torros! all over the city
ricquelle and torro
our tapas bar
our hostel!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Madrid, una ciudad fantastica
Although I spent my orientation weekend in Madrid I wasn't able to fully take in the city until this past weekend. This time I had my close friends from BC, a better handle on Spanish, and a whole plan laid out of what I wanted to see.
Ricquelle and I stayed at Los Amigos de Sol hostel which we selected due to it's cheap prices, and great reviews on hostelworld.com. It turns out that we picked a great location as well! Upon arrival to the hostel, encouraged by the guy working the desk at the hostel, we decided to go explore Madrid's night life. We met up with our friend Lisette (who is studying abroad in Madrid) at a club called Kapital. It is a 7 floor club that has a different DJ and music theme on each level. Needless to say this place was an adventure within itself. But besides the floors, the coolest thing about Kapital is the crazy fog machine on the first floor, every so often it sends down mist from a giant machine which it has a cooling affect on those below!
The next day we wasted no time and were up ready to go at 9am! I had my guide book to Madrid handy with me, and I took Ricquelle to all the sites that are "can't miss" in Madrid. We walked around the whole city taking in the sites while Ricquelle said "I love Madrid!" over and over haha. She was also very pleased with the presence of the sun saying, "You don't understand! In London we DON'T see the sun!" haha. We walked and saw:
1--Plaza Mayor
2--puerta del sol
3--palacio real
The only one of these that costs money to enter is the palacio real, there was a long line to go in here, and we decided viewing the palace from the outside was satisfying enough! :) We then continued to walk towards the botanical gardens which are right behind the Prado museum. The student price to enter is 1 euro and for anyone else I believe it is 2 euro, which are both unbeatable prices! We explored and took lots of silly photos here. After this we met up with Lisette again, and she showed us another AMAZING park is a DON'T MISS location in Madrid. it is called Parque Retiro. In the park, Sasha, Ricquelle, Lisette, and I opted to take a 15 minute boat ride in the little man-made "pond." There are lots of little boats that sit around in the water as well that are rented for 45 minutes a piece and cost about 4.5 euro per person. The park was HUGE and had some street performers and beautiful landscaping. If one wants to go to a park and not pay for the Botanical Gardens this would be a great substitute or addition to the day.
We all decided it was time for TAPAS! I ordered my favorite tapas --torilla espanola (otherwise known as torilla de patatas) and croquetas de jamon (yes that's right I like jam) --the croquetas are ham and cheese inside little balls. They are all very tasty. We all also ordered cervezas con limon (beer with lemon) and it is Spanish beer, Mahou with a lemonadey taste to it. DELICIOSO!
Then it was time for SIESTA! And after, Ricquelle and I wetn exploring for a tapas bar near our house. We found a little place, and ordered cervezas con limon again, as well as tortillas, some meatballs, and some potatoes. It was a cute little place on Calle Mayor (one of the main streets in Madrid). Included with our beers were free green olives, which normal people would enjoy, however Ricquelle and I left them untouched...haha. We went to this place the next day for lunch was well since we enjoyed it so much, and it always feels good to go to someplace where you know your money is well spent. And this time, the man who owned the place greeted us like we were old friends, and already started preparing what we wanted without even requesting it. In addition, he didn't give us olives! I know if I were studying in Madrid all semester, I would love to have a friendly relationship with a tapas bar owner, and have my own little "place" that I go to. In salamanca there are many tapas bars, but since I have three meals at home I do not frequent them.
Ricquelle and I also explored the Rastro (market) on Sunday in Madrid, as well as the stadium for Real Madrid. One of the best, and well-known club teams in Madrid. The tour/entrance fee to the stadium was 15 euros which we opted out off. Instead we walked around the perimeter of the stadium and the gift shop. We took silly pictures with posters of the players.
Here are a list of things NOT to miss while in Madrid
--the prado museum
--reina sofia museum
--plaza mayor
--palacio real (just the outside no need to enter haha)
--parque retiro
all of these activities can be done in one day! The only two that will take time are the two museums and the others are all walking activities through regions in Madrid. If you have time left over the botanical gardens, the stadium, and the market (only on sundays from 9-2pm) are all fun as well.
Madrid, has now made it to one of my top list cities. The city is not overwhelming like some major cities (for example NYC), there was never a point during my trip when I said, I am ready to leave. Madrid is a wonderful city; the combination of the friendly people, its beautiful parks, apartments with great views, and the Spanish lifestyle of relaxation and enjoying life makes it a place that you don't want to leave. Madrid itself is a "must see" city in Europe.
Ricquelle and I stayed at Los Amigos de Sol hostel which we selected due to it's cheap prices, and great reviews on hostelworld.com. It turns out that we picked a great location as well! Upon arrival to the hostel, encouraged by the guy working the desk at the hostel, we decided to go explore Madrid's night life. We met up with our friend Lisette (who is studying abroad in Madrid) at a club called Kapital. It is a 7 floor club that has a different DJ and music theme on each level. Needless to say this place was an adventure within itself. But besides the floors, the coolest thing about Kapital is the crazy fog machine on the first floor, every so often it sends down mist from a giant machine which it has a cooling affect on those below!
