Sunday

Another full day with lots of conversation.  Who knew that talking could be so tiring.  Marcos taught us Salsa today.  That was good for a laugh.  I've been asked to participate in a skit which I'm a little nervous about.  Sam has asked me to be a witch and take part in a ceremony called the Queimada.  It's about saying a "spell" to ward off the inclination to speak Spanish while here.  It took place at night

With a cauldron of a flaming drink...myself and two other 'witches' come out from the dark and while reciting some mumble jumble move within the crowd cackling!  It was great fun.  We all had some of the drink and then I headed off to bed at midnight while others stayed up until after 1 a.m.  I had managed to go swimming this afternoon as I had a whole hour of free time!!!!  The water was cold but so refreshing.  I then laid back in a hammock with my book.  Ah, heaven!

 

Sunday

Another full day with lots of conversation.  Who knew that talking could be so tiring.  Marcos taught us Salsa today.  That was good for a laugh.  I've been asked to participate in a skit which I'm a little nervous about.  Sam has asked me to be a witch and take part in a ceremony called the Queimada.  It's about saying a "spell" to ward off the inclination to speak Spanish while here.  It took place at night

With a cauldron of a flaming drink...myself and two other 'witches' come out from the dark and while reciting some mumble jumble move within the crowd cackling!  It was great fun.  We all had some of the drink and then I headed off to bed at midnight while others stayed up until after 1 a.m.  I had managed to go swimming this afternoon as I had a whole hour of free time!!!!  The water was cold but so refreshing.  I then laid back in a hammock with my book.  Ah, heaven!

 

 

Saying goodbye to Diverbo

On Thursday during free time we went in several cars up the mountain to see the amazing views of the area.  There is an old monastery there and the weather was beautiful. You could see forever! 

After getting back to Pueblo Inglis we continue with the program but we are going to the hotel for our dinner.  This is a welcome change as the hotel is really nice.  After dinner they have entertainment in the garden.  Tonight they have a violinist, pianist and a singer.  It's magical.

All dressed up tonight!

  Finally just after midnight we head back as we have to be packed and suitcases out by 9 am.
The next morning (Friday) we have out last workshop and receive our certificates.  We all say our goodbyes as several people are leaving by car rather than taking the bus.  I am going back to Madrid by bus at 2:30.  I'm looking forward to continuing with my travels.  Diverbo has been fun but exhausting.  I've met some wonderful people.  

I share the seat on the bus with Montse.  What a character.  When we arrive in Madrid I share a taxi with Jean and Jeddie as we are staying in the same area of Puerta del Sol.  I get dropped at Hotel Liabeny which is a great hotel.  I got a good deal on this one.  Only 54€!
After settling in I decide to get something to eat.  It's hot and busy.  I make my way to Plaza Mayor and sit at an outside restaurant.  I have a salad, calamari and a couple of glasses of wine.  Great place to people watch.

 After I walk around I find a great supermarket and buy some water.  I then find the place that I was shown previously on my walking tour that is renowned for chocolate and churros.  Rich, dark chocolate that you dip the deep fried dough (churros) in to.  Yum!

As I'm leaving I run into Suzy from my Diverbo stay.  What are the chances!  She is with Gordon so I join them and then we head to the plaza to watch the evening entertainment which consists of break dancers, mariachi bands, jugglers and much more.  

I finally say my goodbyes and head to the hotel.  A nice hot bath and off to bed.  I'm heading to Seville tomorrow.

First day in Madrid...

I started off with a coffee and some fruit at the roof top lounge at my hotel.  Is this ever a nice feature to have.  The hotel is great.  Very comfortable.

Lounge with a view.

Big bowl of fruit available.  How nice is that in the morning?

Then I hit the road to get my bearings.  The first place I went was Puerta del Sol which is one of the main plazas.

This statue of a bear is a meeting place at the Puerta del Sol.  It is very symbolic for Madrid.

Then I headed down to the area where the museums are located.  Retiro Park is in this area as well and is a huge green space..

Complete with a lake where you can go for a row.  It was almost 40 degrees today so I was just going from shade to shade.  Must have been so hot out on the water.

This sign proves how hot it was...maybe not 42 but pretty darned close!

I joined a walking tour for 3 hours in the morning and got a very good introduction to the city. 

Plaza Mayor

The Palace

Changing of the guard.

Santa Maria Cathedral

Then a few of us from the walking tour went for lunch.

Sangria and paella to start.  Was tasty just not pretty!

Then back up Calle Fuencarral which has a lot of nice shops on it to my hotel.

It's hard to be vegetarian here.  Not a lot of choices.  Meat is big! 

