Today did not start off well. I felt like I did not sleep at all. Apparently I did because I yelled out "what is your number ", so shauna says I do not remember.
Mario was our teacher all day today. Our wetsuits were almost fully dry so that was great.
He explained that today there would only be one place we could try to surf today because there was a swell coming in and the wind was strong. The waves were 3 meters high. That is. Over. 9 feet. Crazy. Today was an advance surfer day. So we get to the beach and there is maybe 3 people there. The other surf school showed up with two of there students. It was nice that is was just the 4. of us in the white surf zone. I found out the were from salvacia.
The tide was hard to fight and the instructor from the other school was out on his board and was surfing backwards. He seamed very hands off compared to our teachers. But I did get one great wave and our teachers were standing together and Mario said to bend my knees more so I did and surfed right past them. On my way back the other teacher from the other school said " good student, great wave" that made me happy. Then Mario told me why I needed to bend more.
We went home early but just as tired fighting the surf was so hard it was low tied.
We went back at two and Mario went back over the Safty rules because the tide was coming in and would be much stronger.
When wewere stretching and worming up we watched the waves come right up there the top of the beach, some surfers were eating lunch and the waves tryed to steal there food.
When we were on land Mario taught me how to turn. :D
We got out in the water oh man did we take a beating. I got a great wave but road it to close to shore the ocean took my board from me and gave me a sand bath. I got sand every were even down my wet suit. I did not get to try turning much there were very few waves to ride.
We would be standing in knee high water two waves latter and it was over our heads. I did learn to get in water over you head. To paddle more for stronger waves, you can be pulled sideways and have a wave crash ontop of u. Let go of surfboard. Just because you fall off the board backwards does not mean the wave will not make it come back and hit you on the head. Fully lift board out of water or ocean will make it sweep you off your feet.
Tomorrow the ocean should be much calmer.
Today I have to leave the water I was worried about hurting my knee because the ocean pulled and pushed so many ways.
Good night here is hoping for another sunny day and not so angry ocean tomorrow!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
West of Peniche, Portugal
Here we are in Portugal.
We are staying at global surf school. Sadly the Internet got knocked out in a storm and is not fixed, here is hoping for tomorrow. So I am just going to mesh the past 4 days together.
The first day we did not go surfing, it was a cold over cast day, so the manager ran some wood up tothe house. He asked if we would like a fire so we said sure. Then he was like ok come here I will show you how. I had to hold in a laugh so we watch him build this "fire". Then he left. And I went into the fireroom and got the fire realy going. What he built was ok but needed some tlc. But it was very nice of him to build one to start. We sat in front of the fire for most of the night. We played monopoly. Tryed to find some place to eat but they were all closed the manager drove us intown to a grocery store so we could get food. Very nice man.
There is at least ten beds, 6 tables, 2living rooms, a fire room, and 2 bathrooms, oh also 2 sun rooms.
He brings us breakfast and lunch every morning. Some mornings the bread is still worm.
The first day of surfing we got up at 8 he showed up around 830 with breakfast, and told us to be At surf shop for 10am.
We headed down to the surf shop for ten. He interduced us to Mario our other surf instructor. Then we got got sized for our wetsuits. They have a map of all the surf spots around Peniche. He explained about the winds and why they pick what beach to try each day. Every morning we look at the map and wind direction and see what beach to try today. So far we have only been to one beach.
You start with an 8foot board. That is foam. I got up the first lesson and I got up before shauna lol. The waves are very big and the hardest part is getting pounded by the waves when waiting to ketch a wave. Lots of wipe outs thankfully it is a sand beach, but I have got sand burn on my foot. The water temperature is just like at home in the summer. I told that to Mario and he said that sucked that the water. Was that cold.
After a little under 2hr we went back home, had some lunch, then back at 2 for our second lesson. Our lessons are so close because the water get too cold after 5. we went to a little cafe restaurant that Mario suggested. Then curled up infront of a fire and used it to dry our hair. .
Day two went very much like the first day it was much sunnyer we ate lunch out side on the picnic table.
The stove is gas powered so that was fun to learn.
So that brings us up to today, day 3 of surfing.
What an odd day. This morning it was raining and very strong off shore wind. The manager was our instructor this morning he video taped us and we were able to watch our selfs. I did not get up much and I started to get very frustrated and had to leave the water and take a break to calm down. I did get a good wave after that. It was very cold this morning and my ankle hurt from the cold.
We went back to the house and a had a big bowl of spaghetti a big home made bun and a banana for lunch plus tea. Wichita I have started to drink just because it is hot.
I was draging my but to the second class. It was still raining and cold. We meat Mario and he gave us new dry wetsuits and told us that he packed the next size down for boards. When we got to the beach it had stopped raining. The suit I got was thicker, I was so much wormer.
I kicked butt on the smaller board, I got up lots also took some good falls me and shauna tryed to ride the same wave and we both did a nose dive.
I am enjoying my self alot.
Excited for tomorrow hope I get to keep the smaller board.
We are staying at global surf school. Sadly the Internet got knocked out in a storm and is not fixed, here is hoping for tomorrow. So I am just going to mesh the past 4 days together.
The first day we did not go surfing, it was a cold over cast day, so the manager ran some wood up tothe house. He asked if we would like a fire so we said sure. Then he was like ok come here I will show you how. I had to hold in a laugh so we watch him build this "fire". Then he left. And I went into the fireroom and got the fire realy going. What he built was ok but needed some tlc. But it was very nice of him to build one to start. We sat in front of the fire for most of the night. We played monopoly. Tryed to find some place to eat but they were all closed the manager drove us intown to a grocery store so we could get food. Very nice man.
There is at least ten beds, 6 tables, 2living rooms, a fire room, and 2 bathrooms, oh also 2 sun rooms.
He brings us breakfast and lunch every morning. Some mornings the bread is still worm.
The first day of surfing we got up at 8 he showed up around 830 with breakfast, and told us to be At surf shop for 10am.
We headed down to the surf shop for ten. He interduced us to Mario our other surf instructor. Then we got got sized for our wetsuits. They have a map of all the surf spots around Peniche. He explained about the winds and why they pick what beach to try each day. Every morning we look at the map and wind direction and see what beach to try today. So far we have only been to one beach.
You start with an 8foot board. That is foam. I got up the first lesson and I got up before shauna lol. The waves are very big and the hardest part is getting pounded by the waves when waiting to ketch a wave. Lots of wipe outs thankfully it is a sand beach, but I have got sand burn on my foot. The water temperature is just like at home in the summer. I told that to Mario and he said that sucked that the water. Was that cold.
After a little under 2hr we went back home, had some lunch, then back at 2 for our second lesson. Our lessons are so close because the water get too cold after 5. we went to a little cafe restaurant that Mario suggested. Then curled up infront of a fire and used it to dry our hair. .
Day two went very much like the first day it was much sunnyer we ate lunch out side on the picnic table.
The stove is gas powered so that was fun to learn.
So that brings us up to today, day 3 of surfing.
What an odd day. This morning it was raining and very strong off shore wind. The manager was our instructor this morning he video taped us and we were able to watch our selfs. I did not get up much and I started to get very frustrated and had to leave the water and take a break to calm down. I did get a good wave after that. It was very cold this morning and my ankle hurt from the cold.
We went back to the house and a had a big bowl of spaghetti a big home made bun and a banana for lunch plus tea. Wichita I have started to drink just because it is hot.
I was draging my but to the second class. It was still raining and cold. We meat Mario and he gave us new dry wetsuits and told us that he packed the next size down for boards. When we got to the beach it had stopped raining. The suit I got was thicker, I was so much wormer.
I kicked butt on the smaller board, I got up lots also took some good falls me and shauna tryed to ride the same wave and we both did a nose dive.
I am enjoying my self alot.
Excited for tomorrow hope I get to keep the smaller board.
