Columbus Crew Sc vs NYCFC

My travels took me down to Columbus (CBus as we call it) today for a Crew SC match (soccer/fútbol). I’m a season ticket holder so I’ve been down to the matches frequently this season. This game though I’ve been looking forward to the most all season.

When I was a young girl in grade school I loved soccer but I had an injury and I left the sport. After my first trip to Barcelona in 2009, I rediscovered fútbol (soccer). I discovered FC Barcelona. David Villa Sánchez started playing for them at some point and he quickly became a favorite of mine (other than Messi and Xavi.)

David moved from Spain to start in the inagural season for NYC FC a expansion team for MLS. Tonight The Crew met them for a match for the first time at MAPFRE Stadium. Of course I snapped pics. He ended up getting a yellow card when he collided with goalie, Steve Clark. He didn’t score (good and bad) but I had a great time. We had a lightening delay and ended up leaving early but it ended in a 2-2 draw.

  

I met so many people tonight. A man from the UK, a Albania family (Barca fans), and a couple from Brooklyn. Then the rain came and along with it lightening. They delay when that happens after someone was struck last year. But I chose to leave and head back home early.

Barcelona, Spain

Today we had another bright and early morning. We had breakfast at the hotel. Little did I know then that I had forgotten my camera battery in the charger in the room. I only realized this once we had started our walk to the metro station about 3 blocks away. So, here I was, in my favorite Spanish city, on my way to Antonio Goudi’s unfinished masterpiece Sagrada Familia, with a nice camera and no battery. I was BEYOND upset. God love our guide, Hugo, he tried to stop at every place he could to find me one but no luck. I had my back up camera and my iPhone 6+ but my intention of buying the camera the month before was to use it here in Barcelona. *heavy sigh*.

So, we moved on and made it to the metro line we needed and headed that way. Despite my hiccup I was excited. It has been 6 years since I saw the church. I was once again mesmerized at the site of it. The students had that same “ahhhh”  moment as well. It looms so tall and sprawling into the area with it’s towers (and construction scaffolds) it just amazes you to speechlessness. Hugo gave us a few minutes to enter the gift shop and then left us at the entryway (the opposite one I entered in 2009) and went to sort out our group tickets. He left me in charge (so to speak) of the group lining up in the group area. He knew how much I was looking forward to revisiting this place and i think he felt bad because he couldn’t find me a camera battery. He put me at the head of the line and had the students line up behind me and the teachers/parents behind them. I had a front row “seat” at the base of the (back facing) steps for group entry. My immediate view straight up and in front of me stood this awesome structure. Religious or not, Catholic or not, this is something you have to see in person to grasp the weight (and importance) of this place in the Spanish and religious world. It’s almost unimaginable to think as big as this cathedral is, it is not the largest one in Spain or the world.

It took Hugo quite a long while to get us set up. Apparently. as I had thought just by observing where we were entry wise, things had changed since he was last here. I did not really notice the time  honestly. It was a gorgeous, sunny day and I was standing in front of a artistic masterpiece in the works. I was in Spain, not working and enjoying my luckiness.

Finally, Hugo returned and we got set up with headphones and our tickets. The journey began. I tried to initially listen to the audio but my eyes were on fire with the details up close. Once we made it inside, I found out that Madison couldn’t hear her audio so I gave her mine to listen to. I was busy snapping photos on my phone.

The changes inside was amazing. I had looked up pictures before leaving America but seeing those changes from 2009 to 2015 was entirely different. The inside is almost completely finished except for a few small details and scaffolds in some areas. In 2009 the entire middle was roped off and workers were there and we walked around the outside of the area under scaffolds and fences to view the ceiling and windows. Today the floor is finished, there are some temporary folding chairs and the altar and some permanent benches are completed.

