Blue Hour Flamenco
by Elena Levon
Guess what!..
I got on the right plane!
Alex was right, they don’t speak English in Madrid…
But they’ll make you blush if you try to speak
“Flamenco” …
Alex told me, that no matter what, I must see Flamenco in Madrid!
As soon as I miraculously found my hotel, ( since my Spanish consists of 2 words ) I asked manager to tell me where is THE BEST Flamenco in town …
He called on my behalf and reserved a table for me. I was going to see a show ( drink included ) for 25 euros.
I thought “ok, he probably didn’t understand what I said, since the Best Flamenco in Madrid can not be only 25 euros”
But I decided to go with the flow and spend a few hours before the show walking and eating my way around Madrid…
this is actually a real person..
This artist dedicated her act “To all the Ladies that silently created history.”
inside a casino
This guy really scared me. When I didn’t expect it he pushed the whole table with the dolls towards me. Everyone who saw or heard it was laughing pretty hard. For the most part because of my reaction – a really loud scream ..
the name of one of my favorite films is …
by the palace
Blue Hour
You know, sometimes when you don’t plan to come to a place and don’t bookmark all the number 1 places to see, from tripadvisor ..
you eventually waltz right into them…
because you have allowed yourself to get completely lost…
Mercado San Miguel, originally installed outdoors in 1835 and is the only iron market that has survived to this day.
I walked in and had the Best Tapas in Madrid!
those of you who think that tapas simply “won’t do” for dinner,
can try those 2 fellas right here …
After a nice snack, it was almost time for my flamenco show ..
Have no idea how I actually found the place but sometimes if you meant to be somewhere, you’ll get to that place no matter how bad your Spanish is …
I crossed the street and bumped into ( no, not Alex ) an incredibly buzzled looking waiter of the nearby Bar La Terraza…
He said “I can’t believe a woman like you actually just crossed this street”
I replied with “I don’t believe in crosswalks”
We laughed.
He insisted I stay for a little bit and have a drink on the house …
Thank you, Felix!
I said goodbye and continued walking towards a place, where I was told the best flamenco in Madrid is about to start …
Hmmm..
small dark alley,
it’s quiet..
“did I get lost again?”
The best Flamenco in Madrid can not be in a small dark alley without a single advertisement board or locals trying to sell you tickets for those “last best seats”..
But then I saw a sign…
They allow to take pictures, but ask you not to record it…
And even if I was allowed to record a video of what happened in front of me, I would never have shown you…
This kind of Art needs to be seen, heard and felt in person only.
Those women and men left their whole life on that small wooden stage right before my eyes…
~
Every single dancer and singer told me a story of their life, passion, love and loss…
They danced like it was their last time on that stage.
The thundering sounds of their voices and heels send shivers down my spine …
With every turn and every twist they bared their souls.
They allowed me to hear secrets that live deep inside their hearts.
~
As a photographer I would be stupid not to capture as much as I could…
However all I got was a couple of shots…
I was hypnotized.
As a professionally trained dancer, I can tell you, that what I saw was not just a dance, a show or art …
it was the LIFE itself …
Proud, Brave, Passionate, Honest, Unapologetic and Untamable.
At the end, all I wanted to do, was to approach each and one of them and tell them;
“Thank you for your honesty and bravery”
But all I could manage was to stare at an already empty stage…
Speechless…
~
Yes, if you are in Madrid, you MUST come here!
Actually strike that!
If you want to see THE BEST Flamenco in the world, you have to come here!
As it turns out Las Carboneras Flamenco ranked # 1 out of possible 118 nightlife options on tripadvisor.
I had to go back to my hotel and try to get some sleep, before my morning flight to Morocco.
~
I lay in bed, remembering all the amazing things I got to experience in only a few hours…
The food, the architecture, gorgeous sunset, local artists, blue hour and the most intimate introduction into the hearts of those men and women at Las Carboneras …
I thought ” This probably is the most fascinating layover in the history of all layovers “…
“Wow!”
And then it hit me…
” Oh my god! I only paid 25 euros!
How dare I!!! “
~
PS - I updated one of my posts.. now you can put a face to a name … ( Mr. Bond )
_____________________
The woman behind the words …
↓
Looks like a great trip! lucky you!
I always love to watch their faces when they’re dancing. So expressive, and it sometimes gets lost in the swirl of hands and feet.
What an amazing layover it sounds like you had. Your pictures were gorgeous and you made me actually “feel” the Flamenco Dancers as you described them. Wonderful post.
beautiful…
Now I know I must make this one of my destinations
Amazing transfer night! You experienced “it” in Madrid! Thanks for sharing.
Museo de Jamon………………YUM one of my favorite places!
Very cool! Sounds like you got to enjoy what I call an Awe moment. Those times where all you can do is to stare as you sit or stand in awe. Great pics
Ah, yes, this is what memories are made of! ~ Kat
I enjoyed your post, your descriptions of the flamenco and your photos. I used to live in Madrid about 25 years ago. It has changed so much and become so international.couple of years ago, I went to see a flamenco show at the National Ballet and it was amazing, but I would love to see a show in the south.
