Carlos Matallín

Evento Blog España ‘08: The Chronicles

AWESOME.

That was my experience at EBE08, I still can’t believe I’ve had one of the greatest weekends ever.

I practally had more hope to attend than really was certain of my presence to the biggest event in the Spanish blogosphere because until the very last moment I still didn’t know how I would arrive to the Hispalense city (yes, if we are talking about Seville, it MUST be called that way, as well as we call Barcelona the Condal city… but that’s another story). But finally I did.

Day one – 14

Once in Seville, after being almost all day long in a train seat beside the lovely Coco*, we landed in the hotel room and started meeting people. One blogger after another; it was incredible the sensation of knowing someone and finally meeting him. There were some people that I specially wanted to know, like HUGE (because that’s how he is, in all its meanings) Alexliam or others like Andrés Milleiro which we met up again after his visit to Valencia. Tons of great people everywhere you were.

The first night we could have a walk by the old quarter of the city while we were looking for a place in order to fill up our tummies. We were starving and although Sevilla is not a quite cold city it’s almost Winter and we must carry our jackets so as we didn’t freeze.

After that I could attend to the live recording of Kafelog in the Barceló Renacimiento Hotel, the building where all the activities of the event took place. Absolutely hilarious, as always. In addition, the sponsors gave some prizes. I didn’t get any, but some people near to me did >.<

I was demolished after 2 days (no, I worked and didn’t slept the night after) of rush and I didn’t stay to the party; headed my way to the hotel (where the young lady was already dreaming) and silently put myself to bed.

Day two – 15

We recharged our batteries and went to the Barceló. I wonder how many times we covered the same path and really consider staying there in the next year’s celebration. We were late to the first talks but we were really tired and I think many people would agree with me if I say the talks weren’t as exciting as meeting people in the hall and talk to each other.

The food in Seville is a maraville marvelous. The Twittche connection went together for lunch to one of the many tapas restaurant and rapidly returned to the convention building before the drowsiness came to us.

More talks, more people, and more fun. Another live recording, this time a special interview to the Master of Ceremonies, A. J. Paniagua, for the Tortilla de Patata podcast. Great interview and lot of professionalism and fun by both of the parts¹.

After that, the Bitacoras.com Awards Ceremony, with all the glamour and excitement as expected. Except for some rare cases, all were well deserved prizes.

And finally one of the best parts of EBE08, the Beers & Blogs. As we had the feeling that the organization will be short of booze, we turned it into Beers & Vodka & Rum & Gin & Blogs. We were not wrong and, even more, not only they where short of beers and snacks but also we didn’t smell any cocktail. Of course I don’t feel swindled at all with such a FREE event, however it was a totally FAIL by the organization, as they sold tickets that included all this stuff.

So, we went to the hotel, had a quick shower, suited up, and came back to the party. There, I was able to ascertain that despite some people defend that we shouldn’t clash in groups there always be alienation from ones to others; but I think it’s perfectly normal.

When it seemed the party was flagging, the vast majority of the Venecia hotel went together to the 107 room and there an EPIC PARTY took place. I’d like to note that when I say EPIC I really mean what happens in EBE08, stays in EBE08 PARTY. Then, the party moved to the 306 and there’s not much more to say…

Day three – 16

Hangover + Train to Valencia. That’s all. We missed the Hernán Casciari talk which was the better of the program, but we had to return to the terreta

To sum up, I do must say that this weekend has been GORGEOUS. Really. From the very beginning to the very end.

Thanks to everybody (in order of appearance): Andrés, Manu, Manu, Guille, Miguel, Dani, Alex, Rick, Elvira, Roberto, Miguel, Verónica, Pepe, Ángel, Jose, Rafa, Pep, Javi, Pablo, Javi, Kiko, Ángela, Gina, Marcos, Pedro, Carlos, Álvaro… (sorry if I miss you, just make me know) and specially to the little lady that puts up with me; without her beside me all this would have never been possible.

I left Seville longing to know more the people I don’t know yet and better the people I already do. You are extraordinary.

Congratulations to the winners of Bitacoras.com Awards, the speakers, and the organization.

See you on EBE09 (or sooner…)

P.S: ¿Que paasssa?

1. You already know my opinion about ones or another.↵