On the streets of Madrid

Let me share with you some streets scenes from Madrid!

This is our arrival point for most of our trips into Madrid: Atocha Renfe.

Riding the Metro is a different experience every time. Sometimes we see drunks pass out. Sometimes we are targeted by pick pocketers. Sometimes we are squished into those cars with people literally on our laps. We ALWAYS are running to catch the next train back home.

People like to play all kinds of instruments for some dinero. I like to listen to them, especially the opera lady.

This plaza was my first view of Madrid.

A city canvas.

It is funny to see all the little "accessory" dogs.

These painted cows are part of a traveling art exhibit. Some of them are kind of pretty.

Earning daily bread courtesy of tourists.

I feel bad because I never put any money in the pot.

This guy reminded me of The Invisible Man.

These flamenco dancers were not as good as Valencia or "Carmen," but still fun to see.

Very different, very awesome.

This small ensemble was super good and made that trip five times better because it was a cold and cloudy day. They played classical pieces and attracted a large crowd.

Mariachi in Madrid? The famous statue and symbol of Madrid, the bear and tree, is in the background.

Obviously you can find a McDonald and KFC restaurante most places in the world. I confess I have gone to McDonalds a couple times, but only for a yogurt and once for cherry tomatoes.

Speaking of la comida... this my friends is a castaña, roasted chestnut. Back in January when the weather was begging me for a warm belly I miraculously found a street vendor.

And yes, the famous chocolateria. This was by far the best chocolate and churros I have had in Spain. I am seriously contemplating opening a place like this to battle all the frozen yogurt places in Provo.

At the entrance to El Parque del Buen Retiro there is a street lined with books stalls. You betcha I have spent a couple hours of happiness here!

(The only downside to it is that all the books are in Spanish.)

18 Months

I'm going to miss this girl.

Buena suerte en Chile Hermana Arnold!

Barcelona

What a terrific trip to Barcelona!

Here is La Rambla, a people-watching place.

Our first day we walked down to the port of Barcelona to see the Christopher Columbus monument.

Feeding the seagulls.

It was a cold, windy day (not as stormy as the picture looks though).

We walked along the boat docks which was pretty neat.

The "Stacia" section of La Rambla. Finding bright flowers in the middle of a city street is a treasure.

The street performers and people dressed up in these insane costumes were amusing/creepy.

I bet they make bank.

Monuments in Barcelona practically litter the streets. I liked this one.

We visited the mercado, the big farmer's market type thing, while we were in Barcelona. This is a bunch of candied fruit and olive oil.

I should have bought one of these crabs. They were still moving.

Oh yum!

On Friday morning we visited La Sagrada Familia, an architectural monster originally designed by Gaudí, which is a famous symbol of Barcelona.

The building/temple was inspired by elements of nature. I loved the shapes and curves everywhere.

I hope they finish it before I die.

We did a LOT of walking in Barcelona and it was interesting just to look at all the buildings and scooters.

(These two pictures were taken by Mark. Thanks!)

We went to Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece.

A look out to the Mediterranian Sea from the park.

People enjoying the sun in the park.

Ali and I wandered around the Gothic section of the old city that night and found a little outdoor market that had samples of cheese and chorizo. We ate something that looked like a bean or nut, but tasted downright nasty. I think it was supposed to be decoration.

To top off our stay in Barcelona we went to the fountain show in the Plaza de Espana. Think of the fountain shows at the Bellagio, but bigger, with color, and spanish Disney songs. What a treat it was!

Our fountain poses.

On Saturday we drove up this mountain (no recuerdo el nombre) to see Montserrat, a monastery built on the side of the mountain.

It was a gorgeous place and I loved hearing the bells for mass.

We took an outdoor elevator/train thing to the top of the mountain to have a look.

I think I am going to miss Spain.

Blind Pilot

I still can't get enough of it.

Favorites: Los Parques

Sometimes you need a day to feel like a kid again.

On Friday a few of us took a bike ride around our beloved little Alcalá. We took a quick detour and stoped at a park.

This is the main water fountain in the middle of the park with this great statue of a horse.

Jenna and I with our lean, mean, and green bicicletas.

We of course played in the Don Quioxte Children's Play Area. Here is Don Quixote himself and his horse.

A sand area with a neat little mill.

An awkward/interesting version of swings. Notice the windmills which is yet another reference to Don Quixote.

Megan obviously loved the zip line thing!

A play castle.

No, these are not what you think they are. These are representative of the famous Santa Semana, “Holy Week,” in Spain. The masks on each post represent the costaleros (“sack men”) who carry pasos (huge sculptures of scenes from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and his burial) on their necks. If you look closely you can see that each post is connected by rope for the practicing tightrope walking.

I wanted to make this my profile picture on Facebook, but I decided against it for obvious reasons.

Our favorite toy in the playground had to be this though. Can you guess what it is? It is the best, most amazing teeter totter you have seen in your entire life! Four people can do it at once and you can literally go flying up in the air. I wonder how many little kids have been injured on this thing. There is no way a school playground in the U.S. would allow one of these things because of the safety hazards. Nevertheless, it was awesome!

Pure Joy.

Monday Market

Today's adventure was going to the Monday Market after class with Heather. You can buy all kinds of trinkets and such with only a couple of euros, but most of it is just more stuff. I went for the experience and absolutely loved it! I was literally sucked into the crowd around the rows of fruits and vegetables. I could only move forward, trapped between two old men that smelled of cigars, until I finally was able to break away. All the vendors shout out their wares and prices which I thought was pretty cool until they shouted at me and then tried to convince me that I needed that knock-off watch or camiseta.

Here is a quick clip of what the market experience is like here in Alcala de Henares.

(Sorry about the jostling in the video, I was trying not to call too much attention to ourselves.)