FLAMENCO, FLAMENCO, FLAMENCO!

I have to start this post with an apology. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update you all on my life. I had an intense bout of writer's block. I couldn't find anything that I deemed worthy enough to write about. I had at least six drafts saved on my dashboard about the most moronic things. I could not bring myself to publish any of them. I found my cure, however, I went to a flamenco show last night. I truly believe that I found the reason I was meant to come to Spain.

We started the night hanging out at our friend's apartment. We all brought wine, and as most of you know, I LOVE WINE. So, the start of the night was a great success. After we hung out there for a hot second we met up with the boys and headed to the bar.

I must educate you on the history of flamenco. Flamenco is a style of dance and music that was developed and made famous right here in Southern Spain. It is often duplicated in other regions of Spain, but if you want to see the real deal, I advise you to come to Andalucía!

The bar we went to is famous here in Sevilla for being one of the most authentic and historic flamenco bars. Literally everyone I have talked to (Spaniards and Americans alike) has told me to go to the flamenco bar with the big red doors. I just googled "famous red doors flamenco bar" and it came up, so apparently it IS famous... It is called La Carbonería. Here is a picture of the (what else?) famous red door entrance.

Sorry I didn't take my own picture. I need to start focusing on remembering that I have a blog, and need to document things like this.

When we got inside the show was already going on. We ordered some sangría, obviously, and found some seats towards the back. We had a hard time seeing, so at first I was not all that impressed with this "so called show". However, I did spot the little girl that I am going to kidnap. The kids here are so freaking cute, I might actually turn into a baby snatcher. OOOOPS! Here is a picture of the flamenco star in the making.

You can't really tell here, but her dad was clapping for her and she kept dancing. It was freaking adorable.

The performers sang and danced for about thirty minutes. But then they got up, and walked out of the room. Then the entire audience walked into an additional room, because the performers were going to put on another show. I quickly followed the masses and found a great seat right up front. This is where the magic happened. 

The dancers and singers were amazing. They put so much passion and romance into their art. The singing is loud, the stomping is loud, the clapping is loud, and the shouts are loud. From what I understand, it is typical for flamenco performers to get so emotional during their shows that they literally weep. I didn't see any tears, but the singer did look like he was in physical pain majority of the time. It was one of the most interesting things I have ever seen. I wish I had better words to explain it, but  I am just not that clever. Here are some pictures that further won't do any justice, but they are fun to look at.

This guy with the guitar was incredible. I think I need to marry him ASAP.

If I was a lesbian, I would want to be her girlfriend. She was so fierce and full of emotion and attitude. Total girl crush.

 They were all so talented, and it was so cool to watch the dynamic within the whole group.

Their shoes are so stinkin' cute, and they are what is responsible for the loud noises. It is awesome.

 New flamenco groupies...? I think, YES!

DA GROUP!

Flamenco is my new love, and I want to take a class so badly. I know I would be good at it, sorry for being an amazing dancer.... but seriously, I am looking into classes. 

I find myself trying so hard to capture everything in pictures here, but it is just not working out in my favor. I have gone to the coolest places in the world (in my opinion, but remember: I have an unhealthy obsession with Spain), and I just don't think the pictures are good enough. It is really starting to IRRRRK me. I am so embarrassed to admit that my favorite song while I have been in Sevilla is "3X5" by John Mayer. Seriously? That song was cool when I was in the 6th grade... but it is totally on my level, and I listen to it on repeat regularly. It is all about traveling and not wasting your time in new places by trying to justify all the amazing things you are seeing though a camera. New quote of the trip: "Today I finally overcame trying to fit the world inside a picture frame." Thank you Mr. Mayer for your insight. I shall live by it for the remainder of my time here. But don't worry Mom, I will continue putting up albums on facebook with the camera you bought me (even though I deem the pictures less than satisfactory). 

Thanks for reading. Life is good.