives in Solon, but I am from Mentor."
Me: "Did you go to Mentor High School?"
Customs: "No, Mentor is way too big. I went to Benedictine."
Me: "Oh really? So you must know know Matt Patton?"
Customs: "Yeah, that dude is a punk."
Me: "Tell me about it."
Talk about a small world!

Bryan and I parted ways with Ryan in the airport who flew to Columbus later in the evening. Due to the ridiculous amount of air traffic generated from the New York City area, our flight was delayed for 2 hours on the runway. I was not too upset about the delay; however, I was concerned for Bryan who was in serious jeopardy of missing his flight to Kansas City. The one hour flight was painless, but Bryan was officially going to miss his flight... or was he? Upon landing in good ol' Cleveland, Ohio, the stewardess informed the passengers that all flights had left the airport for the night, except one. As it turns out, the flight to Kansas City was delayed for some unknown reason, which worked to Bryan's advantage. He was so excited about the news that he ran off the plan to the gate, ensuring his seat. In his excitement, he neglected to say goodbye to me, the individual he just spent nearly 7 weeks of his life with. Bryan sent me a text later in the night, so I guess that is just as good?

Waiting an eternity for my bags, falling asleep standing up, clothes tattered, and exhausted, I see my little bro pop up from the crowd of bystanders. I snatched my bag and went off with Chris, and I reunited with my family. We talked the entire ride home about my trip and the blog. I told them there would be a quiz over my trip, and they were all required to pass. I was happy to be with my family, again.

This concludes my European adventure; however, I ask that you please continue to read the blog for my final thoughts on the trip and the exciting future plans for Mis Viajes!

Almost Finished

Yes, it is 4:55am, and I am writing a new entry.

I apologize for not posting the summary of the final two days from my trip yet, I assure you there will be new entries posted later today or tomorrow. My body is still readjusting to life in the States and is having difficulty with my new sleeping and eating schedules. I never expected to feel so exhausted two full days after returning.

Currently, my primary cause of exhaustion is this paper I am writing for my religion class. It is due, via e-mail, at 17:00 (5pm) today; however, since my first day at work begins in a few hours, I need to finish and send it by 7:45. I know you feel no sympathy for me because I procrastinated to the very last minute, but, honestly, were you expecting me to write this paper while A. I was traveling in Barcelona, Paris, and Rome and B. while I was delivering you beautiful prose daily for free on this blog? This blog, I believe, exemplifies my ability to write (well) and demonstrates my knowledge of the importance of monasticism in the historical view of Western European Christian history, does it not?!

That's it! I am done with this paper. I will send Professor Lombardo a link to the blog, which will in turn change his life, thus securing my A in the course...

Back in the USA!

Greetings to all of the loyal readers!

I am happy to report that I have made it back safely to the United States of America. My group and I encountered a few minor hiccups on our final days, but it was nothing that we could not handle. Since I have been awake for over 22 hours straight, I will not be writing a full entry this evening.

Please check back tomorrow for the riveting conclusion of the trip and, also, the future plans for my blog!

25.06.08

Where did I leave off? Last night consisted of meeting new people from all over the world. Our new roommates are from Canada, and they are traveling across Europe while their currency is doing well. After talking with Katie (the UD alum in my room), I discovered that she lived in the exact same UD house her senior year... THE 107 Evanston. Honestly, I still cannot believe it. I also met Germans, a student from Boston College, and a group of university-bound Spaniards. Ryan and I played a card game with the Spaniards for at least an hour. The object of the game was to get four of a kind, and I believe its name was "Muro" or "Murro." It was a great way to utilize my Spanish, which greatly improved after living in Spain.

This morning, our group returned to the Vatican to see Pope Benedict give his weekly address/blessing. I would estimate between 9,000 to 12,000 people were there to see him. At 10:30, he drove around the entire crowd in his car. I came about 35 feet away from him. He also was wearing this cool red cowboy hat. The pope spoke in about 6 different languages thorough out the ceremony. It was about one hour in length and concluded with a blessing and him leading an Our Father. Afterwards, Benny and I met up in the Papal apartments to discuss my canonization. He said that he may need to pull some strings with the cardinals, but I am on my way to become "St. Bubba" very soon.

Next, we walked to the beautiful Pantheon. This architectural marvel was truly breath-taking, and it made me think of how intelligent the Romans were to construct this masterpiece. This was awesome!

I grabbed some pizza for lunch, and we traveled to the famous gelato store, Giolitti's. My gelato cone, banana and chocolate, far surpassed the gelato I tried earlier in the trip. This place offered a higher quality gelato made with the actual ingredients instead of artificial flavoring. I still think gelato is overrated, but my favorite gelato is definitely from Giolitti's.

Walking through the city, the group made several stops at various stores and junk shops. It was, again, very warm today. Now, I need to pack up my bags for our flight tomorrow afternoon. Bryan, Ryan, and I are flying back to Madrid for one final night, and then catching our flight back to the States on Friday morning. I assume that we will have internet in Madrid, but, if not, this may be the final entry from Europe!