Friday, April 9, 2010
¡Oppps!
Before you panic when you see this picture, no one was hurt and it did not cost us a cent to get another rental car brought to us (which is on the way!)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Cordoba and Seville - Day 3
Matt and I woke today and took more pictures of hotel, Lineas 38, Cordoba.
The shared lounge outside our room had a stained glass window as the entire ceiling and had function similar to a sky light.
We went around the corner to check on our car as we made our way to the historical sites. Although no street signs and we had put our car out of the barely-the-width-of-a-sedan street, it was gone.
What was even funnier was that Matt joked "let's see if our car is here still" when we left the hotel initially and realised we were headed in the wrong direction.
The local police politely left a yellow stick next to where we were parked so we could collect the car.
We decided we were not getting charged by the hour for the police to hold the car so we toured the city before even inquiring where our rental car was being kept.
The Mosquita was not only a mosque through history but at times it was a Catholic cathedral.
The interior is so elaborate, Matt and I bought a book describing the history of many parts with an associated picture.
We popped in and out of shops looking at all the fun tourist crap we wouldn't buy :)
Our lunch was fun! We sat outside in the sun while the stereotypical grandma type waiter served us. At one point Matt stood up to take a picture of a near building facade. The waiter had Matt also take a picture of 'grandpa waiter' and myself while joking how Matt left his lady at the table to be stolen. I was laughing so hard it took multiple tries for me to get the correct Spanish out to say Matt didn't understand the Spanish the waiter was speaking to him. Both waiter and i laughed at his realisation and Matt also joined in with a good chuckle once I filled him in.
My onion soup with veggie broth and local fresh cheese was brilliant. Best meal in Spain to date for my precious and stubborn taste buds.
Afterwards we wandered through the narrow streets of the historical center towards the Singagoga, (sinagog).
This southern region, Andalucia, is known for its past history of Judiaism, Islam, and Christians living semi-peacefully together. According to our travel guide book, the worst event was the expulsion of Muslims from the country when it was found that they did not honestly convert to Roman Catholic / Christianity. The decor and cultural approach shows a significance to all 3 roots without any obvious bias.
That said, I love the style of homes and decor and lifestyle here. If I could, I would hunt for all types of decorations for my house in the US. Unfortunately my money tree has yet to blossom in 28 years. I'm hoping my 29th is golden :)
After more wandering and picture taking, we asked the hotel reception to help us by calling the impound for location and details.
Once we had where to go we walked with our luggage about 15 minutes to the impound. Sure enough our french made car was there! After some giggles, signatures, gathering of driver information, and 68.20 Euros (approx. $90) later, we were returned the car.
Since this was a new experience INTERNATIONAL for us both, I took a picture of Matt loading the car with our luggage at the impound. The local police doing administration work there found us possibly more amusing then we found ourselves. I guess I did tell the officer I wanted to keep our yellow 'you have been towed' sticker as my most expensive souvenir.
Once again we headed south for 1.5 hours to Seville. Seville is twice the size of Cordoba and I am of the opinion that it also has twice the amount of tourism.
We approached the city again having issues with under detailed maps available. At an intersection, a guy with a badge suggesting he was a hotel and hostel assistant for the city offered to give us directions before letting us pass onto this one street.
When he saw where our hostel was situated, he went to confirm directions and returned to us asking to get in the car and guide us. Knowing we only had our wallets with little cash on our persons and Matts camera and Kindle 2 within reach of this friendly man, we did what our parents would want us to do. We let the man into the front of our car while I drove and matt protected our things in the back. Sure enough he was a major time saver by what could have been hours. He carried luggage to the hostel with us and then helped us score rock star parking. A parking spot in this town this good must be a Heavenly gift!
we tipped him 5 euros and sent him on his way, although he of course pretended that 5 euros was only a so-so tip, Matt and I know better.
After checking into our hostel, we wondered around the exterior of the Catholic cathedral and then in and out of little shops as we wondered.
Orange trees in this region of southern Spain are in blossom for the second time this season as full blossoms and fruit can be see on the trees. I attempted to get an orange from a tree in Cordoba and realised how amazing the blossoms smelled. Matt described it well; a mix of jasmine and slight sweet citrus.
