How to make Canarian Papas Arrugadas

Here's a fun recipe on a less serious note - this is one Canarian staple that has been recommended to me from almost everyone here! There is not a single dish more representative of the Canary Islands than papas arrugadas. These tiny wrinkled potatoes are a must try when visiting the Canaries, and when done the right way, are truly delightful.

Apparently, this famous dish arrived in the 1550s when the Incas arrived with potatoes to the Canary Islands, and in the 17th century potato cultivation began on the island. A truly authentic way to make paps arrugadas is by boiling the potatoes in seawater. This is a recipe that came from necessity, as fresh water was often short on the islands, and locals had to make due with what they had.
Here is an easy recipe for paps arrugadas :)

4-6 servings

Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds of small quick cooking potatoes
- 1/4 cup of coarse sea salt

Instructions
1. Wash the potatoes and place them in a large stock pot.
2. Just cover with cold water and add the sea salt.
3. Boil the potatoes until just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add water if too much evaporates.
4. Pour off the water and rest the potatoes on the stove on a very low heat until all water has evaporated and the potatoes are covered in a layer of sea salt.
5. Serve with your favorite mojo sauce.

Enjoy!

Responding to Creativesomething.net

https://creativesomething.net/post?year=2019

Creative Something is a blog dedicated to discovering ideas and insights about creativity. Their most recent post, titled "Creating a mirror for your mind" really struck an interesting concept that had got me thinking about my own personal journey in dancing.

The post touches on the idea that the physical concept of mirrors is easy for us to grasp. "Mirrors tell us almost everything physically about the outside of our bodies. Are new having a good hair day? Does our outfit look attractive? Are the rings under our eyes getting softer or darker? Do we look how wet want to be perceived today?" Because of the nature of my career, I have to look at myself in the mirror for hours, almost every single day. As dancers are so in tune with our bodies, we become critical of the smallest flaws in our bodies, and judge the lines of our bodies, the size of our muscles, the movement and articulation of our feet, and everything in between. Although dancing comes across as what matters most is what is seen on the outside physically, what controls almost everything in dance is our mental clarity and focus. So why haven't I created a space to reflect on my mind just as I do in the mirror? As the post suggests, "For reflecting your thoughts and ideas you need a mirror for the mind. And there are a myriad of tools new can use to reflect what's going on inside our brains." the post suggests a personal journal is the best way to reflect your thoughts. It is hard to know wheat our thoughts are doing unless we put them in a place few can reflect on them.

I've always struggled with finding peace with the way my body looks and the way my dancing looks. I had never felt satisfied whether I am in the best shape or the worst shape - it never felt right for me. But I am now wondering how much my thoughts could change in the mirror, if I reflect on my thoughts more - not just in my head but having a space to physically write them down, log the process in a journal for myself.

Looking Back on this past month

https://s-e-r-e-n-d-i-p-i-a.blogspot.com/2019/06/being-alone.html

It has been about a month since I last made this post, as I've spent my time here on this Island. What I've come to realize is that spending time alone is much harder than I thought. People are naturally driven to be around other people - and as much as I had thought I would be spending most of my time alone. I ended up making so many friends along the way. I had wondered if I subconsciously didn't want to be with my own thoughts - so I had leaned toward making plans with friends and family. But the process seemed to happened so organically, and I had met so many positive people that had inspired me in my dancing and in life. It wasn't what I intended, but I guess things like this can't be planned, and I am really grateful for all the people I met along the way.

Wikepedia Post on Creativity

As what my blog explores what entails creativity in people, it only made sense for me to see what the definition was on wikipedia. I added a few sentences to give a clearer definition on what I thought could further help understand the idea of creativity.

Original Post

Creativity in general is usually distinguished from innovation in particular, where the stress is on implementation. For example, Teresa Amabile and Pratt (2016) defines creativity as production of novel and useful ideas and innovation as implementation of creative ideas,^[7] while the OECD and Eurostat state that "Innovation is more than a new idea or an invention. An innovation requires implementation, either by being put into active use or by being made available for use by other parties, firms, individuals or organisations."