The next day we wasted no time and were up ready to go at 9am! I had my guide book to Madrid handy with me, and I took Ricquelle to all the sites that are "can't miss" in Madrid. We walked around the whole city taking in the sites while Ricquelle said "I love Madrid!" over and over haha. She was also very pleased with the presence of the sun saying, "You don't understand! In London we DON'T see the sun!" haha. We walked and saw:
1--Plaza Mayor
2--puerta del sol
3--palacio real
The only one of these that costs money to enter is the palacio real, there was a long line to go in here, and we decided viewing the palace from the outside was satisfying enough! :) We then continued to walk towards the botanical gardens which are right behind the Prado museum. The student price to enter is 1 euro and for anyone else I believe it is 2 euro, which are both unbeatable prices! We explored and took lots of silly photos here. After this we met up with Lisette again, and she showed us another AMAZING park is a DON'T MISS location in Madrid. it is called Parque Retiro. In the park, Sasha, Ricquelle, Lisette, and I opted to take a 15 minute boat ride in the little man-made "pond." There are lots of little boats that sit around in the water as well that are rented for 45 minutes a piece and cost about 4.5 euro per person. The park was HUGE and had some street performers and beautiful landscaping. If one wants to go to a park and not pay for the Botanical Gardens this would be a great substitute or addition to the day.
We all decided it was time for TAPAS! I ordered my favorite tapas --torilla espanola (otherwise known as torilla de patatas) and croquetas de jamon (yes that's right I like jam) --the croquetas are ham and cheese inside little balls. They are all very tasty. We all also ordered cervezas con limon (beer with lemon) and it is Spanish beer, Mahou with a lemonadey taste to it. DELICIOSO!
Then it was time for SIESTA! And after, Ricquelle and I wetn exploring for a tapas bar near our house. We found a little place, and ordered cervezas con limon again, as well as tortillas, some meatballs, and some potatoes. It was a cute little place on Calle Mayor (one of the main streets in Madrid). Included with our beers were free green olives, which normal people would enjoy, however Ricquelle and I left them untouched...haha. We went to this place the next day for lunch was well since we enjoyed it so much, and it always feels good to go to someplace where you know your money is well spent. And this time, the man who owned the place greeted us like we were old friends, and already started preparing what we wanted without even requesting it. In addition, he didn't give us olives! I know if I were studying in Madrid all semester, I would love to have a friendly relationship with a tapas bar owner, and have my own little "place" that I go to. In salamanca there are many tapas bars, but since I have three meals at home I do not frequent them.
Ricquelle and I also explored the Rastro (market) on Sunday in Madrid, as well as the stadium for Real Madrid. One of the best, and well-known club teams in Madrid. The tour/entrance fee to the stadium was 15 euros which we opted out off. Instead we walked around the perimeter of the stadium and the gift shop. We took silly pictures with posters of the players.
Here are a list of things NOT to miss while in Madrid
--the prado museum
--reina sofia museum
--plaza mayor
--palacio real (just the outside no need to enter haha)
--parque retiro
all of these activities can be done in one day! The only two that will take time are the two museums and the others are all walking activities through regions in Madrid. If you have time left over the botanical gardens, the stadium, and the market (only on sundays from 9-2pm) are all fun as well.
Madrid, has now made it to one of my top list cities. The city is not overwhelming like some major cities (for example NYC), there was never a point during my trip when I said, I am ready to leave. Madrid is a wonderful city; the combination of the friendly people, its beautiful parks, apartments with great views, and the Spanish lifestyle of relaxation and enjoying life makes it a place that you don't want to leave. Madrid itself is a "must see" city in Europe.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Roma
Roma, el capital de Italia, is now one of my favorite cities in Europe. At this point in my life I have seen London, Paris, Madrid, and now Rome; and I feel that Rome and London are my two favorite. The argument for London is clear to me, it's incredibly diverse, has amazing history which can be seen through it's buildings and government system, is a welcoming city, and who doesn't like some fish and chips?! After having spent my orientation in Madrid, I was enamored by the museums and art history but did not feel the same welcoming presence that exists in all great cities. Also, Madrid lacks the same amazing history that pulls you in. Two weekends ago I spent exploring Paris with my BC friends. Paris is a great city, it has the eiffel tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the arc de triomphe; all of these are magnificent pieces of art within themselves. However, I did not feel a connection with French society and was somewhat relieved to be back in Spain after a great trip. Perhaps I just needed to learn more about Paris' history and the language in order to feel a stronger connection.
Now there's Rome, my newest favorite. Rome has it all, historic buildings, government, Vatican city (which has the largest Cathedral in the world), amazing art, an over the top welcoming culture and people, and of course THE BEST FOOD EVER! I think I am most attracted to cities with an incredible and depth history, especially when it revolves around the government system (with both London and Rome have).
