We visited Madrid – 30 May 2013

All of us were really excited to see Madrid, as it happened to be our last place of visit. In 14 days, we had gone around Spain and Portugal and travelled almost 3000 KM in a bus. The journey to Madrid was accompanied by rain and snow fall. Unusual, for this time of the year. The weather was really cold and we were prepared for it, this time around. Cold weather somehow manages to heighten ones mood and people become active and chirpy.

The travel with ‘Trafalgar’ is a different kind of experience. On the plus side – it is meticulously organized, time management is first-rate, choice of hotels is good and the transport and the guides are excellent. Trafalgar covers a lot of ground and we were able to see many cities in the duration of 14 days. David Nadal did a creditable job as our tour director. However the coverage of the cities needs a lot of tweaking. Our stay in Barcelona and Valencia could have been better handled. Most of the good places of visit are covered under ‘Optionals’ for which one has to pay extra.

Going on your own with time on hand is undoubtedly the best way to travel. Our trip to Greece with Nair and Sudhi was excellent. We visited Athens and Santorini. With Athens as base we went to Delphi, three islands cruise and places around Athens. I suppose, it largely depends on the country one visits – it’s better to go on an organized tour in China – may be the same holds good when you visit Vietnam and Cambodia.

Whichever way one decides to travel, the bottom line should be –travel extensively. It breaks monotony, you stand to gain knowledge and return wiser. I personally feel that travel makes you a better person.

Spain and Portugal took us to a different Europe.Only when you travel you realize how vastly different countries in Europe are, in spite of their small size and closeness.'I visited Europe' makes absolutely no sense.One has to further qualify by saying Greece,Italy or Denmark  - the same holds good with India. We are very vast and each state is different.I think there is nothing wrong in people demanding a separate state to enhance their identity - be it Telengana,Gorkhaland,Vidharba etc  

Figure 1 - Drive up to Madrid

Finally we reached Madrid and moved into a very stylish hotel ‘Novotel Madrid Puente De La Paz’. The inner lobby immediately catches your attention. A series of wall paintings and well appointed furniture makes up the place.

Figure 2 – The painting in the recess gives an additional appeal

Figure 3 – A well appointed sitting area

Figure 4 – Cannot keep the bull away

Figure 5 -   Senora with a bull

Figure 6 – An excellent anteroom to wind down after a hectic day

Madrid is the capital of Spain and its largest city. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million. The city is located on the Manzanares River.  We went on a city tour in the afternoon. The city is full of parks, trees and avenues. The central part of the city is very pretty and well preserved. The rest of the city is modern with brick and cement structures. Madrid was once a village and it was very common then for farmers to take their cattle for a walk in the centre of the town. One can see the cattle paths even today. The city was founded by the Muslims in the 9^th century. In the 16^th century palaces were built to attract the nobility. Finally the capital moved from Toledo to Madrid. The city population has grown from a meager 20.000 to 600,000 inhabitants to become one of the best destinations in Europe.

When the clock tower in Madrid strikes at midnight on the new Year eve 31st Dec - people in Madrid eat 12 grapes for 12 gongs.This event is show on all TV channels.Imagine millions of people eating grapes at the same time.

Figure 7 – Plaza de Espana

In the center of the plaza is a monument to Spanish novelist, poet and playwright Miguel de Cervantes saavedra, designed by architects Rafael Martínez Zapatero and Pedro Muguruza and sculptor Lorenzo Coullaut Valera. The tower portion of the monument includes a stone sculpture of Cervantes, which overlooks bronze sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Next to the tower, there are two stone representations of Don Quixote's "true love", one as the simple peasant woman Aldonza Lorenzo, and one as the beautiful, imaginary Dulcinea Toboso.

Figure 8 –  Bronze sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Dore and Lalitamma – Many memories.