Not so easy EasyJet
We got up and got our stuff and off to the airport, left our apartment in Madrid for the last time at 7am. We decided to take subway(5€ vs 40€ cab). Well 50 pounds suitcase and atleast 3 flights of stairs. My knee is blue and black from banging into it. We get to airport, and had to walk alot to get to the right terminal. We don't the EasyJet line get in and put our bags on. They say we are 5 lb over ok so we had to go across and pay an over weight fee. So we go over and she tells us it is 70€ yep it was 17€ for ever kg over. So we are like ok well both our credit cards won't work. That was odd. So we dig into our surf camp money and she tells us she has no change, we had to go find change our selfs. We find a money extange place and shauna got some over her Canadian changed over. So back we go and give her the money. I might add she was very rude and not pleasant to deal with.
So we got our boarding passes and went to get something to eat.
Thankfully I read online that you can only have 1 cary on. Just one no bag plus laptop bag, just one. So we get in line, why people line up so early before they say they are boarding is beyond me. But we got in line early because I was scared they would make us check our backpacks. The women infront of us had a small shoulder bag and they made her put in in her little carry on suitcase. Thankfully they did not question the size of our back packs.
When we checked in online the night before they wanted us to pay 4€ or 15€ for a seat. So we did not pay. We got a Window seat and the one right. Next to it. It was also in the 15€ section with extra leg room. And we did not pay extra for it. So we are not quite so mad with them.
We are half way to Portugal and they ask if there is a doctor on board. The woman sitting next to us turned out to be a doctor. Some one had fainted. We land and we noticed alot of plains just sitting on the tarmac. As we taxi in the pilot asked that every one stay seated until notified, so they could get the medical team on the plane. That was fine but then we realized that alot of plains are being un loaded on the tarmac. And sure enough we park on the tarmac and they bring stairs, the ambulance came, then busses came. It is pouring down rain at this point and they say we can un load but we can only go out the back door. So we unload get cramed into the bus and driving to the terminal. We got our bags and only mine had an over weight tag, and it was only one pound over. So what in the world did the charge us for. They will be getting a very up set email. Plus we will never use them again.
So we come out to were people are waiting and we are trying to find our drive. And there was a sign with my name on it sooooo cool to see.
We got in the van and drove to the surf school. It was an hr drive 80€ not to bad because a taxi would have been much more.
We are now in Portugal. In am small town west of Peniche. The house is cold it is made of cement and it has been storming the days before. It was very damp, we were told that it is always humid here. But right on the ocean.
Don't fly with EasyJet....
So we got our boarding passes and went to get something to eat.
Thankfully I read online that you can only have 1 cary on. Just one no bag plus laptop bag, just one. So we get in line, why people line up so early before they say they are boarding is beyond me. But we got in line early because I was scared they would make us check our backpacks. The women infront of us had a small shoulder bag and they made her put in in her little carry on suitcase. Thankfully they did not question the size of our back packs.
When we checked in online the night before they wanted us to pay 4€ or 15€ for a seat. So we did not pay. We got a Window seat and the one right. Next to it. It was also in the 15€ section with extra leg room. And we did not pay extra for it. So we are not quite so mad with them.
We are half way to Portugal and they ask if there is a doctor on board. The woman sitting next to us turned out to be a doctor. Some one had fainted. We land and we noticed alot of plains just sitting on the tarmac. As we taxi in the pilot asked that every one stay seated until notified, so they could get the medical team on the plane. That was fine but then we realized that alot of plains are being un loaded on the tarmac. And sure enough we park on the tarmac and they bring stairs, the ambulance came, then busses came. It is pouring down rain at this point and they say we can un load but we can only go out the back door. So we unload get cramed into the bus and driving to the terminal. We got our bags and only mine had an over weight tag, and it was only one pound over. So what in the world did the charge us for. They will be getting a very up set email. Plus we will never use them again.
So we come out to were people are waiting and we are trying to find our drive. And there was a sign with my name on it sooooo cool to see.
We got in the van and drove to the surf school. It was an hr drive 80€ not to bad because a taxi would have been much more.
We are now in Portugal. In am small town west of Peniche. The house is cold it is made of cement and it has been storming the days before. It was very damp, we were told that it is always humid here. But right on the ocean.
Don't fly with EasyJet....
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Things I have noticed
When driving they have tunnels that go under roundabouts this keeps the traffic moving.
There are very few motorcycles here they are all scooters. And they can park any were on the curd.
Every thing is inside a building, even the gas station is under a building. The car dealership are inside. people will stop to talk on the street.
There are a lot of "Spanish " torest around.
There are cool looking black and white birds but they never stop moving to get a good picture.
The weirdest thing so far is there "lunch time" is any were from 12 to 5. So between that time they will close down the shop. There has been many times we wished to get something and had to wait and come back later.
There are no screens on the windows
Every one smokes
They are very energy efficient
We saw a wild parrot, just this little green guy
Even when u turn every thing off the hair dryer still trips the fuse.
The streets here do not line up, they turn and weave in all directions. There are also many walking streets that are not on maps.
Even the locals cary there bags in front and set them on there laps.
They eat at such weird hr. Most restaurants do not even open till 8pm. I have been snacking hard core.
The tv is odd in the fact that you are watching a show and mid sentence a commercial will come on.
Since tv here is in Spanish we found one chanel that can be switched to English. all that is on
is grays anatomy and some time desperate house wives. I think we are getting addicted to Grays.
The emergency cars all drive around with there lights on. Not flashing but just on. So a cop car all ways has blue lights on top and when they are responding they flash blue and white with sound.
Along with ambulance they have medical scooters. My best thoughts is that they are mentioned to get there first and to stabalize or get all the facts so that they can go right to the hospital.
There are soooo many round abouts and they all have something in the center weather it be a statue or fountain, or plants.
Well our time in Madrid has come to an end. We fly to Portugal tomorrow morning. Excited to start our surfing adventure.
We love to trip brakers. So far in both places we have triped the braker. Then we went to a restaurant and the braker kept triping. We arejust that electrifying.
People like to go in the ocean with there clothing on. We were eating breakfast one morning and there was this woman on the beach and she was trying to wash something off and she would move when a wave came but she was already anckle deep with shoes still on. Now I know we should not laught but it was so funny. She went to clean it again and she bent over and fell right over. She looked drunk... It was the middle of the week...
Word gets around in a small town we asked Mario were to go for dinner he pointed out a restaurant he said his friend owned itand it was good. So we went there and the guy comes over and goes you know Mario we say yes he goes he told me you were coming, then he showed us the dishes that Mario had suggested.
There are very few motorcycles here they are all scooters. And they can park any were on the curd.
Every thing is inside a building, even the gas station is under a building. The car dealership are inside. people will stop to talk on the street.
There are a lot of "Spanish " torest around.
There are cool looking black and white birds but they never stop moving to get a good picture.
The weirdest thing so far is there "lunch time" is any were from 12 to 5. So between that time they will close down the shop. There has been many times we wished to get something and had to wait and come back later.
There are no screens on the windows
Every one smokes
They are very energy efficient
We saw a wild parrot, just this little green guy
Even when u turn every thing off the hair dryer still trips the fuse.
The streets here do not line up, they turn and weave in all directions. There are also many walking streets that are not on maps.
Even the locals cary there bags in front and set them on there laps.
They eat at such weird hr. Most restaurants do not even open till 8pm. I have been snacking hard core.
The tv is odd in the fact that you are watching a show and mid sentence a commercial will come on.
Since tv here is in Spanish we found one chanel that can be switched to English. all that is on
is grays anatomy and some time desperate house wives. I think we are getting addicted to Grays.
The emergency cars all drive around with there lights on. Not flashing but just on. So a cop car all ways has blue lights on top and when they are responding they flash blue and white with sound.
Along with ambulance they have medical scooters. My best thoughts is that they are mentioned to get there first and to stabalize or get all the facts so that they can go right to the hospital.
There are soooo many round abouts and they all have something in the center weather it be a statue or fountain, or plants.
Well our time in Madrid has come to an end. We fly to Portugal tomorrow morning. Excited to start our surfing adventure.