I did not get any fruit (yet!) And brought blossoms for Matt to smell.
In our usual mood, he took the full pollen staimens and rubbed it on my neck as a perfume. I enjoyed the smell so much that I grabbed a new blossom and deeply breathed in the smell... And pollen.
My material genes have graced me with a very mild hay fever that is usually triggered in the spring and short lived without medication. After knowing Matt, I realise I am lucky for this mild level.
In hindsight, the orange blossoms, which I have never smelled or used the pollen as perfume before, was not a good choice. ("Milk was a bad choice" -Anchorman)
I started sneezing, sinuses dripping, coughing, and had a mild sinus headache. After about 4 hours the symptoms subsided but have yet to fully disappear.
For dinner we had -can you guess- TAPAS! Grilled garlic artichokes, pork fillet in a whiskey sauce -which was top notch,- bread and a slow cooked venison. Its was a relaxing and romantic dinner as you could smell the light and sweet scent of the orange blossoms by just being outside. This time, not enough to trigger more allergies!
We drank sangria with apple pieces and then finished dinner with the local orange wine. It is very sweet and like a port wine without a dry or slight alcohol tasting finish. I really enjoyed it and think it would be a great summer drink with some tonic whereas Matt liked it but found the 15% apv wine too sweet without a tonic as a summer drink.
Now you know the newest drink at my Indy house this summer if you would like to try it.
We checked out the romantic rooftop terrace at the hostel where we were able to see the top of the cathedral as well as the hundred± bats circling the top, semi-near the building's flood lights, for food.
There is so much to see and do that I am excited for what's ahead of us tomorrow.
Oh and our hostel's vending machine has cold water, snacks, and cans of heineken for 1 euro (approx $1.40). Of course we bought 2 beers for relaxing while reading and blogging
in our room.
An email chain stemming from a 95± year old woman stated how I feel: "Life is not fair, but it is pretty good"
Sarah: "my eyes are really itchy and watering but I guess I never have snorted orange blossom pollen before."
The shared lounge outside our room had a stained glass window as the entire ceiling and had function similar to a sky light.
We went around the corner to check on our car as we made our way to the historical sites. Although no street signs and we had put our car out of the barely-the-width-of-a-sedan street, it was gone.
What was even funnier was that Matt joked "let's see if our car is here still" when we left the hotel initially and realised we were headed in the wrong direction.
The local police politely left a yellow stick next to where we were parked so we could collect the car.
We decided we were not getting charged by the hour for the police to hold the car so we toured the city before even inquiring where our rental car was being kept.
The Mosquita was not only a mosque through history but at times it was a Catholic cathedral.
The interior is so elaborate, Matt and I bought a book describing the history of many parts with an associated picture.
We popped in and out of shops looking at all the fun tourist crap we wouldn't buy :)
Our lunch was fun! We sat outside in the sun while the stereotypical grandma type waiter served us. At one point Matt stood up to take a picture of a near building facade. The waiter had Matt also take a picture of 'grandpa waiter' and myself while joking how Matt left his lady at the table to be stolen. I was laughing so hard it took multiple tries for me to get the correct Spanish out to say Matt didn't understand the Spanish the waiter was speaking to him. Both waiter and i laughed at his realisation and Matt also joined in with a good chuckle once I filled him in.
My onion soup with veggie broth and local fresh cheese was brilliant. Best meal in Spain to date for my precious and stubborn taste buds.
Afterwards we wandered through the narrow streets of the historical center towards the Singagoga, (sinagog).
This southern region, Andalucia, is known for its past history of Judiaism, Islam, and Christians living semi-peacefully together. According to our travel guide book, the worst event was the expulsion of Muslims from the country when it was found that they did not honestly convert to Roman Catholic / Christianity. The decor and cultural approach shows a significance to all 3 roots without any obvious bias.
That said, I love the style of homes and decor and lifestyle here. If I could, I would hunt for all types of decorations for my house in the US. Unfortunately my money tree has yet to blossom in 28 years. I'm hoping my 29th is golden :)
After more wandering and picture taking, we asked the hotel reception to help us by calling the impound for location and details.
