Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Spain Trip: Day 17

We left Málaga and Costa del Sol today and flew back to Madrid for a three-day stay. I have mentioned in an earlier blog that the Spaniards are not in a hurry to do anything. Unfortunately, that is also reflected with our domestic air travel with Air Europe. Flight delays and lost luggage seem to be the norm. Our experience was later confirmed by numerous disgruntled passengers onboard and online on Trip Advisor reviews.

We knew two of our luggage were, once again, left behind before we took off; we saw them with others on a cart on the tarmac as our jet-prop plane taxied to the runway! So once again after we arrived at our destination, we filed for a missing luggage report. (Which was really unnecessary because we ended up coming back to the airport three times to check and finally pick them up. ¡Caramba!

However, we vowed not to let these insignificant events taint our otherwise awesome and memorable vacation. Limited wardrobe and all, we pushed through with our planned activities. Tonight was flamenco night and, boy, was it awesome and memorable. ¡Ole!

Not sure how we got so lucky but we had the best seats in a full house. Middle of front row, right up to the stage. Casapatas is the #1 Tablao Flamenco in Madrid.

The audience are from all over. We heard conversations in at least five languages. Not too hard to hear when you're elbow-to-elbow with them. Ha!  

The floorboard (tabla) enhanced the rhythmic taps of the dancers' shoes. 



So much passion from all members - the dancers, the singers, the cajon player, and the guitarist. Everyone was so in sync and connected, flamenco is an emotional rollercoaster.

This guy was so close I feared he was going to kick our drinks! 

He did not kick our drinks but his sweat beads got in them! 



Encore!