Day #8, Day #9, & Day #10

Day #8

Super early wakeup time. After a quick breakfast, seriously like 15 mins, it was on to the bus. There were signs everywhere saying to please do not remove food from the dining area. Badass Pam ignored and packed her purse full of yummy goods. 

As a karmic punishment though, I did have a bit of a scare. After we were all packed on the bus, I realized I had left my mobile in the lobby. I booked it, running, moving my body in a speed it hasn't seen in quite some time, getting back just as the last person sat down. Whew! 

Now we were off. Quick stop in Cordoba, home of an ancient mosque, now a cathedral. 

Back on the bus, "rapido, rapido" we were officially on our way to Madrid! We learned that upon our arrival, there would be a demonstration occurring a block away from the hotel. Cool, I thought. With a strong recommendation to be back before dark and to stay clear of the demonstration, where do you think I went? Right to the action, of course! I stood as a spectator, looking in from the outside. Thousands upon thousands of people, some with signs, some with flags, some armed with just their voices, crowded the streets. Soon enough, I had joined in with the march. "Si se puede!" we chanted as we processed down the avenue. Super exciting, once in a lifetime moment. Sidenote: found out that there were over 100 injured after the peaceful protest got out of hand later that night.  

Day #9

What a good nights sleep I got, despite waking at 3 am drenched in sweat because I didn't know how to work the thermostat. I stuffed my face at breakfast then headed out for a tour of Madrid. It really reminds me of NYC here: tons of people, tall buildings, just very busy. I saw some massive, official looking buildings, as well as the Royal Palace. "I'm definitely going there later," I thought to myself. We stopped at the Prado, a museum housing masterpieces by Goya and some other giants of the art world. This is where I say that I have absolutely no interest in art. I can appreciate the history of it and the fact that these artists are super important, but seriously? Yawn. I hate how uncultured I am bee tee dubs. Now it was off to find the palace! Soon enough, I had arrived. In front of me was an honest to goodness castle. A place where the current King and Queen of Spain reside once a month. Awesome. 

Nerd alert: 

Unfortunately they don't allow pictures inside. But I will tell you this, friends, it is freaking unbelievable in there. Chandeliers up the wazoo, gold embellishment everywhere, you know, castle stuff! Highlight of my day. 

Later I headed to the hotel bar to watch Real Madrid take on Barcelona in a big futbol game. Now, I understand soccer about as much as I understand backgammon (not at all), however I had so much fun. Drinks, people, food, what's not to like. Oh yeah, Barcelona won. 

Day #10

Today I wandered around the big city. I stopped at El Corte Ingles (like a macys) to pick up saffron for my mom then I was off. Holy cow did I get lost! I stopped a few times to ask for directions but just ended up deeper and deeper into the city. Great. Luckily I spotted my hotels sister hotel and they were totally helpful. They gave me a map and even circled where I was and where I wanted to go. Mucho gracias!! Still got lost though, lol. After a few more turns down random streets, I was in somewhat familiar territory. I found my way back and rewarded myself with yummy tapas. 

Tonight is my last night. I say goodbye to all the wonderful people I've met on this amazing journey. I truly do hope that I am able to keep in touch with my new travel buddies and perhaps even meet up again with them in the future. 

:)

Day #6 and Day #7 "Ah! Bon Jovi!"

When I arrived in Seville I was immediately in awe of it's beauty. Everywhere I looked there were flowers and a multitude of colors either on tiles or the buildings in general. And the smell! Words cannot describe how good it smells here due to the orange trees every few steps. Heaven. 

Day 6 began with a tour of the city. We saw huge houses and museums and lots of things that I didn't catch the name of because I only half listen. 

We arrived at our first destination. It looked like a boring, stuffy building on the outside, however once inside: pure beauty. The Plaza de Espana was built during the 1920s when Spain hosted the Worlds fair. A number of movies have been filmed there too, Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars Episode 2 to name a few. 

Next, we visited The Alcazar of Seville. A palace. Happy Pam. The cool thing about this place is that it's STILL in use by the Spanish Royal family to this day!

When we exited the palace we were blessed with a fantastic sight: The Cathedral of Seville. Built in the 1500s, it's the third largest in the world. Oh yeah, and did I mention Chtistopher Columbus is buried there? Cool. What's special about this place is The Giralda Tower. Over 300 feet high, this bell tower has amazing views of the city. And I aughta know, I climbed to the top. Twice! 

I wandered around for awhile afterwards, stopping for tapas after tapas and sangria. I think I no longer have blood running through my veins but sangria. :) 

Christine and I headed out for a night on the town. We had some delicious dinner and sangria and even some shots. Sated and giddy, we stumbled upon a pub. We befriended some UK chaps and watched the big futbol game that was on. Boy was it exciting when the Sevilla team won!! The entire bar erupted with cheers. It was a good night. 