Once we had where to go we walked with our luggage about 15 minutes to the impound. Sure enough our french made car was there! After some giggles, signatures, gathering of driver information, and 68.20 Euros (approx. $90) later, we were returned the car.
Since this was a new experience INTERNATIONAL for us both, I took a picture of Matt loading the car with our luggage at the impound. The local police doing administration work there found us possibly more amusing then we found ourselves. I guess I did tell the officer I wanted to keep our yellow 'you have been towed' sticker as my most expensive souvenir.
Once again we headed south for 1.5 hours to Seville. Seville is twice the size of Cordoba and I am of the opinion that it also has twice the amount of tourism.
We approached the city again having issues with under detailed maps available. At an intersection, a guy with a badge suggesting he was a hotel and hostel assistant for the city offered to give us directions before letting us pass onto this one street.
When he saw where our hostel was situated, he went to confirm directions and returned to us asking to get in the car and guide us. Knowing we only had our wallets with little cash on our persons and Matts camera and Kindle 2 within reach of this friendly man, we did what our parents would want us to do. We let the man into the front of our car while I drove and matt protected our things in the back. Sure enough he was a major time saver by what could have been hours. He carried luggage to the hostel with us and then helped us score rock star parking. A parking spot in this town this good must be a Heavenly gift!
we tipped him 5 euros and sent him on his way, although he of course pretended that 5 euros was only a so-so tip, Matt and I know better.
After checking into our hostel, we wondered around the exterior of the Catholic cathedral and then in and out of little shops as we wondered.
Orange trees in this region of southern Spain are in blossom for the second time this season as full blossoms and fruit can be see on the trees. I attempted to get an orange from a tree in Cordoba and realised how amazing the blossoms smelled. Matt described it well; a mix of jasmine and slight sweet citrus.
I did not get any fruit (yet!) And brought blossoms for Matt to smell.
In our usual mood, he took the full pollen staimens and rubbed it on my neck as a perfume. I enjoyed the smell so much that I grabbed a new blossom and deeply breathed in the smell... And pollen.
My material genes have graced me with a very mild hay fever that is usually triggered in the spring and short lived without medication. After knowing Matt, I realise I am lucky for this mild level.
In hindsight, the orange blossoms, which I have never smelled or used the pollen as perfume before, was not a good choice. ("Milk was a bad choice" -Anchorman)
I started sneezing, sinuses dripping, coughing, and had a mild sinus headache. After about 4 hours the symptoms subsided but have yet to fully disappear.
For dinner we had -can you guess- TAPAS! Grilled garlic artichokes, pork fillet in a whiskey sauce -which was top notch,- bread and a slow cooked venison. Its was a relaxing and romantic dinner as you could smell the light and sweet scent of the orange blossoms by just being outside. This time, not enough to trigger more allergies!
We drank sangria with apple pieces and then finished dinner with the local orange wine. It is very sweet and like a port wine without a dry or slight alcohol tasting finish. I really enjoyed it and think it would be a great summer drink with some tonic whereas Matt liked it but found the 15% apv wine too sweet without a tonic as a summer drink.
Now you know the newest drink at my Indy house this summer if you would like to try it.
We checked out the romantic rooftop terrace at the hostel where we were able to see the top of the cathedral as well as the hundred± bats circling the top, semi-near the building's flood lights, for food.
There is so much to see and do that I am excited for what's ahead of us tomorrow.
Oh and our hostel's vending machine has cold water, snacks, and cans of heineken for 1 euro (approx $1.40). Of course we bought 2 beers for relaxing while reading and blogging
in our room.
An email chain stemming from a 95± year old woman stated how I feel: "Life is not fair, but it is pretty good"
Sarah: "my eyes are really itchy and watering but I guess I never have snorted orange blossom pollen before."
Cordoba - Day 3
Matt and I woke today and took more pictures of hotel, Lineas 38, Cordoba.
The shared lounge outside our room had a stained glass window as the entire ceiling and had function similar to a sky light.
