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zitak · 7 years ago

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My husband and I just spent 3 days in Madrid, Spain. It took almost a full day to get there with all kinds of flight issues and such but I was determined to not let that get to me and decided to put mind over matter and make the most out of the short time there.

Our hotel was north of the center of the city in the Conde Duque district, but walking distance to almost everything. After settling in to our room we took a stroll (even though it was raining) to meet our daughter and her boyfriend at a local restaurant that they had found. On the way there, we spotted numerous fun looking tapas restaurants and bars. It seemed likely that this would be another eating holiday. I was quite tired and not hungry after the big travel day so just had a cocktail before we crashed for the night.

The next day we had a delicious breakfast at Federal Café, a super popular place opened by a couple of Australian expats who first started one in Barcelona. It’s full of lots of healthy and tasty options and excellent coffee. I loved my avocado toast with poached egg and felt energized and ready for the day.

Before heading to Madrid, we did do a bit of research and found a company called Devour Madrid that does some amazing tours around the city. While I hadn’t actually booked anything with them, we arranged to meet with one of their guides for a chat. Luke Darracott is an Englishman living in Madrid who loves all kinds of food, wine and traveling. He’s also a tv host for a variety of food/travel shows and so I was pretty certain we’d hit it off. I showed Luke a list of tapas places our wonderful friend in Almeria, Maria Virgina sent us and he loved her selection. At the top of the list, was Casa Toni so we made our plan to go there that night.

While the rain was holding off for a bit, we strolled over to see the Royal Palace, one of Madrid’s main attractions. There was too long a line to go in so instead we headed over to the Sorolla Art Gallery, a recommendation from Luke. It’s a beautiful house with sculptures, ceramics, furniture and jewelry as well as the artist Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida’s paintings.

As dinner is quite late in Spain, with most people eating after 10PM we first scheduled to see the flamenco show at Casapatas. Starting at about 8PM it was an hour and half of almost nonstop music and dancing and was rather exhilarating. By now, the tapas places around were open and starting to fill up so we quickly made our way to Casa Toni where we were taken to a table upstairs and promptly brought a bottle of local Madrid wine while waiting for our food. This place is known by the locals to have some of the best traditional tapas such as pigs ears and lamb intestines and so, yes, I had to try them. I’m not a fan of the pigs ears but the lamb intestines that were fried and wrapped around a vine were really delicious. We also had some chorizo (some of the best I’ve ever tasted) and a really good eggplant dish, patatas bravas (fried potato cubes with a spicy sauce)and some prawns with garlic.

We woke up to more rain the next day and so decided to visit the city’s History museum to get a better understanding of Madrid’s evolution as an urban city. It’s a small and easy museum to navigate and also free to enter.

We then took the metro to the La Latina district to check out the Mercado de La Cebada, a 2 story indoor market full of stalls with meats, vegetables, fruits and seafood as well as some newer wine and beer bars and where on Saturday, the seafood aisles become a crowded and festive eating and drinking extravaganza. Thankfully, Luke met us and handled the ordering and found us a space so we could take part in this local happening. We had a very nice local Rueda wine (all of 7 euros) with mussels, octopus and delicious white anchovies.

Finding out how much I love cheese, Luke then took us to a tapas bar nearby that had an amazing assortment of cheese along with all kinds of local wines by the glass. In fact, the place called Almacen de Vino was actually a storehouse for wine that used to hold wine in casks and then sell it to the locals. The tiny place was packed and the smell of cheese wafted all around. I got to taste about 3 different types while sipping some nice monastrell.

Back on the metro, we now headed to one of Madrid’s best wine shops, Lavinia, located in the elegant Salamanca district. This large store has a restaurant upstairs where we sat down with a glass of sherry and some complimentary tapas before I browsed around and found the sherries that I ended up purchasing. After a full day of almost non stop eating and drinking, it was a simple snack and drink before heading off to bed.

The final day in Madrid was cold and windy but thankfully, not raining. Deciding it would be a good day to shop we headed to the biggest department store in Spain (and in fact, Europe, El Corte Ingles. We went to the one on Plaza Callao since we heard it had an entire floor dedicated to gourmet food and drink. The Gourmet Experience, as its called, is on the 9th floor and has an amazing outdoor terrace with beautiful views of Madrid. We managed to get some photos before rain began again and browsed the amazing display of hams, cheeses, olive oils and other Spanish delicacies. If only I could take it all back home with me.

