Tonight will be a big night,

Children at Plaza Catalunya in front of a sign saying No tenemos miedo – “We are not afraid”

I passed by Plaza Catalunya earlier today to see how the indignados were doing and it’s just wonderful how well they have managed to organise themselves. There are activities for children, a huge kitchen where people cook huge pots of coffee and food, a communications centre, international translation services, information centres, organised speeches, and activities, music, theatre, art, books, people, more people and big maps of the whole plaza with instructions and information. What strikes you is that every person is invited and welcome to participate, it’s not an organisation that has mounted the whole thing, it’s everybody, the people. There is no chaos as I was expecting at first, The whole thing seems very well thought through and as I said, organised, which for me makes it all much more legitimate, real and powerful.

To those who still haven’t understood what this is all about, there is already a great wiki for it.

I will be at the plaza tonight to support the protesters and listen to the debates. And of course, to take pictures.

I’m going now, see you there!

Today I went to Plaza Catalunya here in Barcelona to watch the #spanishrevolution movement gather and protest.

Plaza Catalunya, 19 de Mayo 2011 #acampadabcn

It is still a bit unclear exactly what it is that the protesters are trying to accomplish with these nationwide protests, they talk about change, about jobs, about the politicians, the bankers, the crisis, the big revolution and a better future. Chanting “Yes we camp!” while camping on the plazas around the country during the days, and making noise and organising big talks during the nights. All of this, continuously since the first protest on the 15th of May, and right before the elections that are due this Sunday, the 22nd of May.

What I witnessed today at Plaza Cataluña was a never ending noise from frying pans, keychains, whistles, trumpets, drums, singing and clapping. This went on together with dancing and jumping, nonstop for more than an hour. Tinnitus guaranteed.

After that, a big van with speakers was driven in to the middle of the plaza, and the crowds, thousands of people, sat down on the ground. The talks were on and after a short instruction presentation, presented together with a sign language interpreter, anybody who wanted to talk could come forward and express their thoughts, complaints and solutions though the microphone. The people would listen and either agree by shaking their hands in the air, disagree by forming an X with their arms, or tell the person they have been speaking for too long by doing another, pre-decided movement. So beautifully organised, so democratic!

I’m not sure if and how chanting and making noise will bring Spain to economical stability or make the politicians and bankers give up their salaries. I do, however, strongly believe that the simple fact of old ladies, little children, hippies, young students, parents, immigrants, activists and men in suits – thousands of them – singing, making noise, jumping together and talking - has a very positive effect in itself on the society.

So, even though my ears still hurt from all the noise, the way these people have organised their own revolution has been beautiful to witness and I support them in their continued peaceful and democratic fight for change. Whatever that change might be.

Here’s some Melody Gardot doing Baby I’m a fool, enjoy:

Melody Gardot – Baby I’m a fool
My one and only thrill (2009)

At the Catalan International Institute for Peace in Barcelona.
Presentation of UNESCO’s report about the importance of Education for conflict resolution. Educating for Peace – My subject!

It’s been a while since I posted music, today I’ve been listening to a lot of music, I started off the day with Lovely Jazzladies, listened to the random mix on my iPod while in the park and now I’m enjoying this darling by Syreeta Wright and Stevie Wonder from 1972.

Syreeta ft. Stevie Wonder – To Know You Is To Love You
Syreeta (1972)

“Lo que era para nosotros, lo hemos hecho, y vos lo sabéis. Creedme: lo hemos hecho para siempre. Preservad vuestra vida resguardada de mi. Y no dudéis un instante, si fuese útil para vuestra felicidad, en olvidar a esta mujer que ahora os dice, sin añoranza, adiós.”

Alessandro Baricco – Seta (1996)

Yesterday, while in the park, I finished Ernesto Sabato‘s El Túnel (1948) which proved to be a very dark but good read. Today, when heading out to my favourite spot again, I grabbed a new book from our shared livingroom bookshelf that I so much appreciate.

As I have mentioned before, a lot of people have passed by this apartment, leaving little treasures behind in various languages in our bookshelf. I’m focusing on the Spanish one’s now as I have discovered the beauty of this language and really enjoy its richness and nuances.

Today I read Alessandro Baricco‘s short but very enchanting novella Silk (1996) in a couple of hours. I adored the reading so much I got completely sunburnt. It’s been a lovely Sunday.

Today I woke up to the sound of one of my neighbours having a flamenco concert at their home, with open windows. The street smells of freshly baked bread and the sun is shining. Everything is just lovely.

I’m here with Ernesto Sabato and Lia Ices, keen to join us?

“If you learn one word a day, in a year you will know 365 words.”

Words of wisdom from Aziz from Pakistan that sits next to me on the bus. We have just arrived to Barcelona after an 8h trip. And as many times, a simple bus ride proved to be more fruitful than many other things I do that seem to be of higher importance.

Good morning!

“¿Cómo podía no tuitearme si nos conocíamos desde siempre, desde mil años atras?”

Ernesto Sabato – El Túnel (1948)

Yes I just did a bad twitterjoke. Haha

I just got on my bus to Barcelona. Figured it might be nice to do an all-nighter and I’m really looking forward to blocking the world out with music and sleep on this bus. A little touch of travel. Until this bus starts moving – I’m reading Sabato.

See you in Barcelona!

A big field of flowers and a moment to turn my brain off for a while. The contrast of the simplicity of nature to the reality of being here, in the middle of chaos, overdose of information and complicated choices, let’s me find my balance.

Hey Mami, look at me, I’m in Madrid! Haha

So, this morning I received an email from my Mami. She wrote that she liked my blogpost about the singing but that she was dissapointed as she was very sure she had been the first person singing a “Caroline” song for me. And she’s very right, I forgot about this one.
The picture above is me and the worlds best Mami on a beach sometime in the late 80′s, as most of you already know, Carolinka is what my family calls me.

The video below is from the same period and it’s the very Polish Slask Song and Dance Ensemble doing Karolinka. Nostalgic!

Euroleague Basketball, Turkish Airlines and Los 40 Principales Radio together present the Euroleague for Africa Charity concert for UNICEF.

The magic happens tomorrow, Saturday May 7th, at the Olympic Esplanade in Barcelona, right next door to Palau Sant Jordi. You’ll get there by hopping on to bus 50, 193 or the Pl. Espanya – Palau Sant Jordi one from Plaza Espanya. Here’s more information at the Unicef España site (in Spanish). You can also click the picture above for official Euroleague info and for tickets.

All the profit from ticket sales go directly to UNICEF so I really hope to see you there tomorrow! ;)