Sagrada Familia ceiling 6 years apart

I snapped a lot of photos with my camera and phone. Eventually I had to follow the flow and leave the interior. We went out the front doors (as these doors where where I entered in 2009 and I exited where I entered today) They are now actively working on this section including the towers (I still wasn’t able to go up the towers) We hung around for a while, walked through the mini museum underneath/next to the main church. We wandered around the church grounds and while headed to our cafe, a man and his family stopped me because they saw my Columbus Crew t-shirt on. They were from Columbus. We did the whole OH-IO and agreed we were Reds fans too. That was a nice meeting right there. Always can find Buckeyes in the world. So, moving on we ended up at our cafe called Ardevol for our churros y chocolate. It was a quaint place and a welcomed rest. After our break we took the metro to the Parc Guell area. We still had quite a walk to tackle (the back way rom which mom and I had done in 2009). We were running late because of the late start we had at the group entryway of Sagrada Famiia. The steep streets did have some escalators and a dirt path at some points but the view from the top of the “mountain” out to the city was spectacular! We got started on our tour of Parc Guell. I had been here in 2009 but i did not get to see the natural seating area on top of the main building. This community also was a creation of Antonio Goudi like Sagrada Familia.  The buildings look like gingerbread houses with colorful ceramic tiles and a lizard fountain at the base or beginning of the park. We wandered around the top for a while and then down to the marketplace area and then out to the front where the gift shop was. There was a line for that and I had already been in it once in 2009 so i just took pictures. Once we had all finished we met at the front gate and waited for Hugo then started down the hill to walk back to the metro stop. We walked along the Passeig de Gracia and gazed upon another of Goudi’s works, Casa Mila. After this we stopped for lunch/free time. Hugo led myself, mom and two of the students up to FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium. We took a metro up, about 7 stops and then walked down the lane to the stadium. Mom stayed with Hugo while me and the guys took the tour.

WOW. I actually have been in the Camp Nou. I’ve watched many a matches and here I was in the stands, in the lockeroom and on the field. I had my picture taken and ended up buying it. $55 and a commemorative book. Once in a lifetime feeling right there. I loved it. After looking around in the team shop I met up with the guys and we went looking for my mom and Hugo and they grabbed a bite to eat. It was getting late so we booked it (we did stop a few times on the way back to the metro stop for mom (it was up hill going back) and headed back to meet the students, parents and teachers.

We made it back to our hotel and changed for dinner. After dinner  headed back out to Palacio del Flamenco. I have seen two other flamenco shows and this was the second best one I have seen (the other was in Sevilla in 2013). This was like a sophisticated lounge and very nicely done. The adults sipped sangria and enjoyed a spectacular show! I love watching the movement and concentration of these talented people! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

This was our last dance in Spain for this trip. We walked back to our hotel and had a good time stopping along the way to look at shops. I am sad it’s ending yet at the sometime I miss home, my dad and my dog. Before we turned in Madison and I took some pictures together and then i let her borrow the memory card to keep some pics. Tomorrow we pack up and head out for home.

Until we meet again Spain. Amor! ❤

Montserrat & Barcelona, Spain

This morning we had our last breakfast in Valencia. As I savored my last glass of truly wonderful orange juice (Valencian Oranges!!!) my thoughts turned to the bus trip to Montserrat and Barcelona. It has been 6 years since my first time there.

Brad gave mom and Dianna the daily pain medicine. We wandered back upstairs to grab our bags. Goodbye Valencia and hello Montserrat. We walked to a block down to the main street to catch our motor coach. The street where our hotel is was too narrow to come right up to the hotel. We left the city and soon began to see the blue Mediterranean Ocean. Port Adventura Amusement park was visible at one point by the roller coasters on the skyline. That was nice to see. I had heard about it it but obviously never seen it.

We stopped at a bus stop on the highway. These are much more than just roadside rest areas like we have in America. They more closely resemble the large truck stops like Love’s or Pilot but even then they do not compare. They are larger and are much nicer. Dianna and I ended up buying some Sangria here for later. *wink wink*

We headed first to Montserrat. This is a monastery that is literally built on a mountain. The road up the mountain is pretty breathtaking besides winding and steep. If you have ever been to Sedona,AZ it is like that only much higher. While climbing to the top you are treated to the view of the Pyrenees Mountains which create a natural boundary between Spain and France.

