I have always wanted to see flamenco dancing, and bullfighting - real Spanish Bullfighting. I had never been to Spain, and it seemed a good place to visit during this tour of Europe. It also crosses another country off the list for Randy. When we started researching our trip - I was astonished to discover that Madrid Zoo had koalas. I knew at that point - that this was a must visit city, and the zoo was my top priority. Randy found a medieval armory at the Palace Real, this was also added to the list of places to visit.
We booked the trip on ebookers.ch
We decided to fly to Madrid because it would take too long by train.
Our plan was to arrive Tues Afternoon, orientate ourselves, check into hotel, flamenco Tues night, Visit Sites and armory on Weds, Bullfighting Weds night, Zoo Thurs during the day. Travel home Thurs night.
As it happens, the "unpronounceable volcano" decided to spew some more invisible ash and 9hrs after arriving at the airport - and taking many intteresting photos - we leave - arriving at our hotel in Madrid shortly after midnight.
There is a metro you can take from the airport into Madrid City. Their underground map is similar to London Underground layout. Make sure you have some small change with you, as there are no change machines at the airport.
Hotel Principe Pio
The hotel was a little tired, but the front staff were incredible. They got us tickets for everything we wanted. They were very friendly, and spoke enough English to communicate. Id thoroughly recommend this hotel as somewhere to bed down for the night - but with no bar, no amenities - it might not be for everyone.
Madrid Overview
Madrid is an incredible mixture of old and new, traditional and modern. There were statues and beautiful building fronts, and McDonalds and KFC's.
The city was very busy, and the huge number of people/cars/buses/noise was quite overwhelming - particularly in Puerta del Sol. This is the heart of Madrid. There was a demonstration going on the day we visited (Weds). It is here that the Zero KM mark is (the place where all motorways/freeways in Spain are measured from) - and the bear eating the strawberry tree fruit (El Oso y El Madroño - Symbol of Madrid)
(Puerto del sol)
There was a free Egyptian Exhibition we wanted to see at the National Archeological Museum. It wasnt normally free - but as they were refurbishing the museum - they did a subset of their best exhibits, and did a restricted view for free. Great service.
Randy noticed how incredible clean the city was. Everywhere.
As you can see in the first photo, there is not a scrap of trash on the street.
Even the underground was spotless. Whenever we walked around whether it was 11am, 5pm or 3am - we saw street cleaners cleaning the streets.
We had lunch at a small Tapas bar - and although the food looked terrible in the photo - it didnt quite taste that bad. These were Iberian Sirloin Tostas. If you happen to know that "Iberian Sirloin" is not Spanish Beef steak but happens to be the fleshy part of a rams left gonad - please do not let us know.
During the afternoon we had a siesta as we had a busy evening ahead of us. We were intending to go to the armory but we arrived too late and it was already closed for the evening. (We then realised our hotel TV clock was 2hrs late - and when we thought it was 3:30pm it was actually 5:30pm). We had bullifght at 7pm, and Flamenco Dinner and Show booked for midnight. (Madrid doesnt sleep. The Spanish party all night.)
I have made a seperate entry for the bullfighting, so not everyone needs to see the gore. Just as a taster though - here are some shots of the bullring, a Spanish Rodeo clown - and of course, the wonderful rain....
After the bullfight, we went to the hotel - and changed for our evening dinner. We were able to stroll to the flamenco place, past the Palace Real.
The Flamenco Place was "Corral de la Moreria" one of the worlds most renowned flamenco clubs. I was expecting a large stage with a cabaret-like show. However, what we received was the most amazing, personal show - even Randy was moved. The restaurant was small - only about 20 small tables - with a large number of servers. The menu was interesting, however, I wouldnt recommend eating there. I had Shoulder of Lamb - it was okay - but not great.
There was a small stage in one corner of the restaurant, and this is where the show occured.
The show started soon after orders were placed, and dinners were discretely served during the show.
The first person to perform was Anabel Moreno. She has performed for the King and Queen of Spain. She was an incredible dancer filled with so much passion, and emotion.
Ivan and Anabel then danced together. (video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwaSrchLv3c
These 2 dancers were followed by a group of 3 ladies. These ladies had castanets, and typical flamenco styled costumes.
Randy was fascinated by the rhythms and the tempo. They really slam those feet down, like Spanish tap dancing. See video below for Flamenco Feet Dancing
A totally Incredible, not to be missed show/event.
As a side note - On Weds night - Athletico Madrid won UEFA Europa League against Fulham. Every bar and tavern we walked past on the way home from the bullfight, and on the way to the flamenco had all eyes on the TV. Even at 2-3am in the morning coming home from the flamenco, we could still hear people cheering, and car horns blowing. A wonderful evening.
Madrid Zoo
Thursday we visited Madrid Zoo.
Thursday we visited Madrid Zoo.
This was an incredible place - not too large, but with a huge variety of animals. The zoo is split into continents and animals are mostly grouped as such. They seemed to have large interesting enclosures.
There was an aquarium in the zoo which focused on tropical corals and sealife - this was one of the best aquariums I have been too. The tanks were so incredibly clean. The enclosures allowed people to get close to the animals.
Randy particularly liked the birds of prey area.
The highlight of the zoo for me was the koalas (including the baby).
There was an aquarium in the zoo which focused on tropical corals and sealife - this was one of the best aquariums I have been too. The tanks were so incredibly clean. The enclosures allowed people to get close to the animals.
Apparently there were 2 rare species in the zoo that day. A North American Bearded Tiki, and an English Grinning Tet... we were lucky to get photos of them.
Trip home - more delays - "weather". Had to run through Geneva airport - 7mins from gate to train - did it in 6... couldnt breathe till we got to Neuchatel (about an hour later).
The thing that surprised us the most about Madrid and the Spanish was how helpful and happy they were. It was very noticeable - particularly as most peoples English was about as good as our Spanish - we all struggled through - and we all end up having a good laugh and giggle as we end up with the right order. (I think Randy was impressed with my "pain" impression at the pharmacy).
And thank god for the guy from New Jersey who helped us at our first metro ticket buying situation..... Thanks - whoever you are!
And thank god for the guy from New Jersey who helped us at our first metro ticket buying situation..... Thanks - whoever you are!
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