Seriously Cool Street Signs

Okay, having a few more adventures so I might actually be catching up soon!

Street signs from Madrid. Sure makes it interesting when trying to figure out where you are.

When NOT to go to Madrid

As usual, I'm behind. No surprise there. In early December, I went away on a long weekend to Madrid. It was a great idea to go to Spain in the winter as the days were sunny and lovely and overnight it was nice and chilly to make you sit inside and enjoy tapas and beer. Unfortunately, we chose to go to Madrid on a big national holiday. I think it was 'everyone walk around in the streets aimlessly day'.

I honestly felt like I had just left Michigan stadium and 100,000 people were heading on to the streets at the end of a game. People were everywhere.

And I mean, everywhere. As far down the street you could see they were just packed. And there wasn't even a parade!!

Needless to say, we struggled to escape to somewhere quieter!

However, we did find a nice park near the hotel with lots of statues and a little breathing room.

I had to get my picture taken in front of Don Quixote. Look how teeny tiny I look!

Loved the entrance to this house/business. The wrought iron gates, the greenery and if you look closely....

Big elephant heads! I found it strange to see this in Spain, I would have expected it in India.

We also visited the Egyptian monuments that were plundered during one of the wars and carted over to Madrid.

A visit to one of the oldest mosques in Europe.

All this walking tired Neil out. We found a nice sun trap to have a beer.

I, on the other hand, kept searching for meat. Loving the imberico ham. So so so delicious and shaved off and served in minutes.

Another day found us wondering the park. The sun had everyone thinking it was spring. Notice the people in the boats and enjoying sitting on the steps? Considering the Spanish economy, they are quite good at resting.

Neil and I competed for who could eat the most churros. Fried goodness and chocolate sauce?

I believe I won.

More Famous People and A Sports Show

When I was at the event in the last post (the cycling charity dinner), I won at an auction a trip to watch the BT Sport short hosted by Claire Balding. I think she is pretty cool after seeing her commentate at the Olympics, and then read her book, I became a giant stalker fan. Well, maybe just a fan. So I jumped at the chance to meet her.

We went to the studio and got a tour of the set and the green room before the show started taping. We were part of the studio audience and you could see and hear us on tv. Well, only because Johannah screamed 'Go Luton!'

We also got to enjoy the green room. Here Janice and I take advantage of the free food and drink and try out the telephone booth sofa.

We got to meet all the guests - here we are pictured with David James - former England goal keeper. I wisely did not mention when England tied the United States in the last World Cup. Imagine me being good for a change...... The other guests were boxer Marvelous Marvin Haggler and tennis legend Ilie Nastase. It was quite good fun.

And finally, we got to meet Claire. She was great fun and very personable. I highly recommend watching her show and reading her book!

Met a Couple of Sirs who Cycle

Once again, I had the opportunity to go to the Champions of Cyclosport charity dinner. I get to get all dressed up and meet some interesting people. 

Here I am with Julia and Louise and Sir Chris Hoy. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with this man (or his thighs), he's the winningest track cyclist in history. He also has a gold medal or two. Pretty darn good.

I was seated next to this guy, Sir Dave Brailsford. You may have read about him in David Millar's book, or Bradley Wiggin's book or Mark Cavendish's book. Yeah, he gets around. He's also a genuinenly nice guy and had a great time chatting about how much harder it is to negotiate with his daughter than with crazy cyclists. All in all, fun to get dressed up, good food, good drink and amazing company.  

Before, During and the Aftermath

I'm woefully behind in my blog but I'm vowing to catch up and be better for 2014. Therefore, I'm going to include my photos from November and December 2013 to start. Ha!

I hosted Thanksgiving again for my British friends. It was 12 people for dinner and the biggest turkey ever. Here's the 'Before' photo. The table is set, the bar is ready, still a few more chairs to borrow....

Here is my 'During' picture. I was too stressed to get dinner on the table to take a picture of the food, so here is everyone and our empty plates. Yum!

This is what I call 'The Aftermath'. Tucker was super tired and with a large turkey belly from leftovers. I'd consider that a success.

Last of the Paris Photos

I'm rubbish. I've been neglecting this blog for too long - caught in a rut. Hopefully, I've climbed out and am trying to book some new travel.

The last of my photos from my lovely weekend in Paris. I wandered around Notre Dame for awhile and probably took a few too many photos. 

Look! I'm actually in a photo for a change. Look kids, Notre Dame (again).

A bit of scale. The people look a bit teeny tiny, don't they? Where's Quasimodo?

Is Notre Dame really 850 years old? Wow.

Had to take a picture of a tree lined boulevard. Love 'em.

Of course, I got distracted by a woman throwing a ball in the Seine for her dog.

I liked the view from Holly's apartment. Holly likes it too. But she doesn't like the motorcycles. Sound echos......

Next time, I'm thinking I should cycle there and back. Discuss.

The Love Bridge

Paris is known as the City of Lights, although it is often referred to as the City of Love. And for those in love, there is an interesting tradition in Paris.

From afar, this bridge appears to have gold railings/iron work.

But upon closer inspection, it actually is filled with hundreds of locks.

The custom is to write the names of you and your loved one on the lock, lock it to the bridge and then throw away the key into the Seine. Thereby declaring that your hearts are forever locked together in love. Aw... sigh.

Holly and I decided it would make a good photo op although I am so pale that I appear a bit reflective.
But the real question is.....

Are you cheating when you use a combination lock? That's not very committed now, is it?!?!?!