We love to trip brakers. So far in both places we have triped the braker. Then we went to a restaurant and the braker kept triping. We arejust that electrifying.
People like to go in the ocean with there clothing on. We were eating breakfast one morning and there was this woman on the beach and she was trying to wash something off and she would move when a wave came but she was already anckle deep with shoes still on. Now I know we should not laught but it was so funny. She went to clean it again and she bent over and fell right over. She looked drunk... It was the middle of the week...
Word gets around in a small town we asked Mario were to go for dinner he pointed out a restaurant he said his friend owned itand it was good. So we went there and the guy comes over and goes you know Mario we say yes he goes he told me you were coming, then he showed us the dishes that Mario had suggested.
24h Barcelona
We had to get up at 3:30 am that is right AM. Our flight left at 6. At 4am we were walking down the street, not a soul around. Our plan was to walk to the hotel there is a taxi stand there. we got there and there were 3 taxi's sitting there. we got an odd looking when we walked up. The air port went smoothly, we were sitting near the back. I hate sitting in the back, it was a horrible experience, the plain. Felt like it was going side to side, I almost grabbed shauna. But her eyes were closed and looked like she was asleep.
The sun was just starting to come up, we had some breakfast then off we went to explore Barcelona.
The first thing we went to see was Sagrada Familia. This church is so stunning and amazing on the outside. The inside was ok, as churches go. The outside is stunning, when you first see it, it will make u stop dead in your tracks. A cool fact is that it is not finished, 2030 is the expected finished year. When they finish we will be going back. We were able to go up in the tower the view was amazing.
From there we went to city center, witch had the magic fountain that sadly was not on, it did not even have water in it. This art museum was right behind the fountain it was stunning. We did not go into it, there were also these very big tower's. I don't remember there name.
We went back to the church. We had to stop to look at it again. The hostel was close to the church. We went to the tour bus information both to ask if the knew were it was. The guy got the directions for us and mapped it out.
After what seamed like a forever walk, we found the hostel. What a great place. You have to be buzzed in or use your key. Our room had 8 beds in it. There was a locker that we could put our stuff into so that was great. We took a little rest did some research and mapped out what we would like to do with the rest of the day. The first thing was Casa Batllo, made by Antoni Gaudi. The house was made by the same man that built the original plans for Sagrada Familia. The out side is a mosaic of blues and greens. Finding the place turned out to be the hardest part I don't know how long we wondered around but we did find a Starbuck so shauna was quite happy about that. At star bucks we asked how to get there we thought the women said to just keep going straight. So that is what we did till I looked at the map and realized we went to far again. We did get to see a farrier car store. Then when back tracking back to Starbuck we found it, itwas right around the corner... We can be so oblivious some times. This house was amazing on the out side and the had pictures of the inside. They want 20€ to go inside. So we were standing there as Shauna was deciding weather or not to go in, I knew we were going to the aquarium latter so if she wanted this I was game. As we were talking it out this guy beside us asked us if we were going to go in, we were like we don't know that is a alot of money so he told us some neat things and showed us some pictures. It was funny because his friend was like it was ok but he was excited about it, and we got talking about other things to see and the aquarium came up and his friend was right excited about it. They reminded me of shauna and me.
We decided to go in. Now at most places that you go they have this ear thing that will tell you about the place orthe art. It is a tour with out a guide. Well this place gave them out with the ticket so that was great. For me the information was long and boring I don't need to look at a sealing and picture my self at a beach. Shauna however was right in her glory. I know what I want to get her, for her birthday. Hope amazon has it :D. It took us quite some time Togo through the house the roof was the best part for me. I also loved the fire place with the mushroom decoration seats. It was were a women would sudervise your cupples on a date so one seat was smaller then the other.
When we left there shauna decided to cut out a church we had originally planned to see.
So we got onto the subway to head down to the midevil worf. There was this amazing statue in the middle. It had attention these lion's and they were indifferent positions. I wonder what each one ment. From there we went and walked alone this very cool bridge. We got popcorn so good. As were were walking we noticed the that sea gulls did not look quite right. Then we noticed whey they were a different type these ones were small and did not have so much black. There booies out in the water had statue men on them. We then arrived at the aquarium. This is the biggest one in Spain. It was amazing, they do however have to update there signs sone fish were not onthe list. This onefish an elephant fish is one of shaunas favorites he is very odd looking. They had one that was twice the size of the other ones we had seen. And we learned that he was poisonous. The main tank was very large and the tunnel was so fun to walk through. There was this one massive fish the ocean sunfish (mola mola scientific name). This thing was massive and very funny looking. You should Google it.
Once we were done L'aquarium Barcelona it was dark out. So we went to find the subway. The wind had picked up. I thought I would be blown away at times. So we took the subway to the closes stop witch happen to be the church. And once again we had to stop. It is just as magnificent at night as it is in the day. We start walking in what we think is the right direction. Nope wrong again the entire time we were trying to find a restaurant to eat at. Guess they are not like Madrid and eat late most places were closing. So we decided to go to MacDonald. We were both hungry and very cranky. After some food we got on the right track and made it back to the hostel no problem. We went up to our room and there was stuff on all the beds and there was a girl on one of the top bunks we said hi. We put our stuff away and went down stairs to book our flight so hopefully we would get better seats.
When we went back up to the room there was a guy there we tryed to talk to him but he only spoke Spanish we tryed but we were to tired and our brains would not work. Then a girl came in, we had a grand conversation with her, she is from Germany but has traveled all over the world. We are now Facebook friends she told us to contact her when we are in Germany and she will give us some great tips and maybe show us around.
Then we decided to try and sleep well u can't turn the lights off the are automatically set up. So we had to wait. It was hard to fall asleep with the lights on but I managed. It was weird that people would just come and go one girl came and packed her stuff up in the middle of the night.
It was an interesting but good experience.
The sun was just starting to come up, we had some breakfast then off we went to explore Barcelona.
The first thing we went to see was Sagrada Familia. This church is so stunning and amazing on the outside. The inside was ok, as churches go. The outside is stunning, when you first see it, it will make u stop dead in your tracks. A cool fact is that it is not finished, 2030 is the expected finished year. When they finish we will be going back. We were able to go up in the tower the view was amazing.
From there we went to city center, witch had the magic fountain that sadly was not on, it did not even have water in it. This art museum was right behind the fountain it was stunning. We did not go into it, there were also these very big tower's. I don't remember there name.
We went back to the church. We had to stop to look at it again. The hostel was close to the church. We went to the tour bus information both to ask if the knew were it was. The guy got the directions for us and mapped it out.
After what seamed like a forever walk, we found the hostel. What a great place. You have to be buzzed in or use your key. Our room had 8 beds in it. There was a locker that we could put our stuff into so that was great. We took a little rest did some research and mapped out what we would like to do with the rest of the day. The first thing was Casa Batllo, made by Antoni Gaudi. The house was made by the same man that built the original plans for Sagrada Familia. The out side is a mosaic of blues and greens. Finding the place turned out to be the hardest part I don't know how long we wondered around but we did find a Starbuck so shauna was quite happy about that. At star bucks we asked how to get there we thought the women said to just keep going straight. So that is what we did till I looked at the map and realized we went to far again. We did get to see a farrier car store. Then when back tracking back to Starbuck we found it, itwas right around the corner... We can be so oblivious some times. This house was amazing on the out side and the had pictures of the inside. They want 20€ to go inside. So we were standing there as Shauna was deciding weather or not to go in, I knew we were going to the aquarium latter so if she wanted this I was game. As we were talking it out this guy beside us asked us if we were going to go in, we were like we don't know that is a alot of money so he told us some neat things and showed us some pictures. It was funny because his friend was like it was ok but he was excited about it, and we got talking about other things to see and the aquarium came up and his friend was right excited about it. They reminded me of shauna and me.
