Wanderer

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN SPAIN?
 
A recommendation from the organizing committee is to take advantage of the trip to Seville to get to know Spain. Did you know that Spain is the second country that receives the most tourists? In 2019, before the pandemic, an estimated 83.5 million people visited Spain. That's almost double the population!
 
Although Spain is not a very large country in terms of size, you can find practically everything in it. From the wide white sand beaches of the Balearic Islands or Murcia to ski resorts in Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees. We also have some desert areas, such as the Tabernas desert in Almería or the Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria.
 
If you prefer urban life there are also options for you. From big cities like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller cities but full of history like Toledo, Granada, Oviedo or Santiago de Compostela.
 

Live picture of Portuguese delegation parading in Sevilla 
 

PARADE OF NATIONS (3/4)
 

 
 ITALY - ITALIA 
Artist: La Rappresentante di Lista
Jury Member(s): @SteveParker @Pablita @Henry_Leon
 
 KAZAKHSTAN - KAZAJISTÁN 
Artist: Kazybek Kuraiysh
Jury Member(s): @Ruslan
 
 LITHUANIA - LITUANIA 
Artist: Jessica Shy
Jury Member(s): @Werloc
 
 MALTA - MALTA 
Artist: Kurt Calleja
Jury Member(s): @Glen
 
 MEXICO - MÉXICO 
Artist: Sabino & Los Rumberos
Jury Member(s): @mrv86
 
 MOLDOVA - MOLDAVIA 
Artist: Dan Balan
Jury Member(s): @Ionoutz24
 
 NETHERLANDS - PAÍSES BAJOS 
Artist: Di-Rect
Jury Member(s): @heywoodu
 
 NEW ZEALAND - NUEVA ZELANDA 
Artist: Marlon Williams
Jury Member(s): @Wanderer
 
 NORWAY - NORUEGA 
Artist: JONE
Jury Member(s): @vkristijan
 
 POLAND - POLONIA 
Artist: Sanah
Jury Member(s): @rybak

Fun fact: Hola in Slovak means Naked (female)
 

Hola!  

Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to The Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Annual Totallympics International Song Contest!
 

 

Niger
 
 
 
Mdou Moctar - Ibitilan
 
 

 

Niger
 
 
 
Mdou Moctar - Ibitilan
 
 

 

VALENCIA BATS
 
Valencia is a city located on the eastern coast of Spain, in the region of Valencia. It is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, with a population of over 790,000 people. Valencia is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and as a hub for trade and commerce.
 

 
Valencia has a long and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic era. The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and was named "Valentia Edetanorum." It played an important role in the Roman Empire as a strategic location for trade and commerce.
During the Visigothic period, Valencia became an important center of Christianity and culture, and in the 8th century, it was conquered by the Moors. Under Moorish rule, Valencia became a major center of agriculture and trade.
 
In 1238, Valencia was conquered by the Christian King James I of Aragon, marking the end of Moorish rule in the region. Valencia experienced a period of growth and prosperity during the Middle Ages, with the development of trade and the expansion of agriculture. In the 15th century, Valencia became a major center of arts and culture, with the emergence of the Valencian School of Painting and the construction of numerous palaces and public buildings.
 
Today, Valencia is a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and modern amenities. Its attractions include the City of Arts and Sciences, the Central Market, the Valencia Cathedral, and the Turia Gardens, among many others. Valencia is also famous for its cuisine, including paella, a rice-based dish that originated in the region.
 

 
The bat is an important symbol of Valencia, and it can be seen on the city's coat of arms, flag, and many other emblems and logos. The origins of the bat as a symbol of Valencia are uncertain, but there are several legends and theories about its meaning.
 
One legend suggests that during the 13th century, King James I of Aragon was besieging the city of Valencia, and the defenders of the city were able to repel his army by using bats as weapons. The bats frightened the horses and caused chaos among the enemy ranks, allowing the defenders to gain the upper hand.
 
Another theory suggests that the bat is a symbol of good luck, as it is believed to have protected the city from a plague of locusts during the Middle Ages. According to the legend, the bats flew into the city and ate the locusts, saving the crops and preventing a famine.
 
Whatever its origins, the bat has become an important symbol of Valencia and is celebrated in many ways. The city holds a festival called Las Fallas each year in March (this weekend), during which giant sculptures of bats and other figures are displayed throughout the city and then burned in a spectacular display of fireworks and flames. 
 

 
 
TYPICAL FOOD - LA PAELLA:
 
La paella is the most famous dish from Valencia, and it has become the most popular dish in Spanish cuisine. It is a rice-based dish that is typically made with a variety of seafood, meat, or vegetables, depending on the region and the season.
 
The classic Valencian paella is made with rabbit, chicken, green beans, white beans, and saffron, which gives the dish its characteristic golden color and unique flavor. Other variations may include seafood, such as shrimp, clams, mussels, or squid, or vegetables such as artichokes, peppers, and tomatoes.
 
The preparation of paella is a traditional social activity in Valencia, often involving large groups of family and friends who gather around the dish as it cooks over an open flame. The rice is cooked slowly and evenly in a wide, shallow pan, allowing the flavors to blend together and the rice to develop a crispy crust on the bottom, known as socarrat.
 