Our first full day in Rome, we took a bus tour and had a very entertaining Italian man as our guide. We drove around all of the city taking in his stories about each building and monument. Our bus stopped outside of the Colosseum and the group gathered around while we learned about this part of Rome. Right outside of the Colosseum is Rome's "arc de triomphe" where slaves and prisoners of war were sold. This is significant since many of the gladiators were slaves and prisoners of war therefore they were sold right outside of the place that they would fight and possibly die. On one side of the arc is the Colosseum and on the other is Palatine Hill which is old Rome. Palatine hill has the old forum where the senate did everything, the market, and ruins of old houses where the Caesars lived. It was truly amazing to take all of this in.
From here we went to the Pantheon, which is an old temple. In the very center of the ceiling there is a giant circular opening for light to enter. On April 21st every year, the sun is directly above the Pantheon and shines light on who ever stands below, bestowing a 'god-like' presence. April 21st is important because it is the day on which Rome was created. We also saw the Trevi fountain and important sites.
My friends and I decided to go to the Colosseum. The ticket cost 12 euro, and included the Colosseum and Palatine hill. It seemed a bit pricey, but completely worth it. The Colosseum was gigantic, and it seems unbelievable that people used to fight in the center for entertainment. The next day we used the rest of the ticket to enter Palatine Hill. After seeing all of these historic sites, it made me want to take a class on ancient Rome. I know I have studied this in the past, but I seem to have forgotten most of it!
We heard that the Vatican gets very busy early on, so we decided to be the first ones there on Saturday. Hence, we woke up at 6:30am! St. Peter's Cathedral was magnificent, and I enjoyed exploring each part of the church. It was very interesting to people watch there as well because people had come from all over the world to be there. There were nuns from all over the world. From the cathedral we moved onto the Sistine chapel. The sistine chapel is the "official residence of the pope" however, we did not see him! haha. The chapel itself if very small and the walls and ceilings are covered with paintings. I was able to zoom in on the most famous image from the ceiling of Adam reaching out towards an angel.
Upon returning to Spain, I been "wikipediaing" all of the places that I saw while in Rome. I had learned some stuff on the guided tour but wanted to know specific details. I learned that more than half of the people who fought as gladiators were volunteers; there was so much honor bestowed upon the fighters that people volunteered themselves (and their lives/bodies) to be part of this type of entertainment. There were also gladiator schools where prisoners of war, slaves, and the volunteers were trained. I then decided it was time to watch Gladiator! And I currently in the middle of it! So I thank Rome for it's history, amazing food, and a great trip!
Now there's Rome, my newest favorite. Rome has it all, historic buildings, government, Vatican city (which has the largest Cathedral in the world), amazing art, an over the top welcoming culture and people, and of course THE BEST FOOD EVER! I think I am most attracted to cities with an incredible and depth history, especially when it revolves around the government system (with both London and Rome have).
Our first full day in Rome, we took a bus tour and had a very entertaining Italian man as our guide. We drove around all of the city taking in his stories about each building and monument. Our bus stopped outside of the Colosseum and the group gathered around while we learned about this part of Rome. Right outside of the Colosseum is Rome's "arc de triomphe" where slaves and prisoners of war were sold. This is significant since many of the gladiators were slaves and prisoners of war therefore they were sold right outside of the place that they would fight and possibly die. On one side of the arc is the Colosseum and on the other is Palatine Hill which is old Rome. Palatine hill has the old forum where the senate did everything, the market, and ruins of old houses where the Caesars lived. It was truly amazing to take all of this in.
From here we went to the Pantheon, which is an old temple. In the very center of the ceiling there is a giant circular opening for light to enter. On April 21st every year, the sun is directly above the Pantheon and shines light on who ever stands below, bestowing a 'god-like' presence. April 21st is important because it is the day on which Rome was created. We also saw the Trevi fountain and important sites.
My friends and I decided to go to the Colosseum. The ticket cost 12 euro, and included the Colosseum and Palatine hill. It seemed a bit pricey, but completely worth it. The Colosseum was gigantic, and it seems unbelievable that people used to fight in the center for entertainment. The next day we used the rest of the ticket to enter Palatine Hill. After seeing all of these historic sites, it made me want to take a class on ancient Rome. I know I have studied this in the past, but I seem to have forgotten most of it!
We heard that the Vatican gets very busy early on, so we decided to be the first ones there on Saturday. Hence, we woke up at 6:30am! St. Peter's Cathedral was magnificent, and I enjoyed exploring each part of the church. It was very interesting to people watch there as well because people had come from all over the world to be there. There were nuns from all over the world. From the cathedral we moved onto the Sistine chapel. The sistine chapel is the "official residence of the pope" however, we did not see him! haha. The chapel itself if very small and the walls and ceilings are covered with paintings. I was able to zoom in on the most famous image from the ceiling of Adam reaching out towards an angel.
Upon returning to Spain, I been "wikipediaing" all of the places that I saw while in Rome. I had learned some stuff on the guided tour but wanted to know specific details. I learned that more than half of the people who fought as gladiators were volunteers; there was so much honor bestowed upon the fighters that people volunteered themselves (and their lives/bodies) to be part of this type of entertainment. There were also gladiator schools where prisoners of war, slaves, and the volunteers were trained. I then decided it was time to watch Gladiator! And I currently in the middle of it! So I thank Rome for it's history, amazing food, and a great trip!
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