We decided to go in. Now at most places that you go they have this ear thing that will tell you about the place orthe art. It is a tour with out a guide. Well this place gave them out with the ticket so that was great. For me the information was long and boring I don't need to look at a sealing and picture my self at a beach. Shauna however was right in her glory. I know what I want to get her, for her birthday. Hope amazon has it :D. It took us quite some time Togo through the house the roof was the best part for me. I also loved the fire place with the mushroom decoration seats. It was were a women would sudervise your cupples on a date so one seat was smaller then the other.
When we left there shauna decided to cut out a church we had originally planned to see.
So we got onto the subway to head down to the midevil worf. There was this amazing statue in the middle. It had attention these lion's and they were indifferent positions. I wonder what each one ment. From there we went and walked alone this very cool bridge. We got popcorn so good. As were were walking we noticed the that sea gulls did not look quite right. Then we noticed whey they were a different type these ones were small and did not have so much black. There booies out in the water had statue men on them. We then arrived at the aquarium. This is the biggest one in Spain. It was amazing, they do however have to update there signs sone fish were not onthe list. This onefish an elephant fish is one of shaunas favorites he is very odd looking. They had one that was twice the size of the other ones we had seen. And we learned that he was poisonous. The main tank was very large and the tunnel was so fun to walk through. There was this one massive fish the ocean sunfish (mola mola scientific name). This thing was massive and very funny looking. You should Google it.
Once we were done L'aquarium Barcelona it was dark out. So we went to find the subway. The wind had picked up. I thought I would be blown away at times. So we took the subway to the closes stop witch happen to be the church. And once again we had to stop. It is just as magnificent at night as it is in the day. We start walking in what we think is the right direction. Nope wrong again the entire time we were trying to find a restaurant to eat at. Guess they are not like Madrid and eat late most places were closing. So we decided to go to MacDonald. We were both hungry and very cranky. After some food we got on the right track and made it back to the hostel no problem. We went up to our room and there was stuff on all the beds and there was a girl on one of the top bunks we said hi. We put our stuff away and went down stairs to book our flight so hopefully we would get better seats.
When we went back up to the room there was a guy there we tryed to talk to him but he only spoke Spanish we tryed but we were to tired and our brains would not work. Then a girl came in, we had a grand conversation with her, she is from Germany but has traveled all over the world. We are now Facebook friends she told us to contact her when we are in Germany and she will give us some great tips and maybe show us around.
Then we decided to try and sleep well u can't turn the lights off the are automatically set up. So we had to wait. It was hard to fall asleep with the lights on but I managed. It was weird that people would just come and go one girl came and packed her stuff up in the middle of the night.
It was an interesting but good experience.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Zoo number 2
Today I think is the first day we were out the door before 11. We went to Faunia today, it is a zoo. I think all our good luck has run out. I found this blog website with very detailed directions on how to get to there via the subway. So I wrote down and the direction didn't want to add repeat of the other night.
So we get on the subway we take the 5 to the 2 then we got on the 9. Once on the 9 we took it to the "end" there was a station that you had to get off and cross to the other side of the platform. there we got onto the 9 again, to keep going. We went all the way to the last stop. The subway even went above ground. We got to see this very cool hill looked like it was sandstone, and there was a lake. The big white birds that were at the other zoo well they had nest all over the place it was funny to see them outside the zoo, makes me wonder if the are a native bird. Something for me to look up.
Once we get to the last stop we went to exit but the gates would not turn to let us out. So we watched and other people were putting there tickets in, as you would to get out. So we went back down to sudway to see if there was a second exit. No such luck so back up and we'll me being me I just slipped between the bars and went to pay for shaunas ticket. As I was at machine shauna wiggled between them but that of course got the guy in to office notice. He came out was what I guess was a what do u think you are doing. So I point to the ticket machine. He gets us to come over to his office and we had to pay 2€each to exit the station. They open the special door so we can walk back onto the other side and put are tickets in and walk through to the side we just came from.
I can just imagine how much they are thinking stupid American.
We get out on the street and try to follow the directions, we'll that was no luck because non of the street names were right. We walked around for over 30 min. we decided to go back to the subway and try to ask. We both did not want to do it,but we're out of ideas. So we decided to ask at the gas station and this one was outside and not under a building.
So the nice lady there and the gentle man behind us informed us that we had to take the metro back to one of 2 stops they could not remember witch one they said to ask at one of the stops. So great now we had to get back on the 9 and go back the way we came. we had to switch at that weird platform again.
We look onthe map and see the stop close to the park we go there and ask the guy. He gives us directions and we start walking along with or written directions we were able to find the park. The teller spoke good English I thought it was fun how after he explained why the price on ticket was full but we only had to pay 15 (we got a coppon at the other zoo. He asked if we understood him. And we were like yes and he was so happy. Next he wanted my postal code. That was fun, he would put his finger over what key letter he thought I said. For shauna he said he just put in his postal code.
You have to walk through the gift shop to get to the park.
Once in the park we went through the petting zoo. The aquatic tank and show ring was next, they had some sea lions and seals in there. And u could not get very close to it. The crocodile house was closed we think there was a tour but we missed it. They had a butterfly house.... I think there was 4 butterflies in there, but once again it is out of season.
The nocturnal house was interesting, it was creepy because u walk up to the door and it must have a motion sensor because it just opened and it was so dark in there. I latched onto shaunas arm and got her to go first. She is so brave. There were some very interesting animals in there. Lots of little monkies. There were this ones that looked like a cross between a cat and monkey. So cool and interesting.
The penguins were ok. It was neat that you could go down and see under the water.
They had meerkats they were just like what I expected. I got my picture by one just for mom. It was very interesting to watch them interact. Maid me miss watching meerkats manor with mom.
The African forest was interesting it was raining and the birds were able to fly anywhere they wanted to. There was a part that u could pay for and feed the monkeys and bird.
In the jungle house there was monkies roaming around, and this little deer thing, wish they had signs posted about what animals are in the enclosure. It was cold cloudy day so the monkies were all huddled up for warmth.
We went to see sea lion show it was ok. I did not know that they could jump so high or do flips. That was the only intersting part of the show. When we went to leave it started to rain. So it was a cold fast walk back to the metro.
We got to the metro started to go down the stairs and noticed that the gates were closed. So we went to check the one we came up, because there was no taxi around and we had no way to call one. Thankful it was open and once in the station we noticed that that other end was blocked off, looked like they were doing work.
The subway can cause use stress
So we get on the subway we take the 5 to the 2 then we got on the 9. Once on the 9 we took it to the "end" there was a station that you had to get off and cross to the other side of the platform. there we got onto the 9 again, to keep going. We went all the way to the last stop. The subway even went above ground. We got to see this very cool hill looked like it was sandstone, and there was a lake. The big white birds that were at the other zoo well they had nest all over the place it was funny to see them outside the zoo, makes me wonder if the are a native bird. Something for me to look up.
Once we get to the last stop we went to exit but the gates would not turn to let us out. So we watched and other people were putting there tickets in, as you would to get out. So we went back down to sudway to see if there was a second exit. No such luck so back up and we'll me being me I just slipped between the bars and went to pay for shaunas ticket. As I was at machine shauna wiggled between them but that of course got the guy in to office notice. He came out was what I guess was a what do u think you are doing. So I point to the ticket machine. He gets us to come over to his office and we had to pay 2€each to exit the station. They open the special door so we can walk back onto the other side and put are tickets in and walk through to the side we just came from.
I can just imagine how much they are thinking stupid American.
We get out on the street and try to follow the directions, we'll that was no luck because non of the street names were right. We walked around for over 30 min. we decided to go back to the subway and try to ask. We both did not want to do it,but we're out of ideas. So we decided to ask at the gas station and this one was outside and not under a building.
So the nice lady there and the gentle man behind us informed us that we had to take the metro back to one of 2 stops they could not remember witch one they said to ask at one of the stops. So great now we had to get back on the 9 and go back the way we came. we had to switch at that weird platform again.
We look onthe map and see the stop close to the park we go there and ask the guy. He gives us directions and we start walking along with or written directions we were able to find the park. The teller spoke good English I thought it was fun how after he explained why the price on ticket was full but we only had to pay 15 (we got a coppon at the other zoo. He asked if we understood him. And we were like yes and he was so happy. Next he wanted my postal code. That was fun, he would put his finger over what key letter he thought I said. For shauna he said he just put in his postal code.
