My hitchhiking in Italy

Ciao and buongiorno to everyone!

I always start my posts complaining about the amount of adventures, events and emotions happened recently and I complain because I am always not sure how to put it on the blog. There is not an exception this time and so much has happened over the summer in Italy that I don’t really know where to start. For instance, I conquered an active stratovolcano Etna, visited  small cozy and very picturesque little towns of Italy, tasted sea-food and sweet delicacies of the Sicilian coast, made friends with local chefs and barmen, discovered incredibly amazing and friendly world of Sicily – the birthplace of the mafia. But I will try to tell you about everything another time. Today I want to talk about such an exciting phenomenon as an autostop.

Once upon a time in a very very cold morning when there was nothing to do…of course, this is completely untrue, as I always have something to do (especially in Italy) and it’s never cold there. Every second was like a piece of gold for me and I think I can say that I lived the moment and was “here and now” in Sicily. However  our hotel was located aside and it seemed that we lived and worked in the village. And it was kind of problematic to go to the city: the hotel bus worked all days except Sunday and  we had a day off on Sunday. It’s such an ironic fate, isn’t it? Taxi was expensive, especially considering that the trip to the town was no more than 15 minutes.

So it happened that my friends (and at the same time my colleagues) Anna and Artyom  were the pioneers in the field of “hitchhiking” for me and when they spoke about travelling with strangers they talked about it  very brightly, lively and interesting therefore I was curious to try it myself.

Thus on the 7th of August (the birthday of my dad who didn’t know) I decided to overcome all my fears (ok, I won’t exaggerate – one fear of many millions) and having collected all will in a fist  and also the necessary things in my bag, went to meet my fate…as the territory of our hotel was huge it took me about 10-15 minutes before I got to the road.

I put an incredible effort and raised my paper with amazingly (ok, badly to be honest) letters on it that composed into “Siracusa” (destination – B where I was going to). I must say I felt awful. Just imagine: in principle I hesitate to ask for something, but here I am asking all passers-by and what’s more I am asking absolutely unfamiliar people and doing it alone, on the road, for the amazement of the crowd. My situation was aggravated by the golden sun of Sicily that so generously granted me with its positive rays (or, to be more precise, mercilessly scorching me).

I think it would be fun to film my “heroic deed” with a hidden camera because there was a struggle for life and death inside me. The internal dialogue was something like that: “Natasha, you can! Do not be afraid! Keep the sign raised!” (the sign rises). Then: “Oh, what a nonsense. How embarrassing! The car ran and didn’t stop!” (the sign omitted). Next: “So! Anna and Artyom were able to do it, why can’t I? You’re a confident person and you always get lucky, it’ll be great! You have already decided, just do it, go for it!” (the sign rises again)… missing just 4-5 cars I was desperate and thought that since a few cars drove past it was time to go back, I did everything I could (haha). And there I was standing already with the lowered sign “Siracusa” so no one could see it), and I noticed a guy on his scooter slowing down and giving me a signal. He asked me where I needed to go and afterwards I said to myself: “don’t go with him, Natasha! Don’t go! No!” and at the same time my legs moved towards the scooter. I looked at the guy’s eyes and understood that there was nothing to fear. He was a good kind young man and what’s more he was going to the destination I needed. I was afraid to sit on his scooter properly so I set sideways on the edge. In this case I was going without a helmet while also holding my bag and as it was embarrassing to hold the guy, I held the rear part of the scooter that made my journey even more risky and dangerous. I should have wear pointe shoes and stand on tiptoe. After a few minutes my lovely driver stopped and asked me to sit properly as I had to and that’s what I eventually did. I won’t tell you all the details but want to mention that the guy’s name was Sebastian. He was a very nice, kind and friendly 28 years old man. He took me around the city, showed interesting places, told me a little bit about his life, didn’t let me to die of thirst, was very attentive and courteous, and we visited Castello Maniace (positive name, right?). And then he drove me back to the hotel…Everything was perfect! Sebastian, if you are reading this I am saying thank you so much once again!

(A window in the Castel)

(The view from the window)

Next time (in about a week or two) I went to another autostop with Artyom (aka Artemio) and Anna (aka Anna that loves a Russian song “Ulibaysya” (“Smiling”). If she was near I would sing this song immediately!). This time we planned to go to Catania via Syracuse, so just in case, we had two pieces of paper with us (Syracuse was about 15 minutes away and Catania was about an hour away therefore we knew that not everyone would have taken three “russo turisto” so far). We waited a relatively long time, 15-20 minutes if being more precise but when you stand in the heat and the cars fly by, time seems infinitely long. We had our signs, smiles, large voting fingers and even dancing! Yeah, we had to dance on the road and it was very cool when people kind of supported us. For instance, some of them did not have a spare place in their car (especially for three of us) but people were going and repeating our movements or making some other signals. Also it was amusing  when a driver on his scooter/motorcycle  shrugged, lamenting that he could not take all three of us)))

Finally fate has smiled upon us when a man aged 50-60 (who was going with his son or grandson 12 years old, I guess) stopped near us. The man was driving to his mother and it was obvious that he wanted to give us a lift to Catania even but how can a person ignore the invitation to visit his beloved mother. He was also very friendly and they both (with his grandson) constantly looked at us, maybe they haven’t communicated with foreigners before and it was a very interesting experience for them. The man dropped us off right on the highway leading to Catania. Thanks a lot to him! It was great to meet with him as well!