As you can imagine, the streets and parking area up there is pretty narrow. That being said, there were at least 7 motor coach buses there besides regular cars. We were let off the bus and made our way to the main building for a bathroom break. The building was being worked on so some areas were not open. Hugo led us down the rather long bridge to the actual monastery. I am not fond of bridges but I did not mind this one. The view of the Pyrenees, the tram train and the monastery itself. Once we reached the small little community as I called it, we stopped for lunch in the cafe there. Ah, memories. While mom, Dianna, Juanita and I were eating, one of them said the man sitting at the next table looked like Barney Fife. Sure enough, he did. It was creepy!! That was pretty funny. After we ate we watched an educational video (geared to smaller children I think but interesting none the less. The museum depicted the history of the monastery with videos, photos and relics from the past. We wandered up the stairs to the courtyard and the actual monastery. This monastery where the “black virgin” is housed. The statue has been blackened over time by the candle soot. This is Catalunya’s most revered religious symbols. She holds an orb that people can touch and it is said they are blessed if they touch it. You are not allowed to speak in the monastery either. Once we left the monastery we had a wine tasting in the gift shop for the adults. Hugo did not like the way the lady administered the tasting. I guess she acted oddly. I did not catch what she said since it was in Catalan not Spanish. Either way it was a nice experience. Shortly after that, we headed back to the main building and back to our coach.

We headed back down the mountain and headed to Barcelona. (YAY!!!!!)

It is only about 25 minutes south to Barcelona. I knew when we were coming into the city. I recognized things. Though, when I was last in Barcelona, I approached from the southern part of the city rather than the northern part. We came in by the port of Barcelona and Castel Monjunic (A fortress on top of a hill, near the Olympic Stadium). Our hotel was relatively close to this area. We were dropped off at the hotel, got checked in (and let me just say, being in Spain, my last name is NEVER mispronounced.  I love it!!) My room was a front facing room and with a very nice view of the city. We cleaned up and met down in the lobby and headed off to La Ramblas. We had some free time once Hugo pointed out the Christopher Columbus statue at the start of La Ramblas. Mom and I walked with Juanita and Dianna, bought some souvenirs and I looked for some of the places I saw in 2009. I just love that street. Vibrant, bustling with life and entertainment. I pointed out La Poma, the place me, mom, Stef and Donna ate at our last night in Barcelona in 2009. Ah, memories! I felt like wonderful and so happy to be in Barca.

We met Hugo at the end (or beginning depending on which end you started at haha) near the Gran Via (a block down) and near The Hard Rock Cafe. I asked  Hugo about a few streets so I basically knew where I was. My last hotel was on the Gran Via so it wasn’t too far. We walked back to the hotel and after some mingling and socializing we went to bed. Mom and I ended up in Dianna and Juanita’s room. We had ourselves some sangria! Madison came in, had a taste and we had a good time giggling.Good times!!

Tomorrow the long awaited Sagrada Familia Cathedral. SUPER EXCITED!!! to see the changes in 6 years!

Valencia, Spain Day 2

oday we toured Valencia (just for reference it is actually pronounced Balencia by Spaniards, since they really do not have a “V” in the language) We walked from the hotel to the market and had free time to explore while there. This market is a huge place with a large atrium in the middle with tiles and glass. Everything you can imagine is in this market. they have seafood, fruits, vegetables, herbs,and a bit more. We tried some Horchata (my dad has talked about this for years now) This drink is a favorite of the area and is popular in the summer time since it’s cold.

In Spain, it usually refers to orchata de chufa (horchata de chufa), made from tigernuts, water, and sugar.

Originally from Valencia, the idea of making horchata from yellow nutsedge comes from the period of Muslim presence in Valencia (from the eighth to thirteenth centuries).

It has a regulating council^[4] to ensure the quality of the product and the villages where it can come from, with the Designation of Origin. The village of Alboraia is well known for the quality of its horchata.

It is served ice cold as a natural refreshment in the summer, often served with fartons. Tigernut horchata is also used instead of milk by the lactose intolerant.

The students bought various different items including some of the chufas that is how the horchata is made. We took some pictures on the front steps and started walking to the bus stop. We hopped on the bus to the Arts and Sciences in the newer, modern area of Valencia that has been revitalized over the last, what, maybe 10 years.  This area used to be a river bed before the city rerouted it fter a very bad flood. Today it’s the Arts and Sciences Musuem and the Oceangraphic Aquarium that is known thoughout The US and Europe as being the largest. They have an IMAX theater that shows educational movies. We watched that. It’s pretty neat, it has futuristic settings and seats. After the movie we walked down to the Aquarium. There are so many different animals there and the layout is pretty.