I would think Flamenco would truly reach your soul with its passion and loud beats.
I was able to see Flamenco in Spain as well and felt exactly the same as you! great post!
My cousin took us to see Flamenco on the first night of our stay, what a way to start the visit! My girl loves her classical ballet, but even she was mesmerised by the performance. And there’s so much more to see…
You should see the best Flamenco in Spain at the home of Flamenco, in the Triana district of Seville, Andalucia. Now that IS Flamenco at its best!
Hope you get the chance, Elena.
oh, I would really love too! Then I’ll definitely never want to leave Spain! : ) …
You’re right – you wouldn’t!
Beautiful! Such a wonderful trip!
A captivating city and you managed to get an incredible taste in one short day. Jamon Jamon is fabulous, isn’t it?
it’s the most deliciously raw .. yum!
Wonderful photos and a very well put together travel dialogue.
I’m from Madrid, all I have to say is beautiful post, very nice pictures, glad you enjoyed it
Marvellous post I could feel the passion in your description and photos and I just had to go back to see Mr Bond, he is just one gorgeous guy in personality, generosity and so good looking. I always look forward to your posts El…
Another superb post – images are great, and your words bring you right into the midst of your experiences. Thank you for sharing – continue to enjoy your trip, and stay safe! All the best…
Fantastic story and pictures. I really do have to get myself to Spian one of these days.
Reblogged this on i cittadini prima di tutto.
Your posts about the places you go always make me want to go there too, thank U for the time you put into each one they are fabulous!
Reblogged this on All Things Geography.
I loved this post. You brought me right into Madrid with you. Now I can’t wait to go myself. Thank you.
Proud, Brave, Passionate, Honest, Unapologetic and Untamable….the flamenco (and the author)
couldn’t resist copying and posting that line from your post for this comment, Elena! Wow! 6 words that do complete justice if one were to even attempt a definition. Hugs, my friend. Vivere!!!
: ) thank you
x
While I was fortunate enough to live in Barcelona, I never made it to Madrid. it is still on my list of top places to visit – and reading your post reminded me of how wonderful it is to travel and live in another culture.
i’m in love with Barcelona !
Excellent post. great photos and great story,
I loved listening to that music as I read the post! Made me feel like I was there. And I totally agree about getting lost in a city and just running into wonderful things!
that flamenco piece is by a one of the best Russian guitar players .. : ) happy you enjoyed it
This post gave me goosebumps! What a magical, incredible experience. Makes me want to put “Las Carbonaras” high on my list of must sees.
Wicked, I’m going to Madrid next month and will put the show on my to do list. Yay! x
nice! : ))
xx
Certo… Madrid è M-A-D-R-I-D
non vi è altro luogo come Madrid
e bisogna prenderla così, come un sussurro di rugiada primaverile che impervia lungo i luoghi comuni delle “Tapas” e del “Flamenco”
Unico, insomma!
Un abbraccio claudine
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chrysalis-Bart%C3%B3k/331089416973582
Fantastic post. Your pictures make me “feel” what Spain must be like, thank you.
As always Miss Elena… beautiful.
Beautiful post Elena!
Listening to the music while reading the post was perfect!
I just nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. You can see it here : http://jldweb.wordpress.com/2012/12/02/one-lovely-blog-award/
Another wonderful post from you, Elena. I do so look forward to them!
You look stunning in the fountain pics. keep em coming!
I completely know what you mean, I saw a flamenco show also when I was in Madrid and I was absolutely hypnotised and it definitely something that has to be experience in real life.
Hey Elena Nice Pics and wonderful narration. Keep up the good work.
I think the Tango is a passionately dynamic and dignified exchange of energy in expression. …Mmmm tapas rocks little sangria and good company
Ah, I clearly need to get back to Madrid if only for the flamenco. Lovely post.
What a beautiful and inspiring location! The scenes, the art and the people, thank you for sharing it with all of us.
)
(oh and you and Mr Bond are quite a handsome couple!
Some of those pictures are amazing.
Cheers to the willingness to get “completely lost.” People often tell me I’m crazy for turning what ought to be a nine hour trip into an odyssey anywhere between fifteen and twenty, but, as with your Flamenco discovery, the most amazing things in life generally happen in the most unlikely places. Like the piece of heaven/coconut creme pie I discovered in a nowhere restaurant in a podunk town in eastern Oklahoma. Or the step backwards in time I took touring an abandoned ICBM control center standing in a pasture in western Missouri. Things you would never expect to experience, but on the other hand, would probably never experience if you expected them.
From someone who wishes he shared your freedom to travel, please keep sharing your stories. It’s good to know that if I can’t do it, at least someone who truly appreciates it is able…
Great post as I feel like I went there with you! Thanks!
Reads like a movie – thanks!
Thanks for stopping by. You have an intriguing blog.
Great photos!