Our “autostop business” was a bit stuck on the freeway. Cars were passing, our hands were already down but then we had a second wind and again we worked as a team “smile, finger, dancing”)). Catania was quite a long way to go and perhaps that is why many passed us. But here the destiny smiled again. Two lovely strangers named Francesco and his beloved Elena stopped their car in order to give us a lift. They were both Italians living in Milan. They were just on vacation, traveling to different cities and friends in Sicily. We had a very interesting conversation on various topics and spent about two hours all together. I was also amazed and very pleased when it came to Emilio Pucci subject. It is an Italian clothing brand a great one, which I dream to work for, draw prints, and so on. And it turns out that just yesterday (the day before we met Francesco) he was at a party with the creative Director of the fashion house of Pucci. Is it a coincidence? Is it a miracle? Is it a sign? I don’t know but I was certainly happy. As our Italians spoke English well we had more English talks rather than Italian. In addition to that, we drank some coffee together. We really wanted to treat our “saviors” but Francesco never gave us a chance to pay for coffee, explaining: “You are in my car so you are my guests and I want to buy coffee for my guests. The objections are not accepted otherwise I’ll be offended”. That’s Italian hospitality! This is amazing!

In general, I was over the moon because of such an interesting meeting and I am certainly looking forward to new meetings with our new friends from Milan, really looking forward to!

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

During our walk around the city we came upon a tour bus and decided that it would be great to ride this if it cost 5 euros. We were offered bus-tickets for 15 euros per person, but when the seller saw our retreating back he offered us the same tickets for 5 euros. What can I say – we are  “russo turisto”))

The bus-tour was gorgeous! I’m not exaggerating, it really was amazing! There were very few passengers, many seats and we were on the second floor where the bus was opened,  you could feel fresh sea breeze, and you  kind of “fly” and observe the architecture, constructions, sculptures, whilst listening to the audio guide in your own language (there were 6 or 8 of them and Russian was on the list). And you feel like a tourist being on holiday even though you actually work in Sicily. It was perfect! It’s been a few months since then and I still feel happiness gained in that trip!

(Views from the bus)

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

Afterwards we continued with our shopping and walking and then we went to the airport to meet our new tourists and get to the hotel so there was not “hitchhinking” on the way back.

Next Sunday we repeated our adventures but a bit different this time. We were waiting for a new autostop (and the last one for now). Myself, Anna and Artemio were on the way to Syracuse this time. We waited quite a long time (10-15 minutes I think) and as soon as Artyom said: “Well, Natasha, perhaps it’s time to dance”  a very nice, friendly man of the age 45-50 years old stopped his car. I believe he heard Artemio’s words while being a hundred meters from us and thought:  “no, do not dance, please! I’d better stop”))) but he was wrong thinking like that as I dance well, especially if we are talking about the autostop and dancing on the road! On arrival in the city the man was given an apple (unfortunately for him not an “Apple” but a fruit))) as a way of saying “thank you”. By the way I was sitting in front beside the driver while going in that car and that’s another plus of knowledge of Italian. As I learn/practice the language I spoke on the way and at the same time thanked the driver for his kindness. If I didn’t know Italian, I would sit in the back seat of the car, and even perhaps not in Sicily, but somewhere in Siberia))

Our trip to Syracuse was less memorable than to Catania but was also distinguished by some happenings there. We visited a couple of supermarkets, looked what to bring to Russia (this time instead of the usual souvenirs I brought my family pistachio paste (like Nutella but better), olive oil with peppers, chocolate of different flavours, dried tomatoes, pistachio brittle, pistachio liqueur, wine (with almonds, sort of)…Oh, and please don’t ask me how I fit everything in my 25kg suitcase). In one word a trip to the supermarket was needed. I also bought a book by Paolo Coelho in Italian language and was very happy about it (until I tried to read it, haha). And then three of us went to sit on the waterfront. At the pier there were different boats and two large yachts with the Union Jack. We sat, chatted, admired the yachts and each dreamt about diverse things but all three wanted to go on the yacht. We even had a plan how to get there to observe it (with a permission of the hosts of course), but the plan was never carried out, alas, alas. Then Anya and Artemio left me alone for a while and I decided to walk a bit but primarily I stayed on the embankment and plunged into thinking about the boat and how to make our intentions a reality. I sat and thought that if I didn’t do at least one step in the desired direction then how am I going to respect myself. It won’t be me in this case! At that time the yacht was empty as all of its passengers-the owners swam in the pool and went to their cabins. The yacht was quiet and peaceful, and was monitored by a camera or few.  Suddenly I decided to write a letter. It was in English where I wrote a little bit about my life, about my pure love to the UK, about my achievements and knowledge of several foreign languages, provided a link to my art work, as well as my e-mail address. Who knows – maybe someday I’ll get an answer, an invitation, or just a regular email from someone who read my letter-message on the yacht. When Anya and Artyom came back I took the letter and put it on the stairs of the ship while adding two apples giving some weight to hold the paper on the stairs.

