Very quick on this one....
Finalized my travel for the next week. From Madrid, I go by train tomorrow to Cordoba for one night. Then to Sevilla for 2 nights. Después, Algeciras from June 11-13. My plan is to take the ferry to Morocco on the 12th :D
On the 13th a long train ride to Málaga, overnight stay and then fly back to Barcelona on the 14th where I´ll meet my friend from Italy.
Ran out of time, so I might make a quick flight from BCN to Granada before I leave. Flights are SO cheap!!
It will be a whirlwind, but exciting I think!
One of these days I´ll do some proper updates for the last few days. Keep an eye out!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Madrid - my walking tour
Heike would be so proud - I used the map I got from the train station to design my own walking tour of Madrid. Today I need to see the rest of what I missed yesterday because tomorrow I leave.
Started off towards Puerto del Sol. Made my way over to the Palácio Real, in front of which is a beautiful park that is surrounded on the opposite side of the palace by the Opera and some other beautiful buildings.
Took the palace tour. Very nice. Back towards Plaza Mayor, then around about near the Plaza de la Independéncia. There is a fountain in the middle with a statue of a lady in a chariot pulled by two lions, Castille and León.
Through the botanical gardens (though really I payed the $2 entrance fee just so I could use the bathroom). Was supposed to go to the Museo del Prado, but I was enjoying the day too much. So I walked passed it, enjoyed it from the outside, and continued on through the Parque del Retiro and found something new - a Crystal Palace.
Found a nice shady spot to sit down and watch life go by for awhile. There was music everywhere in the park. People everywhere in the park. And yet it was still possible to find your own little piece of relaxation. I think this is hands down my fave park so far.
Started off towards Puerto del Sol. Made my way over to the Palácio Real, in front of which is a beautiful park that is surrounded on the opposite side of the palace by the Opera and some other beautiful buildings.
Took the palace tour. Very nice. Back towards Plaza Mayor, then around about near the Plaza de la Independéncia. There is a fountain in the middle with a statue of a lady in a chariot pulled by two lions, Castille and León.
Through the botanical gardens (though really I payed the $2 entrance fee just so I could use the bathroom). Was supposed to go to the Museo del Prado, but I was enjoying the day too much. So I walked passed it, enjoyed it from the outside, and continued on through the Parque del Retiro and found something new - a Crystal Palace.
Found a nice shady spot to sit down and watch life go by for awhile. There was music everywhere in the park. People everywhere in the park. And yet it was still possible to find your own little piece of relaxation. I think this is hands down my fave park so far.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Madrid - my first bullfight
I was amazed to see 1) how big the stadium was, and 2) that every seat was filled. I later learned that the royal family were in attendance that night. Probably why it was packed.
So I read up about bullfights before I went - the bull has never seen an unmounted man, there are guys called picadores and banderilleros, each of whom come out and weaken the bull before the matador has his way. First they have horses that the bull rams (don´t worry, the horses are padded, but blindfolded which i thought was unfair). The guy on the horse then pokes a spear in the back of the bull.
Then the second round of guys come out, the banderilleros. These ones are responsible for stabbing the bull in the back-shoulder area with 6 barbed spears, stabbing 2 at a time.
Then the matador finally comes out and starts ´controlling´the bull with the red cape. Bulls actually only see black and white, the red is for tradition.
After awhile, the bull gets tired. Thats when the matador stabs him with a sword over the top of his horns, supposedly through the aorta. What I found is that most of the time he misses and the bull is still alive. Thats when the assistants come out and do more capework to make the bull dizzy. When he finally sits down, another assistant comes out and stabs the bull in the head. Then he dies.
It all quite cruel, gruesome and horrible, but there definitely is a certain skill and artistry to the bullfight. The way the matador works the bull with the cape, and the way the banderilleros have to jump up to stab the bull as it charges them, and then get out of the way in time..... its cruel and horrible, but fascinating at the same time.
No way in hell you could pay me enough money to get out there in a ring with a huge angry bull though. No. Way.
So I read up about bullfights before I went - the bull has never seen an unmounted man, there are guys called picadores and banderilleros, each of whom come out and weaken the bull before the matador has his way. First they have horses that the bull rams (don´t worry, the horses are padded, but blindfolded which i thought was unfair). The guy on the horse then pokes a spear in the back of the bull.
Then the second round of guys come out, the banderilleros. These ones are responsible for stabbing the bull in the back-shoulder area with 6 barbed spears, stabbing 2 at a time.
Then the matador finally comes out and starts ´controlling´the bull with the red cape. Bulls actually only see black and white, the red is for tradition.