Edit

Creativity in general is usually distinguished from innovation in particular, where the stress is on implementation. For example, Teresa Amabile and Pratt (2016) defines creativity as production of novel and useful ideas and innovation as implementation of creative ideas,^[7] while the OECD and Eurostat state that "Innovation is more than a new idea or an invention. An innovation requires implementation, either by being put into active use or by being made available for use by other parties, firms, individuals or organisations."^[8] However, with this definition, it is easy to misunderstand innovation and creativity. Creative ability does not necessarily involve a solution - but is rather a skill to tap into our imagination. Creativity manifests differently depending on one's age, environment, and stages of life but we are all born creative and remain creative through life.

I wanted to emphasize that creative ability is within everyone, and is less about problem solving. I think it is important to understand that creative ability is attainable for everyone - rather than an inborn gift that people have or don't have. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creativity

Happiness - How is this determined?

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-happiest-countries-united-nations-2019/index.html

I have always been fascinated by the concept of happiness - as I think it says a lot about the types of priorities that one's culture has towards life, and what types of expectant people have in general. I also think happiness has a strong link to creativity.
As seen in this article, according to the World Happiness Report, Finland ranks first, followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and The Netherlands.
The Report ranks countries on six key variables that support well - being: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support, and generosity.
On the other hand, the United States came in 19th place, dropping a total of 5 spots since 2017. The article states that addiction is partly to blame - which reminds me of the Ted Talk video of Niel Stevens on what inhibits creativity. The report provides sobering evidence of how addiction are causing "considerable unhappiness and depression in the U.S" and "Social connections are weakening the US as social media usage is raising anxiety, especially among adolescents".
Other major "Superpower" countries such as Japan ranked low - from 54th last year to 58 this year.
But this brings me to a different point - expectation. Happiness is an expectation one has for one's self. In some ways I'm sure this list is accurate - but what if our ideas of happiness are completely different? Culturally, Finland may be happy because they just expect to have something entirely different from Japan. Ambition can determine a lot of how one feels as well.
I guess what I am trying to say is that happiness is more cultural than people realize. I think about my time living in Japan, and how Japanese culture would take more pride in working hard, and does not "Brag" about one's happiness, and would rather say that they are not happy even if they are perfectly content with their lives. And if an American went to go live in Finland or Denmark, it won't equate to one being happy automatically. There are a lot more factors that I think need to be studied for this report. Would love to know what you all think.

Niel Steven's Ted Talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU7ymQyIMfk

I found this Ted Talk video to be a very interesting perspective on what sparks creativity, from a psychological standpoint. Niel Stevens is a trained psychologist, designer, and magazine editor. He discusses the thread of creative process and what is behind the "spark of creativity".
He begins by addressing the different methods people have used to reignite creative fire - which included meditation, travel inspiration, and virtual reality experience. None seemed to be successful long term - or have a consistent affect on creative spark. But these experiences opened the doors to some things that inhibit creativity - which might be the most valuable concept to understand.
First, he explained about competing networks - and that if you want to get into your imagination, you have to let go of your conscious control. The need for explanation may also stop creativity - trying to search for a specific method may be creating a scaffolding that is limiting.
The most important information I got out of this video is his concept of the "Villain" and how recent society is focused on more productivity, more focus and more concentration - which is all part of the frontal lobe of the brain, and something that has changed increasingly in the last few years. Our phones play a large part in this, as it forbids any "Dead time" for our minds to wander. I think about how many times I unconsciously go on my phone when I have nothing else to do, and how my many times in the day my mind is stimulated with social media. Logically, it makes no sense for our minds to be stimulated by phones day in an day out.
To conclude, Niel wonders if a lot of our next breakthroughs might be about turning things off, focusing less, and giving things less attention. Rather than finding a method, it may be more about making peace with yourself and discontinuing monotonous tasks that are depriving you rather than inspiring you. Easier said than done, but I really enjoyed this ted talk.

