Halla Madrid

Three days in this wonderful city was all I spent but  it was mission accomplished. Touring the Santiago Bernabeu and watching a captivating Flamenco concert rounded off what was a splendid three days in Madrid.

Jose and Carole were great hosts to me. Everytime I went back to their apartment I felt I was entering my home. Indeed, what leaves a lasting mark on you is not the monuments that you visit but rather the people you meet and the warmth that they bring  you when you are in foreign land. Once you have that warmth, the monuments that you visit have more meaning, epitomizing the culture and civilization of the country or city that you are visiting.

Worth a mention is the beer in Madrid. It just tasted so different and so good that 1 glass was never enough. Jose also took me to try "sidra" at a traditional Asturias taverna, which I absolutely enjoyed. The pouring of the sidra into the glass involves a special technique that is hard to master but I did okay for a first time.

I gorged on the delicious "jamon" , drank beer, and wandered the streets of Madrid while trying every now and then to practice my Spanish.

The visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, the stadium of the Real Madrid football team, was a special experience. Yes, I'm not a supporter of Real Madrid, but as a football fan, there is nothing about the Santiago Bernabeu not to love. I couldn't believe I was actually there. Too bad I couldn't watch a game there. However, I didn't miss the opportunity to touch the turf, photographing myself while at it, a special feeling. LOL!

The last few hours that I spent in Madrid was at the Las Carboneras where we were captivated by the fantastic flamenco artists on display. Indeed, the sound of those heels tapping into the wood still resonate in my head while I write this.

I'm now at the airport boarding the flight to Barcelona. Once again, it will be my first time in Barcelona. Come on Barcelona!! Show me what you got!!!

Train to Madrid

I made it just in time to catch the train to Madrid from Oriente station. My delay and rush was my fault. I was too caught up listening to street musicians at Bairro Alto that I completely lost track of time.

The train was stuffy and the seats didn't recline. It was to be a twelve hour train ride from Lisboa to Madrid. I made several trips to the cafetaria, not to eat but rather because it was cooler in there. Finally I did fall asleep, but it was a broken sleep and not very relaxing. I was rather amused to hear the lady beside me say "que frio" (it's so cold) while I was finding it so stuffy.

Jose, my cousin, got in touch with me just as we were rolling into Madrid Chamartin station. A few calls later, a short train ride to Nuevos Ministerios and a few frantic texts before my phone battery died, Carole, Jose's girlfriend picked me up and gave me directions to where I was going to stay.

Madrid looks looks splendid. The temperature is a few degrees lesser than Lisboa. The Spanish on the streets sounds so exotic and I'm excited to be here.

The much awaited holiday

From my posts, it might seem that I'm always on holiday. But that's far  from the truth. I work, I save and then I travel. Maybe I spend all my money on travel, return home a pauper and leave it all to be done again. But it's worth it. Every single rupee. As they say, work hard, play hard. My philosophy of life.

I'm back in Portugal, after six long years. It seems like an eternity but boy, am I glad to back. Just like Cambodia, Portugal as a country is extremely close to my heart. That I am from Goa, does play a big part in this.

It has been six years but what's strange is I still remember everything, every turn, the smells, the restaurants, the cobblestone and the vibrance of this city. The warmth of this city is unbelievable, in spite of the cold weather.

A week has passed since I have returned and it's been six beautiful days. I have not intended this to be a rigorous backpacking trip, but rather one to relax. A trip to soak in the atmosphere and one to meet up with old friends and continue from where we left off. As always,in Portugal, I've had people open their house to me. My professor Miguel Lume, friend and mentor welcomed me with open arms. So have his daughter and son in law. While with Prof Lume,I've stayed at Lisbon and at Charneca da Caparica with Rebeca (becky) and Rui. Meeting up with old friends and making new friends has been the epitome of this first week in Lisboa.

I now head to Madrid to spend a few days. It would be my first time there and I can't wait to see what Madrid has to offer.