Picture POST- Madrid

These pictures are in backwards chronological order, and there will be more to come, the Hostal computer is on a timer...

From Top: 1. Matador that got murked, but he was like the best one and got the most cheers, deal for him. 2. Rando horse mauling. 3. Err and Steve in Plaza de Toros. 4. Err reading her map in front of the train estacion. 5. First meal in Spain and Madrid, deliçioso. 6. Cool, HUGE, wine glass filled with corks. 7. Video of the first stab, but not death. This is after like 30 minutes of stabbing the bull over and over.."but the DAMAGE WAS DONE!" -DC (he´s confused because he´s been running around for 30 min, poor thing! - Err)

More to come, Promise!

Picture POST- cambridge

From Left 1. Leland, Reggie, Cate, Dave saluting O-2´s. 2. All posing for a pic. 3. James, O-2, taking a beer pong shot. 4. Dave, Leland, and Stephen at the wetting down.

De Nada, si o no

Today was a day of Travel, or at least the first three hours were. We left Madrid (Mathrid-Erin in green) at 11:20 this morning, and headed to Valencia (Balenthia), a three hour train ride (train station above). I, myself, slept for more than half the trip, but Erin says that it was pretty. The part of Valencia, although not terribly close to the beach, does still feel breezy and a little cooler than Madrid (also smaller and more quaint than Madrid).

After deciphering the directions to the Hostel, we arrived, checked in, and then IMMEDIATELY ate lunch due to the fact that since we have been here, Erin has decided that we should share every meal, leaving me starving for the last like 5 days. We managed to find somewhere to eat, at the suggestion of our overly excited check-in guy (I'm almost positive his name is Alejandro and he jams out to everything, including System of a Down with Stephen). BTW, we're staying at the Home Backpackers Hostel (less of a party crowd perhaps, but we'll find out tonight I guess-oh, and "Pub Crawls" are apparently at every hostel), http://www.likeathome.net/.

The restaurant was called the Boatella, and we ordered the fried fish, fried prawns plates and olives, and un montadito (picture) which was a delicioso small open faced sandwich con jamon y fresh tomates (proscuitto and tomatoes.) Before everyone laughs that we couldn't get something other than fried foods because we're from SC, let me tell you that it was terribly far from that. First, the fried foods are in very little batter, if any at all, and the fish was just basically mini fish fried. Like literally half the plate consisted of minnows (literally looked, and smelled/tasted like minnows from a lake. Ohh, and from what we gathered there is a very large homosexual population here, from our waiter to teh passersby, I think we're accurate.), and then like 6 bigger fish, but not by much. Although it looked strange at first, it was delicious.

Following the meal, we ventured for postcards, back towards the train station. The sidewalks in that part of the town are like marble which is pretty cool, and the plaza with the fountain (which was previously our marker to find the hostel, picture at left) is really awesome. We walked along this area and found a few postcards, and then of course sat in a sidewalk cafe to fill them out. **Also (and I cannot believe Steve left this out because we had a lengthy convo about it) the "rules" are different when at a restaurant in Spain. From what we gathered (after speaking to a few natives and learning how to say "Check please" or "la cuenta, por favor," it is custom to greet and serve the costumers as usual and then leave them until then request the check. There is no asking how the meal is, if they need anything, more water, blah blah...you must actively request the check...and also, it is not rude to flag the waiter. Very interesting. Thank goodness we figured out how to say that instead of walking inside over and over. The post office itself was in the same plaza just mentioned, and was really huge, which by the way I can't figure out why their post offices are so big, but yet we use like 1/16 of them for actual postal serivces, whatev. We had a time looking lost and wandering in circles once in the place, looking for stamps and the drop box, but Erin's new found courage and communicaciones en espanola has guided us in several right direcciones (um, all I had to say was "a Estados Unidos" meaning to The United States...and btw, they have about 8 drop boxes, and although they each say different things, none of them mean anything...at least that's what I could gather from the securidad officer today...she keep saying (Todos-meaning all and Quieres-meaning whichever you want) (the girl sitting across from us can't close her legs, wow) (but she was nice enough to speak to us and tell us where a wine opener was in the hostel).

Finally, after what seemed like chores, we got to go see some sites, aka the cathedral of santa maria (right), which dates back to 1300's I think, but I could be lying. This church was fantastico, and was huge on the inside. AND there was some woman taking wedding pics, and for Buster, she rolled up in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, deal! The church held for us some intersting views and failed self-timer attempts, but pictures will come when we get the camera cord.

