Homeless

I'm on my way to Spain. Literally, if you're reading the blog on Tuesday the 18th.  

Being an organized person, I set up everything a couple weeks ago. Originally, I thought I'd arrive in Madrid and then spend a week in Granada and another week somewhere like Malaga, but I decided against that. Instead I'm going to stay in Madrid and do day trips to other cities. Why? Because it's easier writing when you're settled in one place, and I have quite a bit of work to do. Also, apparently Madrid has awesome tango, and I want to take advantage of that.

Except a few days ago the apartment I'd rented fell through, so suddenly I have no place to stay. Bummer, I know. But it'll all work out. Worst case, I'll stay in a sterile, Hilton-esque hotel for a night and then take a train south. Or go to some beach town on the Mediterranean. 

It's a tough life, but someone has to live it.

If you guys were headed to someplace without any plans, what would you do? How would you feel? (Yes, I'm taking notes, because wouldn't this be a good conflict for a control freak?)

A few things I'm going to do while I'm in Madrid (if that's where I actually end up):

 

  • go to the Prado, and the Reina Sofia.
  • eat paella. 
  • drink thick red wine.

 

Next question: is there anything you guys want me to experience in Madrid (or wherever I end up)? Because I'm happy to do things and then report back for your vicarious pleasure.

Hey—thanks, everyone, for the birthday wishes!  I had an awesome, whiskey-soaked birthday week.  Or perhaps awesomely whiskey-soaked would be a more accurate description.  The only thing I'd change is the number of cupcakes I ate.  Next year, I'm going to make sure I have cake on every day of my birthday week instead of just once.  It's good to have goals.

Posted by Kate on 18 May 2010

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  • If I were going somewhere without plans, I would be very unsettled and would spend a lot of time freaking out until I had found a place to stay. Then once that was done, I would spend a lot of time going "... Well what the heck should I do now? What do people here do for entertainment?"

    Of course, if I had my best friend with me, I would probably be (marginally) more calm and more willing to be spontaneous with entertainment. But on my own, I would mostly be freaking and then shyly playing it safe.

    No ideas on experiences... I'd say to go watch a bullfighting match, but as cultural as it may be, it's just too depressing :( Poor bull...

    Posted by Karen, 18/05/2010 3:01pm (2 years ago)

  • Hmmmm...when I think of Spain I think of tapas, bullfights, and flamenco.

    I don't have the stomach for a bullfight, but I'd definitely go for tapas and to catch a flamenco show.

    Have fun!

    Posted by Jen, 19/05/2010 8:53am (2 years ago)

  • If I didn't have plans...First I'd find a place to live. Once I did that, I'd find a place to eat. I probably would'nt freak out...except that I don't know much Spanish, so there's that.

    Flamenco! Oh snap. Is Real Madrid playing? Probably not so close to World Cup... If they are you should go to a futbol game.

    Posted by Parisa, 19/05/2010 10:38am (2 years ago)

  • Addendum to the blog: I have a place. It's a cute attic apartment right in the center of town. There was a little while when I thought I was going to have to sit on the curb all day to be let in, but a fishmonger saved my life.

    Also, I'd like to formally thank You-Know-Who-You-Are (as my sister calls him) for pushing my blog live when I forgot to in my frenzy to get to the airport.

    And, I've already had tapas, in case you guys wondered. And I'm totally going to see if Real Madrid is playing, but I doubt it. I might go to the opera though.

    Posted by Kate, 19/05/2010 11:00am (2 years ago)

  • Glad you've found a temporary home!

    I think I'd probably go looking for some Gaudi (sp?) architecture while there.

    Posted by Jen, 19/05/2010 11:17am (2 years ago)

  • Things to see in Spain:

    The Prado - DEFINITELY!!! This was one of the best museums I've ever visited! The Spanish Masters painted larger than life. A definite must see!

    Also, if you get a chance, visit the Alcazar - Queen Isabella's Castle. I can't remember the actual town it was in, as my trips to Spain were some years ago. My uncle lived there and I visited him several times.

    We also went to a famous restaurant in Madrid. I remember going downstairs and it looking like a cave. I believe it was the oldest restaurant in Madrid. Again, it was a few years back so I'm sorry I don't have a name :-(

    Posted by Angelique Armae, 19/05/2010 4:44pm (2 years ago)

  • Ooh! You should go to the plains and see if that's where the rain is mainly staying! =D

    Posted by Karen, 19/05/2010 5:58pm (2 years ago)

  • LOL, Karen. I know the rain is definitely not in Madrid--it's lovely out.

    Angelique, I'm SO going to the Prado. I've been wanting to go there since I was a little kid. My apartment is strategically located with walking distance (of the Reina Sofia as well). Thanks for the tip on the restaurant too! I'll look it up.

    Posted by Kate, 20/05/2010 4:12am (2 years ago)

  • I was in madrid at age 18 and vaguely remember both the prado & the castle....but i do remember the evening markets and the pick pockets...squirrely little basterds! George wants you to tell everyone that your American friend George wants Spain to win the world cup. He is doing his part to help restore American - Spainish relations after the Bush years.

    Posted by Dawn, 20/05/2010 9:08pm (2 years ago)

  • If you go to a futbol game I might die of envy.

    Also, I only called him You-Know-Who-You-Are once. psh.

    Posted by Parisa, 21/05/2010 12:31am (2 years ago)

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