The Areas:
The Wetlands
The Red Sea
The Mediterrean
The Oceans

The actual aquarium has beluga whales, sharks, stingrays, lots of different fish and sealife in one of those over head viewing tanks. They also have walrus’, sea lions, dolphins. We split for lunch and to explore. Me, mom, Diana and Juanita had lunch with Hugo and talked. That was a fun time let me tell you! He has lots of stories and experiences. They had a big main attraction dolphin show. After the show we walked to the bus and went to the beach. it was a bit chilly, maybe 55 or so but the beach was absolutly wonderful! I’ve not seen a beach since August of 2014 so it was pretty nice to see it.  Some of the students took their shoes off and dipped into the water. I took pics, lots of pics of them and several good sunset shots with perfect lighting. It was very peaceful and a nice little unexpected break that was not on the itenary. I grabbed some sand and shells also for my collection. Once we were done we walked down to the tram station. They don’t have metros in that area because its too soft there so they use trams, upper rail ways to certain areas. It was pretty neat we could see it traveling and see the turns of the cars. After our tram, we got on the metro to make it back to our restaurant for dinner. Dinner was good (more on that later)

Spain 2015 PHS Trip Day 1/2

Bienvenido! Saturday March 21 we left Port Columbus for JFK Airport in New York. We did leave a bit late and we had a gate change but all went rather smoothly.
Spain blog

Bienvenido! Saturday March 21 we left Port Columbus for JFK Airport in New York. We did leave a bit late and we had a gate change but all went rather smoothly.

After a 4 1/2 hr layover in JFK we finally left New York at 7:50 pm Sunday March 22 and officially began our journey to Spain. The flight took roughly 6 hrs and 34 minutes. The food was decent. I think everyone was surprised by that.

The sunrise was gorgeous as we entered Spain and began our descent to Madrid. We landed around 7:45 am local time and made our way to the Customs/passport area, which included a tram to another section of the terminal. After passing the passport area we headed to the baggagage claim and then met our guide, Hugo. We promptly boarded the bus and headed into the city. We soon discovered there was a marathon being run in the city. We circled once then found a traffic cop and were allowed to make our way to our hotel, El Regente, located off The Gran Via in the city center. Some of our rooms were ready some were not. Those rooms that were ready we used for storing the bags.

We met back in the lobby and were on our way to The Royal Palace of Madrid a short walk from our hotel. We had an appointed time for our tour at 11 am. After a short wait and passing security we entered the courtyard to the Palace and made our way to the entrance. We retrieved our headphones to better hear our guide and the. Began at the Staircase of the Palace where we learned about the frescos on the ceiling, took a few photos and then began the tour of the Palace. Now all the rooms are open and some were open this time that were not previously (at least that was the general consensus). Two of my favorite rooms was the Stradivarius violins rooms and The Thrown room. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We then had free time to explore the courtyard. Some of the students took pictures of the courtyard and the front of the Palace, visited the Palace gift shop, the park area and the Cathedral opposite to the Palace, Almudena Cathedral. We met with our director, Hugo around 1pm and made our inside the Almudena Cathedral.

After a short visit to the cathedral we visited Plaza de La Villa, then stopped for lunch near Mercado de San Miguel (this is a modern market popular for lunch) near Plaza Mayor. The student split up in groups and explored the market and surrounding area. A short walk was Plaza Mayor where street performers entertain the crowds. There are shops and restaurants also in Plaza Mayor. Once our hour was up we headed into Plaza Mayor with Hugo and learned some interesting facts about the plaza’s history and famous entry ways. We proceeded to Puerta Del Sol. This plaza has the famous Bear and strawberry statue, shops and 0 KM. This is very similar to 0 mile in Florida. All point in Spain start here and branch out.

We returned to the hotel at this point for a small break and to determine what we should do since it was raining. After and hour, it was still raining but it did slack off and stop. We decided to walk to the Chueca quarter. This area is known for shopping and mostly shoes. This area is also known for its modernista building designs.

We broke for some free time along the shopping area and met back at Mercado In the area. After our free time we walked back to Puerta del Sol area to our restaurant, La Catedral. This is a sit down place we had ate at in the past. The food was excellen as well as the atmosphere. During our dinner the Madrid and FC Barcelona futbol game started and when we left many tapas bars and places were watching El Clasico as it is affectionately called. Some of the students stopped for ice cream on our way back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we will see a bull fighting ring, The Retiro Park and The Prado Art Museum.

After a 4 1/2 hr layover in JFK we finally left New York at 7:50 pm Sunday March 22 and officially began our journey to Spain. The flight took roughly 6 hrs and 34 minutes. The food was decent. I think everyone was surprised by that.

