After dinner we loaded up back onto the bus to see the Dancing Fountains which we missed cos SHE DROPPED HER ENGAGEMENT RING on the dark floor of the bus which was about to get trampled by 50 other people. There was a great sense of panic when we didn't find it, but a few people volunteered to help find it. Tomorrow with light Pepe, our driver, assured us would be better. Here comes a sleepless night...
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
During dinner I gave El her anniversary gift which she kind off spoiled the day before while rifling thru my backpack. I had been wanting to get her a new wedding band since the original one wasn't the same style or metal. After a few years and plenty of research I found a beautiful 1920's platinum filigree band with diamonds in it. She seemed pretty happy with it.
Not even an hour away from Madrid we are already the countryside. The drive has been a refreshing change from the the city and its endless stream of cars and grafitti. Olive trees, windmills, sunflowers and sheep dot the hilly sountryside. Our guide Maria Teresa, or Marte, has been awesome. I mistaked her laugh as "splenda", but now her infectious laugh kills me everytime.
On the way to Barcelona we stopped at the city of Zaragoza. Next to a river we explored another cathedral, the Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The cathedral was definitely the standout feature so I was glad we didn't waste too much time hanging out here. Nice nice...let's bounce.
On the way to Barcelona we stopped at the city of Zaragoza. Next to a river we explored another cathedral, the Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar. The cathedral was definitely the standout feature so I was glad we didn't waste too much time hanging out here. Nice nice...let's bounce.
Zaragoza and Barcelona Bound!
DAY 3
We left Madrid early for a long drive up north to Barcelona. We stopped every couple of hours so we could stretch our legs, use the restrooms or have lunch. They have something similar to AutoGrill in Italy called ARS (Another Rest Stop? A Roadside Service?) Surprisingly the food and wine have been just ok. It's not bad - there have been some standouts - it just hasn't been great. I guess Italy is the benchmark for me.
We left Madrid early for a long drive up north to Barcelona. We stopped every couple of hours so we could stretch our legs, use the restrooms or have lunch. They have something similar to AutoGrill in Italy called ARS (Another Rest Stop? A Roadside Service?) Surprisingly the food and wine have been just ok. It's not bad - there have been some standouts - it just hasn't been great. I guess Italy is the benchmark for me.
It was too late to go shopping (most stores close at 8pm), although the weather has been cool during the evenings. We ate at one of the bistros. The food was ok, although the prices were outrageous. Tapas for for including a beer and Sangria costed us 92 Euros (or about 100 US). The food included a green salad, seafood salad, calamari (kinda crappy), clams in a broth and chorizo with bread. It was here that I ended up wanting to kick our waiters ass.
What the hell is with the Spanish wanting to take advantage of visitors??? He tried adding items to our bill and then acting like he didn't understand what I was saying. I made him go back and fix it, although I doubt he actually did and stiffed his ass in return. Afterwards we made our way over to another cerveceria for some ice cream and coffees. At least here the staff and prices were much better and we could do some people watching. I gotta admit that the Spanish women are hot. I've always been a sucker for chicks with olive skin and long dark hair,
Time for bed...
What the hell is with the Spanish wanting to take advantage of visitors??? He tried adding items to our bill and then acting like he didn't understand what I was saying. I made him go back and fix it, although I doubt he actually did and stiffed his ass in return. Afterwards we made our way over to another cerveceria for some ice cream and coffees. At least here the staff and prices were much better and we could do some people watching. I gotta admit that the Spanish women are hot. I've always been a sucker for chicks with olive skin and long dark hair,
Time for bed...
The Spaniards apparently don't eat dinner til very late at night (usually starting at 10pm) hopping from one cerveceria or tapas bar with friends. This goes on all night until early morning (3or 4am), even on worknights. Every morning I was awoken around 4ish by some group of locals too wasted to realize the tourists are sleeping.
Puerto del Sol is alive with people of all ages hanging out, having a coffee or people watching. I found out that in the cervecerias or ristorantes that you can sit outside, but at a premium price. We watched some street vendors trying to peddle their goods and would wrap up their blanket their items at first sign of a policeman and run into a crowd. I guess you have to be licensed?