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

Unfortunately the yacht was constantly thronged by tourists that were taking pictures and could have taken my letter or apples, but it was more importantly that I figured out how to leave my sign there and how to do a step to something I desired. And after all it does not really matter. I believe in the fairytale and it is always there, in my life! It happened that in Italy I met some people who thought I was strange, not from this world and marveled at my naivety and a belief in miracles. Thus I did not share this story with anyone in Italy and now suddenly decided to write about it in details. Why? Because I am who I am, those people cannot affect my life and at the same time I hope I can inspire my readers, to reassure and to show how out of the ordinary day you can make a fabulous one and how to create your own adventure and expect some miracles.

That day we also used “auto stop” on the way to the hotel and this time our “savors” were a very friendly lady with a young lovely girl (they were probably mother and daughter). They were also very nice, communicative and we exchanged contacts. The girl was a medicine-student and spoke English very well. It was so nice meeting them too!

(c) Photo by Anna Banana https://vk.com/artlandphoto

In conclusion I want to say that I am probably still afraid of “autostop” to some degree and, of course, traveling with friends is much safer and quieter than doing it alone. But I’m very thankful that everything happened the way it happened and that I had such an incredible experience of an autostopper.

You can read on my blog very soon: “Conquering an active volcano”, “The job which I loved and missing now”, “Children are the flowers of life and how great it is to work with them”, “How I love Italians and, thanks to the chefs, bartenders, waiters…”, “learning Italian” and much more. I hope I can find time to share those 100000000000000 emotions that I have accumulated over the summer.

I wish you all love and happiness, my dear readers! Speak soon!

Paris that you haven’t seen

 Hello beautiful world, a world of wonder and magical discoveries. Today my article will be unusual (most likely) as I am writing it in a cemetery now. Yes, yes, near “the people” who have left this world and will probably not be able to read my blog. I believe it is the right place for writing such a happy and positive blog like mine, isn’t it?  In my opinion, it is all very logical. Especially considering the fact that this cemetery is a famous landmark in Paris. I’m talking about Père Lachaise. It’s a land where rest Oscar Wilde, Honore de Balzac, Edith Piaf, Frederic Chopin, all the people I somehow love and admire)))

The grave of Honore de Balzac (French writer)

The grave of Oscar Wilde (an Irish writer and poet)

The grave of Jim Morrison (an American singer, songwriter and poet)

So today, my article will dazzle with different photographs which I hope will help me to show you MY PARIS, not the one that is usually represented in films, music, the Internet and so on. Paris – the way I feel it and I see it…

I began to create this fairy tale of love and light, on the 19th of March, the day of my arrival in Paris. Since that time I have visited several museums, parks, gardens, streets, stores and even a music conservatory (while being extremely lucky. Thanks to my new French friend!). Since I prefer walking around the city, rather than travelling with a metro, I think I managed to walk about a hundred miles while observing the capital of France. Here I would like to present to you, my lovelies, a photo report I made, various unrelated logically or historically photos, that I would call “A walk in Paris”.

It’s an amazing magical spring time here and someone still having Merry Christmas design. Perhaps this velo-taxi belongs to a descendant of Ernest Hemingway, who stated that “Paris is a moveable feast” Apparently, this feast was Christmas. (Although the image of a polar bear on this truck reminded me of home, where there are wild bears walking on the streets, ahaha). Home, sweet home.

My favorite place in the city is The Pyramid of Cheops. What do you mean it is in Egypt? Well then, my favorite place in Paris would be The Louvre Pyramid, as easy as that. Even before our long-awaited meeting, I knew that it meant a lot to me. It’s the fault of the film “The Da Vinci Code” (a 2003 mystery-detective novel written by Dan Brown), not the movie itself but more the final scene with a very powerful music and Tom Hanks, who reveals the truth and realizes that the Holy Grail is under it, under a glass construction (this is it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcfNpfaGejA). Apparently, I am also waiting for some discovery in this magical place. And here is the bird in the photo, heading away. It’s like a good symbol, sign to myself… soaring next to a place that is really special for me.

A little art, graffiti, creativity on the walls/fences of Paris

Here are some pigeons. I was a bit shocked to see such a feast here. And they had a few more of these large loaves probably just in case, for a rainy day. I made a conclusion that Parisian pigeons live way better than Russian ones. Their standard of living surprises me)))

A parade of the European flags. It was an entrance to one of the local schools I believe.

