Wrapping it All Up

Largely because I want to be able to remember as much of my amazing Spain trip as I can, I feel like I need to have one more entry.

Michelle and her friend ended up pushing their trip to France back by a day, so we hung out some Saturday night and Sunday!  I was also able to move my flight up a day, so I didn't have to hang all alone for too long.

Saturday night...we headed back out for Patatas Bravas....yum!

In Puerta del Sol

Michelle's usual craving...ice cream!  As you can tell, all the people in the picture look thrilled!

While the during the week bullfights were done, they still had Sunday bullfights.  Thanks to my delayed flight I got to partake and see one!

Right before the last bullfight we were planning to leave early, but saw a ballerina was taking pictures down below.  We went out to watch.

Then ended up getting a picture with her thanks to this guy we met.  I couldn't understand most of what was being said, but he appeared slightly tipsy and strange.  He was insistent of us getting pictures and somehow seemed to be able to get them (Without people saying absolutely not).

There's the guy...the one that we were unsure about in the blue shirt.  Apparently he was matador Ivan Garcia's manager, which explained why we were able to easily get pictures with the matadors as they came out of the arena at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas in Madrid, Spain.

Ivan Garcia and the Hatfield Sisters :)

A couple websites from the day we went:
http://elredondeltaurino.blogspot.com/2011/08/fotosmadrid-las-ventas-28-08-2011.html
http://www.entorero.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=243:video-resumen-las-ventas-280811&catid=14:video-resumen&Itemid=7

Goodbyes had to come :(...the sisters had to say goodbye at the metro station.

We left in opposite directions on the metro.

Thank You Hurricane Irene?

So on Friday to celebrate our final night together, or so we thought, Michelle and I went to to the famous Museo Nacional del Prado followed by some Paella and Sangria! 

Free tickets after 6pm!

Liked this fountain, Fuente de Neptuno

We tried, but our big heads covered up the fountain.

Since she couldn´t eat the paella with her allergies, she played with her alternate option haha.

Saturday

We checked the weather continuously, expecting that it was wise to try to predict if there would be a potential cancellation of the flight.  Thanks to Aunt Karis´s email I was aware there was even a hurricane...or as Michelle tried to describe it in Spanish ¨big storm.¨  We wake up Saturday morning, flight still showing on time and weather looking like the flight could land before the storm hit the DC area.  Michelle´s WYD friend stopped by to drop off his stuff, so he wouldn´t have to carry it around Madrid, as they were taking off for France that afternoon.  I told him, ´´if you see me again today, that´s not a good thing.´´

Michelle and I arrive at the airport to see a big flashing red sign saying my flight to the states had been cancelled.  I called up United to get my alternate options (I previously had researched so had a general idea) and was told I could go through Toronto to Chicago...I was like put me on that flight.  This lady was great, first she didn´t understand my flight was canceled because that didn´t show in their system, then to make it better she was going to try to put me on a flight connecting through Charlotte...I don´t think she truly understood the hurricane issue.  As the lady on the phone was finalizing the information, we go to the ticket counter and confirmed my updated flight.  Next we went over to Air Canada to check-in.

Air Canada said, we don´t have a reservation for you in our system.  What!?!  How is that possible, we confirmed on the phone and in person.  Yup, back to United to see the guy we saw before going to Air Canada we went and wow this guy was truly not helpful.  It was the first time I think my sister had ever said, ´´No, you will listen to me.´´  Ok, it was in Spanish so it sounded that much cooler.  We got motioned to come to another line, where I was told the Toronto flight was booked.  I explained I was confirmed and they pulled it up in the system.  Yes, of course they could print me the itenerary I was booked on (though the previous guy said he couldn´t), but apparently I didn´t have a confirmed seat and the flight was overbooked.  So there are some uncertainties, as I know coming from the US to Madrid they told me I couldn´t even fly standby due to it being international...o well.  Therefore, it was off to looking at other options.  At this point, I said just get me back to the states.  I figure, I know enough people throughout the US, so that was the best option.  They said at that point, there was no other flights available even connecting through other countries.  My next best option was to get put on the Tuesday flight, since by this time the Monday one was full.  O and did I mention, as Michelle and I were talking to the people we had a lovely group behind us who stated that we had cut, never waited in line, blah, blah, blah?  I was thinking, wow their being pretty rude, but I think the point that I really was offended/annoyed beyond caring was when one of the guys said I hope they do book you on a flight and it crashes.

So now the current plan is back to the states Tuesday...followed by Kentucky on Wednesday.  On a plus, they put me up in a hotel, which was good because my current accomodations were going to disappear.  I was going to try to go with my sister for part of her trip, but that became a little too complicated.