Following this, we ate again, which shocked me because I got my own meal (in my defense, it's easier to order AND cheaper. We also hit a run-down grocery store where we purchased a bottle of wine for about $4.00, two baguettes for about $1.00 and some cheese and salami for very little, que bueno!), AND we ate so close back to back, which is really shocking thus far, and continued back to the Hostel; meandering all the way. Thus here we are, writing the blog, checking emails, drinking some wine, and planning our trip to the beach tomorrow, va (Vaminos, heard as Baminos meaning Let's go)!

Oh, and the title is because Stephen randomly says, "de nada, si o no" meaning your welcome or it is nothing (you say it in response to thank you) and, yes or no) ALL DAY LONG (todo el dia, DEVON), it is hysterical.

Pictures may come sooner or later. Adios traduccion manana (goodbye until tomorrow)!

Que Magnifico!

Hola from a full day of Madrid (Mathrid)...apparently V's sound as B's and D and/or C sound as "th", which we somewhat learned in high school Spanish but is very obvious here. Anywho, today started bright and early (around 9 to catch the free breakfast, holler!) with a shower (finally)...oh, and everything is on a timer here...not a motion sensor timer but one that you have to push: the shower:about 45 seconds, lights in bathroom: 2 minutes, etc. Taking a shower in dorm-esque bathrooms is quite the experience with timers.

Annnyyywwaaayy, we started the day on the trip to pick up our tickets to tonight's bullfight (happy bday Steve!). This, just fyi, is no small trip...it's about an hour walking there (my ankles are bruising). What she fails to mention is that its an hour walking for locals, but for tourists its like 3, between turning around, looking at the map, and using park benches, it takes a HOT minute. We stopped at the estacion de tren (train station) to get our Eurail tickets for tomorrow's travel a Valencia. There is an actual rain forest inside the train station, equipped with lush plants and constant mists, very unusual. We had pretty good luck with the woman at the desk though, who spoke NO inglis, at all. We managed. Then we made our way to Goya plaza to pick up our tickets (another time for telling them I spoke un poco Espanol (very little Spanish), haha. Another smooth experience though. Aside from making it almost all the way to the other end of this Calle/Road (an exceptionally LOOONNGGG one), before realizing that we we're going to the wrong location. Luckily, we had a bit more sleep and could manage.

We then tried to see El Rastro which is a flea market that's highly acclaimed in several travel books. We seemed to have gone during "el siesta" and missed it. We did however walk through the slums (picture at right), and I mean scary, of Madrid...again, no pick pocketers, or even approachers, Thank God. Apparently on our map, this area becomes a black hole, and streets are not labeled, chruches are not mentioned, and really sketchy people just watch as you walk by. Luckily, since I have the skin of every nationality in the world and Erin has the fashion sense of a skinny jean wearing European, we don't get bothered much. Ohhh, and not once, but TWICE, we've been approached by locals (or visitors from other cities) for direcciones...why?, you ask, because we look like locals. Including Steve's dark skin, we have no luggage, bookbags, camera around our neck, etc...and we speak rando Spanish phrases (that we learned by hearing) throughout the day; Steve is especially fond of this. To Jame, I am speaking in basically the same way I do Italian, just stringing together sounds that really appear authentic to the untrained ear, but in fact mean nothing. BUT, after seeing the dead El Rastro, we ate at an adorable restaurant, El CLAN, where we met Mary Lee's husband I took the picture of him for you, and you will thank me haha, the English speaking, very helpful, career waiter (around 40 years old). We had artichoke gratin and risotto with mushroom, muy delicioso! We also fed the mini birds who tend to join the table for bread crumbs :) This is Erin's thing, I only did it once and that was sitting outside the museo del prato, which I will attribute to exhaustion. *and on that note, there are muchos perros pequenos (lots o' mini dogs) EVERYWHERE! adorable. And, no leashes. Benny would be FREE AT LAST. The only difference being these dogs walk beside very busy roads without wandering (no comments from the peanut gallery, por favor (please)).

After enjoying our lunch (and learning, FINALLY, how to ask for the check (la cuenta, por favor FYI) we made our way to La Plaza Mayor (picture). Muy Bonita! It included artists, cafes, restaurants, and the other tourists...it's becoming all too common to walk up to a seeming local person and ask for a picture or suggestion in Spanish and have them speak back to you in English, haha, hilar.

After milling around town, we took the metro to the Plaza de Toros (Bull Plaza-picture at top) where the bullfights occur. It was awesome and apparently a huge deal (crowd equivalent to a Carolina game), even to locals. The title is from one of mine and Steve's faux Spanish interjections, Que Magnifico (how magnificient), although unsure about whether it was good or bad. More to come later (with pictures and a video!).