After i had taken this photograph,Dore walked up to me and said 'I will always cherish this photograph".He thereafter went on to recollect a piece of family history. This is what he had to say 

"When we were all appreciating the huge & impressive statue of Don Quixote, I recalled the contribution of my late father D.V.Seshagiri Rao,Professor & Author, in making this unique character known to Kannada readers. Apart from some original work to his credit,he added  translations of a few well known works from a couple of other languages to the Kannada literary wealth. Included in this was, his translation of Don Quixote by CerVantes. Pity not a copy is available now. But, if I remember right, published sometime in early 50s. He didn't know Spanish.Obviously, he translated from an English translation; but am not sure which one was it, as it appears, there are more than one.

Instead of giving the usual title ' Don Quixote ' he chose " Ailuveerana Sahasagalu".Roughly meaning " The Adventures of a crazy warrior ". I believe the book was well received. In fact, after reading his Kannada translation,I was tempted to read the English version also.It is no easy job to bring out in a translation, the nuances and unique features of the original work with the same effect. But, my father,instead of resorting to literal translation,brought out the essence and typical characteristics of the hero, I believe, in a telling way appealing to the Kannada readers. Evidently, a lot of effort on his part.Watching the statue was really a nostalgic as well as a memorable event.

A truly remarkable achievement 

Figure 9 – Statue of a bear and a mulberry tree at the Puerta Del Sol Square

Figure 10 – On the day we were in Madrid there was a big football match between Germany and Spain.

German supporters are in yellow. The atmosphere was electric with the square reverberating with noise, shouting, catcalls and the rest. Smell of beer was omnipresent.

Figure 11 – A very trendy shop

Figure 12 – Meet the meat

Figure 13 – Police ready for any eventuality after the football match

Figure 14 – Part of the inner city

Figure 15 – A beautiful square

Figure 16 – Part of old Madrid. Cannon marks are still visible on the wall.

Figure 17 – Modern city image

Figure 18 – Sky Scrapers of Madrid

Figure 19 – A very imposing government building

Figure 20  - Public parks adorn the city

Toledo. Next morning we visited Toledo. It is known as the "Imperial City" for having been the main venue of the court of Charles I, and as the "City of the Three Cultures", having been influenced by a historical co-existence of Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is also known as ‘City of Tolerance’. Toledo is very famous for its steel. Toledo steel, known historically as unusually hard and has been a traditional sword-making, steel-working center since about 500 BC, and came to the attention of Rome. Soon, it became a standard source of weaponry for Roman legions. Toledo water in which the steel is tempered gives it the unusual strength.

Figure 21 – Cheers to Toledo

Figure 22 - Toledo’s Alacazar palace now houses a museum of military history

Figure 23 – City of Toledo

Figure 24 – City square

Figure 25 – View of the church

The cathedral has four entrances – one each for the King, nobility, the rich and finally for the common people.

Figure 26 – Where ever one goes the windows steal the show

Figure 27 – Another example

Figure 28 – Yet another square

Figure 29 - The city straddles the Maumee River

Figure 30 – A very clean walkway

Figure 31 – Sanctum Sanctorum

Figure 32 - The Smiling Virgin in the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, Spain

Figure 33 - Vaulted ceiling, high altar, and Reja of the main chapel

Figure 34 - The retable of the Cathedral of Toledo is an extremely florid Gothic altarpiece; it is one of the last examples of this artistic style.

Figure 35 - El Transparente

One of the most outstanding features of the Cathedral is the Boroque altarpiece called El Transparente. Its name refers to the unique illumination provided by a large skylight cut very high up into the thick wall across the ambulatory behind the high altar, and another hole cut into the back of the altarpiece itself to allow shafts of sunlight to strike the tabernacle

Figure 36- Jai enjoying the morning

Figure 37 – Nuns making marzipan

Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into sweets; common uses are marzipan-filled chocolate and small marzipan imitations of fruits and vegetables. According to one version, marzipan was invented by nuns of the Convent of San Clemente in Toledo.

The Convent supposedly came up with this delectable stuff in the 16th century, when there was a famine on. Almond trees grow like weed in and around Toledo, so the nuns ground up the almonds, mixed them with sugar, and hey presto – marzipan.

