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Stockholm Pride
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Stockholm, Sweden
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This place was Poor
visited Aug 2003
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Watch a pride parade just for fun? I'm not homophobic, but a bunch of fairies in extravagant costumes strutting around in the middle of Stockholm trying to make a politically correct point, but probably just adding to the stereotypes of homosexuals...? Well, as my buddy and also host thinks this is a good idea, I won't argue. Turns out my prejudiced ideas were a bit skewed. It's not like any other parade, that it ain't. The gay movement is strongly associated with the rainbow flag, and the colorfulness is reflected in the floats and costumes. Magnificently ornamented floats are mixed with groups making a statement and other less political groups dancing and flirting with the crowd. But, all the people participating in the parade are obviously having fun, a joy that is widely infecting the crowd. Most of the items in the parade fit in perfectly, from the biker riding his hog slowly leading the parade through the streets to the celebrities waving at the masses on the last float. A bit peculiar and confusing are however the signs and chants in reference to the close referendum in Sweden on the introduction of the Euro currency. If the purpose of the parade is to gain acceptance of the homosexual community in society, how does this connect to a possible YES or NO in the referendum? If the paraders were unified in their opinion, a possible connection could be detected. But, there's about an equal amount of arguers for each side, making the whole thing a tiny bit parodic. Please, people, don't mix apples with oranges...
posted Mar 6, 2005
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Loser's Club
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London, United Kingdom
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This place was Average
visited Feb 2004
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The Generator youth hostel is a wonderful establishment. Dirt cheap and safe accommodation in central London. With a late night bar. Generous prices in the bar, gaming activities, big screen TV, and pool tables. What else is do you need? This bar naturally attracts the better part of the clientele visiting the hostel. Would almost be a crime not to honor its activities with a couple of beers. The crowd is split up into the groups in which they arrived. We have the Scandinavian guys joining in on the trivia games. We have the American high school kids chatting around the table. We have the gang playing a game of pool. We have the group of French high school kids drinking and smoking. We have the more quiet crowd chatting over a late bite to eat in the dining area. And we have the group of single guys standing at the bar watching the soccer game on the big screen TV – the category in which I fit in. Youth hostels can be ideal places to meet people with the same interests as yourself. Make temporary friends, travel companions, or drinking buddies. This particular scene is however merely a reminder that I’m not here to party. A London hit and run. Little time and energy to spend on getting wasted and join the crowd in their cheerful attempt to “do” London. So I join the “losers’ club” at the bar. Exchange a few words with the Canadian guy who is constantly scanning his cell phone for messages. Appears to be in a similar situation; on a temporary stay trying to pursue a career abroad. Still not completely willing to totally let go of the bar environment, and with a certain curiosity for what a beer tastes like in this particular spot. But beyond the stage of school/buddy trip partying in a foreign land with likes. Must be obvious that we know nobody, not even each other, maybe not even ourselves. But the guy does make a good point: “At least breakfast is included.”...
posted Mar 6, 2005
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Aparcacoches
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Malaga, Spain
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This place was Average
visited Mar 1997
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Driving a car in southern Europe is indeed an experience in itself, although not recommended the non-aggressive, nervous, or fainthearted driver. The law of the jungle prevails. Demolition derby is a more suitable description than anything related to civilized traffic. Parking the car follows roughly the same principles. Squeeze your car into any spot where it appears fairly out of the way for the surrounding traffic. A dent or two comes with the territory. On those terms the profession of “aparcacoches” was borne. “Aparcacoches” (roughly translated “car parkers”) have nothing in common with valet parkers. “Aparcachoces” are not exactly unionized employees, bums rather homeless bums in desperate need of money. But their creativity must be admired. A profession created out of the modern traffic problems. Appears to be a territorial work, where every bum has his own zone. In this zone they skillfully scan the traffic for potential parkers. When a car is about to park, they take charge over the process, regardless of the need for this service. If there is no room available, they are masters of creating space. They move trashcans, traffic cones, and even push parked cars and motorcycles around to make room. And then with great precision they are able to direct any car into the newly created spot. However, they also provide their service when spaces are plentiful. In empty parking areas they still wave cars into the empty spot as if this spot was the most exclusive or the last one. Regardless of the need for their service they expect a small compensation for their effort. As a carowner, common sense states that upsetting an “aparcacoche” is bound to result in keymarks in the paint or a broken antenna. So, you slip them a little something. And the world goes on…with your car in its spot.
Málaga, Spain, 1996-1997
posted Mar 6, 2005
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