 
In addition to paella, Valencia is also known for its other traditional dishes, such as arroz al horno (baked rice), fideuà (a noodle-based dish similar to paella), and all i pebre (a seafood stew made with eels and potatoes). Other local specialties include horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, and buñuelos, a type of fried dough pastry that is typically served with hot chocolate.
 
Overall, the food of Valencia reflects the region's agricultural heritage, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations of Valencian cooks.
 
 

 
MEMBERS OF THE TEAM:
 LITHUANIA @Werloc  SLOVENIA @justony  NORWAY @vkristijan  NEW ZEALAND @Wanderer

I have my top 9, and am struggling to pick 3 out of 6 songs.
Overall, interesting selections. I liked songs I wouldn't dream of liking xD 

As some of you already know, on Sunday I went to Planica. I am regular guest of Ski Flying for 25 years, so though I heard, how high they put prices and there is not a lot of home crowd, I decided to visit our treasure in heart of national park.
 
Luckily I am quite frequent Totallympian, and with that I had an honour to meet in person our star, future Olympian. I know I have already thank you, but once more, @brunamoura, thanks for those five minutes of your time and of course, though I would come to see competitions anyway, thank you for tickets.
 
Only thing I regret is we did not have time for a bit longer talk, because your story is fascinating, but did not wanna bother your pre race time.
 
So, @heywoodu, take good care of her, when she comes back home, and when you are next time around (maybe both), do send me a PM, and maybe will grab a coffee.
 
 

Yeah, Serbia will avoid the mine called Argentina this time  

Nice to have both Serbia and Montenegro qualified 

Jota
 
 
"Jota" is a traditional folk dance and music style originating from Spain. It is widely performed in many regions of Spain, particularly in the north and northeast, and is known for its lively, upbeat rhythm and distinctive musical style.
 
The jota is usually performed by couples, who dance in a fast and energetic manner to the accompaniment of castanets, guitars, and other traditional instruments. The dance is characterized by its quick footwork, leaping and stamping, and twirling movements.
 
The origins of the jota are not well-known, but it is thought to have developed from a combination of ancient Celtic, Arabic, and Spanish musical and dance traditions. Today, the jota remains a popular folk dance in Spain, and is performed at a variety of social and cultural events, including weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.
 

Will Sakkari win this SF?  

Let i've said before, no real boycott will happen at the end and it's just smoke and lightning from a few countries to see, if their bluff will work. US and Canada will not boycott in anyway and France is the worst host for this idea, as they are a valuable strategic partner in bigger, non-sports, departments.
 
Do people actually believe there won't be any backstage strings being pulled, so that the French Games aren't ruined? The 3 Baltic states are the only ones i see, that could potentially stick it to the end, as it won't be a significant loss for them (or the Games), if they missed out. Mayyyyybe 1-2 of the Scandinavian ones, but i can't see how Macron wouldn't sway them. Poland is barking the loudest, but i would be gobsmacked, if they actually boycotted. Their politicians are just using what is popular today and then will promptly make up an excuse, when time comes. 

So, the proposed solution is a new IOC with only "western" countries? lol

And history is made as Wu Yibing saves 4 MP(!) and beats John Isner in three tie-breaks to become the first male player to win ATP title. Until this week the last time a Chinese player even made ATP semi-final was 1995
 
 

New Zealand
 
This year decision was easy to make! Marlon Williams gets the opportunity to represent New Zealand, with his new solo album My Boy. More about it you can find here https://www.marlonwilliams.co.nz/bio
 
Born and raised in Christchurch port suburb of Lyttelton, music started early for young Marlon Williams, though the trail to his chosen alternative-country discipline was hardly flagged. His father sang in a punk band, but with a blend of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tai blood he inevitably did a bit of singing at the local marae, harmonising around the house along with his mum. Church and school choirs later helped polish his natural vocal skills. Gram Parsons was his first country record and, as he tells Silke Hartung, Marlon knew then that this was the music he himself wanted to make.
 
 
Marlon Williams - Thinking of Nina
 


 
 

is in

You can't separate politics and sport at the time of such a major military conflict. If you think that this is comparable to the Korean War or the Vietnam War, or any other war since WW2 you are fooling yourself. It's the largest attempted landgrab in Europe since Hitler was defeated, the historical significance of such an event is massive and can't be brushed aside as just yet another war. Making a "safe space" out of the Olympics would be foolish.
 
And yes, every Russian athlete, every Russian citizen is culpable. I say this as a Hungarian who knows that the fact that I am living in Hungary supports Orbán's system, regardless of how much I hate him. Russia is exactly like Hungary, just on steroids. They are all guilty, just like I will be guilty of being part of Orbán's regime if he does something truly awful, no matter how many times I vote against him. Putin isn't doing this alone. If Russia is like Hungary, the country is rotten to its core. People need to take responsibility for the actions of their nation if they live there and they are part of its society. Putin would have never started this war if the Russian society wouldn't accept such an action. 

In other words: I have nothing against Russian and Belarussian athletes competing in Paris2024 if they don't support the war... as long as they would like to compete for us.