After awhile, the bull gets tired. Thats when the matador stabs him with a sword over the top of his horns, supposedly through the aorta. What I found is that most of the time he misses and the bull is still alive. Thats when the assistants come out and do more capework to make the bull dizzy. When he finally sits down, another assistant comes out and stabs the bull in the head. Then he dies.
It all quite cruel, gruesome and horrible, but there definitely is a certain skill and artistry to the bullfight. The way the matador works the bull with the cape, and the way the banderilleros have to jump up to stab the bull as it charges them, and then get out of the way in time..... its cruel and horrible, but fascinating at the same time.
No way in hell you could pay me enough money to get out there in a ring with a huge angry bull though. No. Way.
Madrid - nieghborhoods and plazas
Up early and caught the metro to take me across town. I started my tour at the Museo de América. It showcases art and artifacts from the early Americas (mostly South America).
Then it was over to the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. The museo was already closed for the day, but I was able to buy a ticket for the bullfight that night. Only $4 Euros!
Next up, Puerto del Sol. There is a statue of a bear eating from a fruit tree - the same image that appears on the Spanish flag. There is also the Casa de Correos, in front of which is the marker for Kilometer Zero. This is said to be the dead center of Spain and the point by which all distances radiating from Madred are measured.
Stumbled onto the Plaza Mayor. Gorgeous!!! Huge open space surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants. One restaurant called Botín is said to be the oldest restaurant in the world as it was established in 1725.
Many streets branch out from this plaza and the view from the archway of each street is amazing. For as peaceful as the plaza looks though, it used to be the site of hangings, burnings of convicted witches, and parades and festivals. Talk about multi-purpose!
Followed Calle de Toledo, the old road to the town of Toledo. Interesting shops. Found a street called Calle de San Bruno. Go Bruno!! Also found a little tavern of the same name. Took lots of pics of course.
I love how all the streets are designed on tiles with pictures. So quaint!
Back to hotel for quick nap before the bullfight.
Then it was over to the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas. The museo was already closed for the day, but I was able to buy a ticket for the bullfight that night. Only $4 Euros!
Next up, Puerto del Sol. There is a statue of a bear eating from a fruit tree - the same image that appears on the Spanish flag. There is also the Casa de Correos, in front of which is the marker for Kilometer Zero. This is said to be the dead center of Spain and the point by which all distances radiating from Madred are measured.
Stumbled onto the Plaza Mayor. Gorgeous!!! Huge open space surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants. One restaurant called Botín is said to be the oldest restaurant in the world as it was established in 1725.
Many streets branch out from this plaza and the view from the archway of each street is amazing. For as peaceful as the plaza looks though, it used to be the site of hangings, burnings of convicted witches, and parades and festivals. Talk about multi-purpose!
Followed Calle de Toledo, the old road to the town of Toledo. Interesting shops. Found a street called Calle de San Bruno. Go Bruno!! Also found a little tavern of the same name. Took lots of pics of course.
I love how all the streets are designed on tiles with pictures. So quaint!
Back to hotel for quick nap before the bullfight.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
MNAC last minute and Madrid
One final tour of the Art Museum on Mont Juic. Some of the pieces are really nice, tho overall, I was over it after about 30 minutes.
Quick flight to Madrid and a new adventure begins!
WOW. Barcelona is rather cultural and artsy. Madrid is definitely metropolitan. Sooooo many people!!! It felt a little like New York.
Checked into my hostal - $38 a night and I have my own bathroom, a nice size room and a surprisingly comfortable bed!
Took off on foot to snap some pics before the sun went down. Was followed by yet ANOTHER painter (what is it with these guys?????) who insisted on accompanying me through the Parque del Retiro. Oy.
Tracked down the statue of ´The Fallen Angel.´ Its said to be the only public statue of the devil. Took lots of pics. Carlos - those are for you ;)
Finally found an exit to the park and I very quickly flagged down a cab. Good escape plan ;)
Quick flight to Madrid and a new adventure begins!
WOW. Barcelona is rather cultural and artsy. Madrid is definitely metropolitan. Sooooo many people!!! It felt a little like New York.
Checked into my hostal - $38 a night and I have my own bathroom, a nice size room and a surprisingly comfortable bed!
Took off on foot to snap some pics before the sun went down. Was followed by yet ANOTHER painter (what is it with these guys?????) who insisted on accompanying me through the Parque del Retiro. Oy.
Tracked down the statue of ´The Fallen Angel.´ Its said to be the only public statue of the devil. Took lots of pics. Carlos - those are for you ;)
Finally found an exit to the park and I very quickly flagged down a cab. Good escape plan ;)
Monday, June 4, 2007
Parc de la Ciutadella y El Zoó
FINALLY made it to the Parc de la Ciutadella. It was all the way across town from my apartment, so I never quite made it there.
