MTV Unplugged "Juanes"

I must be feeling very musically inclined these past couple of weeks - I don't hate it!. I grew up on MTV Unplugged. To have watched talented artists like Lauryn Hill, Marc Anthony and KISS (just to name a few) - I honestly did not know this amazing display of music still existed. For those who do not know the concept behind MTV Unplugged - the most buzzed about artists perform acoustic sets to a small audience in an intimate setting.

Time for a little history on Juanes (I knew a few of his songs from the radio - maybe "La Camisa Negra" rings a bell). He sings with a Spanish accent, but is actually from Colombia. He has won 3 Latin Grammys and 1 Grammy to date. He has been in the music business for YEARS (news to me), since 2000.

Alright, time to get into the concert itself. I had SO much fun! It started at 9 (on time I might add) and ended around 1130. He played everything from slow ballads to upbeat songs. The band was absolutely amazing. I think live music is absolutely sensational. Last night he had a Puerto Rican guest background singer and played two Puerto Rican salsa songs - Now that I am learning to dance Salsa I was so excited to show off my moves (great success). It's hard to describe how extraordinary the concert was, but let's just say I am officially a fan of Juanes!

"La Camisa Negra" enjoy!

Time for pictures!

Name of the venue aka Malaga Auditorium Club (creative I know)

Inside - why not a photo op?

Great seats!

Cannot go to a Spanish function without a GIGANTIC serving of San Miguel - Spain's trademark beer

Juanes & the band!

Stefany, Carol, Emily and I truly enjoyed ourselves - Great success! 

                                                                 Happy Reading,

                                                                       Fabiola

Night of Reggae "We gobbled it!"

FINALLY, music that I enjoyed from start to finish. Spain is full of House music and Techno (not a fan in the least) - which is what they usually play in the clubs, with a few American songs from the 90's. One of my schoolmates informed me of this show at an Irish Bar "Dubliners". The name of the band is called "Malaka Youth"

If I would have to guess these "youth" are all about 16 years old. From the moment I walked up to the bar I heard this reggae Island beat and immediately became so excited. I LOVE reggae music. Am I the type of fan that knows all of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff songs word for word? Nope. BUT I truly have an appreciation for this genre of music. I love the sound of the guitars, the rhythmic off-beats, the singing and the soulful lyrics - it's a very calming and thought provoking type of music. NOW, when I found out my ears could be blessed with the opportunity to hear it live - there was no way I could resist. This is a Spanish reggae band. They sang many of Bob Marley's covers BUT they also sang some original songs in Spanish. It's hard to think of reggae music in Spanish, but you just have to trust when I tell you - AMAZING! I am so happy that I went.

The band and their crew - not to mention Molly and I. Also, the silver haired woman is the mother of the two boys to my left - their BIGGEST fan (this woman had moves for DAYS -made my entire night). 

Of course there are more pictures! Got a picture of each member

 

 

This crowd had the best facial expressions LOL

Molly, Stefany & I

Can't forget Corey! Genius who told us about it

 Needless to say (but I will anyways) this was a successful event and a great way to start a Friday night!

Happy Reading,

Fabiola 

Castillo de Gibralfaro

I LOVE HIKING! This evening Estefania (Stefany) y yo fuimos al Castillo de Gibralfaro.

Now, we only conquered half of this tonight. This castle dates back to the 10th century. Spain has a lot of Muslim influence due to their reign in the early centuries before the Christians took over in the late sixteenth century (slight history lesson). 

Let me tell you this was a workout! and we plan to conquer the rest later in the week. The views are absolutely beautiful and to get these great pictures was breathtaking (see what I did there). 

Here are some pictures!

The stairs were actually the easy part - it got much steeper than this the higher we went (just the beginning)

Plaza de los Toros (Malaga's bull ring)

Not even at the top yet!

El Castillo

Happy Reading,

Fabiola