Finally, after four hours of bullfighting which by the way doesn't have very many dull moments, but the cheering and booing is rather confusing. I feel like I couldn't tell if I was supposed to cheer for the bull or the guy (and anxiously stopping by a convenient store for lots of water and a "Trina" brand orange soda-shout out to mi madre), we had a breakfast (huevos, jamon y patatas) for dinner (and communicated in full Spanish). Delish!

Tomorrow is Valencia, but not before a three hour train ride and being lost in a city all over again. Deal. Adios!

Casa Alberto

The day began literally as yesterday ended, I think Erin and I will take time getting used to Hostel sleeping (i.e. HEARING people come in at 6 and 7 am), therefore last night did not result in a lot o' sleep. The Hostel is a little too Youthesque, aka, people sleep all day just to "pub crawl" starting*** at 1 am. Its like their isn't a beautiful city here, just the inside of discotechnos and the bottom of shot glasses, terrible. But, today was a "New Day" - Will I am, and it began strongly. We visted a supermarcado, but an Asian one, and it resulted in great fun, hunting for a 10 euro minimum of items, including bland muffins, lays chips, digestive chips (aka cookies, its British), rando juice, baguette, and 1.5 L Sprite (which was the best choice).

But, following our Mandarin/Spanish/English encounter at the market, we set out on a monumentous trek. We literally walked ALL day, and saw everything on our side of the town. Although it was exhausting, it was fantastic. We meandered in streets, walked through gardens, chatted with a pleasant older couple from Arizona, had some sangria in the park, and even visted the FREE-99 art museum (I think its free because most people in Madrid are sleeping at that time, i.e. siesta). We have a picture of one of the sites we saw today in Retiro park (this is NOT our picture, we will not be uploading new ones until we get Erin's camera uploader thingy).

We did actually take a pic in front of this, thanks to our couple from Arizona, who by the way kept creeping out of NOWHERE the rest of the day, like EVERYWHERE.

We also got go inside a nice older Catholic church. Again the picture is one from the Internet, and

I don't think that we have any personal ones (Erin snapped one but it may be kinda dark, and the outside view is a little distant), but of course it was really pretty. The church sits above the museo and is really picturesque.

At the end of our day, we returned to near our Hostel to look for something to eat, and ended up at a nice Tapas place (picture at top, and the title of this entry). The staff spoke good English and we order some great food, and even tried their Vermouth on tap..yes Vermouth on tap. It's odd, but apparently it's really commonplace. It wasn't too bad, but I couldn't drink it often.

Hopefully we'll be able to continue to add more entries, but our friend from Colombia who had the outlet converter has just left, and the one we bought before we left of COURSE doesn't work, but we'll try and figure something out, and as soon as we get the uploading device, we'll have real pictures of us and where we were fo sho! (and btw unlike Erin I don't like to proof-read my stuff so I apologize for errors).

Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas!

Hellloo from Spain! Ok, first and foremost-the blog difficulties. It has come to my attention (via facebook and emails) that it's difficult to comment on the blog, which is so disappointing! Here's what my conclusions are (but I'm guessing because it almost always automatically signs me in to the blog so I can comment quite easily)-BUT, I believe to comment, you have to sign in and then scroll down to the end of that day's blog entry and click on the "Comments" link. Hayley Senn...if this is NOT how you did it, would you please comment with mejor direcciones?!?

**I'd also like to comment very quickly that I'm writing this in our hostel's internet cafe...complete with enormous open windows, travelers from varying countries and even a dance floor with techno music--it's pretty much my dream place! Here's a pic (from the website so it's blurry).

Our last night in Cambridge was definitely close to the best! Two of Leland's Naval Academy friends, James and Dorothy, were being promoted. (We don't have pics yet, but I will as soon as I get my pic device shipped over). We spent the evening of Memorial Day at a beautiful flat (thanks Dave and Leland!) overlooking the Cam river. We ate hamburgers and ice cream and even played a few games of beer pong. They also did a very appropriate toast to the two officers, with Anchors Aweigh playing in the background. Anyway, all this is said to comment that Leland introduced us to the most hospitable and fun group of people. and we ended over a few good cigars on the patio, fantastic, but ended too early. (Steve's the red writing by the way).

