• BLOG POST #4 (Aug. 10): Visit to Historic Bernabéu Stadium
     • BLOG POST #3 (Aug. 9): Opening with a Victory
     • BLOG POST #2 (Aug. 8): Watching a La Liga Match
     • BLOG POST #1 (Aug. 7): Traveling from Seattle to Madrid
     • VIDEO: Shamele Battan (trip preview)    
     • SPU Visits Spain preview story

DAY SIX:  Touring the city of Madrid
August 11, 2015

Tuesday we had a guided tour of Madrid. Our tour guide Jaime took us out on the charter bus to meet Pete Kelly. Pete was an Australian born jovial man, who moved to Spain years ago. He was a loyal Athletico Madrid fan, which probably made it difficult for us to pick him up in front of the Santiago Bernabéu, home of rival Real Madrid.
 
Once we snagged Pete, he began to rattle off facts about Madrid, and Spain as a whole. He showed us many of the famous sculptures, buildings, and monuments of the area. We also were able to get a true feel of the Spanish culture.
 
We learned that at one point the city of Madrid was entirely surrounded by a large gate. This granite gate is remembered today by a large archway that was left in one of the roundabouts in the central arterial of the city.
 
There were large ponds that had statues of Greek mythological figures. The ponds were of particular importance in regards to the soccer world. Every time that Real Madrid, or Athletico Madrid wins a major tournament, they present the trophy to the town near one of these ponds.
 
Another interesting thing that Pete informed us of, was the integration of soccer and religion in Spain. One of the major cathedrals that we visited was also intimately related to Real Madrid and Athletico. Every time that either of the two soccer giants wins a major tournament, the church also presents them with their respective trophy and a blessing. This was neat to me due to the fact that it displays the integration of soccer and religion in the culture of Spain.
 
Finally we visited the Puerto Del Sol, which is located near one of the original plazas. Here we were able to experience Spanish people in their day-to-day lives. Whether that involved working in a shop or just interacting with other people.
 
All in all today allowed us to engage the Spanish culture and get a feel for how Madrid and Spain were molded by their history.
 
Finally Pete informed us that if we ever get tired of living in the United States, a room for two costs about 600 euros a month and season tickets for a major team cost about 400 euros a year. So if anyone wants to take an extended vacation, Madrid might be the place to go.
 
Thanks for reading my blog about the trip and I will post another entry soon,
 
-- Shamele