Friday, December 30, 2016

Hola Madrid!

The last 3 days, we spent in Madrid. Welcomed to a slightly colder weather compared to Barcelona, Madrid still had the same charm as Barcelona. It was more of a historic and traditional city as compared to Barcelona was my feeling. The evening we arrived, we took to heels to visit the Temple De Debod before sunset. It was a beautiful sight to witness this Egyptian temple. Post that we went to a local store to grab coffee and later in the evening went to Himalaya - An Indo Pakistani restaurant for dinner. Walked through the streets of Opera and Principe Pio and off to bed in our nice little apartment.
The following morning, we visited the Madrid Real palace and very many cathedrals. From there, I was off to Opera to meet my colleague from IBM, Sofia. It was so good to see Sofia. We have only worked virtually and interacted over phone but have never met in person. It was wonderful to meet Sofia. Sofia's sister also accompanied us and it was very nice talking to her as well. Both of them took me on a nice tour of the city, explaining the significance of each structure, monument, area and we I covered a lot of ground. Thanks to them. Post the walk, we stopped by at La Caluta and I was treated for a delicious Spanish lunch by Sofia. Sofia's brother-in-law who is a Psychologist at the University of Valencia also joined us for lunch. I must say, I had a great time meeting them and was really pleased by their hospitality. 
Post that I did quite some shopping in some stores suggested by Sofia's sister and headed back home strolling through Gran Via, Sol and Opera. Later that evening, we decided to catch up with Clara, who was also in Madrid for dinner. Super fun evening ended with eating hot Churros at Opera by the night.
Next morning, myself and Shiksha set out on a walking tour to cover Metropolis, Retiro and the main Madrid Sol Centre. From there we headed to Plaza Mayor to meet Christina, who was also in Madrid for lunch. After a good lunch and some nice chat, myself, Irene and Shiksha explore more areas and neighborhoods on foot. Back home at 3ish, we vacated the apartment and were soon on the metro to the Barajas Airport, for a flight back to Manchester. Though it was a short stay in Madrid, we did quite a bit there. Spain was amazing. Though we couldn't cover Valencia, Costa Brava and Toledo as planned. But that's an excuse for us to get back in Spain again, may be in 2026 (Shiksha? :) I had an amazing time writing these posts, felt very nostalgic and it was like a quick recap of my Europe trip!
Temple De Debod
Coffee at Viena
Madrid Palace
Random click!
Lunch with @tinalct
Waiting for the flight at Barajas Aiport
Park Retiro Centre
Dinner with Maria
English Tour guide
With Sofia and her sister
Lunch at La Caleta
Us four!

Churros!
The icon! I wish I can give this picture to that family.
At our apartment
Merry Christmas!
Random selfie!
With Pranav at Opera.

Hasta Manana Barcelona!

The last day, me and Shiksha spent walking the streets of Barcelona, covering Park Guell, Torres Bellesguard and immersing the breathtaking views of the city from El-Carmel.Torres Bellesguard had an amazing history and the time spent was worth it - listening to the history of Barcelona and the influence of Gaudi on the architecture. That afternoon we headed to the La-Boqouria market for lunch and dessert. Later in the evening, I along with Pranav went to visit Font Magica - the icing on the cake. It was beautiful to see water and lights dance together for hollywood numbers. From there, I went on my own to visit the Santa Maria Basilica to attend the choir and later to the Barcelona Cathedral for the mass. It was amazing to spend the Christmas eve at the Cathedral. Next morning, we had an early Christmas breakfast and headed straight to Sants Estacio for a train to Madrid. Goodbye Barcelona!
Tibidabo from Park Guell
Park Guell
La boqueria

View from atop El-Carmel
Long elevator at El-Carmel
Caixa Social
Torres Bellesguard
With the tour guide
At Torres Bellesguard


Feliz Navidad!
Stunning Font Magica!
Font Magica!
At La Boqueria
Santa Maria Basilica
Barcelona Cathedral
Portal De Angel
Banko Espana
Liceu

Breathtaking Montserrat!

Words and pictures can't do justice to this beautiful place amidst the clouds. 50 kms away from Barcelona and up the mountain is the serene and calm Monastery of Montserrat. I have never been to the monasteries in the North-East India, but I have heard a lot about them and I experienced it for the first time here outside India and thought it was thorough bliss. I was on my own and spent the whole day hiking mountains, sitting in the basilica, listening to the boys choir, befriending and spending some time with 2 Chinese students and a bit of shopping and eating. If you happen to visit Barcelona, do not miss a visit to Montserrat. Thanks to my sister for this recommendation. Loved it to the core!

Building castles at the Barceloneta Beach!

Literally, it has been ages since I stepped into a beach and I was so very excited by the idea that we had planned to spend half -a-day at the Barceloneta beach. Clear waters, blue skies and bright sun, made it a perfect time to be at the beach. It was thorough bliss to stay there looking infinitely at the Mediterranean sea and getting a feeling of oneness with the infinitely extending waters. We also had crazy fun building and decorating castles in the sand!
Later after lunch, we visited Port Vell and Colom stretch before I headed back home for an early start the following day.



Fun!
More fun
Port Vell!
Skyline Barcelona
Sharan joins the fun!
As tall as the palm?
Castles!
Lol!
Colom!