By the way. . .

The photos are poor quality because they are from my iPad, but I'll post some good ones when I can attach my camera to an computer. Sorry about that. . .

Never Ending Day. . .and Spaniards party late.

We finally arrived at the airport in Madrid! From there we got our luggage (although one of our students had to check her carry on at some point mid-trip and it has yet to reach Madrid) and took a charter bus to the city center where our hostel is situated near Place de Angel. Our tour guide here, Sonia, seems really nice, energetic, travel-savvy and is part Swiss! 

My room is tiny but clean, well-equipped, and I have it all to myself! I took a fast shower, headed back down to the lobby where we walked to the Puerta del Sol en route to our dinner. We dined on some sort of Cream of Broccoli soup with croutons in it, saffron rice with lima beans and chicken in it. It was tasty! For dessert we had some kind of chocolate torte. One of the girls in our crew, turning 15, got a surprise birthday song,  some whipped cream on her torte and a candle.

At 9 or 10pm the streets started swelling with people as Spain's schedule is typically later than most e.g. apparently people eat lunch at 2 or 3pm and then dinner at 10 or 11. As for me, I am tired and have gotten like 3 or 4 hour tops in the last two days. Sorry Spain, but I need to go to bed.

Tomorrow is a big day: Tour of the city, Prado Museum, Flamenco dancing. I'll post about it when I can.

Where's my nickel?

As I pulled up to the curb, got my luggage out, and hugged Amy tightly, I noticed and announced that a nickel was on the ground. Good sign right? Picking it up, I then ducked in the backseat and gave some teary-eyed hugs and kisses to H1 and H2. "Where's my nickel daddy?" H1 asked. :)

We're now sitting and waiting to board our flight. Everyone is excited! Some are practicing the necessary phrases: "How much does it cost?" and the all-time international favorite "Where is the bathroom?" Others are exchanging travel stories or are putting on headphones and tuning out. 

First we fly to Toronto, then Frankfurt before getting to Madrid.

My Itinerary

Here is a brief itinerary of where I am going and what I will see these next 20 days. I am really excited to see a great many things! Hopefully I won't burn out. 

Spain

Day 1 Airport Day, Saturday, June 29th.

Day 2 Madrid. Sunday, June 30th.

Day 3 Madrid. Monday, July 1st.

Day 4 Madrid with excursions to San Bernabeu stadium (home of Real Madrid) and the city of Toledo. Tuesday, July 2nd.

Day 5 To Burgos (see Segovia on the way), visit the Burgos Cathedral. Wednesday, July 3rd.

Day 6 Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. Thursday, July 4th.

Day 7 Bilbao with excursion to San Sebastián. Friday, July 5th.

Day 8 Pamplona and the running of the bulls :) Saturday, July 6th.

Day 9 Barcelona. Sunday, July 7th.

Day 10 Barcelona. Monday, July 8th.

Day 11 Barcelona. Tuesday, July 9th.

Russia

Day 12 Airport Day. Barcelona to St. Petersburg with transfer in Berlin. I don't really sleep this day :( Wednesday, July 10th.

Day 13 St. Petersburg. Nevsky Prospekt. July 11th.

Day 14 St. Petersburg. The Hermitage. July 12th.

Day 15 St. Petersburg. Peter and Paul Cathedral. July 13th.

Day 16 St. Petersburg. The Russian Museum (its an art museum). July 14th.

Day 17 Excursion to Pushkin and Catherine's Palace. July 15th.

Day 18 Excursion to Peterhof. July 16th.

Day 19 Early Train ride to Helsinki and sightseeing. I don't really sleep this night either. :( July 17th.

Day 20 Early flight from Helsinki home with transfers in Frankfurt and Boston. I get to see my wife and kids! July 18th.

Ending one trip and starting another

We got back from our Kansas trip yesterday evening taking a few days to pass through Rocky Mountain National Forrest and southern Utah with its neat rock formations. After a good night's sleep, some clothes washing, and a few chores around the house and backyard, I am packing once again for my trip to Europe. Here are some of the unique or interesting things I plan on taking:

* A journal to write down my daily activities, fun things I encounter like art, buildings, sculptures monuments, etc. I also like to use double stick tape to tape fun wrappers, ticket stubs and other memorabilia that helps me remember the trip.

* Tapochki--slippers! Nearly every Russian takes off his shoes and puts on Tapochki when he enters his house. Most cultures practice this really. Since I'll be staying with a family in St. Petersburg, I am bringing my slippers to not appear rude.

* A money belt. Sure it seems seriously dorky, but I'd rather not lose my money or passport.

* Podarak. a gift for the Russian family I'll be staying with. 

* Ear plugs. I will be staying with high school boys for the Spain portion of my trip. You never know who is a snorer! 

I'll try to post a generic itinerary for those of you who are interested in following me!