Holiday Part #1: Grass and sangria!

Well it wasn't exactly hard earned, but it was time for a holiday at the end of June. After 3 months in Doha I was well and truly ready for a taste of the outside world!
It was hard to contain my excitement the week before leaving, but as several close friends were not getting any leave - I tried to contain it. But by the time I touched down in Madrid my face was sore from smiling, I ran off the plane and cartwheeled to baggage collection.
(Pic. side street Puerta del Sol, Madrid)

I was super keen to try out my new found language skills (quietly condfident of my ability at this point), and the cab driver from the airport seemed like the perfect victim.... Until he opened his mouth to speak and it was like Julio Eglesias on fast forward! I thought nevermind, it's only because he doesn't realise that you 'speak' Spanish too, so just tell him you are learning and tell him the address of the hostel.... A brief conversation ensued, which involved some furious head shaking on his part and ended with me pointing out the hostel on a map. He was at least kind enough to offer me a cigarette, so we smoked and sat in silence the rest of the way into town.


Madrid was buzzing with friday night activity when I arrived, and I was overwhelmed with the lights and street cafes over flowing with people have drinks.... Tick box one, first thing I have missed since April!! Being my first time travelling solo, I was relieved to find that my hostel had a bar and live band happening when I arrived. I met some cool people, and would have been happy with any dodgy drinking establishment after being spoilt for choice with two bars in Doha, but we went to a club in Puerta del Sol - the heart of Madrid, world renound for it's nightlife. It was amazing! Not quite sure what followed, but I do recall the drinks were being bought in bottles - gin if my memory serves correctly. And my new friends from Miami were happy to foot the bill...
(Pic. Street performer @ Puerta del Sol, Madrid)

The next day I attempted some sight-seeing, but was grossly under the weather and after an aborted visit to the Museo de Prada, a lovely sleep on some grass (yes real grass, it was heaven) in the Real Jardin - I decided early after vino at a cafe was the best course of action. My Miami friends took me out for tapas that night and to another club - they realy know how to party in Madrid and I was again worse for wear on my early flight to Barcelona.

BARCELONA was next on the list, and I fell in love with it straight away. It has been added to the list of places I would love to live. Metropolitan and busy, but with amazing architecture and great beaches! Barcelona has everything, and I would love to have stayed there for more than 4 days.... One of my closest friends who lives in England was able to meet me in Barcelona, and it was an amazing couple of days. There is nothing better than seeing an old friend in a new place! With so many weird and wonderful things happening in your life - it is such a comfort to have people who already understand you. So many happy hours were spent eating tapas, drinking wine and being hit on by waiters!

(Pic. Villa Olympica, Barcelona)

Stay tuned for Part #2 THE BULL RUN in a few days....