The final stop was the massive Toledo Cathedral and it's alabaster altars. I've seen plenty of cathedrals in my lifetime, but I'm amazed at the size and details of these things. You end up shooting tons of these and in the end can't remember which cathedral is what. I gotta be more careful. Still it amazes me. The most memorable part of the cathedral was the site on a wall where the Virgin Mary's face appeared and was leafed in gold. Visitors kneel and kiss the face in hopes of a prayer answered.
Another interesting spot that illustrated the dynamics of three different religions living together was the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca. Built in the 14th century this former synagogue blended Gothic, Hebrew and Islamic motifs together.
We also explored a gold inlay shop for the metalwork that Toledo is known for. I'm not much of gold kinda guy but the technique was pretty intricate and cool in itself. We got to shop around a bit and I got to score a bullfighting print and Jen scored some handmade plates for her parents.
We also explored a gold inlay shop for the metalwork that Toledo is known for. I'm not much of gold kinda guy but the technique was pretty intricate and cool in itself. We got to shop around a bit and I got to score a bullfighting print and Jen scored some handmade plates for her parents.
High on a hill and surrounded by the River Tagus, Toledo is a beautiful city of only 15,000 inhabitants. Originally a Roman fortress it was it was later inhabited by the Visigoths where they built and left several churches. By the Middle Ages it became a melting pot of Muslims, Jews and Christians and became the home of the original school of translation because of its cultural roots.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Toledo Bound
DAY 2
Hotel Orense has been a nice stay. Very similar in Italian style - modern and sleek - there are some odd things that they do to keep electricity costs down. Your room key actually activates the power in your room by sliding it into a slot in the wall. Clever but after a hot day of touring the city you have to walk into a HOT room and activate your AC when you insert your key.
The staff are somewhat friendly, but I wouldn't expect any of the staff to go out of their way to help you really. I read in a travel guide that the locals in general aren't all that ambitious when it comes to work. They do what they have to and then get out. If they don't want to help they simply shrug their shoulders and act like they don't understand you. Nice. "No comprendo"
By morning we were ready to head out to Toledo which is one of the oldest cities in Spain. We had a quick breakfast and continued to Puerto del Sol (where El and I explored previously), Plaza de Mayor which was weirdly reminiscent of San Marco Square in Venezia, Palacio Real Madrid and then off to Toledo.
Hotel Orense has been a nice stay. Very similar in Italian style - modern and sleek - there are some odd things that they do to keep electricity costs down. Your room key actually activates the power in your room by sliding it into a slot in the wall. Clever but after a hot day of touring the city you have to walk into a HOT room and activate your AC when you insert your key.
The staff are somewhat friendly, but I wouldn't expect any of the staff to go out of their way to help you really. I read in a travel guide that the locals in general aren't all that ambitious when it comes to work. They do what they have to and then get out. If they don't want to help they simply shrug their shoulders and act like they don't understand you. Nice. "No comprendo"
By morning we were ready to head out to Toledo which is one of the oldest cities in Spain. We had a quick breakfast and continued to Puerto del Sol (where El and I explored previously), Plaza de Mayor which was weirdly reminiscent of San Marco Square in Venezia, Palacio Real Madrid and then off to Toledo.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Anyways, we hopped on our bus for our first official excursion to see Madrid at night and dine at La Opera. La Opera was a very cozy spot hidden away in the alleys of Plaza de Mayor. What's on the menu? For starters, duck liver pate on toast , coquille st. jacgues and salad. The entrees were either the grilled veal with a tasty red pepper sauce, roasted duck, baby lamb loin or rock fish with cream sauce. For dessert we had our choice of chocolate mousse, strawberry cheesecake, or petit fours with coffee. Impeccable service, great food, nice wine and good company made this a fun night loaded with jokes. There was some entertainment of (surprise!) a female opera singer (See below photo).
