March 29th-April 9th, 2012
Los Padres
Mom & Dad finally made the leap across the Atlantic to come see me in Europe. After weeks of deliberation, we decided to divvy up their 10-day visit into 3 different Spanish cities: Madrid, Toledo, and Córdoba.
[Can anyone also say GOOGLE-MAPS-INDUCED-MIGRAINES?!]
First things first:
As what must have simply been a stroke of luck, my parents and I booked their incoming flight for the one day when the entire country of Spain decides to go on a general strike. Not a transit strike, not a truck strike, an EVERYTHING strike. But what really was a bit fortunate was that the law requires that a general strike be planned so the government can prepare to provide minimum services throughout the day. I don't really understand how the strike is effective if it's a one-day planned event. Who knows. Definitely not the best day for airport commute, but I digress.
First we walked around the barrio a bit and stopped at the bullfighting ring, my neighborhood's most impressive (and least humane) monument.
Then it was off to dinner at my Tía Española's apartment. She and my roommate prepared crema de calabacín, tortilla española, and croquetas for my family's first real Spanish meal. We chatted, ate, and drank for hours together at what turned out to be one of the most special nights of the week. I was so happy to show my parents what kind people have been here taking care of me all this time. It has always been amazing feeling like a part of a family here and my parents were equally appreciative.
 |
| El Oso de Madrid |
 |
| Mom and Dad's First Churros! |
Next, we arrived at the infamous Puerta del Sol to catch some of the outrageous sights:
Street performers, monuments,
and el oso, of course!
We couldn't just walk past the churros shop without stopping in. What are we, super heroes?
I left them to their own devices at the Royal Palace for a few hours and then we met up to take a stroll to the Templo de Debod. We had Italian for lunch and tapas for dinner in the neighborhood at what I'm convinced is the only cool bar around, Caypi.
The next day, we went to the Casa de Sorolla museum, my favorite art gallery in Madrid. Then we headed to Lavapiés for some delicious Indian food. Mom and I then proceeded to shop the night away and the head home to rest up for the road trip.
We rented a car. If you ask me, it was a disaster from start to finish, but we made it through alive (no thanks to the Spanish highway system and not-so-recently-updated google maps directions).
Upon arriving at our first destination, Toledo, my roommate's family was waiting for us at the Cathedral. We were given a tour of the cathedral and the city by authentic Toledanos and the evening was just perfect.
 |
| Half of my Spanish Familia |
 |
| Catedral de Toledo |
We even stumbled upon a Semana Santa procession. All throughout the week leading up to Easter, there are processions, or marches, in Spain complete with marching bands, frankincense, and giant religious floats carried by the men of the city. It's quite a sight!
We stopped for a drink and yet another bilingual schmooze... my Spanish skills were put to the test.
 |
| Dad enjoying his Bambi-Kabob |
This dish, recommended by Sara's family, is called Colgado which literally and quite appropriately means Hanging. On this dangling kabob one can find grilled venison, corn, and tomatoes over a bed of toast.
That is the face of one happy man.
The next day, we embarked on our extended tour of Toledo. We started at the Synagoga Santa Maria de la Blanca, one of the four remaining original synagogues of Spain (I mentioned this one in a previous entry). Then we visited the beautiful Monastery, San Juan de los Reyes.
 |
| Synagoga Santa Maria |
 |
| Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes |
 |
| Iglesia Santo Tomé |
 |
| View from the Tower of Iglesia de los Jesuitos |
Córdoba
 |
| Gaspacho at Casa Pepe |
 |
| Casa Sefardí |
The main attraction in Córdoba is the Mezquita, or mosque. This Mosque was originally a church, then converted into a Mosque, and then converted into a cathedral. The most recent transformation into Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was done in a way that respected the original structure. As you can see, it still looks very much like a mosque, but if you look to the next image, you'll see the juxtaposition of architectural styles.
 |
| Rio Guadalquivir |
After returning to Madrid, we spent a vast majority of the last day of their vist at the Museo del Prado and Palacio de Cibeles, two of my favorite destinations in Madrid. We ran home in the rain and hail and then grabbed a bite of dinner with Matt in the barrio. It was sad to say goodbye that night, but we saw so much in just 10 days and had a fantastic trip. The next morning I was off to Málaga for Semana Santa, Part 2! Stay tuned.
No comments:
Post a Comment