St. Petersburg store and Moscow Street (Rue de Moscou) – it warmed my heart a lot. However, it’s time  to find Rue De Omsk now)))

And here I came to an incomparable, charming, fantastic “Moulin Rouge”. I just really love the eponymous musical, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. I watched this bright, full of colors extravaganza 5 or 6 times and always cried my eyes out while watching. Therefore, it was the first time I saw “Moulin Rouge” and did not cry at all, but was just … really happy! Of course, I would like to see the show itself inside the building, but for this dream comes truth I will probably need to take all the pigeons’ loaves, sell them and maybe … someday … well, in any case, I think, the musical won’t disappear anywhere. Besides, if you wait for something for quite a long time, when it finally comes to you, you appreciate it even more. Everything has its pros and positive moments, I believe.

On the road to The Sacré-Cœur Basilica I saw the following sign on the pavement. I found this picture interesting. A sort of remodeling of Disney’s logo.

The Sacré-Cœur Basilica itself

And the view from the Sacré-Cœur (it’s really good that the blog does not convey my breath as I hardly could breath after a large number of stages that Cinderella passed… in this case I would not lose the shoe, but probably myself)))

A Lantern as a main hero of the photo.

Alice was not feeling well and Cinderella replaced her in the “Through the Looking-Glass”.

The shops in France are working up to a certain time here, usually they closed early evenings and on Sundays almost everything is closed… I think one of the romantic men was late to buy the flowers for his darling and found another, a very creative way of solving the problem)))

Simply lovely

People meet, fall in love and after…they buy the lockers))) (by the way, it is the famous Notre Dame de Paris in the photo’s background)

On the day I read the book by Victor Hugo “Notre Dame de Paris” I started to dream about seeing the Cathedral one day in real life! The wish came true.

And here is one of my fans. It is easy to prove since she has a bag with my name written on it. Yes, my name is very often written as «NataCHa» in France. Still cannot get used to it. But my love to the French language is really strong, and therefore, it’s not a big problem to be called differently as long as I’m in this incredible city – Paris!

While shopping at the grocery store (which, of course, does not work on Sundays and evenings))) I saw HIM! It is an incomparable feeling. For those who have not read one of my previous articles – (https://westminsterscinderella.wordpress.com/2014/02/13/when-i-met-such-a-wonderful-werewolf/). I’m just very impressionable and I rejoice even little things in my life.

A view from the 5th floor (I think) at the Centre Georges Pompidou.

I do not consider this street-art beautiful and worthy of Paris, but nevertheless, it seemed unusual

A funny story about the treasure and Natasha)). There is a Ukrainian TV program “Heads and Tails” (“Oryol&Ryeshka”) in which a man and a woman traveling together (when tossing a coin in the air, they decide their fate for the upcoming weekend: one of them will live like a king with a gold bank card, while the other one will make an economy on everything). And at the end of their journey, they leave $100 hidden in the form of treasure. So, seeing their adventures in Paris, I decided to find this cherished green piece of paper that they put in a bottle of wine and the bottle itself hung on the bridge near the Tour Eiffel, behind the red/white sign. It was such a fun to look for the money, walk around the bridge and so on. The people near were probably thinking I was mad. Unfortunately, I found nothing. The Parisian voyage was filmed and uploaded to Youtube about 2 years ago from now, so surely there were people before me, but my hope never left me until the very end and, in addition to that, it was some kind of adventures for me too.

Unusual perspective – UNDER the Eiffel Tower. And a rather unusual story.

I was enjoying the view but what others forgot there… (It’s like a joke: “Grandma was really surprised by the number of people at the railway station and asked herself a question: “How many people? Well, I came here to meet my son but what all those people doing here?”) and so I was staying, looking at this well-known sightseeing of Paris when a strange man reached me. He began by asking me to take a photo of him on his phone and afterwards asked where I was from (In English).

I said I was from Russia.

He: I do not understand. Russia ? Where is it? (and he looked like he really didn’t know this country)

Myself: I am Russian! It is the largest country in the world. And after Russia the USA goes (I think we would make a good couple with this man since I was also confused and mentioned the USA even though Canada is bigger by its territory)

He: Ah, from America? So you’re from Chile?

Indeed, where else I could be from, if not from Chile.

Just as I knew that I was going to meet HIM! (Curly hair, make-up) keep reading and you’ll understand who I met…