Viernes

When I pushed publish post it never updated :( and I guess didn't save along the way (atypical for sure).  Tomorrow is a new day

Jueves

Good Morning, I started running out of clothes to wear as you can tell by my shirt with English on it.  Bad idea...can we say Tourist!  Even with the limited amount of English I would speak, if they made up their mind before Michelle spoke then bam....tourist.  We had gone over to get tapas, sat down to find out they didn't have tapas, and as we were getting up to leave one of the waiters came over to explain if we didn't have enough money then we could got to the atm and get money with a debit card.  The waiter we were talking to rolled his eyes and was like uh that's not the issue lol.  Let's back up a little and look at the days events.  Today was our trip to Segovia, Spain...another beautiful day!  Yes, we have definetly been very lucky with weather!  Well, lucky once I'm in Spain...coming here as you know was a challenge and it looks like getting back may be an equal challenge with Hurricane Irene.  I know, I know, you're thinking well just enjoy Madrid some more!  Haha, Michelle has some trip plans of her own already, but it's true, I may become her little tag-along pet.

Segovia

Overall, this particular location appears to be very touristy in comparison to other places we have been, which includes Toledo.  Michelle and I didn't get as much of the Spanish Culture feel, but did still very much enjoy our trip!  I think we'd agree to have our morning breakfast, a little shopping, see the Acuducto Romano (Roman Aqueduct), Alcázar de Segovia and Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y San Frutos, our 5 hours in Segovia was long enough to enjoy the day trip.  We even accidently walked into a church and enjoyed the last little bit of mass.  There are several churches in the area and we tried to see a couple of them, but their hours are more limited (i.e. Siesta time is definetly recognized and the church then locked up).



The bus from the train station was more lengthy then expected (good 15 minutes), but we made it and as you can see Michelle is being ridiculous as usual.  We're standing in front of the Roman Aqueduct, which was built to supply water to Segovia.  This is an impressive structure not just in height, as the blocks of granite are in alignment without mortar.

My feet and legs actually hit the tired mark, so time for a little stretching action.  Michelle has been awesome in carrying our joint purse a lot of the time, especially as the week went by to try to "preserve" my body.  She doesn't realize it, besides seeing me doing some warrior poses at the train station, but yesterday my hip felt like it was clicking...I think it's just really inflammed.  Yes, yes, yes I am doing some yoga exercises and am even sitting with my Tens unit around the area as I type.

Americanized

Michelle and smelling stuff....not really sure what she is doing.

So I'm all for saving some money, and not replacing items at first sign of wear and tear.  That being said, I'm talking to Michelle about her upcoming plans after using her backpack at WYD.  This is what I discovered.  The backpack only zips up one side and stays shut.  It may appear closed, but will reopen again.  Here I am babysitting our stuff at our campsite while Michelle goes to prepare for her candle carrying during the Vigil.  I turn around to discover that the bag is wide open.  Of course, I'm thinking, I left it unzipped, that doesn't seem like me...at least not that much?  The thought that someone stole something went through my head too and I was thinking how terrible it'd be to tell Michelle her stuff is gone after me being in Spain less than 1 day!  Well, nothing was missing and by the second time this happend I figured out it was fishy.  Long story, short, it was time to buy a new backpack! 

Sorry for the video, but I realized I couldn't easily make edits from here.

Why Michelle wouldn't just wear the backpack and just wanted to carry it around as we toured, I do not fully understand.  Once again we had ended up on the outskirts walking around and there was only one of this type of bag left (it was for a better price then we had been seeing too :) ), so coming back to purchase the bag was not an option.  It was nice to be away from the touristy area for breakfast! 

     Alcázar (Castle)

We climbed up 156 stairs just to get to this awesome view at the top of the Tower of John II.  The Cathedral is in the background.  Worth the extra money and glute workout!  Yes, Michelle put on the backpack to make her look more adventurous in the picture.  She did it for you Uncle Greg!  Since I can't help myself, I would like to point out that the backpack is open haha.

    Cathedral
When we first saw the Cathedral from the outside we thought it was the castle...oops.

Loved this statue, which represents Mary at the time of an Apocalypse.  Notice, there are the 12 stars representing the apostles, she has a tranquil face, hands over the heart as a sign of forgiveness for sinners, snake representing satan on left side as looking at the picture of the statue and being risen up by the moon. 

    Getting Ready to Leave Segovia

Flag represents pilgrims for WYD were welcomed to stay there during the event.  1.3million people attended WYD and housing was an issue.  Housing for some pilgrims was even more than 1 hour away.

Churros!  We don't think I was supposed to bring food/drink on the bus, so we were strategic to bring the chocolate.



She was zonked....her sunglasses fell off without her noticing.

 Debod Temple
From the time I saw the Debod Temple picture and read about it, I knew I had to see it!  Michelle and apparently many other people in Madrid are not too familiar with this gift from Egypt.

No, this isn't the Debod Temple...just the entrance.

Debod Temple!  Egypt gave four temples as gifts to helping nations: Spain, Italy, Holland and the US.  I would at min. like to see the one in NY now. 