The sunrise was gorgeous as we entered Spain and began our descent to Madrid. We landed around 7:45 am local time and made our way to the Customs/passport area, which included a tram to another section of the terminal. After passing the passport area we headed to the baggage claim and then met our guide, Hugo. We promptly boarded the bus and headed into the city. We soon discovered there was a marathon being run in the city. We circled once then found a traffic cop and were allowed to make our way to our hotel, El Regente, located off The Gran Via in the city center. Some of our rooms were ready some were not. Those rooms that were ready we used for storing the bags.

We met back in the lobby and were on our way to The Royal Palace of Madrid a short walk from our hotel. We had an appointed time for our tour at 11 am. After a short wait and passing security we entered the courtyard to the Palace and made our way to the entrance. We retrieved our headphones to better hear our guide and the. Began at the Staircase of the Palace where we learned about the frescos on the ceiling, took a few photos and then began the tour of the Palace. Now all the rooms are open and some were open this time that were not previously (at least that was the general consensus). Two of my favorite rooms was the Stradivarius violins rooms and The Thrown room. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. We then had free time to explore the courtyard. Some of the students took pictures of the courtyard and the front of the Palace, visited the Palace gift shop, the park area and the Cathedral opposite to the Palace, Almudena Cathedral. We met with our director, Hugo around 1pm and made our inside the Almudena Cathedral.

After a short visit to the cathedral we visited Plaza de La Villa, then stopped for lunch near Mercado de San Miguel (this is a modern market popular for lunch) near Plaza Mayor. The student split up in groups and explored the market and surrounding area. A short walk was Plaza Mayor where street performers entertain the crowds. There are shops and restaurants also in Plaza Mayor. Once our hour was up we headed into Plaza Mayor with Hugo and learned some interesting facts about the plaza’s history and famous entry ways. We proceeded to Puerta Del Sol. This plaza has the famous Bear and strawberry statue, shops and 0 KM. This is very similar to 0 mile in Florida. All point in Spain start here and branch out.

We returned to the hotel at this point for a small break and to determine what we should do since it was raining. After and hour, it was still raining but it did slack off and stop. We decided to walk to the Chueca quarter. This area is known for shopping and mostly shoes. This area is also known for its modernista building designs.

We broke for some free time along the shopping area and met back at Mercado In the area. After our free time we walked back to Puerta del Sol area to our restaurant, La Catedral. This is a sit down place we had ate at in the past. The food was excellent as well as the atmosphere. During our dinner the Madrid and FC Barcelona futbol game started and when we left many tapas bars and places were watching El Clasico as it is affectionately called. Some of the students stopped for ice cream on our way back to the hotel.

Tomorrow we will see a bull fighting ring, The Retiro Park and The Prado Art Museum.

The pride of ones heritage

I’m a proud woman of Hispanic and American decent. My dad is from Honduras and my mom is American or mostly that is. As we all know, America is a wide open melting pot of nationalities. For years I have heard stories of a long gone relative who was Native American though we did not know any details. My grandfather (on my mothers side) always loved Scotish bagpipes and a it was thought somewhere in family was Scotish blood.

My brother has been researching the family on my mothers side for a while now. A few months back he discovered some relatives from Scotland but lost the information when his computer went kaput. I had asked him to try to recover the information when he was able. I find ancestry and history in general fascinating. He found some information concerning our Native American roots and other branches as well.

I continue to learn Spanish and love to hear my dad speak of his father, who was from Northern Spain (Basque country he thinks or recalls). I enjoy watching Spanish channels with dad and hearing about his country. I have traveled to Mexico (on cruise ships) and enjoyed learning the history and culture of the land.

When I first began to entertain the idea of traveling in 2009, I was certain I would make my first European trip to London, as most first time oversea travelers do. So, when the discussion with my friend Stefanie (who had already been to England, Ireland and Italy) turned to a mother-daughter trip to Spain I was happy. Things fell together and we planned what I thought at the time would be a once in a life time trip. Amazingly enough, just four years later, I won a trip from a local high school fundraiser and returned to Spain in March of 2013. I return in March of 2015 with the same school only this time I was invited by the teachers and am actively helping with fundraisers to help the students.

The old world culture of Europe is fascinating. My love of culture is in my blood. I feel as though, sometimes, I am in the wrong country. Ireland is gorgeous and just as fascinating. When I went to Ireland in 2012 with my mother and niece, the plan was to take a side trip to Edinburgh. Sadly I was not able to. I’ve always wanted to see Scotland. The rich culture and history.