With nothing planned in day 7, I had the whole day to wander. And wander I did. I got so lost that I passed the same place 4 times but from 4 different directions. Good job Map. I ran into some people I knew and we visited the Cathedral again. I went to the top of the tower again. This time with a 75 year old woman, traveling alone and pushing herself to do new and exciting things. Such an inspiration. The joy and excitement in her face when she reached the top made the 30+ floor climb all worth it. At one point, during my walkabout, I got really turned around and stopped someone to ask for directions. While he and I walked together, we chatted for a bit. He asked where I was from. As I told him New Jersey, his eyes lit up. "Ah! Bon Jovi!" Smiling, he explained how he had seen him in concert not too far back and loved him. 

Took some good pictures. Had some good food. Drank good sangria. Had a good day! 

Tomorrow: Cordoba then Madrid. Goodnight friends. 

Day #5 "Storks, corks, and porks"

Goodbye Portugal!! As we travelled to Spain, we visited various places along the way. We stopped at a tiny rest stop off the beaten path. I had just enough time to grab a quick bica. As I waited in line, I was sandwiched between two little old ladies. The woman behind me placed her hand on the small of my back and added pressure, slowly pushing me over and over into lady number 2. Not cool, little one. As it turned out, on the way back to the bus, this lady tripped over a root and totally bit it, falling face first into the stony, dirt path. Karma. I actually did feel bad though and even offered to help her up. She was really old!!

We had a surprise stop at the Comeleque dos Almandres. It's kind of like a mini Stonehenge except you can walk amongst the rocks. Super cool and crazy to see. 

Next stop was Evora. An old, quaint city, surrounded by a wall, Evora housed the Chapel of bones. Bones. Like legit, human bones. Not only on display but used in the archways and lining the walls. Morbid. Disturbing. Totally Pam. We split up for a few hours and I was off to explore. There was a large crowd of people congregated in a square chanting and singing. It turns out that it was Fathers Day and the crowd was celebrating. As I wandered, I turned down street after street, slowly going deeper and deeper into the old city. Soon there were no stores or restaurants in sight. Using the sound of the singing and my awesome sense of direction, I managed to find my way back to the square and set out to find some lunch. 

I dined at Fanatismo. The staff was friendly and helpful, there was wifi, and it was thee that I had the best meal of my trip so far: quail eggs and chorizo. Yum. 

 Back on the bus, next stop: Sevilla!!!!

Day #3 "I like to look at you"

Guess who finally slept?!? Whoo hoo! A full 8 hours (more than I get back home) Headed down to breakfast before our tour of Lisbon. Took loads of pics. 

•Here are some beautiful tiles and paint colors

•Here's some food & drink pics 

•Some cool buildings and the "golden gate bridge"

•Really awesome faces that I made 

I had lunch with some women in my group. I'm telling you friends, it was like Sex and the City. These women could talk about S-E-X like no one I've met. One of the women is 75!!! It was amazing. After that we parted ways and I was on my own. 

I had the most perfect "Pam" day. I went to "The sexiest WC on earth". Totally worth €1. Besides the smut on the walls, I couldn't figure out what was "sexy". Although deep down I felt like it was two way mirrors. Just a feeling. A gross, creepy feeling. 

Next up was the Museum of Beer. Um, hello? Awesome. And free wifi. Fantastic. Add to that 90s/eary 2000s music videos. We're talking Blue (da bi dee da bi da), Hit me baby one more time, and some Enrique. Totes awesome. 

I met up with some other ladies from the tour randomly on the streets and we miraculously found our way back to the hotel. 

Later that night I headed out on my own to scrounge up some dinner. I had one thing on my mind... Chorizo. Want. Must have. 

And an entire pitcher of sangria (I am typing this as I drink it :) )

Ahhh I bet you're all asking what the title means! (You probably weren't, but let's pretend you were). The tour guide pulled me aside at one point and said in her smokey Portuguese accent "I like to look at you. You are always full of joy and so happy to be here"

Raphaela (the tour guide who rescued me from the airport) and I say goodbye.

Stay tuned for more adventures! Tomorrow: Sintra! 

