Exploring Madrid

-
Saturday morning I went on a free walking tour to learn more of the history of Madrid and see the sights. Madrid has a very rich and interesting history. A lot of wealthy kings, Muslim roots, Christian's taking over and taking away freedom of religion, separation of church and state (officially making Madrid the capital), and Franco (dictator until 1975 when he died of natural causes).

Some things I learned were:

  • Madrid loves eighties music
  • Tinto de Verano (red wine of summer) is delicious
  • The word for water fountain is "fuente de agua" and this is important because the climate is hot and dry and you will want to drink water constantly
  • The name Madrid has Arabic roots, from the word mayrit which means something like place of water

 Plaza de Mayor


 Only Cathedral in Madrid (left) and largest functioning royal palace in the world (right)



 In front of the palace gates

 The palace




At El Retiro Parque


After the tour, my new friends and I explored the city on our own, which was really fun, but by the time I returned to my hostel at 7pm, I was exhausted.

After meeting at the walking tour, these fellow travelers and I stuck together to explore the city. Represented here is Sweden, Serbia, and Germany.





Popular posts from this blog

Ghanaian English

-
Having spent almost six months in Ghana, I picked up some Ghanaian English slang. Here are a few examples of things you may catch me saying- "I'm coming" is shorthand for I am going but I will come back or be right back. Sometimes they'll say things like "Let me go and come." I have developed a habit of saying, "I'm coming," but I can't be saying this in the U.S., lest I get some odd looks... "Flash" is a term meaning calling someone on their cell phone but hanging up before they answer. This is so either they can have your number or to tell them to call you so the call is on their phone credit and not yours. So don't be alarmed of a Ghanaian friend asks you to flash them.  "Dash"  essentially means  give.  For instance, if I was shopping for fruit and I bought three apples, the woman selling might give me a fourth apple and say, "I dash you one." This happens sometimes when you have a good relationship wi...
Read more

I AM A PACKING CHAMPION!

-
Image
Because my travel plans in South Africa were slightly altered, and now I will NOT be returning to Melinda's place in Escourt after the hike, I have to bring ALL my luggage with me on the hike. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. So I fit everything I am bringing to Africa in one backpack and one personal bag. Because I am basically a packing professional. And I am very good at getting by on very little. NO BIG DEAL ;-) Here I am, all packed and ready to go! "Travel light, live light, be light, spread the light."
Read more