San Juan Traditions

On Sunday, June 23rd,  all of Spain celebrates San Juan, otherwise known as Saint John's Eve. Certain festivals seem to summarize the life and culture in Spain, with its love of having a good time in company of friends, and family. The night of San Juan is definitely one of these events. It is a celebration that is usually held on the beach with roaring bonfires, drinks, and food. It was a memorable, almost surreal scene I was lucky enough to experience. Here is how the night led up to midnight.

Here, in order, are some of the traditions I witnessed around me:

1. Everyone camps out all day at Las Canteras beach. The biggest and most popular beach in Las Palmas; and it seems that the whole population finds a spot to enjoy their time by the ocean.
2. Bonfires. It is tradition to jump over bonfires to celebrate a new beginning. People were also burning things to leave behind bad spirits from the past and start a new phase.
3. Concerts. Spanish musicians start playing on the beach.
4. Right at midnight, people jump into the water. To represent a new beginning and wash away spirits. The sight of hundreds of people wandering into the water with a haze of bonfires was incredible.
5. Lastly, watch the sunrise. Families were still gathered around together to enjoy this experience. It was quite beautiful to see so many people come together.

The power of tradition is truly magical. To Canarians, San Juan symbolized a moment where superstitions seemed to come alive, and created rituals that are celebrated on this day. 

A list of things I've been thinking about

In light of trying to get back in shape for dancing, the challenge I face is more mental than physical. It is so easy to fall back into bad self criticism - and so I had created a list to help me keep going. I hope this will resonate with you in some way, to give you a little motivation to face the inevitable obstacles we face in life.

• Connect to your values. Reminding yourself how to grow your skills and your work in even small ways can help.
• Remember the feeling. Look back to the time you felt at ease, and content. Know that if you were once there, there is always that opportunity to get there.
• Choose to do it. I'm learning the power of choice is extremely powerful - and that it is ultimately up to you to drop what doesn't work, and continue what does. Reframing your work can be so helpful.
• Play to your strengths. Spending too much time on what you can't do can wear you down - so instead find your strengths to renew your energy. 
• Welcome failure. Easier said than done, but learn that its part of the process to succeed.
• Look back on other people. Knowing that you aren't the only one, and know that there are people out there who had failed more than you have, and gotten back up even higher. 

Something Insightful

Here is a small small speech that Carmen, one of the Ballet teachers, has said today:

"To be able to dance is a gift. But it takes diligence, and lots of hard work for it to feel like it ever can be so. You have to fall in love with the process of working and understanding every day, and create a work ethic for yourself. Otherwise, it can just feel like a burden. This is what differentiates between a student and a professional - the constant drive for technique in your dancing. And you can only think about yourself - when you start comparing with others and get distracted by how others work, that's when you run into problems. I love dancing and the dance world can be marvelous. But creating a work space for yourself is the only way to understand the joy and feel successful in the world of dance. I wish everyone can feel how marvelous the dance world is - but it's not for everyone. It is a special kind of focus, and if you can find it, you are on your way."

About the Ballet School

The most important reason that I am here in Las Palmas, is for the ballet training. Centro Coreographico de Las Palmas, is a studio located in the center of the city. Carmen and Anatol Yanowsky are the owners and main teachers of the studio. What makes them so impressive, is that three of their children who they trained, ended up becoming principal dancers with major companies around the world.
Although they have a school for all ages year around, professional dancers from the U.S and Europe know of this place for the two week summer program that's held in July. But there are no advertisements or websites - this place has been kept alive through word of mouth, which makes it all the more special.
What I love about Carmen and Anatol is that you can feel their genuine willingness to make you see your maximum potential in yourself, and help you get there. A part of me had felt guilty for coming this summer - simply because they had helped me get so much stronger last year, and now I am starting back from square one due to injury. But they were still just as excited and attentive to have me here, and helped me feel assured that I will fully get back to dancing as I was last year.
I also love that this place has brought so many dancers from around the world. Over the last three summers, I have met people from Kansas, Berlin, Boston, Warsaw, Madrid, and Austin. We all come together to enjoy the beauty of Las Palmas, and share our love of dance.