Afterwards, we decided to head back to Hotel Orense to shower up for our welcome drink and dinner at La Opera. There's always the initial awkwardness when we go on these trips and meeting tons of people at once. We made the best of it and circulated around the room and exchanged pleasantries. A few sangrias later we were laughing and slapping each other on the back. Here's the weird thing. I've noticed on trips that it always seems easier to meet and speak to older fellow tourists than the younger set. The younger crowd always seem less approachable and standoffish - not always, but generally.
El and I gave up on the other two and decided to do our own exploring of Madrid. As with any of our trips abroad there's always the challenge of getting over the language barrier and breaking the code for the city's transportation. Etiquette and customs are always interesting when you're trying to find something or get somewhere and the indigenous people look at you like you're crazy. We haven't cracked this nut yet, but it's early in the game. I did try my lame ass espanol at Cafe Europa at lunch and got the encouraging "Perfecto!" from our waiter who I guess took pity on my feeble linguistics abilities. It's not as hard as when we were in Japan, so we should get better at this.
But surprise, surprise it was quite a nice way to start our trip. A cat nap and two showers later we were dressed and ready to have lunch and see the Royal Palace a few blocks down, but JEN AND RYAN WANTED TO SLEEP. One more hour and we'll wake them again to head out and make the most of our first day in Espana.
It's pretty nice outside. The air is definitely cooler with a slight breeze, not humid like Orlando. I'm up for a walk around the city before we meet up with our travel group for a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant and drinks. Later on Maria Teresa, our guide, will take us on a "Illuminated Walking Tour" of Madrid at night. I can't wait...
It's pretty nice outside. The air is definitely cooler with a slight breeze, not humid like Orlando. I'm up for a walk around the city before we meet up with our travel group for a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant and drinks. Later on Maria Teresa, our guide, will take us on a "Illuminated Walking Tour" of Madrid at night. I can't wait...
We met up with our Trafalgar tour guide who gave us a ride to our crib, The Hotel Orense. Pretty nice little hotel - very modern and nicely done inside. On the outside it didn't look like much and El and I were expecting another "Hotel Ergife" where we stayed our first night in Rome a few years ago - what a dump.
Anniversary Trip To Espana!
DAY 1
We were up fairly early in Orlando so we could finish up any loose ends. By 12:30pm Thursday we were on our way to OIA where we boarded our first flight to ATL to meet up with Jen and Ryan. By 5ish we were at our next gate and ready to jump onto the flight to Madrid. I was pretty wired the whole way and couldn't go to sleep til about 10pm our time (5am their time I think). Some a$$hole two rows back kept yapping out loud all night while everyone tried to sleep. By 730am I couldn't take it anymore and decided to wake up and to read some magazines and get refreshed before the mad rush to use the bathrooms. By 930am we landed in Madrid finally. The whole trip was pretty on time and relaxed - what I needed. Oh and that's not me and El, by the way, but Jen and Ryan!
We were up fairly early in Orlando so we could finish up any loose ends. By 12:30pm Thursday we were on our way to OIA where we boarded our first flight to ATL to meet up with Jen and Ryan. By 5ish we were at our next gate and ready to jump onto the flight to Madrid. I was pretty wired the whole way and couldn't go to sleep til about 10pm our time (5am their time I think). Some a$$hole two rows back kept yapping out loud all night while everyone tried to sleep. By 730am I couldn't take it anymore and decided to wake up and to read some magazines and get refreshed before the mad rush to use the bathrooms. By 930am we landed in Madrid finally. The whole trip was pretty on time and relaxed - what I needed. Oh and that's not me and El, by the way, but Jen and Ryan!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Please Pass Me The Catchup...
Wow. I haven't updated this in awhile. Can you believe that internet access in Spain was $20/day?!? That shit's insane. I decided to hold off on the postings while there until I got back stateside. I'm still trying to get organized as far as photos and putting my blogger in order from the trip. Lots of entries just haven't had time to post them yet. My apologies. Got some great pics and for those of you who were able to get the quicktime movie - hope you enjoyed it. I'll get it all posted this week...I promise. For now I offer...