We went around the corner to check on our car as we made our way to the historical sites. Although no street signs and we had put our car out of the barely-the-width-of-a-sedan street, it was gone.
What was even funnier was that Matt joked "let's see if our car is here still" when we left the hotel initially and realised we were headed in the wrong direction.
The local police politely left a yellow stick next to where we were parked so we could collect the car.
We decided we were not getting charged by the hour for the police to hold the car so we toured the city before even inquiring where our rental car was being kept.
The Mosquita was not only a mosque through history but at times it was a Catholic cathedral.
The interior is so elaborate, Matt and I bought a book describing the history of many parts with an associated picture.
We popped in and out of shops looking at all the fun tourist crap we wouldn't buy :)
Our lunch was fun! We sat outside in the sun while the stereotypical grandma type waiter served us. At one point Matt stood up to take a picture of a near building facade. The waiter had Matt also take a picture of 'grandpa waiter' and myself while joking how Matt left his lady at the table to be stolen. I was laughing so hard it took multiple tries for me to get the correct Spanish out to say Matt didn't understand the Spanish the waiter was speaking to him. Both waiter and i laughed at his realisation and Matt also joined in with a good chuckle once I filled him in.
My onion soup with veggie broth and local fresh cheese was brilliant. Best meal in Spain to date for my precious and stubborn taste buds.
Afterwards we wandered through the narrow streets of the historical center towards the Singagoga, (sinagog).
This southern region, Andalucia, is known for its past history of Judiaism, Islam, and Christians living semi-peacefully together. According to our travel guide book, the worst event was the expulsion of Muslims from the country when it was found that they did not honestly convert to Roman Catholic / Christianity. The decor and cultural approach shows a significance to all 3 roots without any obvious bias.
That said, I love the style of homes and decor and lifestyle here. If I could, I would hunt for all types of decorations for my house in the US. Unfortunately my money tree has yet to blossom in 28 years. I'm hoping my 29th is golden :)
After more wandering and picture taking, we asked the hotel reception to help us by calling the impound for location and details.
Once we had where to go we walked with our luggage about 15 minutes to the impound. Sure enough our french made car was there! After some giggles, signatures, gathering of driver information, and 68.20 Euros (approx. $90) later, we were returned the car.
Since this was a new experience INTERNATIONAL for us both, I took a picture of Matt loading the car with our luggage at the impound. The local police doing administration work there found us possibly more amusing then we found ourselves. I guess I did tell the officer I wanted to keep our yellow 'you have been towed' sticker as my most expensive souvenir.
Once again we headed south for 1.5 hours to Seville. Seville is twice the size of Cordoba and I am of the opinion that it also has twice the amount of tourism.
We approached the city again having issues with under detailed maps available. At an intersection, a guy with a badge suggesting he was a hotel and hostel assistant for the city offered to give us directions before letting us pass onto this one street.
When he saw where our hostel was situated, he went to confirm directions and returned to us asking to get in the car and guide us. Knowing we only had our wallets with little cash on our persons and Matts camera and Kindle 2 within reach of this friendly man, we did what our parents would want us to do. We let the man into the front of our car while I drove and matt protected our things in the back. Sure enough he was a major time saver by what could have been hours. He carried luggage to the hostel with us and then helped us score rock star parking. A parking spot in this town this good must be a Heavenly gift!
we tipped him 5 euros and sent him on his way, although he of course pretended that 5 euros was only a so-so tip, Matt and I know better.
After checking into our hostel, we wondered around the exterior of the Catholic cathedral and then in and out of little shops as we wondered.
Orange trees in this region of southern Spain are in blossom for the second time this season as full blossoms and fruit can be see on the trees. I attempted to get an orange from a tree in Cordoba and realised how amazing the blossoms smelled. Matt described it well; a mix of jasmine and slight sweet citrus.
I did not get any fruit (yet!) And brought blossoms for Matt to smell.
In our usual mood, he took the full pollen staimens and rubbed it on my neck as a perfume. I enjoyed the smell so much that I grabbed a new blossom and deeply breathed in the smell... And pollen.
