This morning I sleep in and when I eventually drag myself out of bed I go exploring in the city on my own. I enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Starbucks with my book. Shortly before noon I head over to the Prado to continue my visit only to find the museum has closed early being that it is New Years Eve. I am not too bothered, instead I decide to take a city bus tour. Sadly, this too is closed for the holiday. Not to worry, plan C is also an agreeable option. I spend the day creating my own walking tour. I enjoy reading and a picnic in Parque del Retiro, formerly the royal park grounds. I even discover a walkabout Nativity display sponsored by the city.
The girls and I celebrate New Years at the apartment with appetizers and a movie, 'Nanny McPhee Returns'. Just before midnight the girls dress up and we take the metro to the main square and buy grapes to join in a New Years tradition. If you are from Madrid (or visiting), you eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each bell toll. We run into a few small difficulties as we join in the tradition. Number 1: The grapes we buy are not seedless. Number 2: We can not clearly hear the bell as it rings in the new year. Number 3: Once we do distinguish the chimes they sound very quickly and it is a challenge to keep up as we stuff the grapes into our mouths. I persist and am proud to say I have rung in the year 2011 in Madrid.
Day 6 in a nutshell:
After a late night welcoming the new year, we enjoy a quiet morning at home. We eventually make our way to a restaurant called 'The y Café' for a New Years Day brunch. Being that it is New Years Day shops, with the exception of souvenir shops, are closed. Needless to say, I shop for souvenirs. We also enjoy a long walk in Parque del Retiro before dinner at the James Joyce, an Irish pub. We head back to the apartment earlier than usual as Megan and Amy must pack and be ready for their airport shuttle.
Day 7 in a nutshell:
I sleep late, pack to leave, eat one last meal at 'The y Cafe', buy one last pastry and manage to spend every last euro in my possession forgetting to save enough to tip the airport shuttle driver. Fortunately I have US money and avoid being mistaken for a cheap North American tourist. As we take in one last look at Madrid on the way to the airport my calm exterior hides my childish internal temper tantrum. My heart is screaming "Don't make me leave! You can't make me leave!" But alas, we check-in and I am appeased to find a Starbucks near our gate. I drown my sorrows in one last caramel macchiato and board the flight home to Dakar. After several delays we arrive home at 3am and I am content to fall into bed.
It is much harder to come back to Dakar after having appreciated the conveniences of Madrid. I am surprised by how aware I am of cultural differences now. When I arrived in Dakar in August everything was new and exciting, now as I return to Dakar I know what I am coming home to, I know the comforts that we don't have, and I am aware of the luxuries that I will miss the most. That being said, it doesn't take long to feel at home in the familiar surroundings of Sandcastle 32 and DA. It is reassuring to be back among friends and it is blessing to have had the opportunity to see another corner of the world.
I wish I could "liked" the pictures you post! The pictures you took on your walking tour are amazing. That church looks so magnificent! And the fourth one (the building with water in front) is unreal.
ReplyDeleteThe Madrid New Year's grape tradition sounds pretty fun to me! I think it should be continued. :) Reminds me of chubby bunny!