Day #2 "You're so Mediterranean"

I arrive in Lisbon. Tired, nervous, and full of gas. I make my way through customs, ready to meet my guide. One problem. No guide. No one there with a sign. Nowhere do I see my name, or my tour companies name. I'm alone. Scared, I walk around looking, searching. No one. I ask one of the drivers waiting for someone else if there are other any other places to be picked up. He sadly shakes his head and says no. With tears in my eyes, I thank him and walk away. After a bit of sadness, I shake it off and get into survival mode. I had two options: take a cab, raise hell when i eventually saw the guide and make them pay for the cab. Or. Sit around and wait because more people from my group would be arriving throughout the day. I went with number 2 (heehee poop joke) After waiting for no joke, over 2.5 hours finally I spot the familiar green tag. I rush over to her and tell her how happy I am to see her and how long I've been waiting. She asks my name then searches her list. "Oh. I do not have you on my list." And boom goes the dynamite. Tears. Her eyes widen and she gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek. "You can come with me. It's ok. I'm here now." Relief. I meet a few of my tour mates and we head to the hotel. 

We arrive at 10. Check in is at 2. Time to wander. A tour mate and I head to a local museum. I'm not cultured enough and I hadn't slept in over 24 hours so this was not my favorite place. Beautiful building though and park. 

Finally it's time to check in!!

Cool room and a bidet! After a restful non sleep, I get ready to meet my group in the lobby to head out to the welcome dinner. 

Bottle of wine, after bottle of wine, Course after course. So much fun. I really love my group. Def got made fun of for being from Jersey. 

So now after 36 plus hours of being awake, mixed in with copious amounts of alcohol, it's time to sleep, after using the bidet though of course. :)

Day #1 "Cool dance moves"

I've been wanting to visit Spain & Portugal for a long time now. So I did it.

I booked my trip. I waited 100+ days and it's finally here. I decided to wake up at 5:30 in the A.M. so that I would have a better chance of sleeping on the plane (more on that in a bit). In true Pam fashion (doing things that make no sense) I watched Taken 2 before my flight. Frankly's response: Just remember, I'm not Liam Neeson. I can't do those things.

Fast forward to the airport. My Dad walks me to security, as is tradition, and we part ways. As soon as I turn my back, waterworks. Tears streaming down my face, I join the line. Freak. 

After checkpoint, I head over to my gate. As I walk, I hear, "security to gate 65." That's. My. Gate. Great. I'm gonna assume everything turned out fine because everything turned out fine. 

I people watch like a creep paying particular attention to the hot men speaking everything but English. When then I spot him. A man walking-NO- dancing, towards me. He's got his earbuds in and he doesn't care who's watching. He's been bit by the dancing bug. We lock eyes and I smile. Then just like that, he's gone. ... Until he comes back! Dancing again. This time a wink. Swoon! I think my Gene Kelly is gone for good and then oh hey, he's sitting right across from me. He smiles. I speak. "Cool dance moves." (I loathe you, Pam) I never saw him again after that but his memory lives on. 

Long flight. Free wine (score!) We're the Millers (double score!!) Oh yeah and no sleep. I arrive in Lisbon :) 

Happy Oscar Day!

I awoke this morning feeling like a kid on Christmas morn. Tummy full of butterflies, heart racing, the impending sense of happiness upon me. Oscar day was here. I have spent countless hours, days, months travelling from here to there, staying up late, waking up early in an attempt to see all of the Academy Award nominated films of 2014. Well it is now with a heavy heart that I tell you all, my faithful readers, I did not acheive my goal.  I finished up short this year. The foreign flick from Cambodia, The Missing Picture, was indeed MY missing picture. It's disappointing, of course, but I go into this knowing that not every year will produce a win. There's always next year!

Coverage on E! began at 1:30 pm. So that means I started my day at 8:00 am. Nails: (apparently some 6 year old did them)

food:

predictions: (See below...)

dress decisions: (Stay Tuned...)

Busy. Busy. Busy. I broke my rule of no drinking (of course) and had a glass (or two) of wine to calm my nerves before I got into hair and makeup. 

With 3 hours until showtime, I bid you adieu. Thank you all for following my Oscar journey here on Pamsnickety.  It'll be even better next year!

Based on extensive research as well as my own opinions, I leave you all with my picks for all the winners.

Best Picture: 12 Years A Slave

Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron

Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey

Best Actress: Cate Blanchett

Best Supporting Actor: Jared Leto

Best Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong’o

Best Adapted Screenplay: 12 Years A Slave

Best Original Screenplay: Her

Best Animated Feature Film: Frozen

Best Original Song: Let it Go

Best Foreign Film: The Great Beauty

Best Documentary Feature: 20 Feet From Stardom

Best Visual Effects: Gravity

Best Film Editing: Gravity

Best Cinematography: Gravity

Best Original Score: Gravity

Best Production Design: Gravity

Best Sound Mixing: Gravity

Best Sound Editing: Gravity

Best Makeup & Hairstyling: Dallas Buyers Club

Best Costume Design: American Hustle

Best Documentary (short): Lady in number 6

Best Short Film (Animated): Feral

Best Short Film (Live Action): Helium 

*** For all those who asked what I would be wearing on this magical night :)

It's the final countdown!!!!

