Last summer, before I launched Voices en Español, I spent hours scouring the web reading various blogs about studying Spanish, living in Spain, speaking Spanish, etc. One of the blogs that I came across and really enjoyed reading was a blog called the L.A.-Madrid Files, written by an Angeleno named Carl. (No last names, please. ) The L.A.-Madrid Files is a personal blog with a biting, sardonic wit. Frustrated by the stereotypes and anti-Americanism present in Spanish media, Carl has made it his mission to set the record straight. Oye, El Roto, are you listening? Continue reading for an explanation.

What do you do for a living?
I do have a day job. It seems that some people with blogs in Spain live a life of leisure. At times I can’t figure out how they live in Madrid without a visible means of support. I decided a long time ago that moving to Madrid full time and trying to make a living there would lead to a life of poverty. (Might be a little different now?) Although maybe a happy-poverty to be sure – still wrestling with that. I am an Engineer. That is the day gig. What kind of Engineer? Well, you can find clues in the Blog.

Tell us about the L.A.-Madrid Files Blog. When did you start it and why?

I started it last year around April I think. I had been reading Spain-related websites or blogs, for a long time and I thought I could rant as well as those guys and no one was saying what I wanted to say. I have been fascinated with the theme of Americans in Europe, how Europe views us, Spain’s love/hate relationship with Americans, etc. for a long time. (I have notes from 1987 on this subject.) I even wanted to write a book about it way back when (should have) but “normal” life got in the way – the day job, etc. So L.A.-Madrid Files is a half-assed way to talk about this small obsession.

When did your love affair with Spain begin?

Let’s see … Big personal story coming… My very first Girlfriend had a tiny bit of Italian blood in her but had a great Italian last name. We dated for a short time, went to the Prom together, and I was hooked, etc. Then, when summer of our senior year came, she went off to study in Italy. (She was from a family that could afford that kind of thing). I continued to write love letters to her from L.A. – then she dumped me in a post-card from Europe. The killer line written by my first love in that Dear John Letter: “It takes two to Tango and I’m not dancing.” Nice huh? Her love of Europe and how it was somehow unattainable to me (being the poor kid not up to her level) made me want to show her I could go also. I only had two criteria for my study abroad choice. It had to be in Europe and they had to speak Spanish (definitely not Italian and Spanish seemed more useful in L.A.). So for my third year of college I went to the Complutense through the California State University Program. It changed my life.

What’s your earliest memory / impression of Spain:

I would have to say that the first really big impression was right after traveling from Los Angeles to Madrid. After checking into our Colegio Mayor – Antonio de Nebrija, after being awake for probably 24 hours or more, a group of us got on the 1982 metro, somehow made our way from Moncloa to Sol, walked up the stairs into the sunlight and saw the very foreign sight of the Puerta del Sol after having seen nothing but Los Angeles suburbs for 20 years of life. The combination of no sleep, the excitement, and the exotic bustling, and messy Madrid city center was amazing.

How’s Your Spanish. Are you fluent?

My Spanish blows! My Spanish was great in 1983 when I left Spain – and still great for several years after that - since I had a Spanish girlfriend. I may be too hard on myself, but life seems to be filled with so many other things crowding out my study of Spanish. Also, the definitions of “fluent” vary greatly. Some people think I am – but I don’t. I am also just lazy now. Obviously I can do fine in Spain and I feel comfortable. My Spanish friends have learned more English over the years so sometimes I speak to them in English and they to me in Spanish – seems easy that way. Again … lazy. I really just need just a couple of three months – all together – in Madrid and my Spanish would kick ass again!

How is your apartment project coming along? Is the plan for you to live full-time in Spain or just have a home base when you come for visits? How frequently do you come to Spain?

The Piso had been a dream of mine since my first year in Madrid. At that time of course, prices were ridiculously low – but I didn’t have any money, and you had to have ALL the money. There were no loans for foreigners or even Spaniards really. So I would come to Madrid, live in Pensiones, and enjoy my favorite town. At the same time I would look at pisos, then dream a little more. It wasn’t until the very late 90’s that globalization caught up to Spanish banks, (and I had some money), where a Spanish bank would even take me seriously for a loan. Also, in 2001 the U.S. dollar was sky high in comparison to the Spanish peseta – it was then or never… I saw all the investment in the city over the years. Madrid was turning into a real capital European city. I knew one day Madrid pisos could cost as much as apartments in Paris. So I did it.

What’s the plan? Who knows? The plan is to be able to live in Spain many months out of the year – but to always return to California. I know that I could not ever completely leave Los Angeles.

I try to get to Madrid about three times a year right now. Doesn’t seem like much does it? I am working on making that more….

What’s been the most striking change you’ve noticed over the years in Spanish culture? (From your first experience living in Spain to present-day.)

I’d have to say that what’s different is EVERYTHING. When I first came to Spain in 1982, everything was Spanish and different looking than what I had seen before. The cars were all Seat, Fiat, Citroen, etc. and weird, the key you used at the front door was different, the products in the stores were Spanish and quaint looking, cooking utensils and plates and appliances all screamed “foreign”. The people also dressed distinctively Spanish, you could tell us Americans a mile off – people will argue this but really much different than today, (except for the older Spanish people who somehow still manage to look the same today as then). Oh, and the Spanish were short – I at 5’-10”, was the tallest guy around! So I guess the biggest cultural change is unfortunately, Spain is becoming less Spanish and more like everybody else. I guess that’s called globalization, but I refuse to blame the Americans! Well, maybe it is partly our fault, but it’s also just because communication, travel, and immigration make every country not as isolated as before.

One of the recurring themes in your blog postings is the virulent anti-Americansim streak that is present in Spanish media coverage of the US. Last year, 2007, had many priceless moments in the Spanish media. Any one in particular stand out in your memory?

Not really one in particular. It’s just that I can start reading really almost ANY article or see ANY news or talk show and find something negative about the U.S. It doesn’t matter what it’s about, if you keep reading something will come out about some bad thing the U.S. has done, it’s bad influence, how it sucks there. They always find a connection and a way to blame or put on a nasty spin. When the Prestige sank and spilled oil all over the place, I was in Madrid, and I remember really hoping that it was not an American ship. It wasn’t of course and we dodged that bullet, but now they are trying to sue the U.S. government for giving it a safety certificate or something – so they always find a negative connection. After so many years (since 1982) of being tuned-into Spain – it grates on me. I know that I can be too sensitive also and I should just get over it ..… But I won’t.

Does El Roto know that you have christened him El Sucko?

I am absolutely sure El Roto has no idea that I exist. He is one of those fountains of slanted views I am talking about..

Would you ever consider moving to Spain and running for political office? J

They wouldn’t have me - I am not an EU citizen. And even if they would I doubt a guy with a pro-American platform would get very far. Actually, my platform would be, “Let’s just forget about the Americans already, take some responsibility, and worry about our own problems!”

You can find Carl over at the L.A.-Madrid Files.