Chad Is Everywhere

Madrid was the last stop on my whirlwind tour of Southern Spain and Portugal. However it wasn't merely a "we're here" type of day. Tour really wanted to kind of say to people we'll get you to Madrid, but first we'll visit Toledo. And when you get to Madrid must try the burrito, and what you do after that, freedom. But burrito first. Why burrito, and why do I mention the Burrito. First off it was the customary last meal with our guide and tour group. And secondly it was the biggest and best burrito I've ever had. That's why. This was a meal the tour leader had looked forward to all trip. And it didn't disappoint. I was not underfed by this monster. I slept well after too.   And I was smart enough to avoid the pub crawl after. For I had plans for breakfast the next morning to catch up with my cousin who of all things had flown out for a pharmacy medical conference in the Madrid. It's not everyday you get to meet up with your ...

When reading the list of cities along the way through southern Spain Granada was the city where I thought I would be having a rest day. Granada isn't on the coast, and doesn't rate a mention as a place you would normally fly into Europe to. So what's with the 2 nights. Well Granada has a lot to offer really. And well as I now understand it's the birthplace of Spain. The holdout of the Moors when everything had turned Christian. The city then provided the knowledge that made the development of Spain possible when everyone was fighting over religion and the dying thanks to dirty water during the dark ages. With its aqueducts, purposeful design, and thin streets this place prospered. Luckily royalty liked the palace when it finally fell to the Christians. Otherwise it all would have been made into another church. It would of been such a shame to have lost all of the mesmerising patterns. Nights in Granada were spent not just eating and drinking Tapas. We were w...

So Day 3 of my Iberian Adventure. It was time to leave Vitor and his old style guesthouse of Lagos and move onto Spain. Starting with the extremes of Seville. Alas it was over 40 degrees on our arrival into Seville. Can't fault Spain for living upto expectations in terms of heat. Straight up must admit my only disappointment of Seville was not not seeing our Italian bus driver Davide perform the Barber of Seville Opera. After all he had been introduced by Morgane our tour leader as having been a classically trained opera singer in his youth. Davide if you read this there is still time to shine! Perhaps watch this clip from my childhood as training Rabbit of Seville . Okay jokes aside it was not an opera we were here to see. First up was a visit the the iconic Plaza de Espag ñ a. 20 minutes in 40 degree heat didn't give it justice. But it was a bit further out from the centre of town where we were staying, and was a must see. Hence why we were transported straight ther...

The trail back into France took us via the town of Figueres. Never heard of it? Well perhaps you will know if you're an art fan. Dali lived here! Don't confuse your unusual Spanish artists. General rule is I still don't get them. Some real weird stuff. But it's still visually amazing.

La Sagrada Familia Basilica and a few more sights in my final day around Barcelona. Again I'll just point out that I am happy to be openning the "Barcelona Office". However I doubt I'll live off a purely Iberian Ham snack diet. After all Mojitos will have to be in the diet. Question is do they count as salad ?

Within a few days in Barcelona I have come to the conclusion that there is a history of Creativity, Experimentation, or Drugs. Perhaps all 3 at the same time. Supporting my case I present to you: Cronuts. Oh wait Cronuts are legit apparently. Well in that case I present to you evidence item no2: And 3: Still not convinced. Well in that case I present to you. Tibidabo. The only place I've known where you can catch a funicular train to a viewing point and a church, but also include a Theme Park visit.

So I'm in Barcelona I walked everywhere. Of course after buying 3 day transit card. This is what I do. Lots of photos. Below is a selection.  In the evening we went to a restaurant. And of course there was a slight misunderstanding. I think you only get to chose the kid if you speak Spanish. Must be a lots of lefties around in Barca. In the evening I eventually managed to meet up with my former couchsurfer Anna. She took me to a huge waterfall show they do at night. That was cool.

Valencia has been a fantastic stop. What a life the residents here have. The beach area is massive and great. Even without waves.   The history is amazing. And the food. I love it here. Tonight we found a music staged production with the historical centre as the backdrop. Just after having the customary paella at a small restaurant.

So the 2014 running of the tomatoes is over. And a big squish it was in many ways. Having not organised more than our tickets to the event we drove the 45 minutes to the outer edge of the town. Left Valencia at 8:15am as opposed to the tour bus groups at 5:30 through to 8:30am. After all no prizes for being late.  From there we needed to hike to the other end to the ticket exchange. All good if the signage had of led us on the correct fork of the road... Whoops probably a 10 minute delay following the wrong sheep herd. Anyway we got the tickets with an hour to spare. So we had time for a 10am beer. As you do when at festivals. At 10:30am I managed to convince the group we had to get inside the gated area where all the throwers were entering, and had been doing so for some time. Anyway we must of been like number 8000 of the 10000 as we didn't get to the point where we could see the ham drop. But still much fun to be had shouting 'water' to the balconies above wh...