Madrid
Trip Start
Apr 07, 2006
1
6
31
Trip End
Aug 18, 2006
Madrid,
Spain and Canary Islands
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
When I got back to Madrid after London and Amsterdam I fortunately didnŽt have anything touristy to do, and believe me I did very little. I experienced Madrid how I imagine it would be to live there (minus the 13 hour work day that seems to be standard)- basically like an unemployed bum. I wondered around Tanyas barrio looking at shops and buying fresh ingredients for dinner at the market, meeting Tanya for lunch (she had to phone me to make sure I got out of bed), read alot (3 1/2 books in 5 days is some sort of record for me, and no Liz, they werent Calvin and Hobbes), slept alot and generally just relaxed.
On the weekend Jorge was up from Seville and it was a long weekend because of San Isidro - the patron saint of Madrid. Of course that means partying and a fiesta in Spain, so on Sunday night we joined the street parties until the early hours and on Monday went to the festival, where there were locals in traditional dress. In addition on that weekend Tanya had a full social calendar planned. On Saturday we went to her friends house in the country (Madrileans (Sp?) - or at least those that can afford it - tend to spend their weekends at weekend houses outside the city). We had a braai, which I was quite surprised was quite similar to South Africa - fire, charcoal, meat & miellies. The only exception being there was Spains version of black pudding there. We also visited Jorges parents where we had lunch - I dont think IŽve eaten so much good fish in my life. Apparently šno masš (no more)means šuna masš (one more) in Spanish.
I decided on the Tuesday IŽd better do something active so on Vivians advice I went across to Salamanca. Salamanca is a university town so is a young place, besides the old city. The old city has a stunning cathedral and Plaza Major, and generally has a very relaxed atmosphere.
On my last weekend in Madrid it was just Tanya and I and we took it easy, just going to a few tappas bars while walking around Madrid.
Alsas finally it was time for me to leave all the friends and family behind and start the next leg of my journey - to Central America. From here on in its just me and my iPod........