Heading out to the Gran Via, we popped in and out of shops until we were hungry for a bite. The rain had picked up, once again, and we needed to find a place in a hurry. Fortunately, we were right by a pretty place called La Carmen in the Plaza del Carmen and found ourselves in this friendly, stylish and very comfortable restaurant. The menu was diverse and reasonable and we shared some excellent roasted pork ribs, bull’s tail risotto, a cheese and sausage platter, spicy potatoes and the popular, fried squid sandwich. A couple of glasses of albarino and I was completely satisfied.

The rain had now stopped so we made the plan to walk back to our hotel. On the way, my daughter spotted an authentic looking Vienese café and we reenergized with coffee and hot chocolate.

We made a stop on our way to see the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian monument dating back to the 2nd century BC. It was gift to Madrid and reconstructed there in 1972. It’s located in La Montana park near the Plaza de Espana that has more fabulous views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Our final meal in Madrid was at the charming and cozy El Jardin Secreto (Secret Garden), for a light dinner and a couple of glasses of wine. My husband had pig trotters that were super moist and tasty and I had a crepe filled with cheese that was simply okay. While the food might not have been the best in my opinion, the cute atmosphere was worth the visit.

The next morning, we had a quick bite at the hotel, filling up on Spanish ham and cheese before our easy taxi ride to the airport.

The three days were complete and I am thrilled that this short trip was so gratifying.

Cheers and all the best,

Zita

Meandering through Madrid My husband and I just spent 3 days in Madrid, Spain. It took almost a full day to get there with all kinds of flight issues and such but I was determined to not let that get to me and decided to put mind over matter and make the most out of the short time there.

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ruteandoperu · 8 years ago

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Casapata, Huancavelica Gracias a @albertogallego_photo . Para ser destacado en nuestra Galería Fotográfica: . - Síguenos en @RuteandoPeru. . - Usa el Hashtag #ruteandoperu. . ---------------------------------------------- . Dale Like en: www.facebook.com/RuteandoPeru . ---------------------------------------------- . #peru #viajes #fotos #rutas #casapata #huancavelica

#peru #fotos #ruteandoperu #huancavelica #casapata #viajes #rutas

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ligadoemviagem · 6 years ago

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O flamenco é música, canto e dança! Nós tivemos a oportunidade de experienciar um pouco desse símbolo da cultura espanhola durante o Encontro Europeu de Blogueiros Brasileiros em Madrid. Convidados pela Casa Pata, nós assistimos um show dos maravilhosos bailarinos Alejandro Granados, Anabel Moreno e Vanesa Coloma acompanhados dos cantores El Bocadillo, David Vázquez e Antonio El Pola e do guitarrista Claudio Villanueva. Lindo! Emocionante! (em CasaPatas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqcc4mBFIq9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=n8jdb7knu6m1

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flamencorehab · 6 years ago

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"Alguien voló sobre el nido del Flamenco"

No soy psicólogo ni psiquiatra. Pero identifico a la primera cuando a alguien que baila le cuesta un poco hilar dos frases sobre el mismo tema en una conversación. Empiezo a distinguir cuando están pensando en otra cosa, no solo mientras supuestamente te escuchan, sino incluso mientras te contestan. Yo mismo lo he hecho. Y me he visto viviendo largas temporadas dentro de un bucle compuesto únicamente por una breve línea rítmica de un zapateao, o de eso que llaman “remanencia melódica”, que también se podría llamar trastorno obsesivo compulsivo aplicado a la danza y a la música.

Aunque haya escrito una novela titulada “Sobre Flamenco y otras enfermedades mentales” no soy experto, ni he hecho ninguna investigación sobre el tema. Simple y llanamente lo vivo. A veces con más desasosiego y otras con gran placer. Eso sí, no me siento un perro verde en absoluto. Creo firmemente que las enfermedades mentales (por llamarlas de alguna manera) son como las abdominales, todo el mundo tiene unas, pero no a todo el mundo se le notan. Es más, creo firmemente que una ardilla podría cruzar el mundo sin tocar el suelo saltando de cabeza en cabeza por una ruta de artistas flamencxs (y no flamencxs).

Recuerdo una entrevista en la que Israel Galván contaba cómo cuando sus hijos pequeños le veían con la mirada perdida, inmóvil completamente en el sofá de su casa, le zarandeaban y le increpaban: ¡Papá, deja de bailar!