Sophie joined me and we also meandered through the zoo. Very nice. Animals are REALLY close - at some exhibits, people were actually petting the animals. Not such a good idea for the lions ;)
Watched a cool dolphin show. Had lunch at the Greek place that Rosa and I found. Its conveniently across the street from the gate of the Parc.
And tonight, I pack. Tomorrow I leave for Madrid and the rest of my Spanish adventures. A little nervous because I´ll be all alone and will have to rely on my own hodge-podge Spanish. I hope all goes well!
Sophie joined me and we also meandered through the zoo. Very nice. Animals are REALLY close - at some exhibits, people were actually petting the animals. Not such a good idea for the lions ;)
Watched a cool dolphin show. Had lunch at the Greek place that Rosa and I found. Its conveniently across the street from the gate of the Parc.
And tonight, I pack. Tomorrow I leave for Madrid and the rest of my Spanish adventures. A little nervous because I´ll be all alone and will have to rely on my own hodge-podge Spanish. I hope all goes well!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Some observations and Sitges
Everyone here has a dog. Mostly Yorkies. Most mornings when I walked to school, I would see this old man who had a little Yorkie that always wanted to go in a different direction. He´d walk past me dragging his little dog. :( Sad, but funny.
I´ve perfected the blank stare. Most useful for long rides on the Metro, or when you´re walking on the street and don´t want to be harrassed.
It always storms on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Had a great time in Sitges today. Ate at a great Italian restuarant called ´La Mafia´. Marina´s friend works there. I can´t believe we spent the entire day on the beach!! Thank God for sun cream!
I´ve perfected the blank stare. Most useful for long rides on the Metro, or when you´re walking on the street and don´t want to be harrassed.
It always storms on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Had a great time in Sitges today. Ate at a great Italian restuarant called ´La Mafia´. Marina´s friend works there. I can´t believe we spent the entire day on the beach!! Thank God for sun cream!
Movin´on up... to the East Side...
Moving day! Packed the rest of my things and made the quick jaunt across the street to my new and improved home - NH Hotel Forum. And yes, it was as grand as the name sounds. So happy!!
Dropped off keys for the apartment. So glad to be rid of them. Met Sophie and Line at Plaza Catalunya. Ended up going for lunch before saying good-bye, then Sophie and I shopped our way around the Barri Gótic. heehee
Met Sophie, Marina and Gustavo (her bf) at the Magic Fountain later that night. Amazing!!! Altho that night there was a Cuban band playing. Usually there is classical music that plays from the fountain.
A really amazing thing to see, and with the Palau in the background.... so beautiful!
And Marina had the fantastic idea of heading down to Sitges tomorrow for some sun. I suppose museum hopping can wait another day!
Dropped off keys for the apartment. So glad to be rid of them. Met Sophie and Line at Plaza Catalunya. Ended up going for lunch before saying good-bye, then Sophie and I shopped our way around the Barri Gótic. heehee
Met Sophie, Marina and Gustavo (her bf) at the Magic Fountain later that night. Amazing!!! Altho that night there was a Cuban band playing. Usually there is classical music that plays from the fountain.
A really amazing thing to see, and with the Palau in the background.... so beautiful!And Marina had the fantastic idea of heading down to Sitges tomorrow for some sun. I suppose museum hopping can wait another day!
Friday, June 1, 2007
El ultímo día para escuela :D
Last day of class. Albert is out sick today, so the whole day felt rather anti-climactic. He was the one teacher I was actually going to miss. Yesterday Maria stopped teaching our class, so my last day was with 2 new teachers. Bummer.
Out for some fun Friday night. It was also Line´s last day, the girl from Norway. Sophie, Marina, her bf and I met up with Line and all her Norwegian/Swedish friends at a park just outside a club called Dancetéria which sits just below the funicular to Tibidabo.
We finished off several bottles of champagne and wine before going inside. Apparently this is normal in Norway because drinks in bars are too expensive. It felt a little too high school for me.
Went to Dancetéria for about 30 minutes and decided we had to leave. Sophie and I promised to meet up with Line tomorrow for coffee before she goes. Good plan Sophie!
Out for some fun Friday night. It was also Line´s last day, the girl from Norway. Sophie, Marina, her bf and I met up with Line and all her Norwegian/Swedish friends at a park just outside a club called Dancetéria which sits just below the funicular to Tibidabo.
We finished off several bottles of champagne and wine before going inside. Apparently this is normal in Norway because drinks in bars are too expensive. It felt a little too high school for me.
Went to Dancetéria for about 30 minutes and decided we had to leave. Sophie and I promised to meet up with Line tomorrow for coffee before she goes. Good plan Sophie!
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