You have to walk through the gift shop to get to the park.
Once in the park we went through the petting zoo. The aquatic tank and show ring was next, they had some sea lions and seals in there. And u could not get very close to it. The crocodile house was closed we think there was a tour but we missed it. They had a butterfly house.... I think there was 4 butterflies in there, but once again it is out of season.
The nocturnal house was interesting, it was creepy because u walk up to the door and it must have a motion sensor because it just opened and it was so dark in there. I latched onto shaunas arm and got her to go first. She is so brave. There were some very interesting animals in there. Lots of little monkies. There were this ones that looked like a cross between a cat and monkey. So cool and interesting.
The penguins were ok. It was neat that you could go down and see under the water.
They had meerkats they were just like what I expected. I got my picture by one just for mom. It was very interesting to watch them interact. Maid me miss watching meerkats manor with mom.
The African forest was interesting it was raining and the birds were able to fly anywhere they wanted to. There was a part that u could pay for and feed the monkeys and bird.
In the jungle house there was monkies roaming around, and this little deer thing, wish they had signs posted about what animals are in the enclosure. It was cold cloudy day so the monkies were all huddled up for warmth.
We went to see sea lion show it was ok. I did not know that they could jump so high or do flips. That was the only intersting part of the show. When we went to leave it started to rain. So it was a cold fast walk back to the metro.
We got to the metro started to go down the stairs and noticed that the gates were closed. So we went to check the one we came up, because there was no taxi around and we had no way to call one. Thankful it was open and once in the station we noticed that that other end was blocked off, looked like they were doing work.
The subway can cause use stress
Friday, January 18, 2013
Round and round we go, we're we stop we don't know
I am still trying to get somethings settled at home, so mom needed a Skype date. I think she was jealous that me and dad skyped the other day. So I waited around for her to get up at 8am witch was 1pm our time. It was good we got almost every thing worked out.
Shauna wanted to go to the hard rock cafe for dinner so we Googleed it. We maped out the subway way and away we went.
Got off and right away we could not get out of the terminal. Turned out we had to take an elevator. Once on the street we could not find it.
We figured out that we were on the wrong side of the road , because there was a mall close to it on Google maps. So we walked around this mall, shopping complex. It was so big and there were so many shops and bars and a big bingo hall. A complex is the best description. We walked around and tryed to find people to ask were it was. One guy did know but he wanted us to get on the bus and go to another place. So we decided to walk back to the TGI Friday.
They gave us a menu in English we both got the strawberry daquarie special it came in a big cup :D and was 50% off.
I now see why they go out for drinks so much.
Very good meal.
Once I was done I went to was my hands. Well there was an H above one door and a M over the other. Big choose what door because every one has called us chica. So my thought process was M is male so I go into H. So great there was no one in there even better only one stall ok so I wash my hands as I am washing them I notice a urnial behind the door.
Guess I guessed wrong. Oh well no harm done I was not caught. I now know that I should go in the M door witch goes against all I know.
Of well when in Spain
When on our way to the subway we tryed to go through the mall and there was a chocolate shop so guess what we stopped lol man we love our chocolate and it all looked good fresh and not old and it was maggots free. Great find.
Shauna wanted to go to the hard rock cafe for dinner so we Googleed it. We maped out the subway way and away we went.
Got off and right away we could not get out of the terminal. Turned out we had to take an elevator. Once on the street we could not find it.
We figured out that we were on the wrong side of the road , because there was a mall close to it on Google maps. So we walked around this mall, shopping complex. It was so big and there were so many shops and bars and a big bingo hall. A complex is the best description. We walked around and tryed to find people to ask were it was. One guy did know but he wanted us to get on the bus and go to another place. So we decided to walk back to the TGI Friday.
They gave us a menu in English we both got the strawberry daquarie special it came in a big cup :D and was 50% off.
I now see why they go out for drinks so much.
Very good meal.
Once I was done I went to was my hands. Well there was an H above one door and a M over the other. Big choose what door because every one has called us chica. So my thought process was M is male so I go into H. So great there was no one in there even better only one stall ok so I wash my hands as I am washing them I notice a urnial behind the door.
Guess I guessed wrong. Oh well no harm done I was not caught. I now know that I should go in the M door witch goes against all I know.
Of well when in Spain
When on our way to the subway we tryed to go through the mall and there was a chocolate shop so guess what we stopped lol man we love our chocolate and it all looked good fresh and not old and it was maggots free. Great find.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Chocolate Surprise
We got off to a very slow start today. We did not really know what to do today. Shauna suggest that we go to Valor Chocolate shop and restaurant. To me that sounded amazing chocolate is always welcome in my tummy.
I must say that we are getting very good at the subway. The subway here is so much easier to navigate then NYC and they were not that hard there. You are able to switch trains with out repaying, and if you are on the wrong platform no problem just walk over to the other one via the conenting tunnels.
We find the shop and to or disappointment it was closed and would not recommend open till 5. Shauna forgot her watch so we are like great... Now what. Well right next door was a restaurant and long behold it was the chocolate shop. We did not know that it was two different shops. So we decided to go and eat and drink chocolate till the chocolate shop opened.
We go into Volor Chocolate restaurant and look at the menu. I wanted it all, it looked soooo good. We got creaps with icecream. I got hotchocolate it was just melted chocolate. Shauna got some chocolate moose thing. So we eat our desert and shauna said I could try her thing. I get a spoon full. And I noticed that there was a dead maggot so opon looking closer it was not dead and it was not alone. Can u say ewwwww shauna broke open a chocolate ball on her thing and there was another one in there.
After that I was not able to finish my drink.
Since we can not speak there lauange. I just took it up to the counter and pointed at the maggot. She took it off the bill.
Little to say we were not happy and did not wait for the shop to open.
So my poor body that is yelling that it is chocolate deprived is still up set because as I sit here talking about chocolate all it wants is chocolate.
From there we went to the mall. The clothing was so cheap looking, and I think maybe 2things caught my eye. How ever there was a movie theater and the popcorn smelt so good. We tryed to come up with how to get it home, very hard even when u don't know how to even order it. We decided to not get some. Shauna just got a star bucks.
We went home got groceries and watch grays anatomy.
It is official we are hooked. I almost burned dinner because we had to see if he would be shot.
We will see if tomorrow will be better. Here is hoping.
I must say that we are getting very good at the subway. The subway here is so much easier to navigate then NYC and they were not that hard there. You are able to switch trains with out repaying, and if you are on the wrong platform no problem just walk over to the other one via the conenting tunnels.
We find the shop and to or disappointment it was closed and would not recommend open till 5. Shauna forgot her watch so we are like great... Now what. Well right next door was a restaurant and long behold it was the chocolate shop. We did not know that it was two different shops. So we decided to go and eat and drink chocolate till the chocolate shop opened.
We go into Volor Chocolate restaurant and look at the menu. I wanted it all, it looked soooo good. We got creaps with icecream. I got hotchocolate it was just melted chocolate. Shauna got some chocolate moose thing. So we eat our desert and shauna said I could try her thing. I get a spoon full. And I noticed that there was a dead maggot so opon looking closer it was not dead and it was not alone. Can u say ewwwww shauna broke open a chocolate ball on her thing and there was another one in there.
After that I was not able to finish my drink.
Since we can not speak there lauange. I just took it up to the counter and pointed at the maggot. She took it off the bill.
Little to say we were not happy and did not wait for the shop to open.
So my poor body that is yelling that it is chocolate deprived is still up set because as I sit here talking about chocolate all it wants is chocolate.
From there we went to the mall. The clothing was so cheap looking, and I think maybe 2things caught my eye. How ever there was a movie theater and the popcorn smelt so good. We tryed to come up with how to get it home, very hard even when u don't know how to even order it. We decided to not get some. Shauna just got a star bucks.
We went home got groceries and watch grays anatomy.