Anyway, so far our Spanish extravaganza has been exciting/interesting even though we haven't really done anything. We arrived this morning and walked the what seemed like 17 mile trek to the metro station but eventually found our way to the Cat's Hostel (picture). Once we arrived, after spending very near 10 minutes figuring out how to open the door (they give you bracelets that sync with the door to open it...but it takes special timing), we immediately met a few people who were going on the Tapas Tour hosted by the hostel. About 10 of us were led by our adorable, overly cheery Swedish hostess to 4 tapas restaurants. We tried paella, prawns, cheeses, bread, and a style of pigs in a blanket. Oh, and HILARIOUS story...we're sitting with our group, with people from Austrailia, Colombia, France, Canada, and Mexico (oh, and Mary Lee...the guy from Mexico, Victor, is adorable...you would love him), and they began discussing what the sausages wrapped in prosciutto with bread...so I half blurted "it's a pig in a blanket!" in the usual southern accent...although they couldn't figure out if we were kidding or not, it was hysterical between the two of us. No one here can figure us out...they're shocked we can speak coherent sentences. Annndd, someone even asked if we still had "mammies." Go South Carolina. From what I gathered, being from the "true" south (which they labeled it, not me) is exoctic, and people love it, kind of crazy...and to Jame, I feel like I've been in a Time to Kill since we showed up here..

Anyway, on with the day, we came back here during the "siesta" hours where everything shuts down and tried to sleep (like apparently literally the entire city does). As we were napping in our room of 10 beds, we experienced two entertaining things: 1) I assume the guy beside us was having a bad dream, because in a dead silent room, he shrieked like he was being murdered...it was a little scary. 2) After about 6 minutes (and the loud shrieker), Stephen let out a very loud, VERY awkward half cry in his "sleep"...and he was serious. I nudged him out of humiliation but neither of us said anything. It was pretty awkward discussing it later. Listen, In my defense, I was very tired and in delerium, therefore it was just the moment of threshold crossing between sound sleep, and utter, sweat-drenched frustration. It was terribly awkward though, I have to agree, and hence why it wasn't discussed on the spot.

Again, on with the day. Stephen and I went to dinner at an authentic Spanish restaurant, Canas y Tapas. Anyone who had high school Spanish with me (or the joke Spanish accent from the Dominico) can remember how I struggle to hide my southern accent while attempting to speak Spanish (although I will say, some of it comes back very quickly). We had jamons y quesos, huevos y potatoes (basically sunny side up eggs with french fries), and a toast with tomatoes, delicioso! I would like to comment that although I have had zero spanish EVER, I at first, was the only one attempting to talk. Errr, in the midst of correcting me, shrinks into oblivion when a native approaches with questions, forgetting even words like, the number 4 and thank you. I'm getting better and by the end I'll be habla-ing espanol.

Last note: So far, the fellow hostel-ers are super friendly and quick friend makers. Anndd, so far, no pick-pocketers, even though we've been repeatedly warned (even by locals). Hooray!

Anyway, cheers mate! (wrong country but whatev).

Tea, Scones, and Ergy Foul

Sunday was unusually sunny and warm, being close to 75 degrees all afternoon with bright blues skies and no clouds.  Leland took us to the next village, Grantchester, where we had the typical afternoon tea and scones (I bought a treat from one of the many tempting street vendors on the way, picture to the right).  The restaurant, The Orchard, had an incredible amount of outside eating with small wood tables and beach-like reclining chairs-adorable!  The "typical" tea and scones consisted of traditional tea for two (or one for Leland) that comes in miniature tea pots with cream, sugar, and accompanying cups.  Also, you chose from plain or fruit scones (we tried one of each), among all sorts of other treats: cakes, muffins, pastas, meats, etc...we just decided to do the stereotypical thing.  It was relaxing and fantastic.  The tea with cream (which I've never seen or tried before) was pretty good...I couldn't really even tell the cream was there, but it was good either way.  

That afternoon we stopped at the Cambridge Chophouse for a glass of wine in their quaint outside seating.  We read rando English magazines and people watched...very entertaining.  The one pictures with the wine glass is Stephen's artistic

 claim to fame 

(he's sitting beside me still saying how fantastic it is).  "The picture speaks for itself, frankly."  Anyway, the other pics are some of the interesting sites we saw.  Conclusions:  kids on a leash make it over here too (Hayley...),  when the weather's warm, some people feel free to wear anything, and it's perfectly acceptable to be a true tourist and takes pictures with favorite bartenders

; no one is shocked or rude.  

We're making the trek to Madrid tomorrow so it might be a few days before we get back in order.  We're leaving here at 5:00 to catch a train...exciting stuff.  If you ever come to Cambridge though, Leland is the host to stay with.  He plans exciting adventures without being overbearing about getting them done (and he helps us when we're lost or confused too haha).  He's fantastic!

Leaving on a Jet Plane..

First and foremost, it is true that English people do sing loudly and off-key in pubs, and it is fantastic. After our Beer festival trip with Leland's crew (pics below), we ate at the noodle bar, which is supremely delicious, and then venture to a pub for some more brews. We also got to see our fav American student in Britain, Dave, who had taken us punting a few days before (pic is of Dave and I convo-ing). 