Being Alone

I've just arrived to Las Palmas, and I have already felt a beginning to self reflection, motivation, and focus I have a hard time getting in NYC. I've always known that I've worked better in solitary, for so many reasons. It increases my productivity, boosts my creativity, and has strengthened my relationship with others. But I am realizing that me wanting to be alone can be a little deeper than that. I think as a dancer, and really as people, its sometimes harder to be vulnerable to yourself. Especially in an environment that is ambitious and competitive, I feel that it is easy to mask your fears with other things around you. But when I'm here, I become vulnerable to my inner critics. It sounds negative, but in my case, I find it a good thing, and its a vital process I think anyone has to go through to really improve yourself as a person. I've always longed for this feeling in my daily life in NYC - but I've always felt overstimulated and distracted - whether it is family, friends, or relationships.
I did a little research on this topic, and not to my surprise, the benefits of solitude are praised by spiritual leaders, philosophers and artists. I also learned that being alone can free the mind from a phenomenon called the spotlight effect. When in public, we tend to overestimate the extent to which others notice our accomplishments and mistakes, and when alone, our brains can stop imagining that our actions are on full display. Very relatable statement.
But there are clearly also some down sides to solitude - including painful loneliness, depression, and overall physically bad for your health. So how much is too much alone time? It seems like it depends on the person. Right now, I already feel a sense of relief being here. But I guess we'll see how I feel after six weeks.

Brief History of Las Palmas

Before I officially arrive on the island, I felt that it wouldn't hurt to give myself a brief history on the island itself. As I did some research, I had come to figure out that Las Palmas may have the most city/like traits out of all of Gran Canaria.

First and foremost, officially Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is a city capital of Gran Canaria island, in the Canary Islands, on the Atlantic Ocean. To a surprise, it is considered the tenth most populous metropolitan area in Spain. It is located in the northeastern part of the island of Gran Canaria, slightly off the Moroccan coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

Historically, there is a lot of myth and legend surrounding the early history of the Canary Islands, with many early inhabitants believing them to be the lost land of Atlantis. Others considered the islands to be the site of the magical, mystical fortunate islands, the blissful paradise of both Celtic and Greek mythology.

The city was officially founded in 1478, and considered the capital of the Canary Islands until the seventeenth century. In 1492, Christopher Colombus anchored in the port of Las Palmas and spent some time on the island on his first trip to the Americas. He also stopped there on the way back to Spain. The Colon House museum in the Vegueta area of the city is named after him. ( I will make a visit to this museum at some point!).

Climate is one of the major traits of Las Palmas that make it very unique. It has a desert climate with warm dry summers and warm enough winters to classify it as a Tropical climate. The average temperature during the day is 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and around 64 degrees at night, and large fluctuations in the weather are very rare. It also only rains on average 22 days a year, and has no record of snow of any kind. According to research on climatology, Las Palmas enjoys "the best climate in the world". I am curious to understand how much climate can affect one's mood and overall fulfillment.

Las Palmas has received waves of immigrants from mainland Spain and countries from every continent. The majority of the population is Spanish, although large North and sub-Saharan African and Latin American communities exist as well as important historical minorities such as Indians and Koreans and a growing Chinese population.

This is just a short history on what Las Palmas is about - but I think its key to understand its history to understand its overall culture on the island.

About Serendipia

Hi and welcome to Serendipia. As an artist, I've always been fascinated by the concept of the "creative spark", and essentially, I want to use this blog as a platform to discover just that. I want to know what makes people create and innovate, where creativity hides, how people create in the face of challenge and self-doubt.
I have been dancing ever since I can remember, and have been lucky enough to dance professionally with the New York City Ballet for the last four years. In the last two summers, I serendipitously discovered ballet teachers on an island in Spain. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has such a special place in my heart, because when I had doubted myself through injury, or when I felt apprehensive when my career felt out of my control - this island helped me rekindle my joy for the ballet when I needed it the most. This summer, I will be on the island for six weeks to get my strength back after a stress fracture, and I can't wait to share my discoveries, questions, and experiences of this special place through my eyes. And to my readers, I hope that this blog can help you create, and further your imagination, in whatever it may be.