 I picked up a cold beer and came back to sit on the deck and blog.  I don't think I have the energy to go for dinner so it's nuts, beer and an early night!  I got a ticket for the Prado Museum online so I will do that tomorrow morning.  The lines are horrendous so getting the ticket ahead of time should help..

Full day....I'm exhausted!

But fun....so much fun.  We start our day at 9 with breakfast.  We then check the schedule and participate in all sorts of events.  I had several one on one conversations which are lovely.  We can go anywhere on the property and talk about anything as long as it is in English.  On our free time after lunch I walked into town (La Alberca) which is approx. 1 km away.

  I went with Meredith but we got lost on our return trip.  We finally found our way but were the last to arrive at our next function.  Whew!  Dinner is at 9 and there are games planned (taboo) for tonight but I think I'll pass.  Even though it is fun it is a long day and rather exhausting.  I'm off to bed after a little star gazing.  We have an opportunity for Salsa lessons from Marcos tomorrow and possibly horse back riding.  Oh decisions, decisions!

Meeting with Diverbo

Today I headed to the Prado Museum.  Bought a ticket online which allowed me to skip the line.  So worth it.  Huge line up.  Spent about 3 hours wandering amongst the works of famous artists.  A bit overwhelming.  Sort of like a mini Louve.  After a while it all starts to blend together so I decided I'd had enough culture for one day.

 

I then head off to meet the rest of the volunteers at Casa Patas which is a restaurant but also a school to teach flamenco dance.  I meet Sam who is the Master of Ceremonies and the rest of the volunteers.  There are five of us from Canada!  I'm the only one from Vancouver however there is a woman from Whitehorse so there are two representing the west coast.  We have a lovely get acquainted lunch complete with red wine and then are entertained by a demonstration of flamenco dance, singing and guitar.  Such a powerful performance.

We receive our instruction on where to meet the bus tomorrow promptly at 9:15.  I will share a taxi with Jean from Lethbridge and Jeddie from Whitehorse.  They have both participated in Diverbo before so they are familiar with the routine.  Several people are returning as they have done this once or twice before.  It's a good sign.

I head back to my hotel with Shamus and Glen, both from Ireland.  What a couple of jokers.  Shamus stops for a pint on the way and Glen continues on to his hotel.  I am meeting Jean and Jeddie for dinner this evening.  It's nice to have company.

Had a wonderful dinner.  One of the many sidewalk cafes.  Great food, great company.  Now to repack my suitcase and be ready for taxi pickup at 8:30.

Off on my next adventure...

August 15 Sue and Steve (my brother and sister) drop me at the airport for the red eye flight to London.  After a nice dinner we bid a fond farewell and off I go.  

Flying with British Airlines and this plane is huge.  Has two floors!  I ended up getting a good seat with lots of leg room but I still envied those that had those lovely beds.  Tried to see if I could slip into an empty one but no go.  

We were a bit late arriving at Heathrow as it was busy and it seemed like we were kept circling forever. Then when we finally disembarked I have to find my way to my next flight to Madrid.  I make my way from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 which includes walking a zillion miles and a packed bus.  They expedite me through and I arrive just as they're closing the gate.  Whew!  And then wouldn't you know after all that rushing we sit on the runway for almost an hour waiting for our turn to take off.  It's just nuts there!

One of the many planes waiting their turn!

Coming into Madrid.  Looks pretty hot and dry from up here.  They say it's 34 degrees.

And low and behold this is what the luggage carousel looks like after everyone else has got their bag....guess who didn't get theirs?  Due to the fact that I barely caught my flight to Madrid they didn't manage to get my suitcase on the plane.  It's coming on the next plane so I have to wait around.  So much for a nice dinner.

This was my dinner at the airport.  A cold beer and a ham and Brie baguette.  Could have been worse.  At least I got my suitcase and while I was waiting I got talking to this nice young fellow. 

 He was missing his suitcase too.  Interesting fellow.  He's from the United Kingdom however when I first talked to him I could have sworn he had a heavy Scottish brogue and then later he had a soft English accent. Turns out he is an actor and he was in character with the Scottish brogue so I wasn't imagining it after all.  He is in Madrid to do filming.  He does sword work and horseback riding.  I told him that when I heard his Scottish brogue and noticed his long hair and pretty substantial build I thought he could pass for Thor on the cover of one of those romance novels.  What a hoot!  Nice guy.

I've checked in to my hotel which is great and I think in a great location.  I'll be exploring tomorrow.  This is the view from my little Juliet balcony.  They also have a coffee lounge on the 5th floor which is great.

Anyhow I've got to get some sleep.  My body is all mixed up and hopefully tomorrow I'll get it on the right track.  Nightie night!