It is official we are hooked. I almost burned dinner because we had to see if he would be shot.
We will see if tomorrow will be better. Here is hoping.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Rainy Day
It is raining today. Most things that we have planed are out doors so seeing big storm clouds this morning it was hard to decide what to come up with. We decided to go to an art museum. Not just any art museum we went to Del Prado. It was such a large museum. I was shocked with how much I liked it. It was interesting to see how old they were, and from all over the world. My favorite one was of plaza mayor back in the day. There was so much to see, I am sure we did not get to see it all.
Just having a quiet evening, my knee is acting up so ibuprofen for me.
Just having a quiet evening, my knee is acting up so ibuprofen for me.
Cloud 9 (zoo longgggg post)
Today we went to the zoo, the Zoo Aquarium Madrid. I would like to say I am speechless, but I am feeling the opposite. I want to tell everyone one about how amazing, and the one negative.
To start the adventure off I found out we needed to take two metro the number 5 then the number 33. I thought this was 2 buses. I was wrong the 5 is the subway, who knew we had a stop down the rd. Shauna being the smart girl she is noticed that we could take the subway all the way. So that was what we did it was great we got off the subway walked up stairs into the sun and bam right in front of us was a sign for the zoo big arrow. We followed the arrows for a ten minute walk. As we were walking up we are realizing just how large this place is. As we were walking we could see into the zoo and the wolf was out and about.
It was 45€ for the 2 of us.
When we looked at our map Shauna was like there is no way we are doing this twice. There are over 90 species in this park. The first animals to ketch our eyes was the pink flamingos, they are alot bigger then I thought. There were this large white crains nesting all Round the park. There were some making noise and this group of flamingos were very un happy at this and we're making noise and passing back and forth.
The panggines were not out. The sealions were and the keeper was testing the water for the connecting tank and they were so curious as to what she was doing. The watched her and called to her the entire time.
They had an American bob cat who was asleep in the sun.
The Jagger was up and moving we got some great pictures of him because the monkeys across the way we're ketching his eye. He did not look over weight like the ones back home. He was rolling Around and standing up tall such a show man. They had a white tiger and a group of lions that were just chilling in the sun.
Something to note alot of the enclosures are made with a mot around them so u are not looking through a fence. We get to see giraffes, they are so tall and lanky looking.
Throughout the entire place you can tell they have a good breeding program there were young animals all around. The mountain goats were fun and man can they ever jump.
We got to see Hippocampus that is right there is a thing between me and my friend that I am traveling with about hippos. So it was amazing that we both got to see them together.
We stood and watched the bamboos for a long time. They looked gross and I can honestly say I do not know much about them so it was fantastic to watch them interact. But I did wonder if there was a better way to keep there enclosure cleaner. There was blood, garage, stail water, and feecies all over. This was the only enclosure that was discounting. And I wonder if the troop was just to big to get inside at once so they could clean.
Two of the gazales looked to be in the wrong place or guess the just jumped the fence for the grass on the other side.
I just noticed that we missed the merrcats, oh well.
We did the reptile house. It was a let down I did think they would have more. It was neet to see into the nursery room were they had baby snakes they were so tiny. They had a Scull sticker on some of them so my guess is they are the poisonous ones.
We went to just look at the dolphin show ring and just as we started to walk away a dolphin surfaced. I can just imagine how much my face lit up. The last time I was this happy to see an animal would have to be when mike took me to go dog sledding. We sat and watched them surface then we noticed viewing windows so we found the stairs to go down.
There are no words for how amazing the look in the wild. My drive to go swimming with them in the wild is so strong now. They are so graceful and elegant. And big I did not realize how big till u have them swim by.
We guessed that there was 6 in the tank. They were bottlenose dolphins. So amazing to see.
We got to see lots of amazing training in the work one of the rinos had a cut on his foot see we got to watch trainer and vet work with him to get it all cleaned up
The aquarium let's just say I want one. The fish tanks I could have stayed there all day watching them. There best price is at the end a 1000000 gl tank that had sandtiger, and nurse sharks a barracuda and other fish in it. They had sea turtles and black tip read sharks, lion fish,an eal. So many amazing fish and all looked so healthy. They even had sea horses they were so cute.
One of the zoos main attraction is the panda bears they have been able to breed them witch is amazing. The baby's are 3 years old and still not fully grown one was asleep and the other was uphaving a snack. So neat to get to see such an endangered animal.
The elephants were neet they were weaving at the gate and it reminded me of stall bored horses. But we letter found out that a talk show was about to start so my guess is they were getting ready to work.
One one negative and this was a very big one for me. They have a bird show with is great. But for the hrs between and during the show the birds are chained the the ground. Some had a stump to stand on. It reminded me of dog mills were they are chained up with and not able to get at each other. There was a volture that was trying to get at another bird it was so sad to see him as he kept slamming into to ground. they are the only animals that I saw that looked stress. Seeing the baldeagle and golden eagle on the ground did not give me a good feeling.
We did Ketch the tail end of the parrot show. They had some very colorful birds. At this point it was almost 4 so we went looking for food. One thing we need to start it eatting better. We went to the main cafeteria and gift shop. I had this great chocolate cake and a hotchocolate. On our way to the dolphin show we stopped at the sea lion show. It was so funny we laughed so hard. He danced and would sneak around behind the trainer. Do to see him balance a ball on his nose such amazing balance.
Now for the grand fanilaly the dolphin show it was amazingly stunning at what theses creatures can do we found out there was 6 adults and there 2 offspring. They had the younger ones off to the side just working on little things but me being who I am could not keep my eyes off them and how she was working with them.
They had 2of them spin on the platform it was interesting to see. The jumps were amazing how high out of the water.
There was a little girl that the dolphin pulled in a boat around the tank. So smart . And eager to work.
After the show we got our picture with joans a sea lion, he had his chin on shaunas shoulder I guess he was sniffing her and he smelt bad of fish. As we were walking back we noticed that the photo women was walking down this ramp me being noise went to see and it was were u go to get your picture with the dolphins, that isright we gotour picture with the dolphins what an amazing thing. It cost 20€ I would pay that again any time. We did not get to touch her.
So the highlight. Of the trip so far was getting our picture with angle the dolphin.
Then we walked back to the subway and came home stopped at the grocery store.
Shauna made dinner it was very good. They have these large long beens that are green, and so good.
The zoo will not be something that I forget any time soon.
To start the adventure off I found out we needed to take two metro the number 5 then the number 33. I thought this was 2 buses. I was wrong the 5 is the subway, who knew we had a stop down the rd. Shauna being the smart girl she is noticed that we could take the subway all the way. So that was what we did it was great we got off the subway walked up stairs into the sun and bam right in front of us was a sign for the zoo big arrow. We followed the arrows for a ten minute walk. As we were walking up we are realizing just how large this place is. As we were walking we could see into the zoo and the wolf was out and about.
It was 45€ for the 2 of us.
When we looked at our map Shauna was like there is no way we are doing this twice. There are over 90 species in this park. The first animals to ketch our eyes was the pink flamingos, they are alot bigger then I thought. There were this large white crains nesting all Round the park. There were some making noise and this group of flamingos were very un happy at this and we're making noise and passing back and forth.
The panggines were not out. The sealions were and the keeper was testing the water for the connecting tank and they were so curious as to what she was doing. The watched her and called to her the entire time.
They had an American bob cat who was asleep in the sun.
The Jagger was up and moving we got some great pictures of him because the monkeys across the way we're ketching his eye. He did not look over weight like the ones back home. He was rolling Around and standing up tall such a show man. They had a white tiger and a group of lions that were just chilling in the sun.
Something to note alot of the enclosures are made with a mot around them so u are not looking through a fence. We get to see giraffes, they are so tall and lanky looking.
Throughout the entire place you can tell they have a good breeding program there were young animals all around. The mountain goats were fun and man can they ever jump.
We got to see Hippocampus that is right there is a thing between me and my friend that I am traveling with about hippos. So it was amazing that we both got to see them together.
