The adventure begins...

Since I was young, I have dreamed of a life that included world travel. Europe was generally the target of my fantasy - Greece (thanks to the film Shirley Valentine), Italy, France and Spain. When the time came and I was finally considering the reality of travel, I re-worked my list. Greece wasn't at the top anymore. As I perused Expedia prices and flights, I landed on Spain and before I knew it, it was done. I leave in one week for Madrid (Barcelona and Amsterdam).

I can barely do anything or think of anything else. Lists upon lists (what to pack, what to see, what to eat, what to get done beforehand). I made a google map with all the places I hope to see - and that ought help me learn the neighborhoods a bit. I'm staying in the very old section of Lavapies in Madrid - the old jewish section. If you have suggestions for me, now's the time.

Also planned is a tapas tour of the literary neighborhood where Hemingway spent time, a bullfight, and maybe a side trip to Toledo. The bullfighting thing is weird, I abhor violence of any kind, but I simpy can't go without experiencing this old old tradition.. even if I have to look away a lot...