Israel ahora es una estrella global de la danza, pero si tiramos de hemeroteca “loco” era lo más bonito que le decían con sus primeros espectáculos. Por ejemplo el que hizo, precisamente sobre Félix el Loco, un bailaor de Triana al que fichó Diaghilev para los Ballets Rusos en 1918 y que acabó en un psiquiátrico porque no podía dejar de bailar. Iba bailando por la calle, hasta que la policía lo detenía. La leyenda dice que Diaghilev y Massine le robaron la autoría de coreografías tan famosas como La Danza del Molinero de Falla y que por eso enloqueció. Lo que nos daría para abrir otro melón: el paralelismo entre los binomios arte/locura y éxito/fracaso. Pero nuestra ardilla no puede abrir todos los melones que se encuentre, porque obviamente una ruta de cabezas locas es un auténtico melonar.

De la cabeza de Diaghilev salta y aterriza en la de Nijinski, un bailarín del que cuentan que podía hacerte llegar el olor de una rosa interpretando que la movía con sus manos, pero solo hay que empezar a leer sus diarios, en los que las comas y los puntos brillan por su ausencia, para notar que no había líneas divisorias en su cabeza entre consciente e inconsciente.

Muy consciente de esta tangencia entre arte y locura se muestra Paco de Lucía en el brillante documental titulado La Búsqueda que firmó hace unos años un hijo del guitarrista. Él mismo sentenciaba que los artistas tienen que vivir solos, reconocía que no podía evitar pensar en otras cosas, cositas suyas, mientras le hablaban, y asistíamos, grabaciones caseras mediante, a la intimidad de un genio enfrascado como un paranoico en desmontar y montar aparatos electrónicos ante la mirada jocosa de sus familiares.

Otra cabeza insondable sería la de mi guitarrista de cabecera Rafael Riqueni, que ha hablado públicamente de su bipolaridad, y que además de un torrente de talento, cuando lo ves tocar en vivo, tan cerca como para apreciar su rostro, te trasmite tal fragilidad que parece un milagro que sea capaz de terminar el concierto. Para defenderse del estereotipo de vida tóxica que pende sobre los artistas, Riqueni cuenta que nunca superó el suicidio de su padre “Llevo tomando pastillas desde entonces. 20 años. Bastante bien estoy”.

Cuentan que un día Riqueni se presentó en el tablao CasaPatas vestido de Mozart. Con la misma indumentaria aparecía Ray Heredia en su único y premonitorio disco “Quien no corre vuela”. El fundador de Ketama anticipó como un medium los caminos del nuevo flamenco y así se construyeron durante más de veinte años a su imagen y semejanza.

En esta parte del camino nuestra ardilla saltaría a la cabeza de otra One-Hit Wonder como Tina Muñoz de Las Grecas, que no solo fue pasto de su esquizofrenia paranoide sino del estigma social y el carroñeo mediático.

Los nombres propios son la parte fácil de narrar del viaje de mi ardilla. Lo difícil es compartir lo incompartible. Sentir la espiral del silencio y el tedio social alrededor de tus obsesiones que solo te importan a ti. A pesar de ser una condición común denominadora, la superstición se impone y no se nombra como si así se hiciera desaparecer. Pero el noventa y nueve coma nueve por ciento de las cabezas que pisa mi ardilla son anónimas. Sus vidas no dan para el argumento de un biopic, y sin embargo siguen siendo el noventa y nueve coma nueve por ciento, en este caso del flamenco. ¿Por qué no contar su historia? Somos un masa fuera de la historia, que también tiene, tenemos, con toda nuestra mediocridad, derecho a la intrahistoria. Aunque solo sea porque en el reconocimiento entre iguales se encuentra mucha paz. Tendremos que escribir más.

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cuscojourneys · 8 years ago

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VILCABAMBA TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

More information: http://bit.ly/2dmO1si

Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days /4 Nights, On this truly spectacular and special hike – the Vilcabamba to Machu Picchu trek- enjoy a wealth of flora, fauna, snow peaks, impressive valleys while at the same time visiting the last refuge of the Incas – Vilcabamba and it’s archaelogical sites. After we leave the charming village of Huancacalle, we trek along some excellent examples of the Qhapaq Ñan – or royal roads of the Incas before heading off into “unknown territory”. We cross three consecutive passes, often covered in snow before descending to the wonderfully warm jungle. Crossing a great mountain chain, we finally arrive at Machu Picchu. This custom designed itinerary was the first of its kind when Apus Peru started to offer it in 2005. The Vilcabamba trek is one of the hidden treasures in peru

OVERVIEW

The Vilcabamba Trek takes you right off the beaten path to the area of Cusco where the Incas made their last stand. Following the Spanish conquest the Inca withdrew far in to the jungle from where they continued to resist the occupation. Vilcabamba was the last Inca city and this trek takes you to some of the last domains of this once great empire. With beautiful scenery, Inca sites and a wide variety of flora and fauna the Vilcabamba Trek is a great option.