And there it began.... There were conversations galore with eclectic characters, and signing "I'm leaving on a Jet plane..." at the top of our lungs with faux british accents (yes, Err did as well). The pic is of the ring leader, and older British man who knew every word!! I had a

nother good convo with a chap from Wales, who was an American baseball fan, specifically of the Brewers (cause he liked the name, Ha), and we discussed how awesome the Chelsea football club was. 

We ventured home, but not before being able to follow the stereotypical Cambridge professor, who was in our pub enjoying a pint as well, probably after discovering something that will profoundly change the world, and of course we snapped a pic. 

The morning of Saturday, or rather afternoon, brings the excitement of another day of tasting pints and sampling what can be referred to as "English Food." Last night we were entertained by the Darwin College, a newer college at the University of Cambridge, having a formal three course meal with Sherry and Port to begin and end the meal, respectively. 

As always, I was trapped by an over-talker, which seems to haunt me even across the Atlantic, and got my first taste of how much America is actually disliked. I had to sit through the usual, why don't you do this, you should do that, blah blah, but it was interesting enough for me to offer a few replies on the behalf of my country. Leland assured me that it is a regular occurrence, but it dwindles after a while. 

Other than that, we were able to hang with Leland's class mates, from China, UAE, Virginia, and Australia (They're in the group pic, notice Erin and I having "put together" outfits of borrowed jackets and shoes from Leland's friends). We enjoyed beverages at the DarBar, and even shared a conversation over a glass of wine on the Cam river; delightful. There will certainly be more to come, and post some comments people jeez...Cheers! 

I forgot my picture uploading device...of course, but I'm going to use Leland's camera for the remainder of our stay so that I can send pictures.  Above are a few pictures from yesterday's adventures 

Besides pimms and punting, we've successfully sat fireside in a pub, while eating fish & chips.  Also, this morning, we had wha

t's considered an "English breakfast."  It consisted of beans, eggs, grilled tomatoes, bacon (which is really ham), potatoes, and toast.   Also, we visited the 36th Annual Cambridge Beer Festival whic

h was the prime people watching spot.  It's the most various (and unexpected) crowd of Cambridge.   The people vary from seemingly extremely intelligent to the typical undergraduate student (except the fact that, here, you can legally drink at 18).   Also, it seems everything is followed with a happy, "cheers, yea?!"  

So far, this campus is absolutely breathtaking.  It's picturesque but have your average, run of the mill (and very intelligent) people walking through it.  More to come later.  

Pimms & Punting

We just touched down in London town, greeted most expectantly by confusion and exhaustion. (caused obviously by the "chatty Kathy's" in row in front of us). After walking what seemed to have been miles (or kilometers) we finally were comforted by the waiting arms of a one Leland Burns. 

As of right now, it's 6:34 PM here and we're fighting over what's left of a Gardetto's bag and waiting for Leland to return from his rowing practice.  In our first day, which has been filled to the brim, we have participated (I even gave it a go) in one of Cambridge's Queen's College's most common pastimes: Pimm's and Punting with Dave, who is apparently a novice History Guide as well (and arguably the coolest of Leland's friends here, partly because he is the only one we've met).  Consisting of purchasing a beverage (similar to maybe a SoCo and Lime, but sweeter and with fresh fruit) and rowing up and down the Cam river with a pole, I guess like the ones you see in Venice (btw hence the name Cambridge I'm told), punting is relaxing yet adventurous. Following this, we visited the King's College chapel, listening to a selection of chorus music, and managed to get lost on the way back to Caa's. 

As we wait for Leland, I try and fight the sleep that I so desperately need, and look forward to enjoying the Pints that soon await our arrival at the The Anchor (yes, a local pub). Perhaps a later post of more interesting nature will follow, which will include pictures and visual aids in the previous descriptions. Cheers! (apparently Leland is English and uses this term wildly). 

New Tenative Plans

Hellloo! The plans have since changed from the

last post. We're now only visiting Spain and Italy, excluding staying with Leland in London and Stephen's aunt in Switzerland of course. Following landing in London on May 21st (and spending some QT with Leland and Cambridge with the possibility of a few days trips) the plans are:

SPAIN: We'll be first traveling to Madrid followed subsequently by Valencia and Barcelona. One of the most exciting events (and one of few planned as of now) is a bull fight in Madrid! Holler!

ITALY: As of right now, we'll be staying in Rome and Florence.

CURRENT TIME

If you know anything about any of these places, please please let us know! Any festivals, great restaurants, money savers, tours, etc. Any and all help is great!