It was a sunny day when I went to meet my very good friend – a French girl who was travelling by Eurostar train from London. By a happy coincidence, and also my abnormal punctuality I came 10 minutes before the actual time, and surprisingly the train arrived earlier as well! Everything was at just right timing. I was one of the first in the crowd meeting the passengers. So…here I am staying, a girl from Chile (as you already know)), again not bothering anyone … and then I see HIM – Nicolas Sarkozy, himself. He goes straight in my direction. In the few seconds that I have time to see him and meet his gaze, I have so many thoughts (like my annual norm, ahaha). I was almost taking my phone as I really wanted to take a picture of the ex-president of France, but then I realized how exhausted he was (from his face expression or maybe he just wasn’t that much excited to see another Russian in Paris))). Then I was thinking about how strange it was that he was accompanied by only two policemen. I  was just waiting for my friend, and accidently meet Nicolas Sarkozy. Oh, I love those kind of accidents)) And this is after 3 weeks of me staying in Paris! Then some of my French friends complained:  “How is it possible?! I  have lived here, in Paris, all my life, I am French and never met Nicolas Sarkozy! And you… How is it possible?” And some of my friends who knew about this story, asked me the next day: ” So, have you seen  François Hollande today? No, you haven’t? Why Natasha, it’s not normal!” I think that those few seconds at Gare du Nord in Paris, I will remember for the rest of my life. Well, only If it doesn’t become a good tradition or a habit to meet with Nicolas Sarkozy))

And why not just to cross out the name of the street? Indeed, why not …

When historic Paris meets the modern one (advertising, poster, the century of the consumers)

I  get used to check different things on the internet with my phone and therefore, wherever I am, I try to connect to the internet in parks, museums… I try to find wi-fi anywhere. The museum D’Orsay wasn’t an exception. It was funny when the only available wi-fi that popped up at the museum was named “Barbara”.

This building seemed kind of unusual in terms of design and construction (especially for me, for a tourist from Omsk)

I was walking somewhere or simply wandering around when I saw this bright graffiti and decided to take a picture. I especially liked the eyes painted on the wall. I stood on the opposite side and the guy passing the wall saw me taking the photo…I think he became curious what I found interesting there. It’s funny he passed the wall and then turned his head to see what was there that made me taking a photo. It shows how a modern person runs, moves somewhere while not taking some time to see the surroundings, to be HERE and NOW, to LIVE…we are all running and thinking it’s life while not feeling the moment (at least I think it happens often with people of our century). Or, perhaps, I am analyzing it too much and exaggerating therefore.

Some kind of elections going on, campaigning, etc…where amount of the posters are more important than anything)))

On my way I met a group of roller skaters )))

Palais de la Porte Doree (Museum of immigration’s history). I think it is a very interesting building. It’s unusual and beautiful, creatively made. Also you can visit the aquarium inside it, which can be interesting if you have never bee in large aquariums because this one is kind of small.

A bit of sea theme or my visit in the aquarium mentioned above.

When wandering around the city, I discovered a park with a lake in the eastern part of Paris. It was Sunday, a lot of tourists and locals were having fun in the park: some guys were enjoying a picnic on the lawn, some boating, some people engaged in sports, having fun in the amusement park and so on. I found this place fabulous and alluring…and then I saw a man selling balloons. I felt sorry for him. On the one hand, it’s a great job to bring joy and happiness to the kids, to see their smiling faces! It’s like a magician work. But imagine that this man stands for days (and it’s often sunny in the park), sells the same product and see the happy faces of people having fun, relaxing, spending time with their families! His hunched back and lowered head just illustrates that it is not the most joyful work in the world…Well, I know there are much harder jobs. I really wish him a very good profit this season and a lot of interesting customers at least.

I noticed that each boat on the lake had its own name! Jules, Sarho, Carole, Cedric …

A lady is working while her man probably gives the instructions)))

The car was parked))

Unusual fountain

When I was (again) walking around the city I witnessed an interesting scene as Juliet appeared on the balcony waiting for her Romeo. Hopefully, they ‘ll be happier than two lovers in the book written by the great William Shakespeare.

The linear Paris

An unusual metro’s entrance (toy).

A shopwindow: The Three Little Pigs and the books they read) )

A road sign

For today my album of adventures, emotions and discoveries closes its “doors”. But I certainly will be back, dear friends! I think I’ll be very busy in the coming days and do not know when I can “contact” you again, therefore I just wish you beautiful weather, great mood and fabulous happenings! See you, dears!

 

From Siberia to Madrid

Hello everyone! I finally left my extremely busy educational and cultural program with constant visits to museums and other things and I can share with you some interesting situations and emotions I have had recently.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), my blog is far behind from my adventures that’s happening right now, so I’m kind of forced to leave Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong (even though I really like to tell you about this lovely trio!) But today my story is about hot Spanish Madrid also full of wonders and mysteries.

In Madrid, I stayed for only 4 days and 6 nights (apparently, I love sleeping in other countries, and not to enjoying hikes and walks around the city considering the numbers of nights I spent there in comparison with the days). So I’ll try to open the door to the mysterious world of Madrid. As it was there.

My flight was a bit difficult for me and very tiring, involving a journey by three different planes and staying for a while at the airports, which in total took about 18 hours of me getting from point A to B. But it was certainly worth it.

(c) skydiving cats commercials made by a Swedish company Folksam.

Accommodation .

As I booked a room in advance for my staying in Madrid through the Internet, I printed out the map, roughly knew how to get to the place. Actually, I want to make a point here that it is better to be well prepared at home, all searched and printed, consider the route and everythig  because, obviously, it will save your  time and nerve, as well. What could be better than to feel confident and relaxed in a foreign country which is new for you? Well, even a well-prepared, myself, I was very tense and worried.

