Day 112: Fear of Crowds

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

I don’t like crowds. They make me claustrophobic and anxious, and I feel fearful that someone might touch me, or steal something, or start pushing and I’ll get hurt or that I will lose my kids or spouse. Yes, I have a hyperactive imagination, and usually don’t let fear take over, but today I did feel vulnerable.

Today the protesters were swarming all around our hotel. The helicopters were buzzing over head. Police vans were lined up, 5-10 vans long with flashing lights. Motorcycle cops were buzzing around. Police officers with riot gear were prepared to fight and protect people and businesses.

The place we got lunch our first day in town was being attacked. Luckily they have metal sliding doors to protect the glass, and Starbucks and Pan closed down. Most of the shops were closed down on the street where we had breakfast yesterday. It was very eerie. People were swarming and chanting and yelling and littering and were generally upset.

As I was getting ready to leave the hotel, my Spanish phone sent me a text message saying I was out of Euros. I had bought a prepaid sim plan so I could communicate with Jeff via text. Luckily the Phone house was still open and the lady that helped me 2 days ago was there to help me today to top it off and reconnect me again! Phew – one less stressor!

I was very uncomfortable and just wanted to leave but feared the trains wouldn’t work. Luckily they did, they were just running less frequently than usual and were packed. We decided to get to the airport quite early, before rush hour, just in case. Luckily our flight isn’t cancelled (yet). Jeff was at his conference this morning and left a bit early too. We were able to meet up at the final tram stop at the airport. I was so happy to see him and to feel safe again.

At the airport, the protesters have blanketed the departure area with large stickers, everywhere. I’m glad they aren’t here now, but the mess remains. And it’s eerily quiet here. Most flights have been cancelled. We still have 2 1/2 hours to wait for our departure. I’m praying we can get out of here!

** We made it home safely!!! So happy.

14Nov2012

Day 111: Wanderlust

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

Today was a another sunny day in Madrid, which made me smile. I didn’t have much of a plan but more of a sense of direction to begin the day. And then I wandered and just enjoyed the journey.

I started the day with Jeff at Valor, trying the infamous chocolate y churros, which didn’t disappoint.

Next we wandered over to the cloistered monastery and took a tour in Spanish. It was amazing! To think that some people choose to live a lifestyle where they never connect with the outside world. It was incredibly ornate and religious!

Afterward, Jeff went to his conference and I wandered to Chueca. I found the Mercado San Anton and enjoyed an empanada from the marketplace, along with a glass of cava, which was very tasty.

Next I wandered through the gardens of Retiro, and ended up at the Prado museum. I wasn’t planning on going there, but ended up having enough time and spent the next couple of hours admiring the art, amazed by the talents of some people!

I wandered back to the hotel in time to meet Jeff and to do a tapas crawl for dinner before 10 pm.

Life is good!!

13Nov2012

Day 110: Date Night in Madrid

Posted in Uncategorized by adrianahartley

My life is seriously crazy. Jeff had a business trip in Spain and asked me if I wanted to go with him. Of course, I said yes. My parents are excellent babysitters and who wouldn’t want to see Spain? I’ve never been and am always up for an adventure, even if we had to leave before the sun rose this morning!

After checking into our hotel, Jeff went to his conference. I haven’t toured a major city by myself since my consulting days when I used to explore the Boston Commons and the streets of New York with big eyes. Today was much of the same and I loved wandering and getting “lost” in the city. I eventually wandered into the tourist information office to charge my phone and to recharge my feet. I wore high heeled boots today, which was a stupid choice! While there relaxing, I read some of the Madrid pamphlets and discovered a 2 hour city walking tour for 6€ that was starting in an hour. So I went. I highly recommend joining a tour wherever you go. Tour guides bring to life the details and context you might miss by just reading a guide book. They know the alley ways and rich history and lead the way. I’m hooked, and for 6€, it was cheaper than a drink.

Jeff came back from his conference around 7 pm and had a conference call with the States at 9 pm. No problem. I took a late siesta and we left for date at 10:45 pm!! When in Spain… Dinner doesn’t usually begin until 9 pm. By 11:30 pm we had strolled down Cava Brava and found a nice tapas place for a late dinner. The metro system runs until 1:30 am so we had plenty of time to get back to our hotel.

The best part of my day was enjoying the sunshine that was bright and warm all day. I miss the California sunshine and now living in Holland makes me realize how much I appreciate this simple gift.

I really liked the vibe and ambiance at the Mercado de San Miguel. I was curious about the cloistered nuns who live in a convent and never leave or see people from outside the convent walls. I also enjoyed the history and architectural influences from the Arab world. I liked the difference in timing that I’m not used to, like watching the stores close midday and seeing people out for dinner past 11 pm.

Today was perfect, except for my sore feet. Tennis shoes tomorrow for sure!