Madrid

After so many days of travelling around Spain, we finally stepped down at Madrid! The capital city of Spain!

We were so tired!!! It's the 10th day! Alan even brought some ginseng medicine along, hoping they'd boost up his energy to last the whole trip.

The bear and strawberry tree at Puerta del Sol, Madrid. I've heard that it's a symbol of Madrid and one of the most popular meeting places. This is also the ZERO km spot.

We saw lots of people queing at lottery shops. Anywhere, anytime!!! I was wondering are they so addicted to gambling. Not only selling at the dedicated shops, there were even roadside stalls selling them too! I wonder is that legal? Only after that that I realised there was a special jackpot prize on new year eve.

Plaza Mayor

We wanted to visit Palacio Real, the Madrid castle but it was closed on new year eve. Damn it! We only managed to peep from the entrance gate from afar.

New year eve is not a pulic holiday in Spain...why did they not open?

Let us in!!!

Then we decided to stroll around the city and do some shopping. Zara and MNG are so cheap over there. Both of the brands are originally from Spain and they are categorised as high street fashion.

However they are quite expensive in M'sia lor.



One of the most fascinating things we encountered here has to be the way they celebrate and count down on new year eve. Most of them would get themself a wig! A very bright colour wig! They wore it and walked around the city. I wanted to get one too but none of them was interested to join me.

Nelson, Alan and Kher Sin...you old folks, come on!

During the countdown party before midnight, Madrilenos would usually have 12 grapes ready in their hands. When the clock hits 12am at midnight, they would eat one grape at one time synchronising with the striking tempo of the bell.


Dong...down one grape

Dong..another...

Dong...(X12)


So, 12grapes!!! Get me? Then make a wish. Your wish would come true!


Our lovely hotel prepared the grapes for us too.


Wait a minute, how to eat 12grapes within the 12 seconds???

I read the travel guide again, it said "SWALLOW"!!!!

Oh my god, eventhough the size of a grape isn't that big, I didn't think we are able to achieve the feat.


Anyway, we tried! All of us failed! No one of us was able to swallow 12 grapes as planned!

Nel even tried to swallow but fail to finish as well. Ha-ha. Crazy fellow!

Countdown party at downtown Madrid, Puerta del Sol

Madrid was our second last destination at Spain before we journeyed to Guadarrama for tobogganing.

I would say it was a great trip and a great experience for me EXCEPT....

I really want to watch BULL FIGHTING!!!!! There was no performance during Winter :(