When I reached the destination, I realized that I did not understand anything . By saying this I mean that the numbering system and the location of apartments in Spain is very different from the one we use in Russia. My address was this: street Х, the house number 64 and then escalera 2 1º -2» (see the photo below)

Therefore the situation was the following:  10pm , I am on the street, with a huge luggage and 2 bags, it’s dark outside, there are no people who understand English (not even mentioning Russian), and my Spanish vocabulary consist of about 5 words I believe. That means no matter which button I will press on the intercom, I wouldn’t be able to express myself and the situation I am in. Fortunately, there was a girl passing me and I showed her the address I had on my printed paper, pointed to the number of the apartment with the degrees and gestured to the intercom. She understood me (body/sign language is the most useful, probably) and she pressed the right button for me. God, bless her! That’s not all! I managed to get lost in the building, while was going to the apartment! Probably the fact that I was a 7 months-born baby is a reason of my life being full of funny adventures that accompany me all the time. So, my dears, in Spain they have “escalera 1” (the stairs number 1), “escalera 2” and so on . I needed a second one, but I went to the first stairs I saw, of course (in Russia everything is easier. Enter the building and there is one way only, well at least in the buildings I use). Anyway, I knocked at a stranger’s door, who was (of course) speaking only in Spanish, and it was at 10 pm! To sum up this story, Madrid already knew Natasha from Russia came here)))

My flatmates who I stayed with for 6 nights, were stunning and adorable. It was such a friendly Spanish girl (the  landlady), with whome, alas, I almost did not communicate because of the language barrier.

(c) photo was taken from a Russian site of Dragunkin.

But, more importantly, she had two cats and a dog Ariel (The name of the Little Mermaid already made me feel comfortable with the dog). The pet was too welcoming, jumped on me, tried to hug me, and she was waiting for me in the evenings to come home which was so sweet of her! I kind of liked it as therfore I did not feel lonely in a foreign country, somebody waited for me at HOME!

The internet

Could not resist of sharing this funny story. The thing is that when I just arrived to Madrid, to the apartment already, I needed the internet, at least for a very little while but I was desperate for the connection. My landlady showed me everything in her flat and left me a paper with a written password to wi-fi on it, then she went out (it’s absolutely understandable as it was late evening, Friday). I had an awful time while was entering the password, each time changing the letters. The code contained a large number of letters and numbers and I had doubts about some of them – is it a letter g? Or maybe j? (it finally turned out to be f). I love people with interesting handwriting)). That evening/night I could not use the Internet  but was kind of obstinate so spent about an hour and some of my nerves. The Conclusion is: ladies and gentlemen, if you are given a password for the wi-fi and you know you really in need of the internet, straight away check if it’s working, do not put on. In other words, do not wait for using the internet tomorrow that can be used today) )

A wrong  way of setting up a meeting

On my very first day in Madrid (it was a beautiful sunny Saturday), I agreed to meet with my Madridian friend. I would not mention this meeting (even though it was absolutely lovely and enjoyable) if again I didn’t have an interesting situation happened to me. It happens that I was in the city without any connections except the social network (and why should I name it and make an advert for such a successful company with hundreds of millions of users on my blog with 3 readers, ahaha) ) ) . Ok, without jokes, when I left the house on the day, I was already without the connection so I wrote to my friend that as we are meeting in the Puerta del Sol (one of the biggest and popular square in the city) it’s better to make it more precisely and clear where we are going to meet. I proposed him to meet near something remarkable there, when said: “if this is the square with the famous the bear and the strawberry tree (symbol of the city), then we shall meet nearby. And if there is a man on a horseback in the square then we are meeting beside him.  To be honest, I have read a lot of different  articles, looked at websites, blogs on the internet about Madrid and its sightseeing, which all were mixed in my head. How much surprised I was when I arrived to the area and discovered that there were the bear and the horse too! On top of that the square  was filled with tourists of different nations and ages, it was “lived, sang and danced”. And knowing my abnormal punctuality… for approximately 20 minutes that I came before the actual meeting time, I was following a defined route:  from the bear to the horse and back, and again… Dears, be cleverer than I am! Be precise in your words, actions and findings. Although, I do not regret anything, or as inimitable Edith Piaf sang «Non, je ne regrette rien”.

At the restaurant

When I was with my Spanish friend (Nacho), everything was excellent. He helped with the translation of a menu; helped with the selection of dishes and even taught me how to eat bread as I was doing it in a wrong way. The bread which was fresh and crisp was given to us with a soup on a small plate. I think Siberian people don’t hesitate biting a loaf (or rather it was a bun. But my “guide” told me that in Spain people broke a small piece from the whole and ate it gently. So I experienced the Spanish culture of eating bread (although, I think, in all restaurants it is considered to be the norm – break off a small piece of bread). Well, it’s never too late to learn how to behave yourself)))

Also, having learned a few words in a foreign language (Spanish I mean), I was able to amuse and surprise the waiter. Even saying, “por favor” and something else you will make staff serving you a bit happier which is always a nice thing to do. Most importantly, don’t be afraid, my friends! It will break  the ice and blurs the boundaries of misunderstanding. Try it and you’ll feel it! I am sure.