My material genes have graced me with a very mild hay fever that is usually triggered in the spring and short lived without medication. After knowing Matt, I realise I am lucky for this mild level.
In hindsight, the orange blossoms, which I have never smelled or used the pollen as perfume before, was not a good choice. ("Milk was a bad choice" -Anchorman)
I started sneezing, sinuses dripping, coughing, and had a mild sinus headache. After about 4 hours the symptoms subsided but have yet to fully disappear.
For dinner we had -can you guess- TAPAS! Grilled garlic artichokes, pork fillet in a whiskey sauce -which was top notch,- bread and a slow cooked venison. Its was a relaxing and romantic dinner as you could smell the light and sweet scent of the orange blossoms by just being outside. This time, not enough to trigger more allergies!
We drank sangria with apple pieces and then finished dinner with the local orange wine. It is very sweet and like a port wine without a dry or slight alcohol tasting finish. I really enjoyed it and think it would be a great summer drink with some tonic whereas Matt liked it but found the 15% apv wine too sweet without a tonic as a summer drink.
Now you know the newest drink at my Indy house this summer if you would like to try it.
We checked out the romantic rooftop terrace at the hostel where we were able to see the top of the cathedral as well as the hundred± bats circling the top, semi-near the building's flood lights, for food.
There is so much to see and do that I am excited for what's ahead of us tomorrow.
Oh and our hostel's vending machine has cold water, snacks, and cans of heineken for 1 euro (approx $1.40). Of course we bought 2 beers for relaxing while reading and blogging
in our room.
An email chain stemming from a 95± year old woman stated how I feel: "Life is not fair, but it is pretty good"
Sarah: "my eyes are really itchy and watering but I guess I never have snorted orange blossom pollen before."
The shared lounge outside our room had a stained glass window as the entire ceiling and had function similar to a sky light.
We went around the corner to check on our car as we made our way to the historical sites. Although no street signs and we had put our car out of the barely-the-width-of-a-sedan street, it was gone.
What was even funnier was that Matt joked "let's see if our car is here still" when we left the hotel initially and realised we were headed in the wrong direction.
The local police politely left a yellow stick next to where we were parked so we could collect the car.
We decided we were not getting charged by the hour for the police to hold the car so we toured the city before even inquiring where our rental car was being kept.
The Mosquita was not only a mosque through history but at times it was a Catholic cathedral.
The interior is so elaborate, Matt and I bought a book describing the history of many parts with an associated picture.
We popped in and out of shops looking at all the fun tourist crap we wouldn't buy :)
Our lunch was fun! We sat outside in the sun while the stereotypical grandma type waiter served us. At one point Matt stood up to take a picture of a near building facade. The waiter had Matt also take a picture of 'grandpa waiter' and myself while joking how Matt left his lady at the table to be stolen. I was laughing so hard it took multiple tries for me to get the correct Spanish out to say Matt didn't understand the Spanish the waiter was speaking to him. Both waiter and i laughed at his realisation and Matt also joined in with a good chuckle once I filled him in.
My onion soup with veggie broth and local fresh cheese was brilliant. Best meal in Spain to date for my precious and stubborn taste buds.
Afterwards we wandered through the narrow streets of the historical center towards the Singagoga, (sinagog).
This southern region, Andalucia, is known for its past history of Judiaism, Islam, and Christians living semi-peacefully together. According to our travel guide book, the worst event was the expulsion of Muslims from the country when it was found that they did not honestly convert to Roman Catholic / Christianity. The decor and cultural approach shows a significance to all 3 roots without any obvious bias.
That said, I love the style of homes and decor and lifestyle here. If I could, I would hunt for all types of decorations for my house in the US. Unfortunately my money tree has yet to blossom in 28 years. I'm hoping my 29th is golden :)
After more wandering and picture taking, we asked the hotel reception to help us by calling the impound for location and details.
Once we had where to go we walked with our luggage about 15 minutes to the impound. Sure enough our french made car was there! After some giggles, signatures, gathering of driver information, and 68.20 Euros (approx. $90) later, we were returned the car.
