Find the frog, Or more specifically, your frog to turn into a prince

If you fancy getting a headache in the splitting sun, try to find the frog in the university entrance in Salamanca.

Supposedly, spotting the frog without any help means that you’ll enjoy good luck and pass your exams and marry within the year. Whilst initially frustrated by my inability to see the frog, I think overall possible blindness (must get that checked) is a small price to pay for continuing life unmarried before the age of 25. 

 If you don’t wish the same dreadful unmarried fate on yourself, look away now. 

Frogs and astronauts in Salamanca

Salamanca’s cathedral hides some genius surprises. Whilst some of the more 'out there' websites rush to develop conspiracy theories around their presence, I can assure you they're a recent - albeit - awesome addition to the design (1992 to be exact). New found respect for what I initially considered another bloody cathedral. I think EVERY church and cathedral should add some.

The perfect way to end a day...

When the temperature goes up even further in Madrid - 45 degrees according the not so reliable bus stop thermometer - there's no better way to end your day than in a boat on the lake in the Retiro park.

Sunsets and rollercoasters

The best way to spend any sunny Sunday is at the Parque de Atracciones. Best arrived at via the Teleférico - cable car - for panoramic views of Madrid and (supposedly) sights of prostitutes working (though am starting think this might be an urban myth)

Homage to Spanish fashion 1

Why do these pants exist?

Summer is a time of unpardonable crimes

Brilliant ad for a new crime channel hanging in Alonzo Martinez

Caixa Forum

This morning I took my hung-over self off to the Caixa Forum for some culture to replace the brain cells lost last night. Caixa Forum is one of my most favourite places in Madrid. Located within the museum triangle, it’s got an amazing vertical garden at its entrance, a brilliant gift shop (seriously, all my Christmas presents are coming from here) and great exhibitions

The current exhibition is dedicated to Fellini. Did you know Fellini invented the term paparazzi? Definitely a useful pub quiz fact :)

In the 1950s Rome became the new Hollywood as American productions began filming in Italy to cut costs. Few photographers were allowed access to the sets so the rest wandered the streets in search of stars and scandals with the best shots making the front pages. Fellini provided the name for this new breed of photographers in La Dolce Vita with his character Paparazzo – a photographer. From then on, the new photographers were called paparazzi...

The next pub quiz is in the bag!! 

 

''This place is very posh'' aka thoughts on toilet roll

I frequently find myself drunkedly thinking in the bathrooms with toilet roll in Spain 'Ohhhh this place is very posh'

One thing anyone who plans to go out to clubs or bars here should know is that many, many bars do not have toilet roll in their bathroom. Forewarned is forearmed people, bring tissues.If you haven't been experiencing this toilet roll drought too then maybe I'm hanging out in the wrong places... hmmmmmmmm

Mi casa... (albeit imaginary)

Carabanchel public housing... go to the end of the dark green (line 11) and get off at the last stop. It's like wandering through a children's toy set.

This one's my fave... 

Deciphering metro signs

Overt displays of enthusiasm strictly forbidden

Exit train dancing at all times

Flamenco

This moment was captured at the Arco De Cuchilleros flamenco show just outside of Plaza Mayor by my sister during her visit. Whilst this is not my favourite place to see flamenco in Madrid, this is without a doubt my favourite flamenco picture...

 

The best shows I've seen so far in Madrid have been at Casa Patas - www.casapatas.com. I’ve been 3 times in the past year and the stand out show was the night there was no dancing but just musc played. Incredible. The artists seem much more engaged with one another, whilst at Arco de Cuchilleros you can tell that they’re only performing for the crowd, and half heartedly at that. 

 

That said, the picture is still amazing... 

 

 

Memories of lovely sunny days

Today was cloudy. In August. In Madrid.

Grrrrrr, the first day in ages I'd planned to go to the pool too. 

This photo I took from the balcony of my old flat a couple of months ago cheered me up though.