The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain. But what about the snow? Yep, that´s right readers, we´ve encountered our first real snow for the winter – not just a flurry as per Paris – but real snow in drifts. That was on the way from San Sebastian to Madrid. As we set off from the very beautiful seaside city that is San Sebastian, it was blowing a gale and before long the rains commenced. About an hour from Madrid, we approached the mountain range near Segovia which was covered in snow, thinking we´d probably drive around or at a height low enough that the snow would not settle. Boy were we wrong. At first it was just a light snow, then it was all over the road and then all the cars slowed down and merged into one lane and then the snow ploughs began appearing from everywhere, clearing the roads. Having not ever driven in snow without chains, I have no issues in stating that I was quite scared, particularly when two cars in front of us, a Chrysler starting slipping and sliding all over the road, clearly out of control. But the JB ever his cool, calm and collected self, fully concentrated on the task at hand, kept us on the road and did not send us over the edge of a cliff or bridge.
On the way to Madrid, from the car (yes our windscreen is chipped)
Surrounding countryside, from the car..
But we arrived safely, only an hour or so later than expected and checked into our Madrid stay.
Madrid is a HUGE city, busy, busy, busy…traffic is really heavy, the roads are very confusing and there are people everywhere. And we´re from Melbourne – imagine a Tasmanian there? However we set to exploring; Parc del Buen Retiro, Rastro Market, Mayor Plaza (very very busy) and a few hours at Museo del Prado, a museum that completely surprised me due to its quality of artworks. Of course Goya features heavily although Rubens, Murillo and Caravaggio to mention a few others. Just lovely.
Museo del Prado
The Glass Palace at Buen Retiro
Monument at Buen Retiro
After a full day of hitting Madrid´s crowded streets, we were a little overwhelmed so the next day headed on a day trip out of town to a little town called San Lorenzo de El Escorial, one of Spains Royal sights that functions as a monastery.
Monastery building, yes, that´s snow cover you can see...
View to Madrid from Monastery
San Lorenzo El Escorial
Three and a half hours SE of Madrid and we find ourselves not in snow, but in mild 18 degree sunshine weather, on the Mediterranean coast of Valencia. So far we have seen the new Arts Centre/Opera house, indulged in Valencian paella (yummo) and visited Valencia Cathedral that houses the Holy Grail…
Valencia Arts Centre/Opera House (a little Sydney Opera House-esque)
Puerta de la Mar
- The Holy Grail, if you´re a believer. (A chalice dating from 1st Century BC authenticated by the Vatican)
Spain has a lot to brag about, the food, the architecture and even the Paddle Ball – yes the JB and I challenged each other to a game and of course I won. (He´s screwed up his face and clenched his fist at that comment!) Yet, there´s still so much to see and do. In a few days we´ll head to Barcelona, before returning to France for Christmas. Not sure when we´ll next post, but until then, Amigos para siempre…it means, you´ll always be my friend.
Posted by yappingdog 