We spent the last weekend in Madrid as planned by Eric n Co months ago. They wanted to watch soccer and the girls thought we'd tag along to eat, shop.. blah since we are not soccer fans. and oh no I think we picked the wrong weekend to go Madrid coz it was the 30th Constitution Anniversary weekend (something like a National Day?) and people just thronged the streets like anything!
look at the crowd in the day and at night
the famous Madrid bear; some guy blowing the bagpipe
the Real Madrid Store; after the rain in a surprisingly quiet street
We were totally caught by surprise and with a big group of 12 of us, it was logistically very difficult to find places to eat, etc. And then unfortunately I think the guys booked their tickets too late, they could only get seperate seats which they thought not much point so they gave it a miss. People were kinda protesting in the streets where we stayed and it was very chaotic. Oh no plus I've just recovered from my cold, I just felt so urgh. First day, we shopped a bit (jiemei, I think we really didn't shop in Barcelona coz there are so many spanish labels similar to Zara, MNG which was really nice! Remem Zara was a disappointment when we were there!)
the protestors; with Cheryl, Cynthia
with Gin, inside Mango
Dinner was as mentioned, chaotic. We walked so much (aiming to be away from the crowd) and finally settled for this Spanish tavern for traditional spanish food. Sangria.. mmm so nice. And the guys just drank themselves crazy and became rather rowdy. And then we adjourned to another place and then they adjourned somemore to another place till 3am. Can't believe them.
outside the palace; the guys & gals
some church beside the palace
Sunday was raining again and we wanted to join the free Madrid walking tour.. the brochure said to meet by the Madrid bear statue but nobody turned up! So Eric led all of us in the rain to the palace.. and then we decided to just give up coz the weather was ruining everything (plus the crowd). Again, girls n guys split up and guess what the guys went back for a 2h siesta! (nap as what the locals call it) and 2h later, they met us girls who could barely walk any more.. bought KFC back to hostel to eat and... played Jenga to pass time. Alicia said this is a clear sign we are all on a travel overdose since we would never thought we'd spend time playing Jenga indoors while on holiday "so waste time!". Very true. Nowadays I think I look forward to a "do nothing weekend in London" even if it is nua-ing at home. So nice! I think this is a gauge to see how settled you are in London.
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