So, I felt pretty comfortbale being with the friend who was Spanish but, once, in a cafe, while being alone… I remember deciding to have a breakfast and t must’ve been something Spanish (I wanted so), traditional food, so I could put a tick in the “1000000000000000 things that I have to do before I die.” Thus, I chose a small cafe where noone heard of English language existence)). I looked at the menu and saw the word “espagnol” or something like this (think it was a Spanish tortilla) and I decided that it was what I needed! You should’ve seen my face-expression when I was given a huge loaf with the omelet. Well, I know that the traditional Spanish omelet is cooked with onions and potatoes, but a huge loaf for breakfast? That was something I’d remember for sure! It was such a delicious and not heavy breakfast, hahah

El Rastro Market

Even before arriving to Madrid, I have already decided that I’ll visit “flea market” – El Rastro market, which is opened only on the Sundays and holidays from 9 am to 3 pm. I was lucky staying in the city center and it was just a 5 minute walk for me to the market, which is located in the district of La Latina (convenient to walk from the metro station Tirso de Molina). I was curious to feel the atmosphere of this place and understand why it is a famous attraction for the tourists. In truth, few things on the market  really attracted me, though I cannot show them as I didn’t buy them and didn’t take any photos of them too.

It put a smile on my face when noticed there was such a mannequin lower body. Maybe I just wasn’t paying attention before, but I found it interesting – the dimension of a rear dummy. I regard this as an example of glocalisation. Of course, not all of the Spanish women have such impressive curly forms, but I think most of them do.

Interesting mannequins for the hats too –  skulls))

Several times I saw the police going through and checking the merchants’ documents. Probably they need a special permition for selling the stuff there, at the market… so I had to leave my shop with the Russian dolls (matreshkas), bottles of vodka and buckets of caviar))

Unusual case in the underground

I was in the underground, listening to my MP3-player when realized that one of the standing women there (although it is possible she was the only one who stood at the time) talked something out loud (probably about politics, as I understood) and then another stood up (an ordinary passenger) and answered aggressively to the first one, all in a raised voice. I don’t exactly know what it was, but these girls were like on fire. The first lady that appeared in the carriage with the speech, passed between the sits, while trying to get some money for her speech or something else (I don’t know), and as she was leaving the tube, a man entered it with a guitar and began to demonstrate his  talent,  when singing very loudly and not very nice to be honest. All passengers were smiling,  some laughing. This story illustrated that the underground in Madrid is like a stage full of presentations and entertainments, and sometimes your trip can turn into something more than just the use of transport.

A street in Madrid. It’s not Omsk (Siberia), is it?

Walk of Fame in Madrid

When I just discovered that Madrid has its own Walk of Fame, such as the American Hollywood, I immediately knew “I must go there! I want! I’ll find it! I am coming!». However, it was some kind of a challenge to find the place even with a map. Some people I met on the way were trying their best to help me while exchanging only with gestures and body language. Maybe I had some troubles of finding it because I imagined it to be a pompous, impressive and remarkable place. But in fact, it turned out that the asphalt with the “stars” was just as the normal Spanish asphalt, nothing extraordinary really, well except the stars. Perhaps it is my personal opinion, but when I saw Antonio Banderas’ star: dirty, surrounded by the cigarette butts… How can it possibly be this way?

And Penelope Cruz too

Although, there was a car with a hose and some soap, washing the “stars” at the time I was there. After the washing, the road looked better and cleaner, but still I expected more, and, in truth, I was shocked by the way famous actors’ “footprints” were treating there.

The world of football

In addition to all the adventures I had in this incredible city, I was also lucky enough to see the football stadium «Estadio Santiago Bernabeu” (just in front of me), which is the home ground of the club “Real Madrid”. The stadium has the fourth highest category League and it has a current capacity of over 80 000 spectators.

To be honest, I wasn’t planning to go there but went there by a chance, an accident. I looked at it outside and was very glad about such an opportunity. In fact, I was really impressed by the building and the atmosphere that reigned around. I even wished I was inside, because of the match that was held there at the time.

Fell in love with the park!

There are various guides, websites, programs, travel agencies that advising to visit the Retiro Park to any tourists being in Madrid, and it is understandable. I really enjoyed it because the park is nice, clean, lovely, there is some kind of entertaining going on and, in general, it’s a good place to spend some time. But for me personally, the park del Oeste was something really great! I don’t think it is that well known as the Retiro park. Well, it is my opinion because there is less information about it on the Internet and I also did not hear about it in the travel tv-programs. Actually I went there accidently while wandering around the city. I liked it for its open space, it is kind of huge and full of different species of plants that simply immerse you in another wonderful world, you immediately forget about your daily problems and any worries you may have. I’ve got the impression of the park being endless, it is like the infinite, created by nature. There are people having picnics, walking with their dogs, playing with the kids, getting some tan, etc. And even with a large number of visitors there, you feel pretty good and comfortable, as the park itself is huge and, for sure, on any day and time you can find a secluded place and be with yourself, all alone, separate from the real world. It is absolutely magical!

