After yesterday’s great presentations by all the Spaniards and a delicious paella dinner at 9:00, we were treated to a performance by Vaughan emcee Pete after dinner. He concocted a powerful drink for the group from fruit, coffee beans, and Spanish orujo blanco, which is brandy that’s 40% alcohol. Then he set it on fire for a while, creating quite a spectacle. It evidently reduces the alcohol somewhat and blends the flavors. Although I just drank a tiny bit because it was so powerful, it tasted good. Then, many of the group (including me) went to the nearby bar, Massimo’s, for a celebration. I just stayed for one drink and then headed back to my room to get to sleep by 12:30.
This morning after breakfast, we checked out of our rooms and had the final two hours of one-on-ones. At noon was the completion ceremony, with everyone receiving Vaughan certificates. The Anglo volunteers additionally received nice key rings. Then it was time for tapas and goodbyes. It’s a little sad to leave the people you’ve talked to and learned so much about over the past few days. Several of the Spaniards left to drive home around 2:00, while the remainder waited for the bus to arrive at 2:30 to take us back to Madrid.
Arriving in Madrid about 5:00, I collected my bags, said more goodbyes, and walked to the subway. It was amazingly warm – probably 70 degrees – and lots of people were on the street after work, probably going to tapas or home. The subway ride to my next hotel went smoothly. After spending a few minutes walking around getting oriented after coming up from the subway station, I walked 10 minutes to my new hotel.
This hotel, not too far from the Madrid airport and next to an expressway, is new and inexpensive. Also it has tiny rooms, so it’s a jolting change from Belmonte.
It’s time to plan my second day of sightseeing in Madrid for tomorrow.
Lori's Travels 