Okay, this post is another sort of hodge-podge of different days in Madrid. The first, a day in Parque del Capricho, goes back to before I went to Bilbao & San Sebastian and Copenhagen, but who's keeping track of chronological order here...So, the day I got back from Barcelona, Olga decides we must go to Parque del Capricho. I would be totally fine with this, if I hadn't gotten up at about 5 A.M. that morning for a 7:30 A.M. flight...But, hey, how many times can I go to this park with my home-stay family? Not many...
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| Me and Alegra in Parque del Capricho |
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| Olga, Me, Alegra, and Violeta in Parque del Capricho |
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| Alegra dressed as a "chulapa" |
Turns out this park is only open on the weekends because it is really a sort of "historical" park originally owned by a marquesa. I'm not quite sure who's property it is now, but the park is so picturesque. Everyone obviously knows about Retiro (Madrid's sort of Central Park) but this park is perhaps less touristy because it is north east of the city. However, it is still technically in Madrid and a subway goes there. It is so well maintained that you cannot bring in food or much else. There are beautiful gardens, a small "labyrinth," and ponds. The architecture of the small buildings is also stunning. I asked Olga is people had weddings there. Apparently, ceremonies aren't allowed, but pictures are. In fact, we even saw a family taking pictures for a girl's First Communion. I highly recommend a visit to this park. Super romantic for the couples out there, and of course home-stay families :)
Okay, next random event: La Fiesta de San Isidro. This traditional madrileño celebration is held on May 15th. However, because the 15th fell on a Sunday this year, Alegra's school had their party Friday the 13th (haha didn't even realize that when i went to the party). Anyway, this fiesta is celebrated by wearing traditional wear (see pictures) and of course with traditional pastries. Also, there is a specific song and dance for the occasion. I was lucky enough to go to Alegra's fiesta at school (which is literally two seconds from their apartment.) It was too cute seeing all of the boys and girls all dressed up and dancing together. I really felt like a big sister watching Alegra dance with her adorable dance partner (who decided he wanted a goatee haha!)
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| Do I really belong in this club...? |
And now on a completely different note. Okay, I must admit...I only had my first real Madrid clubbing experience...last week haha. Name of club...Orange. (btw...don't know why these pics are so small...perhaps because I took them from someone's Facebook page, but I've done that before, hm?)
Pro: Ladies got in free and it was open bar for ladies (perhaps also men?) until 12:30.
Con: There were specific "free" drinks that all tasted...awful.
Pro: had a fun night with a bunch of my friends.
Con: a guy spilled a shot of whiskey on my espadrilles from Barcelona
Pro: It didn't stain and doesn't smell.
Truth: I should probably get out more...
Truth again: Perhaps I'm just the type of person who'd rather be at Parque del Capricho or a San Isidro festival than Orange...
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| Only appropriate that we would end the year this way (also...isn't Helen's haircut amazing!?) |
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| Alegra and her dance partner at the San Isidro fiesta |
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| Much better dancers than I am... |
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| How adorable is this goatee |
adorable pictures of allegra and her goateed partner!!
ReplyDeletetruth: i'm glad you went to the club, just so i can hear you talk about the experience.
dare: we should go together. that would be hilarious on so many levels ... ;]
charlotte! so good to talk to you today :) we should definitely go to a club together because I agree it would be hilarious on soo many levels haha good luck with the studying call me if you need a break :)
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