Another busy day!! After breakfast, I visited two great cathedrals in Barcelona. I then walked around a bit more, seeing Barceloneta (a section of BCN.) I then took the metro to the Sants train station for a nice fast ride back to Madrid. Arriving in Madrid, the Metro took me to my hotel where I dropped my bags then went sightseeing one more time. Tomorrow I return to the US.
Today I'm off to the starting line of the bike race. I'm actually going to relax instead of running around trying to see everything. Later, I'll pick a favorite sight to check out deeper.
WOW! That was easy...and great! I just got back to my hotel after a full day in Barcelona. I'm dead tired so I'll post the highlights. Easy because the subway ride was quick and I didn't get lost. I found my way right to the race team area, where I like to hang out and see the "stars." Got some great pics of riders, teams and bikes. the race started and I walked a bit and found .....a bike to rent! I then rode around the race course snapping pictures and video. The race went through Olympic park so there was lots to see. After the race I rode another 4-5 miles around Barcelona. The Colon Plaza, The Ramblas and finally up the sightseeing tower. Posting pics and videos is slow, but I'll try. Before the race... The race is on! Sky view of Plaza Catalunya Here we go! I took the Metro 15 min. to the Atocha train station, then hopped on the Ave (fast) train. The only way to go! Nice, quiet and comfortable, this train travels 100 mph and arrives in Barcelona three hrs. later. The first two hrs. of scenery were boring but the last hour before Barcelona was scenic: hills, trees and mountains. Arriving in Barcelona, I immediately bought a tour bus ticket that stops at all the major sights. I mostly rode to get acquainted then hopped off at my fave location: La Sagrada Familia! Kids, you remember seeing the pictures in class: It was more spectacular live! Here's a few pics>> La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Inside the Catedral (last time I was here, the floor was unfinished!) I finished the tour ride by stopping off at...FC Barcelona soccer stadium. No game today but I may tour the stadium Sunday. Here's what I hope to see: Camp Nou tour. I finished the day by exploring Plaza Catalunya, a busy and bustling shopping and eating area of which there are hundreds! There are literally thousands of people shopping, eating, walking and sitting all around the plaza. Here's more pics from walking around Barcelona: Placa Colon Typical signage... La Sagrada Familia.. I've been juggling between my camera, ipad and phone taking pictures, but don't worry, I'll post and show all of them later or in school.
1. Take a tour of the Alcazar, 15th c. palace.
Waking up in Toledo, I'm about to walk the cobblestones of medieval times. Today I will visit the Alcazar and catedral de Toledo. Later this afternoon, I'll take the train back to Madrid. (I'd like to know who's following so send your name and and a nice comment by email or share a short Google doc, I'll reply!) Hey, today was a long and tiring day, too tired to post it all. I'll try in the morning or from Barcelona, sorry! How about a great pic from Toledo...yes, I own this store! Lo siento (sorry) for the late post...just connected to wi-fi: It's now 7 pm here, been a long day. After getting a late start (10 am) I went to the Atocha train station in Madrid and bought a train ticket to Toledo. The short (40 min.) ride was pleasant and Then I took the Tour bus around Toledo. There are many historic sites that I will visit tomorrow. For now, I am walking the hilly streets. The streets are very narrow and zag everywhere! (Google Map my hotel: Hotel Sol, C/ Azacanes, 15 45003 Toledo ) I've gotten lost 3-4 times already. I will post pics by 5 pm NC time!
Good news! I was able to buy a train ticket to Barcelona after all! Estupendo! I hope to see the bicycle race on Sunday...if I don't get lost!! Now we're ready for some video...I'm posting as I'm watching a Spanish soccer game. I'll be missing My Arizona Sweet 16 game as it airs at 3 am here! I need the sleep! Video 1: Train arrives in Toledo Video 2: Toledo Tour bus Windy and cold day, glad I brought an extra coat n hat! (turn your sound down...) (if you don't see video, it's still uploading...) Plaza Zocodover Still in Madrid, I will try to rent a car this morning. If not, you'll see more of Madrid and surrounding towns. Today I rode the metro to various parts of Madrid. Madrid has many plazas where 3,4 even 5 streets intersect. Plaza del Sol seemed to be the busiest with hundreds of people, traffic and street performers. See if you can spot any in the photos. Plaza Mayor is the largest and most historic.
HOLA!! Hey, you checked in on Sr.Morales! This the first update on my trip to Spain...and the news isn't great! I was unable to rent a car when I arrived so getting to Barcelona will be difficult if at all. The trains are full and a plane is expensive. I'm still in Madrid now trying again to rent a car but may have to change plans. That's OK, I'll still visit new places and share them with you. Also, I have video to share but downloading is slow, I hope to post later today. I was able to explore a little of Madrid yesterday near Plaza del Sol. Very busy there with lots of people and sights.
Here's video from Plaza del Sol: HES Dolphins! You can follow Sr. Morales as he travels to Madrid, Barcelona and Girona. I hope to post new pics, videos and words each evening so you too can enjoy the sights and sounds of Spain. BASIC ITINERARY: I will be arriving in Madrid on Tuesday, spend the day in Madrid then drive to Girona. During two days there, I will attend the Volta a Catalunya bike race and enjoy the region scenery. Next I will travel to Barcelona for two days and try to experience as much as possible. Finally I will return to Madrid and return home. It will be an exciting trip and I hope you will follow me every day!
Travel Tips: *Remember, Madrid is five hours ahead of Hillsborough eastern time. Just add five hours to your time of day. *I will be using Euros to pay for all my daily expenses. As of Monday the exchange is one euro equals 1.09 US dollars. *Catalan is the language used in Catalunya. It slightly resembles Spanish. Hola, I'm practicing inserting video to this blog. This the bicycle I'm taking to Spain. Ritchey Breakaway |
|