My brother finally rediscovered the research and is going to prepare it. As it turns out, my grandmothers, mothers, mother is a Foster and somewhere in that line, the relation goes to Mary Queen of Scotland. I cannot wait to read and discover that information. So, not only am I Hispanic but I am part Scotish also. Some combination.

Travel Memories /Barcelona Spain

Ah travel memories. They are wonderful are they not? I have been privileged to have many travel memories and experiences. Photos, momentos, souvenirs, clothing, cars, people, sights, sounds and even food can remind us of times gone by while traveling.

As I changed my Facebook profile this morning I was searching through pictures from my first trip to Spain 2009. I spent quality time with my mom and I won’t forget that time. What a lovely time it was! That trip was the trip of a lifetime. I had never been to Europe and planned the trip with my good friend Stef. She was well traveled, even then. I had always hoped I would make it to Spain one day but I had resolved that it wouldn’t happen and if or when I did make a big trip I would have to settle for England. I know, right? Imagine someone saying they would settle for England. Don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely love to see England. But for a woman who has the Spanish in her blood I guess it was natural. Though I was not raised to speak Spanish, I always had an interest in learning the language and learning the culture and rich history. The dream of some day being able to visit a wonderful place was at that point out of the question, or so I thought.

Stef and I had discussed places to plan a trip to and she mentioned it. When we got serious about it I was so excited. I remember thinking, “my lord, is it really going to happen? Will I really get to goto this place?” Once things were finalized and booked I was thrilled. I would finally be able to use what little Spanish I knew and see the sites of Spain.

When I stepped off that plane on Spanish soil it was amazing. Though Stef and my mom knew basics, Donna, Stef’s mom knew practically nothing of the language. I was expected to read and navigate. I think even if they didn’t expect that, it would have happened. Everywhere we went the people looked to me to translate or reply. Hmm, dark hair and eyes and the Spanish look in general must be why. (Laughs)

My true “OMG” moment was when I saw La Sagrada Familia Catedral (Sacred Family Cathedral) in Barcelona. If you are not familiar with this Cathedral let me enlighten you.

This is Antonio Gaudi’s unfinished cathedral. Construction began in 1882 (Gaudi joined in 1883) but was slowed considerably for many years after his unfortunate death in 1926. The construction relied on private donations which were slowed by the Spanish Civil War in the 1950’s and General Franco’s dislike for the Catalan area. It wasn’t until 2010 that the project passed a midpoint in construction with an estimated completion year of 2026.

For more facts about this go here to Wikipedia.

Now back to my wow moment. We had gotten on the “Hop on Hop Off” tourist bus and was headed to this site. I could see it of course before we arrived. My first glimpse of it was through a break in the buildings and trees turning a corner. I felt giddy. I believe I even stood up and gasped.
I was snapped pictures when I was able through the buildings.

We arrived at the bus stop and exited the bus. You had to walk through a little grove of trees and sand to get to the front of the building. It was like the sun poking out of a dreary sky after a storm. The trees gave way and then BOOM! There it stood before me like a giant in a fairy tale story. I snapped pictures of course. Haha, from all sorts of angles. Then I just stood there. I wasn’t aware of what my party was doing to be honest. They all knew this was what I came here to see. I stood and said [to my mom, I think], “OMG I’m really here, in Spain, standing in front of La Sagrada Familia!” I was totally amazed. Eventually we moved on and found the end of the long line to tour it. I did not mind. I was able to stand and take additional photos and hear the bells chime at the noon hour.

Here is one of my favorite shots from when we were standing in line.
Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain 10/4/09

So we paid our 21€ ($25 or so) and entered the Cathedral. Again I was awestruck!

The ceiling is incredible. The natural light flowing into this place is extraordinary!

Checkout my Flickr Spain album

I mostly kept quiet while inside. Construction, though not currently being done, was evident all around inside. I snapped pics and just looked around everywhere I could. The stained glass reflected colorful rays around the place. Just stunning to stand there.We wandered around the crowds at a slow pace and made our way to the other facade. One totally different that the first. The original facade, old, blackened and very gothic. Again, the wonderment I felt seeing this mammoth structure.

Eventually we had to leave, having not the chance to goto the top of the towers because mom wasn’t up to it, the elevators, and the line. I’d have gone alone had it not been for mom. I told her next time I will do it.