Plaza de España

Miércoles

This morning was not too eventful, as we made our train and were off to Toledo!  Minor details, while sitting on the train we had stuck our tickets in the back pocket.  Somehow, Michelle happend to tap hers just right, to where it slipped down the chair behind a plastic piece (see figures below).

Ticket Chilling

Ticket slipping behind plastic piece (No, at the time no one was really holding the other end)

So you are thinking, this may not be that big of a deal right?  I mean we're already on the train...incorrecto!  Did I mention the return ticket was also stapled to this ticket?  I'm not sure how she did it, but Michelle managed to reach her hand in, per the picture below, and retrieve the ticket.

In about a half an hour we're in Toledo!  We get off the train, to realize there was no atm close by and we were a little short on Euros....so we started to walk.  The benefit is you can see different things and aren't zoning out on a bus.

Outside the Train Station

Old Toledo...Most of the tourist part in background

Most people live in this newer part of Toledo

On the other hand, when you walk, you may end up climbing a lot of stairs and going up hill most of the time.

Michelle mentioned I was not going the correct way, way she had gone before, but failed to mention that I couldn't get up this way prior to climbing the stairs to the top and seeing tons of graffiti at the top (both English and Spanish....what I could read not very nice).  Toledo is a very up and down city (i.e. not flat even once you're inside).  I'm not sure she really knew what we were going to see, but she at least pretended she did.  Of course, I asked if we could go up the other stairs and she said she didn't think so, but after our walk along the road we we're both thinking we may have been able to.

Stairs we climbed up and back down....at least we got some good pictures!

After walking a mile maybe, taking lots of stairs, Michelle says I "think
 we go up the hill (one the parking sign is pointing), but am not sure.  haha...I was like uh.

We did eventually make it inside the city, got some money and some breakfast!

Coffee and bread!  It's like this place was made for me :)

Michelle and I can share a lot of food, because she can't eat a lot of the food I like and I don't like to eat a lot of the food she can eat (she has lots of food allergies).

Once nourished, we were ready to explore the beautiful city, which included the Cathedral of Toledo,  the church of Santo Tome, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue and Alcázar.

When the light is red, that pole in the middle of the street goes up.  I thought it was cool once I knew what it was...was pretty weird when something just started rising out of the ground.

Cathedral of Toledo

Greco had painted all 12 apostles, which were on display.  His art differs from Michaelangelo, as he didn't use the same color scheme.  El Greco painted the twelve apostles using dark colors to show how the apostles view their own soul.  It is said that as a person becomes closer to God, they feel farther away.  Thus el Greco did not paint them in the traditional bright colors to demonstrate the human side of the Saints and to help  his audience relate to them, God, and the Church (especially during the Counter-Reformation).   Also, El Greco painted the apostles as old men to show the effect of their personal struggles and inner turmoils as they tried to reach holiness.    In each apostle painting he put something in their hands to symbolize the person and the work that they did for God in order to achieve holiness.  On the other hand, in Jesus's painting there was nothing in his hand to symbolize his divinity, but he did make the sign of "majestad" (as they call it in Spanish) or of his Majesty or divinity.  El Greco also painted Jesus as a young man and in brighter colors to show that he is divine, and to distinguish him from the twelve apostles.

A statue of the virgin and Jesus, which is different from many, since joy is the emotion depicted between mother and son as the baby Jesus is depicted in a playful way with his mother.

Ciborium used at WYD 2011.  A little insight from my sister.  There was some concern to move it from it's home in Toledo to Madrid for the Vigil/Adoration, as it is very fragile. 



Super gorgeous...I even went back for another look at the intricate detail.



Walking/Break

I may be a little addicted to Fanta Naranja.  It's not like the states Fanta Orange and is simply delicious!  I had to google it...apparently I'm not the only one that has experienced this haha.



Toledo Sword!  Not like that silly one from Breakfast Club.

Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue

Not as cool as I thought it would be upon entering, but this picture makes it look awesome I think! 

Leaving Toledo?

So we head back to what we thought was the city center per people directing us, to discover it is a whole different/new place then where we started.  Michelle said this is where she expected us to start.  I knew we had found the true tourist drop off when I saw McDonalds.  We were actually planning/trying to catch a taxi before making it to this area with the buses, but didn't see one at the time.

Official Big Mac face

So I see a sign for the Alcázar....Michelle tells me it's down the hill and she's not sure we'll make it back (we had a return train ticket).  Do we go for it?  Of course!

Alcázar  

As we walk through, we realize we are down by the newer Toledo section and find taxis!  So we start walking around, but also realize that most places are closed for vacation or siesta time.  Bonus...the taxi was cheaper than the bus for both of us I'm told!

Ah, back in Madrid...do we go home...not a chance!  Too much to see and do!  Puerta del Sol here we come.

In Plaza Mayor

 



We leave ourselves with enough time to see some bull fights!



Just to discover they were closed starting this past Monday....sadness