Tuesday inspiration

I came across this on Pinterest a few weeks ago and I just love it. Love the colors, love the message, love it. I am a sucker for inspirational sayings though :)

Happy Tuesday all, and here's a picture from my recent trip to Segovia! It was such a beautiful little town, and I can't wait to share all my photos!

Euro 2012

For the next 3 weeks all anyone in Madrid will be talking about is the Euro. It's a European football tournament between 16 countries and is held every 4 years. Growing up in Montana I never got into soccer, and that didn't change in Colorado or California. I wasn't allowed to play as a kid (long story) and have never really found it that entertaining. But I am living in Europe now, I'm really making an effort to immerse myself in the culture, and a huge part of that is football. Luckily it's not difficult to become a fan. Between my students, friends, and roommate, I have learned a lot about the Madrid teams and other Spanish teams. I still don't understand the rules of the game, but I really do like watching it. The games are short and the men are incredibly good looking and talented.

for example: the Spanish national team. number 19 is my favorite.

via

Their first game was yesterday against Italy and it ended in a draw. Up next they play Ireland. Spain is the current European and World champion so hopefully they will defend their title! The energy is pretty incredible though, and I'm really glad I get to be here for all the excitement!

TOMA!!

Jessie's first day in Madrid

Jessie flew into Madrid on a Sunday, the third day of San Isidro. I met her at the airport and the first place we went was a super-swanky rooftop bar in Chueca, a very hip barrio next to mine. I felt like I was at an exclusive pool club in Vegas and the views were incredible (unfortunately I didn't get any pictures)! We enjoyed a bit overpriced wonderfully refreshing tinto de verano and then headed somewhere a little more affordable to have tapas.

Our next stop was the Mercado de San Miguel, a true favorite of mine. It was pretty packed given that it was Sunday afternoon, but I just love the ambiance.

We strolled down by the palace to let the 1000 olives we'd just eaten settle and caught the end of a concert in honor of San Isidro. It might have been a Sunday night, but it's Madrid. And they know how to party. I couldn't believe how packed the plaza was.

royal palace

almudena cathedral

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm planning on relaxing, catching up on sleep, and reading in the park.

gigantes y cabezudos

I know a while back in May I mentioned that Madrid was gearing up for yet another festival/holiday... la feria de San Isidro. San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid, and is celebrated every May with parades, parties, food, and fireworks. The first day of la feria was a Friday and it started with the pasacalles de gigantes y cabezudos (parade of the giants and their entourage). I really wasn't sure what to expect, but it was definitely a cool thing to see. There were two different groups of gigantes y cabezudos, the troupe from Madrid and also a troupe from Zaragoza so I had the opportunity to hear traditional music and see traditional dance from both cities. Each of the gigantes had a man inside of it carrying it around, and it was about 90 degrees that day so I know they must have been dying inside their costumes. I hope these pictures do it justice!

gigantes dancing

cabezudos

cabezudos dancing

dancing

I also managed to take a video of the gigantes from Madrid dancing.

One of the best things about living in another country is getting to experience the culture and celebrations first hand, and I'm so thankful that I got to see this. More to come from the week!

wine tasting, Madrid style

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that one of things I miss the most about living in California is the close proximity to tons of wineries and places to go wine tasting. Within a maximum driving time of 2 hours I could hit up Napa Valley, Sonoma, the Apple Hill area, and small tasting rooms outside Sacramento. Yes, it was a very wonderful two years I spent there...

napa <3

apple hill

girls' day at the old sugar mill

And there are definitely days when I miss zins and cabernets and the tried and true favorites I could pick up at Safeway... but now I'm living in SPAIN! Land of red wine. And let me tell you, it has not disappointed.

Last Saturday I went to this thing called Dia de Mercado here in Madrid, and they have wine tasting and a farmer's market and lots of goodies to sample. For €1 you get a wine glass (that you can keep) and can sample as many wines as the vendors will allow. There were small wineries from all over the area there and the prices were great. I also got to sample olives, olive oil, pastries, anchovies, and grilled veggies. The sun was out and it wasn't too too hot, so it made for a perfect afternoon. It's held the first Saturday of the month, so this will definitely not be my only Dia de Mercado. I apologize for the lack of photos, I was a little preoccupied with trying fantastic wine and felt super-touristy. 

the group

loved this winery

The night ended with a birthday dinner in celebration of my friend Erin!! It was a pretty great day

salud!