We stood and watched the bamboos for a long time. They looked gross and I can honestly say I do not know much about them so it was fantastic to watch them interact. But I did wonder if there was a better way to keep there enclosure cleaner. There was blood, garage, stail water, and feecies all over. This was the only enclosure that was discounting. And I wonder if the troop was just to big to get inside at once so they could clean.
Two of the gazales looked to be in the wrong place or guess the just jumped the fence for the grass on the other side.
I just noticed that we missed the merrcats, oh well.
We did the reptile house. It was a let down I did think they would have more. It was neet to see into the nursery room were they had baby snakes they were so tiny. They had a Scull sticker on some of them so my guess is they are the poisonous ones.
We went to just look at the dolphin show ring and just as we started to walk away a dolphin surfaced. I can just imagine how much my face lit up. The last time I was this happy to see an animal would have to be when mike took me to go dog sledding. We sat and watched them surface then we noticed viewing windows so we found the stairs to go down.
There are no words for how amazing the look in the wild. My drive to go swimming with them in the wild is so strong now. They are so graceful and elegant. And big I did not realize how big till u have them swim by.
We guessed that there was 6 in the tank. They were bottlenose dolphins. So amazing to see.
We got to see lots of amazing training in the work one of the rinos had a cut on his foot see we got to watch trainer and vet work with him to get it all cleaned up
The aquarium let's just say I want one. The fish tanks I could have stayed there all day watching them. There best price is at the end a 1000000 gl tank that had sandtiger, and nurse sharks a barracuda and other fish in it. They had sea turtles and black tip read sharks, lion fish,an eal. So many amazing fish and all looked so healthy. They even had sea horses they were so cute.
One of the zoos main attraction is the panda bears they have been able to breed them witch is amazing. The baby's are 3 years old and still not fully grown one was asleep and the other was uphaving a snack. So neat to get to see such an endangered animal.
The elephants were neet they were weaving at the gate and it reminded me of stall bored horses. But we letter found out that a talk show was about to start so my guess is they were getting ready to work.
One one negative and this was a very big one for me. They have a bird show with is great. But for the hrs between and during the show the birds are chained the the ground. Some had a stump to stand on. It reminded me of dog mills were they are chained up with and not able to get at each other. There was a volture that was trying to get at another bird it was so sad to see him as he kept slamming into to ground. they are the only animals that I saw that looked stress. Seeing the baldeagle and golden eagle on the ground did not give me a good feeling.
We did Ketch the tail end of the parrot show. They had some very colorful birds. At this point it was almost 4 so we went looking for food. One thing we need to start it eatting better. We went to the main cafeteria and gift shop. I had this great chocolate cake and a hotchocolate. On our way to the dolphin show we stopped at the sea lion show. It was so funny we laughed so hard. He danced and would sneak around behind the trainer. Do to see him balance a ball on his nose such amazing balance.
Now for the grand fanilaly the dolphin show it was amazingly stunning at what theses creatures can do we found out there was 6 adults and there 2 offspring. They had the younger ones off to the side just working on little things but me being who I am could not keep my eyes off them and how she was working with them.
They had 2of them spin on the platform it was interesting to see. The jumps were amazing how high out of the water.
There was a little girl that the dolphin pulled in a boat around the tank. So smart . And eager to work.
After the show we got our picture with joans a sea lion, he had his chin on shaunas shoulder I guess he was sniffing her and he smelt bad of fish. As we were walking back we noticed that the photo women was walking down this ramp me being noise went to see and it was were u go to get your picture with the dolphins, that isright we gotour picture with the dolphins what an amazing thing. It cost 20€ I would pay that again any time. We did not get to touch her.
So the highlight. Of the trip so far was getting our picture with angle the dolphin.
Then we walked back to the subway and came home stopped at the grocery store.
Shauna made dinner it was very good. They have these large long beens that are green, and so good.
The zoo will not be something that I forget any time soon.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Hello Egypt
Okay so we did not go to Egypt but we did go see an Egyptian temple. Templo De Debod was sent to spain block by block, as a thank you. It is tucked up on the hill it looked so out of place after walking through the city. Oh course just our luck it is closed, apparently it is closed ever Monday guess we did not do good enough resurch.
At the back was an amazing view of the back of the palace and church, makes me wonder if in older times if the user to look out the palace windows and look at the temple.
We tryed to find a second place, we think we found it but it was nothing amazing. We found this amazing garden and in the middle was this big amazing fountain.
Alot of the things we find we seam to stumbled across.
We took the sub way to plaza mayor, it was easier to figure out then the subway in NYC. We got some lunch in plaza mayor nothing special about it, I tryed a tapa... Not my cup of tea I think it is just the size that makes it a tapa.
Off the plaza we found this little jewelry store they spoke English witch was so amazing, so great to talk with someone other then Shauna. I got this very nice earings they are blue and homemade. We then made our way around and ended up at this candy and cookies shop. We got some cookies they are very good, they were giving out free samples and the guy spoke alittle English.
It was another great day in Madrid Spain :D
At the back was an amazing view of the back of the palace and church, makes me wonder if in older times if the user to look out the palace windows and look at the temple.
We tryed to find a second place, we think we found it but it was nothing amazing. We found this amazing garden and in the middle was this big amazing fountain.
Alot of the things we find we seam to stumbled across.
We took the sub way to plaza mayor, it was easier to figure out then the subway in NYC. We got some lunch in plaza mayor nothing special about it, I tryed a tapa... Not my cup of tea I think it is just the size that makes it a tapa.
Off the plaza we found this little jewelry store they spoke English witch was so amazing, so great to talk with someone other then Shauna. I got this very nice earings they are blue and homemade. We then made our way around and ended up at this candy and cookies shop. We got some cookies they are very good, they were giving out free samples and the guy spoke alittle English.
It was another great day in Madrid Spain :D
Sunday, January 13, 2013
El Rastro
Today took us to El Rastro witch is a massive flea market the biggest in Spain.... It has been an open air market for half a millennium. we walked most of the market. The bottom plaza reminded me of the old Sackville flea market. There were alot of card books, with sports cards I even saw some pokemon cards. As we worked are way up the streets there were lots of antiques and old paintings. There were clothing vendors. We found a store and got some grocery. Another store caught my eye and I had a felling that there may be milk like refrigerate milk. I was right and we got shauna her much wanted milk. In the market there was a dog that reminded me of rusty a dog back at work. Farther down the street there was a park and there was a man in blanket sleeping on a bench, there were 2 guys standing around him, and running around was a Georgia lookalike. The happy go lucky wiggle ness made me take a second look.
We stopped at our favorite little bakery. Then got a hotchocolate and headed home with goodies in hand.
Hopefully shauna feels better tomorrow so we can do more exploring.
We may be going out for dinner tonight.
We stopped at our favorite little bakery. Then got a hotchocolate and headed home with goodies in hand.
Hopefully shauna feels better tomorrow so we can do more exploring.
We may be going out for dinner tonight.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Jaw dropping day
Well still not fully able to sleep. Had a shower, think my elbow will permanently bruised very tiny shower. There is also not much hot water, short showers from now on.
We walked down the rd got a little lost, there was a nice park that we passed it looked very nice and there were lots of people out walking there dogs, large ones at that. After we passed the park we saw something cool so we walked up these stairs that put us right infront of "the crypt at Almudena Cathedral, Madrid " It was very beautiful, cost 1€ . From there we walk back to this little plaza, from there we were able to see this very cool looking bridge, so we walked down the rd towards it, shauna wanted to walk over it. As we got closer we noticed homeless people sleeping under so we turned around an went back to the church. From there the "Palacio real de Madrid" was right next door. It cost 10€ and was well spent. We did not pay extra to see the armor. The gold oh man the gold. There was soooo much everywhere.