A funny story about this time was after we left we wanted a drink so we stopped at a little place across the street. We never fail to have people come up to us, especially Stef. LOL. This time it was mom. A short, heavy set old lady approached us and made a gesture (at her mouth like she was eating) with her hands and said, ” pobre.” She repeated it over and over. I knew she meant, “poor”. I laughed and told them what she said. Anytime you travel you have to beware of this and pick pockets so we just ignored her but it was a funny experience.

Hopefully, next year when I return to Barcelona in the Spring, I will have the chance to goto the top of the towers. I hear the scaffolding and cranes are no longer there! :).

❤️ ¡Ten cuidado Barcelona volveré! I miss you!

Spain 2013 Pictures

Spain 2013 Pictures

 

Flamenco Dancer, Sevilla,ES

Alahambra, Granada, ES

Spain – Madrid – Day 6 – Goodbye For Now!

     We got up for breakfast early again today and headed out to wander the first part of the day. Our scheduled tour of the Palace wasn’t until 11 am. So, Hugo took us around old town Madrid and some of the more modern areas as well.

     We had an audio contraption so we could hear our local guide for the Palace. I remember a few more fiddles being on display the last time though for contrast, we were there the day before the King and Queen were due to arrive at the Palace for some shindig back in 2009. So, that could be why.

     Of course there are no pictures allowed inside The Palace itself. The rooms are all done in different fresco’s and designs that it’s a shame we can’t document it but I understand, to a point why. The history, furnishings, paintings and everything else in these rooms are just so neat to see. You expect the rooms, for the most part, to be emense but some of them are really rather small and are quite square in size.

     After we were finished with the palace we headed to the gift shop and I got a bookmark.  We waited around and just hung around a but. Hugo told Gilberto how to get to the Real Madrid Estadio, Santiago Bernabeu. I figured I’d might as well pay the 19 euro and tour the place, why not? I’d never be there again right. So, Hugo took us back to the city center and me, Gilberto, Issac (his nephew) Guadalupe (his niece), Adam, and Tre and Madison grabbed a bite to eat at a place Gilberto used to goto when he lived in Madrid, called Doner Kebap Newrut. A turkish place that featured pizza and gyro’s. It was a nice place to eat and had good food. We went to the metro station after eating and bought our tickets. There’s actually a metro stop called Santiago Bernabeu so that made it easy to locate on the terminals for tickets. It was 1.40 euro for the metro and 19 euro for the tour.

     Issac was in heaven. lol. It is a nice stadium. It’s not El Camp Nou, in Barcelona but hey. We went to the top first and we took pics of the field and one of me shoving Tre. lol. We worked our way down and into the museum on the premises. My cell phone died and so did my other camera battery so I just wandered and looked at all the trophies and such. They had picture ops with one of the cups – I think it was the Spanish Cup they beat Barca out of this last time *grumble*. Then a photo op with one of the players (green screened) I had mine done with Ronaldo but I didn’t buy it. The others bought theirs. Then we moved closer to the field, through their locker room and then eventually down onto the field itself and we sat in the seats the players sit in. We walked back through the visitor locker room… just think David Villa and Lionel Messi have been in there… 🙂

     The tickets have different players on them and I made sure I got Casillas. He’s the goalie and my favorite Madrid player.

The next time I’m in Barcelona I’m going to El Camp Nou!!!!

     After we finished up in the team shop – wayyyyy over priced! – we headed back to the metro and to the hotel. We had time to rest a bit and then headed out to dinner at Prada a Tope. This was a tapas restaurant and very good food. It’s our last evening in Spain. I’m sad and glad at the same time. I will miss Spain. My feet are happy to be going home and I’m anxious to see mom, dad and sugar.
     After dinner we all decided to go to Mass at the Catedral not far from our hotel. It was a candlelight session. I tripped on the pew thing when we went in. Only me. But I dressed nice in my red dress and my flower. We thought all the rest of the people were behind us but they ended up way in the back and me, Tre and Pam were with Hugo up front. I have the paper of what they talked about but I don’t know anything about  Catholics and mass nor all of the Spanish. I do have a bruise on my left foot now too. It was certainly a different experience, mass that is. We  just sorta followed Hugo and the others as to when to stand/sit etc. After Mass we wandered around back to the hotel and ended up in Plaza de Espana (where we met  Johnny at Julia travel)

Well tomorrow we start our journey back home to Ohio. Goodbye Spain!!!

