Spain :: Day 8

Our final day in Spain. Can't believe how quickly it went by. Today there was no soccer. Instead, we went to Segovia -- another really incredible town. What Segovia is known for is the ancient aqueduct, dating back to the 1st of early 2nd century, and suckling pig. We took a little walking tour, which ended at the Alcázar of Segovia. Since we were there, a group of us decided to tour it and I'm so glad we did. For lunch, my friend, her son, C and I broke away and decided to have a nice lunch. We ended up at Restaurante Jose, where the boys had Grilled Monkfish, my friend had lamb chops, and I tried out the suckling pig. Not something I would typically eat, but when in Segovia! And yes, it was amazing.

That afternoon once we were back in Madrid, we packed up then headed out to try to find C a hoodie. The streets and stores were insane though, so the only thing we bought was a bubble tea at C's favorite place -- Wowble. So good. That evening was a farewell dinner at the hotel. All of us laid low and just hung out in the hotel lobby before calling it a night.

We were up early the next morning to go to the airport. Unfortunately, we didn't have a direct flight either way, which made for a long day. Greeting us at the airport though, were H & Brian, who had a great time in Mexico while we were away. I think we were all sad to see our vacations come to an end, but being reunited as a family felt really good.

Spain :: Day 7

Good news. Was feeling much better this day. Thank goodness. Today we went to Real Madrid City and got to see where the boys have been training. Security was very tight -- probably because the 1st team was actually training there that day. Kind of exciting. We even saw a glimpse of a player (C would know -- I can't remember). Lunch was supposed to be at the facility, but a group of us took a cab back to the hotel instead. I was lucky enough to run into some of the parents of the girls who came on the trip (our schedules were often quite different) and went out for a typical tapas lunch with them. All we did was order beer & wine, and next thing you know, we had jamón, manchego. Spanish tortilla, croquetas and patatas bravas. Seriously, all of that cost only 20 Euros. Good stuff.

After lunch, I stopped in the grocery store to pick up some chocolate, then a couple of us walked to the Royal Palace. Second time was a charm, thank goodness. Definitely an interesting place to visit. Considering I didn't make it to any other of the famous museums there, I'm so glad I made it here. Unfortunately you couldn't take photos. It was so over the top, and absolutely fabulous.

That evening, C and I decided to go on a date. He had been really looking forward to it and was bummed he couldn't join us for dinner the night before, so we went back to La Gloria de Montera. It was perfect and he ate a ton! I'm pretty sure it was his favorite dinner of the entire trip. We had 5 different plates, plus 2 desserts. Such a fun night. After we came back, I met up with the parents at the gin bar across the street for a couple cocktails. Not a super late night, but definitely later than usual. Such a fun day.

Spain :: Day 6

Unfortunately, I hadn't been feeling 100% during the entire trip. For the most part, I was able to power through (ibuprofen and wine helped), but it seems today was the day it caught up to me. In hindsight, I probably should have stayed behind and slept all day. But I was really excited for the day. It started with a visit to the Spanish National Team Complex. As the parents had coffee, the players trained. Afterwards, we toured the museum, which was a really neat place. For lunch, C and I went back to the Mercado de San Miguel to try some food items we missed on our first visit. And eat more burrata, of course. Oh my gosh, that stuff is so good!!! We even saved room and stopped at a bakery on the way back to the hotel, where we rested before traveling to the last soccer game. The game ended with a score of 1-3, but again, it was a great match. After we came back to the hotel, C had the team dinner, and I met up with a group at La Gloria de Montera. It was absolutely delicious, but unfortunately, I was feeling pretty awful and had to bail early. I came back to the hotel, ordered some hot tea and went to bed with a fever. :(

Spain :: Day 5

This may just have been one of my favorite days of the trip. After breakfast, the players had training and I went for a run through the park. It is seriously stunning, with something new around every corner. Afterwards, I went over to the Royal Palace, but it was closed. Can you even believe it? It seems the Spanish Royal Family was hosting guests. We did not miss out completely though. My friend and I made it just in time to watch all of the fanfare as the guests entered. Armored palace guards on horses, calvary, etc. It was really quite amazing.

Afterwards, we picked up sandwiches, met up with the boys, and a group of us took the high-speed train to the medieval town of Toledo. So glad we took advantage of a free afternoon (the other team was playing, but our group didn't have another game until the next day). We enjoyed some food and wine before touring the 13th century old Toledo Cathedral. After the tour, we only had a little time before it was time to leave. While the adults enjoyed some more wine (go figure), the boys bought a soccer ball and played rondo in the square. They also played while we were waiting for the train! It may have been an afternoon off for these guys, but they just can't help themselves. So cool. As we arrived back in Madrid, part of the group went back to the hotel, and some of us headed over to Chocolaterîa San Gines for churros and chocolate for dinner. The boys didn't complain. Such a fun day.

Spain :: Day 4

While C had training at Real Madrid City, I went out for a walk and explored El Retiro Park, which was conveniently located within walking distance from our hotel and such a beautiful place. (The team stayed at the Catalonia Gran Via -- a perfect location). C met up with me for lunch. I had been dying to go to Mercado San Miguel after Brian raved about it during his visit a couple of years ago. One of my new friends from the trip happens to love food as much as I do. So she, C and I ventured over there together. C's first bite was crab on seaweed salad. We also had clams, the most amazing burrata I've ever had (I had blueberries, C had jamón with fig jam), sangria, and dessert -- a meringue for me, dulce de leche crepes for Ami, and a macaron for C.

In the evening, the boys had their second game. They unfortunately lost again, but had a good time. During the other teams match, a group of us wandered into the little city for a drink (and jamón of course) which was a blast. Dinner was at the hotel. After I got C situated, I met up with some other parents at The Gin Club, which was conveniently located across the street from the hotel. Truthfully, I was really kind of under the weather most of the trip which kind of stank. I did make it out once in awhile, but wasn't able to take advantage of the nightlife as much as others. Then again, maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.

Spain :: Day 3

The day started with a training session at Real Madrid City with the Realmadrid Foundation coaches. While C was busy there, I went for a quick run, then headed to the market and wandered the streets of Madrid a little bit. I had grand plans of hitting the Prado today, but realized I would hardly have any time so nixed that plan. It did feel good to get my bearings a little bit anyway since the last couple of days were jam packed. When C returned, we went out for ramen then came back to the hotel to rest a little bit before leaving to for their first international match. The match was held at Pedro Galán in Cobeja. It was seriously in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, both teams lost but it was such an amazing experience. The team C's team played were mainly 14 year olds. They were good, and considering C's team has 12-year olds on it, they didn't do bad. After the games, there was dinner at the soccer complex with the opponents. The boys loved hanging out with the other team. Unfortunately, by the time C's team got to eat, there wasn't much left (only Spanish tortillas) so we were starving -- but what a great experience. The night ended with pizzas in the hotel lobby.