From there we walked to plaza Mayor, on the way we stopped at this very cute bakery we got some yummy treats. Plaza mayor was cool all the restaurants had out door setting areas with a waiter standing by there stand with a menu. There were a few people dressed up, you could put money in there hats. We went to the information store shauna was looking for a place to extange her money. We walked towards were the place was to just check it out. We ended up at this second plaza, Plaza Sol it was a very busy. There were these people dressed up as goat heads with rainbow bodies. They were very odd looking. There were so many people dressed up sponge bob, mini and micky mouse. We walked up this very very busy stretch because there was a store mango, that she wanted to go into. From there we walked to another plaza, "Callao". There was a star bucks off this one, so we went and got shauna her tea. We walked back the way we came and we walked over the bridge that shauna liked. From there we walked to "Basilica San Francisco el Grande" once again an amazing place. This church also had some old paintings it was very interesting to see. This church was very different from the one we saw earlier.
As we were trying to get back home we passed this road and at the end was a church. We walked to it but it was closed. From there we could see the arch in the middle of the round about that is close to our home. there was some on with out shoes on all I saw was the socked feet, since it was a back ally we decided to go back on to the main street. We got back to the main street and got pictures of the arch. On our walk home we passed people dressed up in the same color we think there was a football game on tonight. Allmost all the shops were closed.
We went back out to the little vegetable store but it was closed. We had some ham and spaghetti with salsa on top.
Very crazy and fun day
Should hopefully sleep well tonight :D
We walked down the rd got a little lost, there was a nice park that we passed it looked very nice and there were lots of people out walking there dogs, large ones at that. After we passed the park we saw something cool so we walked up these stairs that put us right infront of "the crypt at Almudena Cathedral, Madrid " It was very beautiful, cost 1€ . From there we walk back to this little plaza, from there we were able to see this very cool looking bridge, so we walked down the rd towards it, shauna wanted to walk over it. As we got closer we noticed homeless people sleeping under so we turned around an went back to the church. From there the "Palacio real de Madrid" was right next door. It cost 10€ and was well spent. We did not pay extra to see the armor. The gold oh man the gold. There was soooo much everywhere.
From there we walked to plaza Mayor, on the way we stopped at this very cute bakery we got some yummy treats. Plaza mayor was cool all the restaurants had out door setting areas with a waiter standing by there stand with a menu. There were a few people dressed up, you could put money in there hats. We went to the information store shauna was looking for a place to extange her money. We walked towards were the place was to just check it out. We ended up at this second plaza, Plaza Sol it was a very busy. There were these people dressed up as goat heads with rainbow bodies. They were very odd looking. There were so many people dressed up sponge bob, mini and micky mouse. We walked up this very very busy stretch because there was a store mango, that she wanted to go into. From there we walked to another plaza, "Callao". There was a star bucks off this one, so we went and got shauna her tea. We walked back the way we came and we walked over the bridge that shauna liked. From there we walked to "Basilica San Francisco el Grande" once again an amazing place. This church also had some old paintings it was very interesting to see. This church was very different from the one we saw earlier.
As we were trying to get back home we passed this road and at the end was a church. We walked to it but it was closed. From there we could see the arch in the middle of the round about that is close to our home. there was some on with out shoes on all I saw was the socked feet, since it was a back ally we decided to go back on to the main street. We got back to the main street and got pictures of the arch. On our walk home we passed people dressed up in the same color we think there was a football game on tonight. Allmost all the shops were closed.
We went back out to the little vegetable store but it was closed. We had some ham and spaghetti with salsa on top.
Very crazy and fun day
Should hopefully sleep well tonight :D
Friday, January 11, 2013
Sick day
Well day 3 was spent around home. Shauna is feeling very sick, so we stayed home. We planed out most of what we would like to do for the next 24 days. We walked down to the market got some ham and then went in to the little vegetables shop. The women that ran the vegetable stand had to be the nicest Spanish speaking women we have met to far. She was not giving us dirty looks as we speak very bad Spanish to her.
There are great adventures in the future.
There are great adventures in the future.
Jet leg
I have never experienced jet leg before. This is hard to adjust too. Last night I went to bed at 11:30 and I was not able to sleep. Shauna my traveling buddy is not feeling well today. So we are having a resurch and plan day. This makes me happy because now I can have a nap today.
Tonight I will be taking melatonin.
Oh no I dropped the melatonin bottle when I picked it up the pills spilled out. More then half the bottle spilled and in a high traffic zone, hope there is enough left to help me sleep tonight.
Tonight I will be taking melatonin.
Oh no I dropped the melatonin bottle when I picked it up the pills spilled out. More then half the bottle spilled and in a high traffic zone, hope there is enough left to help me sleep tonight.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Day 2
Okay well day 2 went very well. The language barrier is still very hard. We are studying and trying, I am just starting to get the hang of hello and thank u. We had breakfast at the hotel. Then went to find a bank. Well who knew that you can not get money out from the teller u can only get cash from atms.
We get into our apartment, it is nothing like I expected, because I was looking at the wrong Web Site. the place is nice lots of movies and books great views.... Of the neighbors roofs lol but atleast we don't have traffic on this side.
We walked to get grocery and they don't have milk here well the have milk but it is on the shelf. Reminds me of manays how u put it in the fridge after opening it. You can also buy bread with out crust.
You have to turn the timer on the stove on to get it to turn on reminds me of a toaster oven. The bathroom light switch is behind the door so u have to close door turn light on, open door go in and re close door.
Time for me to do dishes.
Tomorrow we are taking the bus in town, just found out we can walk to were we want to go only 20min walk to mayor plaza.
Good night from Madrid
We get into our apartment, it is nothing like I expected, because I was looking at the wrong Web Site. the place is nice lots of movies and books great views.... Of the neighbors roofs lol but atleast we don't have traffic on this side.
We walked to get grocery and they don't have milk here well the have milk but it is on the shelf. Reminds me of manays how u put it in the fridge after opening it. You can also buy bread with out crust.
You have to turn the timer on the stove on to get it to turn on reminds me of a toaster oven. The bathroom light switch is behind the door so u have to close door turn light on, open door go in and re close door.
Time for me to do dishes.
Tomorrow we are taking the bus in town, just found out we can walk to were we want to go only 20min walk to mayor plaza.
Good night from Madrid
Trip starts
Well here we go. I am not a writer nor will I ever be.
Left Halifax NS Jan 8 2013
Flight over was ok got delayed over2hr, British are was very helpful at booking us a new flight. However finding some one to help us was not fun.
When we got to apartment there was no one there because the flight was delayed. No free wifi in Europe airports.
We ended up walking down the road and booking a hotel for the night. Got a hotchocolate there. It was very good thick. Shauna got this pastry that we dipped in it, that was very good.
We had to ask how to turn the lights on. There was a little white box that u put room key in. We'll u put the key in and take it out lights stay on maybe 5 min so we had to keep getting up to reput it in. Then I got the bright idea to leave the card in. And bingo that was the key to keeping the lights on. Then I had another bright idea to shower.... Flooded bathroom the head was pointing out the shower.
That is it I think for first day.
Oh one last thing after we got into hotel wifi we got an email to meet landlord we wait 1 hr out side the temp was+1 we could not sit in bar because we did not know how to order any thing. We went back to hotel and set up a time to meet the next day.
Left Halifax NS Jan 8 2013
Flight over was ok got delayed over2hr, British are was very helpful at booking us a new flight. However finding some one to help us was not fun.
When we got to apartment there was no one there because the flight was delayed. No free wifi in Europe airports.
We ended up walking down the road and booking a hotel for the night. Got a hotchocolate there. It was very good thick. Shauna got this pastry that we dipped in it, that was very good.
We had to ask how to turn the lights on. There was a little white box that u put room key in. We'll u put the key in and take it out lights stay on maybe 5 min so we had to keep getting up to reput it in. Then I got the bright idea to leave the card in. And bingo that was the key to keeping the lights on. Then I had another bright idea to shower.... Flooded bathroom the head was pointing out the shower.
That is it I think for first day.
Oh one last thing after we got into hotel wifi we got an email to meet landlord we wait 1 hr out side the temp was+1 we could not sit in bar because we did not know how to order any thing. We went back to hotel and set up a time to meet the next day.
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