 

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Spain – Segovia and Madrid – Day 5

     We got up early and had breakfast as there was a long line the day before. I had gotten there early yesterday too but made it extra early myself today even. Hugo had told us all to get there early. we set out for the metro that would take us to the Atoche station to leave for Segovia. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Segovia from Madrid by the Renfe train. It was rainy today so we prepared for that. Though myself I wore capri’s. I had been wearing long jeans the whole week. Plus, in Ireland I wore long pants in the rain and had soaked pants the rest of the day.

     The Renfe was (is) the same rail that mom and I took from Barca to Madrid in 2009. Our seats were relatively all together and it was a comfortable ride. From the train station we took a bus into town. We stood out in light rain and waited for the right bus. Hugo was a bit annoyed when a Chinese couple tried to step in front of our group to get in the middle of us all. That was pretty humorous, Hugo reaction. lol

     So, in the bus ride from the train station to the city center I was able to see more of the country side from a different point of view. Last time we took a bus to Segovia and never saw the train station etc…

     We came into the city and was let out right before the statue of the wolf and babies that I didn’t get a good pic of last time. This time there were also people there in front but I made a point to come back before we left to get the picture.

     It was raining a bit harder as we arrived and I used my Dublin umbrella and some of the students bought umbrellas while getting ready with our local guide. Segovia is known for the Roman Aqueduct that comes from the mountains down to the city center. No mortar or anything holds it together other than pressure. If one stone would be removed/moved it would crumble. Quite a sight to see alone.

     The guide took us to the Segovia Plaza Mayor. He took us up to the gazebo in the middle and told us about the square and the church. He pointed out the old jail, the mosque (which was hidden behind a wall/door) We went to the Segovia Alcazar, which is one of my favorite places. I visited the last time too with Mom, Stef and Donna. The castle has the “witches hats” which was on of the inspirations of Walt Disney’s castles. This is where we seen the thrones (different onces from the Palcio en Madrid) of Ferdiand y Isabella, the king and queen of Spain. There are full knight suits here on and off horses the whole 9 yards. The moat is DEEP and I’m sure if one was sentenced to death it would be frightening indeed.  Though it’s empty, it does have water running into it but must have a drain. After some pictures on one of the outside terraces (one of me pushing Tre “over the side” as I told him I would get him for splashing me with water the day before) and some out front we were given free time to ourselves.

     I went with Julie and Pam into the Cathedral there and snapped some pictures of the pieces they use for the parades. Of coursee today since it was raining they wouldn’t be doing the march. After we looked around the cathedral we went scarf shopping :). I did also find a pretty two piece top in a store.
We ended up eating in the city center in a cafeteria though not like we would think of a cafeteria. It was near the aqueduct but off on a side street. The food and prices were great. Pam and Julie shared a pork entree (it was large) and I had a bocadilla. I love those sanwichs 🙂 Also had my Fanta limon. After lunch we went back to the city center. It was still gloomy but had mostly stopped raining. While we were waiting for Hugo I ran back over to the statue and snapped a few pictures of it.

     One of the local people, who I recall seeing the last time I was here (and I THINK the one who followed us into the church) was peddling her scarves around us and Pam bought one. Really pretty one.  So, we met up with Hugo and headed to the bus stop and went back to the train station. Before you know it we were back in Madrid and headed for the hotel.  We had some time to ourselves before dinner. My feet were absolutely killing me.They were also SWOLLEN. I took a nap. We were to meet at 7:45 so before then I hurried down the street to El Cortes Ingles and bout myself a Madrid bag and a Barcelona jacket. Using your passport you get 10% off the total purchase. I ran my bags up to my room and made it back down to meet everyone. We headed to dinner at El Catedral. I had swordfish here. It was a nice little place with great atmosphere and nice people. I had wore my Barca jersey today and Hugo teased me about it (he’s a Real Madrid fan) and when I went to the bathroom one of the workers told me he liked my shirt so I had to tell Hugo about it. We had a good laugh :).

     After dinner we wandered around with Hugo. He took us to the Royal Palace (which we will see tomorrow during the day time). It was nice for me since I’d not seen it at night before. With the lights on it was very pretty and I got a few pano shots. We went back to the hotel after milling around there. until tomorrow!   

 

Original post in my LiveJournal