By booking the Vilcabamba Trek with Cusco Journeys & Adventure you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor!

Useful Information

Starting Altitude – 2911m / 9550ft.

Highest Altitude – 3915m / 12,844ft.

Walking Distance – ?km / ? miles

Longest Day – Day ?, approximately ?km / ? miles

Overall Difficulty – Difficult

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cuzco – Casapata

We leave very early in the morning, taking the road to the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Passing the town of Ollantaytambo, we head towards the Abra Málaga (mountain pass) which we cross, and then descend through the Puna towards the high jungle.

At this ecological level the principal activity is agriculture, mainly products such as tea, coca, coffee, cacao and fruits; and we will see the crops.

Our first stop is at the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, where there is an important Usnu or ritual platform and a precinct with four double jamb doorways facing the four cardinal points.

We continue to the settlement of Santa María, where we can rest for a few minutes, to then continue on to Huancacalle, the village where we will leave our motorized transport. The journey is long; but the reward is the solitude we enjoy as tourism is not very developed in this area. Here we meet our arrieros (mule-handlers) and mules which will accompany us on our walk. We have lunch.

After a short break, we begin our walk to visit the Rosaspata – Vitcos sector of the Vilcabamba Archaeological Park, including a tour of the famous Ñusta Hispana. It is suspected that the tomb of the rebel leader Manco Inka II can be found in this area of the Vilcabamba cordillera. We will also see the famous white rock.

By dusk we arrive at Casapata, which will be our campsite, where we enjoy our dinner and rest.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 3060 masl / 10039 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2950 masl / 9678 ft

Distance Travelled: 5 km / 3.10 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 3 hrs

Day 2: Casapata – Hatumpampa

We leave early in the morning, climbing up through the ravine of the Pumachaka river to the Chupana sector where this river begins. Here we find segments of Inka Trail which we will follow. We can observe local flora, which is used to dye textiles produced in the area.

We walk through Quechua, Suni and Puna ecological levels. When we arrive at the Pillaujasa mountain pass, we can see the Jasutina pass nearby, in the middle of an Andean landscape worthy of a postcard.

We begin the trail which descends to the valley of the Racchchaka river and following the river upstream, we arrive at Hatunpampa, where we will camp and enjoy a beautiful view of the Tuytubamba snow-capped peak.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 4086 masl / 13406 ft

Minimum Altitude: 3060 masl / 10039 ft

Distance Travelled: 17 km / 10.56 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 10 hrs

Day 3: Hatumpampa – Nogalpampa

We take the path which climbs to the Yanacocha mountain pass, finding a forest of native trees (Qeuña y Kiswar) at over 4500 masl. At the pass itself, we will enjoy a view of the Yanacocha lake, and then begin our walk to the Mojon pass, the last high pass on our trek. The landscape of the Puna reminds us of how far we are from civilisation.

We descend through the Mutuypata ravine, where we have lunch, and after a rest we continue to the valley of the Saqsarayoq river which we will cross to reach Nogalpampa, where we set up camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 4500 masl / 14764 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2788 masl / 9147 ft

Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hrs

Day 4: Nogalpampa – Aguas Calientes

We resume our walk downhill through a spectacular native forest, towards the town of Yanatile. Here we take our transport to the train station at the Hidroelectrica (hydro-electric plant), where we will board the train which will take us to the town of Aguas Calientes. Overnight in a hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 2788 masl / 9147 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2100 masl / 6890 ft

Distance Travelled: 13 km / 8 ml

Approximate Walking Time: 5 hrs

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cuzco

After breakfast we will board the bus which will take us to the biggest energetic center of the Incas, “Machu Picchu”. As part of our itinerary the same professional tour guide from the Vilcabamba trek; will teach you about all the history of this mysterious and mystical place. We will visit the Sun Temple, Royal palace, Main Temple, Three Windows Temple and Sun Dial. It will be an unforgettable experience. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore on your own.