Since this was a new experience INTERNATIONAL for us both, I took a picture of Matt loading the car with our luggage at the impound. The local police doing administration work there found us possibly more amusing then we found ourselves. I guess I did tell the officer I wanted to keep our yellow 'you have been towed' sticker as my most expensive souvenir.
Once again we headed south for 1.5 hours to Seville. Seville is twice the size of Cordoba and I am of the opinion that it also has twice the amount of tourism.
We approached the city again having issues with under detailed maps available. At an intersection, a guy with a badge suggesting he was a hotel and hostel assistant for the city offered to give us directions before letting us pass onto this one street.
When he saw where our hostel was situated, he went to confirm directions and returned to us asking to get in the car and guide us. Knowing we only had our wallets with little cash on our persons and Matts camera and Kindle 2 within reach of this friendly man, we did what our parents would want us to do. We let the man into the front of our car while I drove and matt protected our things in the back. Sure enough he was a major time saver by what could have been hours. He carried luggage to the hostel with us and then helped us score rock star parking. A parking spot in this town this good must be a Heavenly gift!
we tipped him 5 euros and sent him on his way, although he of course pretended that 5 euros was only a so-so tip, Matt and I know better.
After checking into our hostel, we wondered around the exterior of the Catholic cathedral and then in and out of little shops as we wondered.
Orange trees in this region of southern Spain are in blossom for the second time this season as full blossoms and fruit can be see on the trees. I attempted to get an orange from a tree in Cordoba and realised how amazing the blossoms smelled. Matt described it well; a mix of jasmine and slight sweet citrus.
I did not get any fruit (yet!) And brought blossoms for Matt to smell.
In our usual mood, he took the full pollen staimens and rubbed it on my neck as a perfume. I enjoyed the smell so much that I grabbed a new blossom and deeply breathed in the smell... And pollen.
My material genes have graced me with a very mild hay fever that is usually triggered in the spring and short lived without medication. After knowing Matt, I realise I am lucky for this mild level.
In hindsight, the orange blossoms, which I have never smelled or used the pollen as perfume before, was not a good choice. ("Milk was a bad choice" -Anchorman)
I started sneezing, sinuses dripping, coughing, and had a mild sinus headache. After about 4 hours the symptoms subsided but have yet to fully disappear.
For dinner we had -can you guess- TAPAS! Grilled garlic artichokes, pork fillet in a whiskey sauce -which was top notch,- bread and a slow cooked venison. Its was a relaxing and romantic dinner as you could smell the light and sweet scent of the orange blossoms by just being outside. This time, not enough to trigger more allergies!
We drank sangria with apple pieces and then finished dinner with the local orange wine. It is very sweet and like a port wine without a dry or slight alcohol tasting finish. I really enjoyed it and think it would be a great summer drink with some tonic whereas Matt liked it but found the 15% apv wine too sweet without a tonic as a summer drink.
Now you know the newest drink at my Indy house this summer if you would like to try it.
We checked out the romantic rooftop terrace at the hostel where we were able to see the top of the cathedral as well as the hundred± bats circling the top, semi-near the building's flood lights, for food.
There is so much to see and do that I am excited for what's ahead of us tomorrow.
Oh and our hostel's vending machine has cold water, snacks, and cans of heineken for 1 euro (approx $1.40). Of course we bought 2 beers for relaxing while reading and blogging
in our room.
An email chain stemming from a 95± year old woman stated how I feel: "Life is not fair, but it is pretty good"
Sarah: "my eyes are really itchy and watering but I guess I never have snorted orange blossom pollen before."
Madrid & Cordoba - Easter Sunday
Happy Easter!
Only a 2 minute walk from our hostel was a Catholic church having mass every hour, totalling 6 all day at only that single church. Compared to its size, this was very surprising yet very accommodating.
Matt and I attended mass at St Giles, and, although it was in Spanish, we were able to say some of the English responses to ourselves and continue self prayer during the rest.
We made the trek from Plaza de Sol via the metro to the airport to get a rental car and hit the road headed south.
The drive was beautiful and stunning. Mountains and miles of olive tree orchards, some seasonally young vineyards, old wind mills, and beautiful nature kept us so entertained for 4 hours that we did not turn on the radio.