Using my floating holiday, I took off work to try to complete my remaining Academy Award nominated films: Omar, The Missing Picture, and The Wind Rises. 

A quick drive over to my love, Reading Cinemas, where they were showing The Wind Rises. 3 people, including me, in the theater makes for a happy Pam. Beautifully animated with a stunning soundtrack, The Wind Rises moved a little too slowly for me. Additionally, there was something missing in the translations  so I was often left wondering "what?". 

Next, I was off to Montclair for Omar. Everytime I drive to this theater, at the same intersection, I get lost. Every.Time. This time, however, I was determined to not miss my turn. As I waited at the light, I planned my route. Green light. It's go time.  I get in the correct lane. Point for Pam! Following along, everything's going great. Then Bam! Didn't get over in time, missed the next turn. Sigh. Now I have to take all these little, cramped and creepy side streets. And because it's me, I'm faced with this...

Yes, that's a student driver practicing a K-turn for the first time. Awesome. Hurry up!!!!

I arrive at the theater, first as is tradition. 

I actually really like Omar. It was part love story, part spy thriller. And the lead actor? Adam Bakri, Yum.  

So now it's down to 1. The Missing Picture. Let's hope it's name isn't a foreshadowing. 

Stay tuned!!!!

Salute your SHORTS

With just under 2 weeks to go, the Oscars are fast approaching. This week I am dedicating my time to finishing up my favorite categories... The shorts! For the past few years the shorts have offered me some of my most memorable films. Who can forget Miracle Fish (2009) or Time Freak (2011) or last years winner for Live Action short film The Curfew (2012)?

I began the week with a quick trip into Montclair. Now something you should know about me, I'm terrified of driving in the snow. I don't like it. Scary. Yuck. The forecast called for an inch or so and I thought "I'm brave. I got this". With just a few flurries standing between me and the Animated Short Films, I made it just in time. I parked the car and began my walk... Right into the snow! 

Heavy, wet snow pounded down on me. I remembered my last trip to see some Oscar hopefuls and couldn't help but laugh thinking about how it snowed then too. Now, at my destination, cold and wet, I can relax, warm up and de-stress. I won't bore you with the details of each film, I'll just say that my hope is Feral for the win and I HATED Room on the Broom. 

My week ended with the Documentary Shorts. With an impending snow storm,(I know! Right!?)  I hopped a train to head into the city. 

I bought my movie tickets online while riding the train. And thank god I did, both shows sold out! I arrived at the IFC center and boy was I hungry! Much to my surprise and delight, the popcorn was organic. Dye free!!! Get in my belly!

 Popcorn in hand, I cuddle up to a little old man and we wait for our movies to start. The first set had three shorts: The Lady in Number 6, Karama Has No Walls, and Facing Fear. After the third one, the theater cleared out and the next group came in for the remaining 2 docs: CaveDigger, and Prison Terminal. In between I chatted with my new friend. He asked me, "Are you a documentarian?" I replied "No, just a fan". Friend responded with a beautiful answer, "Why not? There's still time for you. Pick up a camera and do." To which his wife interjected, "Just don't got to Yemen" 

Only 3 movies left! Will Pam reach her goal of seeing ALL the nominated films this year??? Stay tuned!

Oscar Noms!

Whelp, the 2014 Academy Award nominations were announced this morning. While I was pleasantly surprised and incredibly happy by some of the nominees (Leo <3, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill) I couldn't help but be disappointed in some noticeable absences. 

Best Actor category

Robert Redford in All is Lost????? He acted alone in his movie and turned in a stellar performance. 

Tom Hanks in Captain Phillips????? The "you're safe now" scene touched me in a way that a film hasn't done in quite some time. I walked out of the theater quietly crying until I reached the car and began to sob. 

Documentary Feature

Where the devil is Stories We Told, Blackfish, and one of my favorite films of the year, Life According to Sam???? IMO, Cutie and the Boxer was just that, "cute"; 20 Feet from Stardom was fun. Worthy of an Oscar? I don't think so. Oh, to be a member of the Academy. 

All in all, I'm doing really well this season with seeing all the noms. Here is a list of the remaining films:

•August: Osage County (ugh)

•Ernest &Celestine

•The Wind Rises

•The Invisible Woman

•The Square 

•The Broken Circle Breakdown

•Omar 

•The Missing Picture

•The Lone Ranger 

•Jackass Presents Bad Grandpa      (seriously?)

•All the shorts (my faves!!!!!)

Not bad at all. So completely doable.