If you have booked Wayna picchu, you will need to coordinate with your guide for Machu Picchu visiting depending on your scheduled time to the mountain, for people not hiking any of the mountains there are some other optional activities on your own (not included in the price):

Visit the Sun Gate: You will have an opportunity to walk (approx. 2 hours up and down) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) to see Machu Picchu from a different angle.

Hike to the Inca Bridge: The Inca Bridge offers a dose of adventure for your next Machu Picchu visit. However in this case, the adventure is a little less strenuous, but a lot more death defying, not for people with vertigo.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you will return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Ollantaytambo. Upon your arrival to train station you will be transferred by car to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast

Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft

Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft

Included:

Trek briefing with your guide

Professional local guide (on hike)

Second tour guide for groups of 9+.

Private transport and professional driver (to the starting point of hike)

All entrance tickets and permits for Vilcabamba hike

All necessary tools for tree planting

Cusco Journeys T-Shirt

Pick-up from hotels

Transfer in bus to Lares, Quiswarani (starting point of the trek)

2 person per tent Igloo tents (new, spacious and comfortable)

A roll pad mattress

Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs

Excellent tour guide (2 guides for groups over 12)

Full board meals: 3 Meals per day, snacks each afternoon

First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank

Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent

Excellent meals (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners)

Food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken, fish, meat, and rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking (Vegetarian, vegan or special diet meals upon request)

Horses or mules and Indigenous horsemen to carry camping equipment: client tents, dining and cooking tents, table, stools, cooking gear, stove, gas container, cutlery, plates, food and fresh vegetables.

Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes

Boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning

Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes

Expedition Train return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and private transport to Cusco

Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex

Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double or triple accommodation)

Porterage of 8 Kg per person.

Round Trip Bus Tickets

Meals: 4 Breakfast, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Tea time before dinner (tea, coffee, coco, biscuits, popcorn)

Oxygen Tank & First aid kit

All local taxes

Not Included:

Sleeping bag

Water on Day 1, just half day

Energy snacks which can very useful such as chocolate and granola bars and dried fruits

Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 5

Waynapicchu Mountain (Walk to the top without a guide. The trail is well marked.)

Tips: Guide, Cook, Porters

Bring for the Vilcabamba Trek to Machu Picchu

A good daypack: Eagle Creek Afar Backpack –appropriate packs to carry your personal belongings.

Original passport with the migration Peru card (for Trains, Machu Picchu Park, and Hotels)

Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required).

Swimwear for the hot springs of Lares

Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)

3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans): 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent before the trip.

Layers for variable temperatures especially at night

1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as – 5 degrees Celsius/41 degrees Fahrenheit. The rain jacket can be helpful, because there are rainy days even if we are in dry season!

1 warm/Winter jacket

Thermals: wool socks, gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights.

4 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried). It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks because the weather is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or overheat.

4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts

1 good sleeping bag liner that is super lightweight and easy to pack. Definitely does its Job!

Travel-size tissues and wet wipes–The air is cold and damp so your nose is going to run a lot. Everyone seems to run out of tissues by the end of the trek. Also, most bathrooms do not have toilet paper (if you even get a bathroom), so wet wipes are key.

Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.

Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).

Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoors is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so an anti-itch medication could be helpful.

Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camel back

Water (only for first day hike). Then we will provide you with water throughout the hike.

Camera and film

A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries

Bandages or moleskin

Flip flops to change into at night–your toes will thank you!.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste/floss, shampoo/conditioner, brush/comb, Vaseline (for feet great for potential blisters), feminine hygiene products, deodorant, nail clippers/file/tweezers, spare glasses and/or prescription, mini-eyeglass repair kit, contact lenses if required and supplies, hand sanitizer etc.–and whatever else you need, but pack light.

Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach. Some people get an upset stomach on the trek. With 8-10 hours of hiking each day, you need to get over whatever the day throws at you quickly, so bring some meds.

Plastic bags for dirty and wet clothes

Something to read in the evenings

Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, & tips to your staff

Additional Notes

Gift for Andean children “Optional”

Vilcabamba Trek. We recommend bringing: Coloring books, crayons, pens, notebooks, pencils, stickers, clothes, toys, etc. but not candies or chemical products. . Children will love to receive these gifts when we pass through Andean communities which have schools.

#vilcabamba cuscojourneys adventuretravel perutreks vilcabambatrek CTperu vilcabambatrail luxurytravel natgeoexpeditions natgeotravel vilcaba

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