Spanish Rotaract Trip 2011. Report

This amazing trip, which took place from 1st to 8th May 2011, was organized by Rotaract Club Madrid Joven and had the nice cooperation of RAC Madrid Serrano, RAC Madrid Velazquez Junior and RAC Valladolid, all from District 2201. Besides, some rotary clubs, such as Rotary Club of Segovia, RC of Avila and RC of Valladolid kindly helped us also.

Finally, the following 6 rotaractors participated in this adventure:
• Aline Luz from RAC Belo Horizonte Leste D4520 (Brazil),
• Angélica Monserrat Flores Cruz from RAC Huamantla Forjadores D4180 (Mexico),
• Michaela Maulini from RAC Orta San Giulio D2030 (Italy),
• Cesar Alexis Dávila Baca from RAC Andes del Perú D4450 (Peru)
• Nicholas Hartmann from RAC Heidelberg D1860 (Germany),
• Andrej Žagar from RAC Ljubljana D1910 (Slovenia).
Together with some Spanish rotaractors, the group visited Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Ávila and Valladolid.

Visitors arrived in Madrid on Sunday 1st May and they were welcome with a typical dinner organized in “Casa Mingo”, where they tasted the Spanish tapas and liters of Sidra (Spanish sider).

On Monday we visited some famous places in Madrid like the Royal Place, “Opera”, “La Almudena Cathedral”, “Plaza Mayor”, “Puerta del Sol”, “Gran Via”, “Callao”, “Deboh’s Temple” and “Reina Sofia Museum”. The dinner was served in “Mezklum” restaurant and party was held on a well know Hawaiian bar in “Plaza de Santa Ana” Area.

On Tuesday the group paid a visit to Toledo, a really charming city south Madrid where they could realize the fascinating mixture between Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures since they used to coexist there for a long period of time. We spotted the Alcazar, the main Square, the Cathedral, the Jewish quarter with its synagogues, the “El Greco” Museum, the Muslim neighborhood, the wall, the Mazapán and Steel shops,... Afterwards the van was driven to Aranjuez to visit the Summer Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens. Then a short visit to Chinchón village was performed to see its nice main square and to drink chinchón (anisette liquor typical from Chinchon village). To finish the day we watched the Champions League semifinals match: “Real Madrid vs. Barcelona” with some pizzas & lots of beer.

On Wednesday the group moved to Segovia to explore this city of Roman origin with a magnificent aqueduct. The Alcazar, the cathedral and nice streets were also spotted before having lunch with RC Segovia members. La Granja Royal Palace and gardens with its great fountains (some of them working) were visited. An International party was held that night with lots of delicious food (and drinks) cooked by our guests!!

On Thursday, we moved to Avila. A general view of its Medieval Wall from “Los Cuatro Postes” was done before visiting the TV studios and “Diario de Ávila” newspaper facilities where the group was interviewed. Then a visit to “Sonsoles” sanctuary was done. Lunch was held with RC of Avila members. In the afternoon the group climbed the wall and visited “El Grande” Square, “El Chico” Square, “Santa Teresa de Jesus” church.

On Friday the group moved to Valladolid. We enjoyed a visit to “Plaza Mayor”, “Plaza de España”, “Santo Tomas” Church, Zorrilla Avenue,… with local rotaractors. Some shopping was done in the afternoon during free time. Party was held on some discos of Valladolid until early in the morning.

On Saturday the van moved back to Madrid. Another sightseeing tour to the city center, some late shopping and to visit El Padro Museum were performed. A final diner was done with rotaractors from Madrid and  Rotarians from several Rotary Clubs from Madrid. Final party was held on Cats, a well known disco in Madrid.

Sunday had arrived without almost noticing it. A visit to “El Retiro” Garden and “Las Ventas” Bullring was done for the last ones leaving.

After having ridden 1165km with the group and doing this activity for the first time in Spain, I can just say THANK YOU to all those who have visited us for their nice company and fun and to all those who have worked making this trip possible.

We all hope to repeat this experience next year!

Javier Roldan

E.R.I.C. Country Rep for Spain 2010-12