The Prado Museum

Being an artist, I could not miss the Prado Museum and, of course, I visited it and managed to spent 4 hours there while coming to Madrid for only 4 days. What can I say about this museum? Of course, it is huge and very interesting. The collection of the works includes the world-famous, such as those made by Titian, Goya, Rubens and others.

There was a double entertainment waiting for me at the museum on the day of my visit. I don’t know why, but on the very same day there were several artists, copying the paintings by the great masters. It was different from an unusual visit to a museum. Partly, it was because of the actual fact of the artist being in a quiet museum’s hall/room, the air was filled with the smell of oil or acrylic… it also brought an atmosphere of creativity and unusual fusion of past centuries’ art and the present’s one … and it was also interesting to see how people (apparently, just like you –people from our century) copies the world-famous paintings that were made by genius of previous years. I suppose it might have been forbidden  to take a photograph of what was happening there, but it was the only photo I took in the museum and it’s for the blog so I hope they will forgive me.

A very talented artist copying “Coronation of the Virgin” which was originally made by Diego Velazquez

Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofia

As soon as I entered the Museum of Sofia, it immediately impressed me with such a spacious space, even a lounge included the only art object, which straight away attracted the attention of a foreign camera and flash.

I was lucky enough to get my ticket just a minute before there was a crowd of students, thirsty to discover the world of art (although they may simply followed the instructions of teachers and their school program).

A painting by Juan Miro, which illustrates a head and a spider. “Surprisingly” the name of the painting  was “Head and Spider” )) Kind of logical I suppose.

Pablo Picasso and his world-famous work “Guernica” which could hardly be seen through the crowd of “art lovers”.

And some photos of the city

Interesting, but a fact.

I believe that Madrid was ready for my arrival, long time before … the thing is that I accidentally discovered  the hospital called “October  12th” on a map. It’s the day of my birthday, when I saw the light and screamed out loud for my very first time)). It was nice that the hospital had this date in its title. But still, I was glad that it was the only common thing I had with the building and also didn’t have to spend my already priceless minutes in Madrid there.

AZCA area.

One of the places I planned to visit in Madrid was the area AZCA, which are famous for its skyscrapers (or at least tall buildings), offices, and I would say it is a modern part of Madrid, which is different from its historical center. I mean I was interested to see different areas of the city. In addition to that, the above-mentioned area had a so-called “Gateway to Europe” – two inclined to each other building. I am not going to share the origin of this name and history of the buildings, as I was confused myself. What I read on the internet, and that interested me was refuted by a native Madridian person and he (who is my friend) thought it was funny to spend time watching this “attraction/sightseeing” as in his opinion, it wasn’t that much of interest. But I suppose that anything can be interesting for a Siberian person, well except the snow and cold)))

ATOCHA STATION

I was also impressed by a Railway Station in Madrid, which I was travelling from to Paris. There was a little botanical garden at the station which was kind of extraordinary. When you walk loaded with the bags (luggage), not really knowing where to go as you don’t speak Spanish, everything is unfamiliar and incomprehensible for you, the presence of plants and the surrounding atmosphere is really improving your mood and distract from the urgent problems.

Cable car ride

I think I really love the height. Therefore it was impossible to resist taking a cable car and see the city from a different angle. I accidentally saw an advert of something called Teleferico Madrid and voila… I was there in the cable car. I cannot describe it that well, it’s much better to try it yourself then than to read it on my blog.  However, it was an amazing experience! I “flew” over Madrid in the afternoon time, so there was almost noone as it was a week-day also, and I was also alone in the cable car (even though there were 6 sits I think) so I was there by myself with the special radio that spoke to me in English (you can chose the language before to ride the cable car)! I asked them to put English for me since there wan’t Russian language. During my short voyage it was telling me some interesting facts about the city, the countryside, the park and the plants that we were passing.  At some point I began to talk to the radio too, feeling that I have got a new Spanish friend))) In general , it was interesting. If I had more time I would have walked in the area which I was “taken to”, but being in a harry I managed to walk there for just about 30 minutes, which was considered insufficient for such a beautiful place.

Dear readers (especially those who managed to read till this part. I know it was a big challenge)) it was  probably the biggest article during the time my blog exists. But it’s only because I gained so many emotions, adventures, fun, while being in magical Spain!

I hope that while reading the article you could smell the paella, hear the sound of  castanets, roaring bulls, glimpses of red capes and just a hot Spanish air filled with different flavors of the abroad.

See you soon, dear friends! Love you lots!