Global Race for the Cure

Araceli recently ran Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure in Rome, Italy just as she had many times before in the states. When asked what the difference between the two races was, she responded with, “It [breast cancer] is an issue that affects women all over the world and seeing it in Italy reaffirms the fact that no woman is exempt. You realize that much more just how important it is to find a cure… The turnout was amazing.”

And, according to a Susan G. Komen spokesperson Araceli caught up with, the organization is expanding to other countries as well, while implementing a name change. The new “Global Race for the Cure,” which commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the organization’s race, debuted on June 6, 2009 in Washington D.C. With more than 45,000 participants hitting the capital’s streets, the race raised $4.3 million to “fund breast cancer programs for the medically under served throughout the National Capital Area and abroad.” The race featured breast cancer survivors from more than 18 countries, with support from notable speakers, including Dr. Jill Biden, an advocate for breast education and health.

I had the fortunate opportunity to volunteer at a race in my hometown a few years ago. For those of you who’d like to attend a race, volunteer, or make a donation, consult the 2009 Calendar of locations. For more information, visit the organization's website.

City of the Week: Huelva Spain

Typically, while visiting southern Spain, tourists stick to the cultural Meccas of Andalucia, visiting Granada, Cordoba, Seville, as well as the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. However, if in the area, head to the province of Huelva La Luz (Huelva the light), for a history lesson pertinent to the old world’s discovery of the Americas. Located in southwestern Spain, approximately a 45 minute drive from Portugal’s Algarve region, the city of Huelva and environs is home to La Rabida Monastery, and Lugares Colombinos (Columbus-related sites).

Christopher Columbus devised a plan to set sail to the east, by way of the west at La Rabida. Your touring of the monastery includes the chapel with the image of the Virgin of the Miracles, Conference Room, Chapter House and 14th century cloister, as well as my personal favorite—the map room. It’s interesting to see a map of the globe, sans the Americas!

Also on display at the Monastery, Columbus-inspired artwork by the 19th century painter, Daniel Vazquez Diaz. After touring the monastery, head to the Lugares Colombinos which includes the Muelle de las Carabelas (Dock of the Caravels), an “interpretation center” dedicated to explaining the medieval construction of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

After Columbus and his crew received funding from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, they departed from Huelva’s port, where today stands the Monument to the Discovery Faith (1929). The Post-Art Deco structure made of Niebla stone stands 36 meters high and was a gift from the Philadelphia-based Columbus Memorial Fund.

Come back on Wednesday to see where we’re headed to next!

Moving to London

Now that you’ve decided to live in London and have a general overview of the city, I bet you’re asking yourself, “But how can I live in London?” While many gals (myself included) get to London for internships and college study abroad, you may find it difficult to place yourself there without any connections. Especially considering that it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in!

We found a few websites that can help with your job search. Whether you’re interested in theatre, comedy, television, or politics, we suggest checking out Work Getaways. For flat-hunting or jobs, check out Wanted in Europe. And did you know there’s even a Craigslist for London??

City of the Week: London, England

First-time pond-hopping gals consistently ask the same question. Where, in Europe, should I live first? If you want to move to Europe but just aren’t linguistically-skilled or culturally-savvy yet, we recommend London. No matter your background, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, as it’s the largest city in the EU and, as a city, it’s the sixth largest economy worldwide. Additionally, its’ main transportation system— the tube—includes a rail network of 11 underground connecting lines, which even stretch through the English Channel for your next trip to Paris.

To begin your London overview, you’ll need a summary of the hoods first.

Like New York City or Chicago, London’s best experienced by foot and by trekking from neighborhood to neighborhood via the “underground” or “tube.” Neighborhoods include Bayswater, Bloomsbury, Chelsea, Clerkenwell, Holborn, Kensington & Earl’s Court, Knightsbridge & Belgravia, Marylebone & Regent’s Park, Notting Hill, the City of London, South Bank, West End and Westminster. You’ll probably want to begin exploration in the trendy West End area, as it spans several diverse neighborhoods and features Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Soho (the original one), and Covent Garden.

From here, you can head into Bloomsbury, Holburn, or Camden Town; however, the West End’s central location is also an excellent base for further exploration into Westminster, where you'll find Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the gothic Abbey, and the Thames River. Afterward, comfortably trek into Knightsbridge & Belgravia, and Chelsea, perhaps cruising through King’s Cross and Sloane Square, or Earls Court & Kensington, former London residence to Princess Diana (Kensington Gardens).

I lived in South Kensington in a romantic flat on Kensington Gardens, also an accessible point to Earl’s Court and the ethnically exclusive Notting Hill (FYI: check out Portobello Road Market).

See you Wednesday for more London!