Un pequeño viaje

Hello everyone, long time no see ay? I know it's been a while since I last updated you, but in all honesty there hasn't been much excitement on my end. The final year of university doesn't leave you with much time or energy, but I did manage to sneak away for three days last week to regain my sanity and revisit my beloved Spain. During my essay-induced madness several weeks before, I decided to visit the EasyJet website (which is always a dangerous move) and found some extremely cheap flights that were too good to refuse. Fast forward two weeks and I'm stepping off the plane in Valencia, Spain, all ready for my next Spanish adventure. Due to the trip's spontaneity, I ended up going solo which was actually really nice as I got to explore at my own pace and see what I wanted to see. I took a ridiculous amount of photos (500ish in 3 days!!) but I have handpicked my favourite snaps to show you all, so enjoy!!

The above photos are a mixture of those taken around the city centre, at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias/City of Art and Science (the crazy buildings in the last two photos), at the aquarium, whilst on the bus tour, and just things that caught my eye! Valencia was amazing - the architecture, the food, the people - they were all incredible. It actually reminded me a lot of Madrid, which almost made me feel home sick for the months I spent in the Spanish capital. Although the weather was a tad cold (about 12 most of the time but 16 in the sun) it was nice to get away and experience a new place. It definitely doesn't compare to Madrid in my mind (although I may be biased!) but it's a great place to visit and I recommend it to everyone!

Until next time!

Isobel x

Mi Último Día en Madrid

My last full day in Madrid was a lovely one - I woke up at a respectable time (11am *cough*) and strolled for about 30 minutes before reaching the Teleférico de Madrid (cable cars). This was more or less the last thing I wanted to cross off my list before departing, and I'm glad that I did. The cable cars themselves weren't overly impressive - they weren't especially high or spectacular, but the views in store certainly were. The cable car station is just north of the Royal Palace, so you get a great view of that, and on the other side and underneath you get impressive views of Casa de Campo - the largest urban park in Madrid. There's not really that much else to say - I rode the cable cars to the station in the middle of Casa de Campo, and got back on, as there wasn't much at the other end other than a ridiculously overpriced restaurant and a path leading to the Madrid Zoo and a theme park (not something I felt like visiting alone - especially in 30+ heat). So, here are some photos I snapped along the way to the cable cars, and when I was along for the ride...

Estación de Principe Pío, la Catedral de Almudena y el Palacio Real / Principe Pío Station, the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal palace

Rio Manzanares, la Catedral de Almudena y el Palacio Real / The Manzanares River, the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace

After my short trip on the cable cars, I made my way back to my neighbourhood with the intentions of heading home to finish packing and cleaning my room. However, the tan on my legs is terribly uneven - tanned on my thighs and feet - but white in the middle (damn shadows!) Therefore, I decided that it was wise to give them one last chance to prove themselves, whilst treating myself to my last delicious Spanish ice cream. I'm usually one for Nutella (which my Italian friend says even rivals the best gelato!) but today I felt like something a tad fruitier, and decided to be bold and try a Blood Orange sorbet - it was a wise choice indeed! So there I sat, with my legs stretching out the side of the ice cream shop to catch the sun, a very refreshing sorbet in hand and my book - soaking in the 30 degrees heat. 

En el Metro / In the Metro

Sorbet de Naranja de Sangre / Blood Orange sorbet

After my sorbet shop, I finally headed home to get cracking, hoping that my legs had caught the sun. And that brings me to now, I'm packed, my bedroom is sparkling and I'm enjoying the football with a plate of beans on toast (how very Spanish of me!) Tomorrow, I'll be on my way on the airport come midday, and I'll be back at my kitchen table in Kent by tea time. However, do not fret! It is not all over yet... stay tuned for my next YA adventure....

Until then,

Isobel x

A trip to the river...

Wednesday was my friend Katya's last full day in Madrid before heading back to the UK, so we decided to spend as much time outside as possible. After a failed park trip (what kind of park is only open on the weekends?) we decided to head down to the bank of the Manzanares river to take in some rays. The weather was gorgeous - if not a tad warm - so we spent an hour or so sunbathing on the grass and chatting with a shandy in hand. This gorgeous spot is only about 10-15 minutes walk from Puerta de Toledo (where Katya lives), so we all got the chance to top up our tans, relax, and spend our last full day together giggling and enjoying the gorgeous madrileñian weather.

I have another post that'll be up soon about mine and Charlotte's trip to the gorgeous city of Toledo, so watch out for that in the next week! 

Until then,

Isobel x