Making it to Madrid in the middle

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 cousin who resides in the US halfway around the world in a random European city. So cool how that just worked out.

After meeting up with my cousin my extra day in Madrid was spent walking the streets. Caught up with another of the now former tour group for a quick walking tour. Was great as he had seen the city before and knew a few spots to experience. So it was my own free guide.

Otherwise I so was tired. Even the Churros didn't perk me up.

So glad to had a 3 nights in Lisbon after. It would be my longest stop on this trip retracing my path back to Lisbon as I hadn't actually seen it first time around.

I felt like the statue. I needed rest.

Granada. Where they gave birth to Spain... and danced in between Beer Pong

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 whisk away for a night of Flamenco in the Sacramento region where the gypsies were kings and we were their willing attendees. I myself wasn't so interested in the dancing itself but was in awe of the traditional singing and guitar when accompanied the dancers. I can see how this music combined with the music of southern France to then be transported into the Gypsy Jazz i had liked in New Orleans on Frenchman Street years earlier (Vavavoom).

After our night of local music for the tour group it was a night we could safely party and off to the club on a pub crawl we were. It was though a night where it was hard to find a venue. So into an Irish pub we were herded. No to worry for many as they found Beer Pong was something to create entertainment for all.


The next day included the most important issues of Granada. A visit to a Hammam baths to soothe the weary legs, and then a tour of the Alhambra. Such a great city overall. In the middle of nowhere. But somewhere I could visit again.

It's Seville. No Bull

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 Espagña. 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 there first. 

From there it was onto our hostel accommodation for check in. As we would get to learn our hostels on the trip would be great for their central locations. But it also meant often we'd hop and there would be a 200m or so walk down winding cobblestone streets through historical centres to go. Upon check in we had 2 hours before our walking tour. I straight lined it for the Bull fighting arena. And score! Being a Monday afternoon it was free entry after 3pm. Winner winner chicken dinner. Heck I still would have paid even if it wasn't free. But I'll take any win. Tour was fantastic. Gave the historical background of bull fighting, it's most famous performers, and it's development. I like the historical story of it all. Just hate the fact it's inhumane and should be stopped. What's wrong with letting it live a happy life like a Bugs bunny bull fight.

Seville's walking tour gave us the start of what would be an introduction to the Moorish backgrounds of Spain. I never realised that Spain was such an Islamic stronghold into Europe. Always thought it was only from Turkey that the East and West were divided. We have so much to appreciate that came out of Spain in terms of getting Europe out of the Dark Ages.
 

Figueres

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.

A bit more Barcelona

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 ?

Barcelona... just how stable are they?

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.

Barcelona eats kid!

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. It's not all about Oranges

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.

Keep your mouth closed at La Tomatina

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 who would dump laundry tubs of water on the crowd.

Then we here a bang and cheer down the street. The random tossing of a solitary 6 pack of tomatoes began. Someone must if snuck them in! Anyway we're all just a bit disappointed when finally a truck appears in the street. It seems their biggest issue issue pushing the crowd into the walls. Finally we get a smattering if tomatoes from the residents on the truck. Enough to get a taste for throwing. But barely a shard of tomato on the shirt. 

By the 2nd and 3rd truck it was clear we weren't quite in the thick of it. But we did get to experience a mighty crush when after the 4th truck some people down the road wanted out. Whereas our herd wanted in. Eventually we did find more tomatoes. Many already thrown half stomped varieties. Actually I found them with my feet as I stepped off a kerb into a 10cm deep tomato soup. Ah, ther goes the shoes I thought. Alas my plans to destroy some sandals had changed the day before when the ticket indicated no flip flops or sandals.

Then there was another bang. All done. Tomatoes down! I said tomatoes down! Awe heck, if you can still find one throw it was the new rule. Time to turn back. Out of the mayhem to truly see the carnage. Red spilt everywhere.

I had lost the group in the crush and made my way back after a bit. Many had returned to the bar to find a small hose on a dancefloor. That wasn't gonna cut it. Need more hoses here!

On the 20 minute walk back to the car there were many residents making the most of their one day a year. And also the seldom few offering the hose down service. Back at the car I ditched the shirt and socks. Managed to scrub down the shoes enough to thrown into the bag (in a bag).

The afternoon was spent at the beach washing off the remaining tomatoes. And the shoes of course. Tomatina done.