There also are two billboard sized icons which have appeared throughout our time here. Whether in the middle of Madrid or just along the highway, the giant toro -or bull- and a giant matador often appear. Matt and I have become accustomed to loudly saying 'TORO!' Each time we see the bull.
Once we got to Cordoba, we drove extra 2.5 hours in circles around and in the city to get on the correct one way maze of streets to our hotel.
We stayed at Lineas 38 hotel. I would recommend staying over and over again. The web site described it perfectly as straight out of Arabian Nights. Its decoration and style, along with comfort was well worth beyond the low price.
Seeing as our unexpected driving tour took too long, it was 11pm when we walked into a local tavern for a very light dinner of a couple of tapas.
The bar keep was excited to have us there for a chat to practice his English. He told us a story of his musician friend who lives and works in Chicago paying trombone in an orchestra as well as other side music gigs.
We slept like rocks, if rocks slept.
Only a 2 minute walk from our hostel was a Catholic church having mass every hour, totalling 6 all day at only that single church. Compared to its size, this was very surprising yet very accommodating.
Matt and I attended mass at St Giles, and, although it was in Spanish, we were able to say some of the English responses to ourselves and continue self prayer during the rest.
We made the trek from Plaza de Sol via the metro to the airport to get a rental car and hit the road headed south.
The drive was beautiful and stunning. Mountains and miles of olive tree orchards, some seasonally young vineyards, old wind mills, and beautiful nature kept us so entertained for 4 hours that we did not turn on the radio.
There also are two billboard sized icons which have appeared throughout our time here. Whether in the middle of Madrid or just along the highway, the giant toro -or bull- and a giant matador often appear. Matt and I have become accustomed to loudly saying 'TORO!' Each time we see the bull.
Once we got to Cordoba, we drove extra 2.5 hours in circles around and in the city to get on the correct one way maze of streets to our hotel.
We stayed at Lineas 38 hotel. I would recommend staying over and over again. The web site described it perfectly as straight out of Arabian Nights. Its decoration and style, along with comfort was well worth beyond the low price.
Seeing as our unexpected driving tour took too long, it was 11pm when we walked into a local tavern for a very light dinner of a couple of tapas.
The bar keep was excited to have us there for a chat to practice his English. He told us a story of his musician friend who lives and works in Chicago paying trombone in an orchestra as well as other side music gigs.
We slept like rocks, if rocks slept.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Madrid: Day 1
Matt and I arrived by plane in Madrid around 11pm on Wednesday. While getting our checked luggage, the clearly new luggage belt system failed by the ground crew delivering the 3 different carts of luggage from the plane to 3 different carousels.
With luggage in hand, we hailed a cab. We found our hostel was not well marked so the driver called for directions. With my limited knowledge of the Spanish and my own lack of shame, I somehow had the cabbie convinced I understood him fluently. In the end, we arrived without too much hassle.
On our arrival, again the receptionist thought I understood him fluently. All I know is there was a mistake with our 3 night reservation and we received 1 night free of charge.
In the morning, we wondered down a major street, Calle Mayor. We visited a lovely church (we have not seen a non-Catholic church yet! Quite the opposite to GB) and took tons of pictures for the architecture and freshly planted flower beds.
Next we visited Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena. The inside is beautiful and written description does not do it justice, so please stay tuned for pictures.
In essence, it is a collection of new and old style of religious decoration with out loosing the centuries of the different cultural influences.
After a light lunch, we continued wondering and taking pictures before deciding it was nap time. 2.5 hours worth, but we are on vacation :)
Afterwards we headed down the main artery street of central Madrid, Gran Via, until we reached a throng of people lining the streets. The TV station cameras on stands above the crowds indicated something was about to happen. Matt and I found a great spot standing behind 3 physically short couples. The view was great.
Again, words escape me. It was a parade of lay persons and clergy dressed as though it was a funeral procession through the street and Plaza Sol.
Some had purple robes with purple pointed hats, not unlike except in color to the hoods of the KKK, yet with a clearly different intent.
Others were barefoot and had chains on their ankles; dragging the chains through the parade path.