Figure 38 – Some are tired, some lost in their own thoughts, others confused and the rest waiting for the beer time

Figure 39- Remotely operated stumps to keep the tourist vehicles away. The local have electronic remote to lower them

We went to a local restaurant to spend the last night of our stay in Spain. The wine and food was excellent.

Figure 40 – A befitting closure to our long trip

Figure 41 – Kats and Nair with an heightened sense of overall well being and happiness.

Figure 42 - Madrid–Barajas Airport is the main international airport. Departures – Terminal 4.

Finally we bid good bye to Madrid on 02 May 3013

We Visited Salamanca - 29th April 2013

We bid good bye to Portugal and Lisbon and headed towards Salamanca. The city lies about 220 KM Northwest of Madrid on the river Tormes. It is small town and is the most important University City in Spain. The university was founded in 1218 and is the oldest university in Spain. The weather was extremely cold and we were under dressed.The city is full of life with many youngsters making it their home for studies.

We were kept occupied with a short documentary on ‘History of Cork’ and ‘Olive Oil’. The film showed us how the oil is made from the very beginning – a very interesting and educative film. Plucking the olives to processing is done in 24 hrs. Extra virgin oil is untouched; the acid content is low and hence good for cooking. More the acid, lower the quality. The oil is stored either in a colored glass bottle or in a tin container to keep the sunlight away. Good olive oil when rubbed in your hand emanates an earthy smell of the country. Grading the oil is through a series of sipping, tasting and rolling on the tongue – probably like wine and tea.  

We later on stopped in a village by the name of ‘Avilla’ city of 'Stones and Saints' where we were treated to ‘Churros’ (Spanish doughnut) a traditional Spanish Dessert developed centuries ago by shepherds. Up high in the mountains, fresh baked goods were impossible to come by, so the ingenious, nomadic folk of the hills came up with a delicious cake-like, cylindrical, daily staple which they could easily cook in a pan over an open fire. This was the birth of Churros. They are normally eaten for breakfast dipped in hot chocolate. The weather was perfect for Churros and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish delicacy.

Figure 1 - A very interesting statuette on the way to the restaurant

Figure 2 - Taberna for Churros

Figure 3 - Death by Churros served with hot chocolate sauce

Figure 4 - After Churros

A lady from our group fell down on the road while getting down from the bus. Ms Collen had to be hospitalized for emergency care in a nearby hospital. She joined us a day later and out of danger.

We then visited Fatima. It is said that, Six times, from the May 13 to Oct 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in the diocese of Leiria. A new church is under construction, however just as beautiful, an older church was constructed here in 1928, and millions of pilgrims visit each year. Fatima is one of the most visited holy places for Catholics from around the world.

Figure 5 – A superb piece of architecture at Fatima

Figure 6 – A staunch devotee walking on her knees in prayer - Fatima

Figure 7 – View of the church

Figure 8 – Photo op

Figure 9 – Kats posing as the savior

Figure 10 – During the technical halt – a very satisfied couple

Figure 11 – The group

Figure 12 – Jai and Self

Figure 13 - Roman Bridge of Salamanca.

Of its arches, fifteen are Roman of the 1st century BC. It stands on 26 semicircular arches and robust pillars. It forms part of the 'Plata'  Roman road that linked Merida with Astorga. Nearby is the Mudéjar Romanesque church of Santiago. 

Figure 14 – Architecture in the city - The statue is of a famous novel written about the adventures of a boy in Salamanca named Lazarus, who has the job of guiding a blind man.

Figure 15 - Statue nr La Clerecía - With Dore, Lalitamma and Jai -

Figure 16 - Plaza Mayor

Figure 17 – A view of the cathedral

Figure 18 – A road from the Roman times

Figure 19 – Fascinating landscape outside of Salamanca

Figure 20 – Walls of Avilla - With Bob who celebrated his 52^nd wedding anniversary in Salamanca.

Figure 21 Walls of Avilla - Jai absorbing the nature

Figure 22 – Avilla from a hill top

Figure 23 – Rare photo op