Valladolid

Seeing Amy after 4 weeks was a joy. She came with John, Chris and Bethan and together we explored Valladolid, which came up trumps from low expectations. The city has a reputation as a centre of commerce but there’s more to it than that. The Vincci Frontaura hotel is a new build only 4 months old and took to heart my feeling that brown is the new black as all shades were on display. The staff were very varied, ranging from disinterested to most helpful so tripadvisor.co.uk will hear of this. The city has an old centre and new suburbs but has somehow managed to blend quite nicely rather than look nasty. Overall an interesting and varied contrast to our other stops.
In keeping with the earlier prediction Valladolid did indeed loose the fixture at home to Athletic (Bilbao) after falling behind to two early goals. They managed a fightback in the second half with a just penalty award converted, but were never quite good enough to share the points. The most exciting aspect however was before the game. Athletic fans from the basque country had invaded the Plaza Major and taken over the bars and singing for all they were worth. John and I joined them on a bus to the game and were treated to the full range of club songs, insulting the Policia and various dances that included bouncing the bus to its axles. We got chatting to some of them and they wanted ‘Kimi’ to win the Formula 1 as he liked beer and chased women which was, as they saw it, more in keeping with the values of a basque man than the down in the mouth Alonso who they didn’t like. I think I’m right in saying that he’s from Madrid and therefore they would not be well disposed to him even before taking his temperament into account. Also they appreciated that ‘Cesc’ Fabregas is indeed Fabulous and therefore for the bus journey and outside they stadium we were best of pals. I wished them Tiene Buenas Partido and off we went to our seats. The atmosphere was the best of the three games attended as about 5k had found there way into the ground and made loads of noise. The only problem with all the Spanish football is that it just doesn’t measure up to the standards of ‘the Arsenal’ and I am watching the best footy in the world already when at the Emirates.
Hasta Luego.