Spring Break 2009

I should have gone to Florida or Mexico with my friends....NOT!!! Spring break 2009 was thebest yet as I hit four cities. I will write about each separately as they were all different andunique in thier own way.

London

First city...LONDON! The Tube, Underground system is amazing! More cities should mimic ths. Gets you anywhere in minutes considering London is a huge city. We get to our hostel which isnt the best but sufficient enough. We hit the town and go to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace which I later found out was the wrong one and place. It was still interesting though. In that area was Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminister Abbey, and St. James  Park. Very historic and political area. Had a quick bite of English Breakfast and headed to the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and the River Thames. Another historic area and beautiful site for pcitures. After that we went to the British Museum which is massive.  They had exhibits from every continent and history from each as well. Very diverse museum with 5 levels all for FREE! Cannot beat that. After this feat, we decide to walk home. Which was a good and bad idea. Good because we saw Picadilly Circus and some of the main avenues of London. Bad because the walk took us about an hour and a half. Maps are decieving! We obviously crash once we arrive and awaken for dinner. Fish and chips were on our minds but considering I do NOT like fish, I settled for a burger and tried a small peice of the fish. Still don't like it! Next day watched the Liverpool v. Manchester United game. Intense game being in London and at a pub. After lunch we went inside the Tower of London. We got to see the famous jewels, crowns, and staffs of the royal family. Inside there was also an interactive exhibition of weapons, facts, and games which looked like it was for kids BUT we played right along with them and enjoyed ourselves as well. We left there and tried to find other open things but were out of luck so we just walked around and found ChinaTown and Covent Garden which both happened to be popular destinations. The next day our other roommate came so we retraced our steps and showed him everything we saw and than some. What we saw that wasnt mentioned before was the Churchill Museum. His bunker during the war and exhibition showed his great leadership and wisdom.  Good guy! Afterwards we finally found the REAL Buckingham Palace.  Thank goodness. It was closed or something so we went to the Ritzy neighborhood of London which seemed high end. We found a museum campus with the Natural History, Science, and Victoria and Albert Museums. Only went into one but it happened to have my roommates favorite sculptor/artist. Meant to be I say! Anyways, we skipped through Camden Town and found Regeants Park. Beautiful, large park that had tons of soccer buffs and amazing gardens. We ended the night early because we had an early flight to Dublin the next day...

Dublin

The green country! We arrived at the airport and there was an hour long line to get into the city. I guess St. Patrick is a popular guy around those parts. Anyways, we get in and head for my friends apartment at UCD. They were wonderful hosts and tour guides. The first day we went to the center and our roommate told us all we needed to see. Picutres have more information. Afterwards we walked to the Guiness Warehouse which was huge and informative. The top was probably the highlight and highest point in Dublin where you could see all of Dublin with your glass of Guiness. Memorable! After the beer, we found the St. Patrick Cathedral but could not enter. So sad! Couldn't find anything else except street performers and drunk people so we went home to prepare for the next day (St. Patricks Day).  Our hosts woke us up early so we don't miss the parade which lasted about two hours. Amazing parade though with marching bands, floats, DJs, and costumes. It was like Carnivale meets Rave party! Afterwards we found a pub to eat some traditional Irish food. Let me say that the corned beef and cabbage was spectacular.  I could not even speak! I had to take a nap after that. Was awoken to continue the night. Could not even last considering we have another early flight but this time to Madrid...

Madrid

We arrived in Madrid to yet another great train system. YES! We headed to another friends place who was another great host and guide. She took us for some excellent tapas and drinks. After food we went to the Templo de Debod park. This temple was a gift from Egypt for Spain helping them in some war and was transfered peice by piece to this park in Madrid! Ancient artifact at its finest. We hung out in the park, had some wine, and watched the sunset which seemed to be the thing to do. Once it got dark we went home to rest up and meet up with some friends later on. More wonderful people and met up with a home friend studying there. Good times! Totally slept in the next day seeing that I have been waking up early almost everyday. Once up we got going to Reina Sofia where Picasso and others are no stranger. I accidently got to close to Picasso's Guernica and almost got tackled by the guard. HA! Sorry! Its so big, I just wanted to see detail. Anyways we continued our day with a walk through town marveling at historic buildings, museums, and parks. Went home to finally shower up and went to a fancy dinner at the WORLD'S OLDEST RESTAURANT!! Its called Botin and in the Guiness Book of World Records. Roast sucking pig was the specialty so you know what I got. My host also told me to ask for el fogon. The waiter immediately took us to the kitchen where they have the fire pit that has been there since the restaurant started. There was also little bambino pigs on plates waiting to be cooked. Kind of gross but it was an interesting site to see. After that the waiters loved me for being interested in their establishment. Gave us free postcards! Small talk I'll tell you. Anyways, went home early after a few drinks becuase we had yet another early flight to Barcelona....

Barcelona

Yea...missed the flight and had to get on the next one. SUCKED! Not a smart move but first mistake of all my travels. Fingers CROSSED, knock on wood! Whatever. We arrived and went to our hostel.  We rested a bit and saw some of the normal stuff of the city. The monument of Colum, Plaza Catalunya, and the Port were at the top of that list.  After seeing those sites we went to a Casino. I don't know why because I don't gamble but it was a good idea at the time. The people there were real friendly anyways so we stood awhile. The next day we saw some Guadi works in La Pedrera and Sagrada Familia.  Amazing architectural works that have aa unique touch owned purely by Guadi.  That night we saw Crookers and Girl Talk at some giant warehouse club.  I thought I was in a mosh pit the whole time! They really know how to get the crowd going. Our last day in Barcelona was probably the most chill but we got to see Barcelona v. Malaga calcio match. There was no competition as Barca won 6-0. Stadium fits easily 70,000 people so you can imagine the chanting and excitement.  Headed back home after a long, intriguing, and much needed break. Pictures are below...CIAO

London pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553219&id=1915685&l=085d305b85

Dublin pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553235&id=1915685&l=1360fa4ecd

Madrid pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2553240&id=1915685&l=5869f6ce22