The Top 10 Things About Spain...
Diez> Some of the red wines (Vino tinto, por favor!)
Nueve> Being able to somewhat speak and understand the language
Ocho> The great weather we had (high 50's at night / high 80's in the day with no humidity)
Siete> Cheap taxis
Seis> Awesome architecture (esp. those with Moorish influences)
Cinco> Pepe finding El's lost engagement ring after she dropped it on the bus the night before while trying to put on her new anniversary band I just gave her
Quatro> Peniscola, Barcelona and Madrid
Tres> Hot looking Spanish women (I've always been a sucker for dark hair and olive skin)
Dos> Awesome photography (the countryside is great)
Uno> Kick ass modern hotels
and, of course, for every action there is a reaction...
The Top 10 Worst Things About Spain...
Diez> The white wines - ick.
Nueve> Slow service
Ocho> Baroque anything
Siete> Everyone opens late, takes a siesta and closes early
Seis> SMALL twin size beds in the hotels (what is it with these Europeans anyways?)
Cinco> El losing her engagement ring on the bus right after I gave her her anniversary gift - a matching platinum antique band
Quatro> The weak ass dollar comapred to the Euro
Tres> Getting hit with a 24 hour bug that resulted in projectile vomitting
Dos> Everyone smokes everywhere, including dinner
Uno> Occassionally getting the universal Spanish response when they don't want to do something for you (Shoulder shrug with hands in the air and saying, "No hablo ingles)
So there you go! A brief recap of our anniversary trip. My freelance work is stacked up right now as I try to catch up. I guess when it rains, it pours.
Chris in SC - I've got the logo comps started and am currently refining them
Paula/Randal - The DVD art just has to be printed and collected
Teresa - Lots to do and will wait until you get me all the copy and details from your Food and Beverage Manager
Tiffani - Get back to me with the rest of the copy as well and what else you need for the wedding
Anyways, that's it for now until I get totally squared away with the journal. Soon. I promise.
The Top 10 Things About Spain...
Diez> Some of the red wines (Vino tinto, por favor!)
Nueve> Being able to somewhat speak and understand the language
Ocho> The great weather we had (high 50's at night / high 80's in the day with no humidity)
Siete> Cheap taxis
Seis> Awesome architecture (esp. those with Moorish influences)
Cinco> Pepe finding El's lost engagement ring after she dropped it on the bus the night before while trying to put on her new anniversary band I just gave her
Quatro> Peniscola, Barcelona and Madrid
Tres> Hot looking Spanish women (I've always been a sucker for dark hair and olive skin)
Dos> Awesome photography (the countryside is great)
Uno> Kick ass modern hotels
and, of course, for every action there is a reaction...
The Top 10 Worst Things About Spain...
Diez> The white wines - ick.
Nueve> Slow service
Ocho> Baroque anything
Siete> Everyone opens late, takes a siesta and closes early
Seis> SMALL twin size beds in the hotels (what is it with these Europeans anyways?)
Cinco> El losing her engagement ring on the bus right after I gave her her anniversary gift - a matching platinum antique band
Quatro> The weak ass dollar comapred to the Euro
Tres> Getting hit with a 24 hour bug that resulted in projectile vomitting
Dos> Everyone smokes everywhere, including dinner
Uno> Occassionally getting the universal Spanish response when they don't want to do something for you (Shoulder shrug with hands in the air and saying, "No hablo ingles)
So there you go! A brief recap of our anniversary trip. My freelance work is stacked up right now as I try to catch up. I guess when it rains, it pours.
Chris in SC - I've got the logo comps started and am currently refining them
Paula/Randal - The DVD art just has to be printed and collected
Teresa - Lots to do and will wait until you get me all the copy and details from your Food and Beverage Manager
Tiffani - Get back to me with the rest of the copy as well and what else you need for the wedding
Anyways, that's it for now until I get totally squared away with the journal. Soon. I promise.
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