This past weekend we decided that it was time to start exploring more of Spain and the culture. So we started on Friday by attending a Flamenco Show. I have been to flamenco shows before but this was my first one in Madrid. We went to a venue that is close to Madrid's bullring that claimed to be authentic flamenco. At one point they even said that their group has stayed true to flamenco's original form and that their shows aren't meant for guiris, which is what the Spanish call foreigners (similar to gringos in Mexico). It made us chuckle because we would be considered guiris but we still enjoyed the show!!
It is mesmerizing to see the passion of the dancers and singers. Often times I felt like I was spying on the group because of the strong bond you could see between the performers. It was as if there was no audience. And when the men got dancing fast you could feel the walls shaking!! If only I could move with such grace and intensity haha.

On Saturday we took a day trip to Ávila, which is a town about 2 hours east of Madrid in the region Castilla y León. It is known for its medieval walls which surround the town. The walls were started in 1090-amazing to see something so old and kept so intact! It is the most conserved wall in the world and it is also the largest fully illuminated monument in the world! We spent the day walking around the medieval town and soaking up the sun. It was a wonderful trip and I highly recommend this town to others!