Madrid is nearly dead smack in the middle of Spain, so naturally, day trips from the capital are easy both in terms of closeness and bus/train schedules. There are two main options for traveling in Spain — the bus and the train. Recently, a high-speed train was added, and while it gets you places farContinue reading “Day tripping from Madrid”
Tag Archives: Travel
A love affair with Madrid
I hadn’t expected to fall in love with Madrid. Many travelers I talked to said Madrid was “just another city” and “not safe.”
Yes, Madrid is “just another city” and, like any city, it isn’t always safe. But, I was fortunate enough to have a different perspective of the city than most travelers. I was able to live and breathe the city like a local.
I hadn’t expected to stay as long as I did in Madrid, but everything happens for a reason. For me, it solidified my desire to live in Spain and be a part of the magnificent and vibrant culture.
Back to Anglo “reality”
Decompressing is a tough activity following the six days I spent immersed in English … in a way I never thought possible … with people I never expected to fall so deeply in love with.
I found myself craving Vadelavilla. The people. The way my heart smiled during my time there.
I found myself craving Vadelavilla. The people. The way my heart smiled during my time there.
A BRIEF intermission: One month in
Today is Wednesday, April 7, 2010 and I am officially one month into my travels. Today marks the longest I have ever been away from America. And, it feels absolutely AMAZING. There was a time in my life when no one would have ever imagined my leaving the comfort of my home, my life, andContinue reading “A BRIEF intermission: One month in”
Opening my ears
“Hi,” I began. “My name is D. I am originally from just outside of Washington, DC. In my former life, I was a publicist. Now, I am traveling and writing about it. If I could be any animal, I would be … a bird.”
I sat down.
After introductions, Dade explained the program: early wake up call for breakfast, followed by four one-on-ones with Anglos, then lunch, then siesta, then more one-on-ones and group activities, then performances, then dinner, then optional drinks at the bar.
What did I get myself into?
Sorry, mate
I’m pretty sure I fell in love with Notting Hill and Portobello Market — the winding streets of row homes all painted different colors, the little vintage shops and the pubs made me feel warm and fuzzy. It was easy for me to spend a day just walking around the area.
But it was the last day with Pat, his girlfriend and their friend that was my best day in London.
A bit of Croatia in London
I nearly peed my pants on the way to Shaun’s flat. No, really, I nearly peed my pants. After having two rather large glasses of Peroni with Tim, I headed back to the tube. I was half way into Bank’s massive station when it hit me how urgently I needed to use the loo. “Sorry,” I saidContinue reading “A bit of Croatia in London”
Naptime interruptus
I closed my eyes on the black leather sofa.
Ahhhh. It felt so good to just lay there. Backpack off. Messenger bag off. Both piled in a heap on the floor next to me.
As soon as I had found the key to Shaun’s, placed under a bench outside her flat, I breathed a sigh of relief and felt a wave of thankfulness sweep over me.
Finally.
The non-stop travel from America and the loss of my night and sleep had started to wear on me and all I wanted to do was close my eyes and just be.
But it didn’t last long.
Wandering the mean streets of Poplar
By the time I got to Shaun’s flat in London, my backpack and messenger bag were brutally weighing me down.
Like I knew they would.
I just hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.
I had wondered through the Poplar area of town for nearly two hours before I successfully found Shaun’s home. It wasn’t her directions that were poor, it was the person following them had a serious case of travel brain.
Baby, I’m a free bird
The first time I tried on the little silver Fossil necklace adorned with 3-dimensional dove, the chain broke in my hand.
I wanted it so badly. I had been given a $25 gift card to Macy’s and was browsing the inexpensive jewelry, looking for something to symbolize the wanderlust I was feeling (cause, you know, a cheap piece of jewelry can so do that).
And there it was, attached to the flimsy plastic/cardboard holder with one word written all pretty on it:
“freedom”
D Travels 'Round 