A large effigy of a golden alter decorated with mass amounts of fresh and bright flowers carried a statue of Jesus on the top. People clapped and made the sign of the cross as a sign of respect as it passed.
Multiple large sets of bands provided a sombre but traditional atmosphere. We had attended what was clearly an annual family tradition for many.
Matt and I wandered more and ran into Plaza Ciebeles, known for its stunning fountain. Since it was dark, these night pictures of this plaza should turn out great.
More wondering for an hour or so until we ended up with a pitcher of Sangria and 5 tapas for dinner.
Although the original plan was to go out for another drink or two and explore the famous Madrid nightlife, we were very tired and went to sleep close to 1am.
Matt and I agree the architecture is our favorite thing so far in Madrid, although the Sangria was good as well.
Matt is in heaven with different types of tapas whereas my picky palate really enjoys the basics. I am working on the sense of adventure to have a seafood dish during the trip.
With luggage in hand, we hailed a cab. We found our hostel was not well marked so the driver called for directions. With my limited knowledge of the Spanish and my own lack of shame, I somehow had the cabbie convinced I understood him fluently. In the end, we arrived without too much hassle.
On our arrival, again the receptionist thought I understood him fluently. All I know is there was a mistake with our 3 night reservation and we received 1 night free of charge.
In the morning, we wondered down a major street, Calle Mayor. We visited a lovely church (we have not seen a non-Catholic church yet! Quite the opposite to GB) and took tons of pictures for the architecture and freshly planted flower beds.
Next we visited Cathedral de Nuestra Senora de la Almudena. The inside is beautiful and written description does not do it justice, so please stay tuned for pictures.
In essence, it is a collection of new and old style of religious decoration with out loosing the centuries of the different cultural influences.
After a light lunch, we continued wondering and taking pictures before deciding it was nap time. 2.5 hours worth, but we are on vacation :)
Afterwards we headed down the main artery street of central Madrid, Gran Via, until we reached a throng of people lining the streets. The TV station cameras on stands above the crowds indicated something was about to happen. Matt and I found a great spot standing behind 3 physically short couples. The view was great.
Again, words escape me. It was a parade of lay persons and clergy dressed as though it was a funeral procession through the street and Plaza Sol.
Some had purple robes with purple pointed hats, not unlike except in color to the hoods of the KKK, yet with a clearly different intent.
Others were barefoot and had chains on their ankles; dragging the chains through the parade path.
A large effigy of a golden alter decorated with mass amounts of fresh and bright flowers carried a statue of Jesus on the top. People clapped and made the sign of the cross as a sign of respect as it passed.
Multiple large sets of bands provided a sombre but traditional atmosphere. We had attended what was clearly an annual family tradition for many.
Matt and I wandered more and ran into Plaza Ciebeles, known for its stunning fountain. Since it was dark, these night pictures of this plaza should turn out great.
More wondering for an hour or so until we ended up with a pitcher of Sangria and 5 tapas for dinner.
Although the original plan was to go out for another drink or two and explore the famous Madrid nightlife, we were very tired and went to sleep close to 1am.
Matt and I agree the architecture is our favorite thing so far in Madrid, although the Sangria was good as well.
Matt is in heaven with different types of tapas whereas my picky palate really enjoys the basics. I am working on the sense of adventure to have a seafood dish during the trip.
April fools
For everyone who has not figured it out, APRIL FOOLS!
No, I am not engaged, nor did I win a wet tshirt contest for 1K British Pounds
Sorry Grandma T - we can still go shopping for a new dress anyways!
Thanks to all for being good sports.
I'm lucky to have you in my life. My mom would say, in our family (mostly referring to my maternal uncles) if they tease you, then you know they like you :)
Until next year, when I will be watching my back carefully.
No, I am not engaged, nor did I win a wet tshirt contest for 1K British Pounds
Sorry Grandma T - we can still go shopping for a new dress anyways!
Thanks to all for being good sports.
I'm lucky to have you in my life. My mom would say, in our family (mostly referring to my maternal uncles) if they tease you, then you know they like you :)
Until next year, when I will be watching my back carefully.
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