Vamos David!

When you’re trying not to eat constantly where can you go in Madrid to escape?   La Caja Magica, home of the Madrid Open 2010. It’s a tennis tournament for those who still don’t know what’s going on.  The preview to the French Open, the Madrid Open draws the big stars hoping to perfect their clay court strategy before heading to Roland Garros.  Amy made the mistake of telling me about the tournament and agreeing to join me even though she hasn’t quite figured out how the game is scored.  Thankfully the venue had enough to entertain her while I enjoyed a few tennis matches.

As Amy stared into Roger’s eyes wondering if he’s like to take a stroll through the Retiro with her, I enjoyed watching Spaniard David Ferrer win his match.  Spanish pride had the place rumbling from the quick yells of “Vamos David!” in between points.  Despite the extreme regional pride that you’ll see in Spain, when it’s a Spaniard against the world, that’s all that matters.

During the match, I started contemplating how the countries I visited exhibited patriotism.  Spanish pride being what it is, it still doesn’t compare to what I saw in New Zealand where I found Kiwis beaming every time you complimented their country.  Of all the places I’ve been, I’ve seen no country more proud of it’s land, culture, and experiences.  Kiwis gush and drool about the riches their country has to offer.  So much so that traveling any other way than camper van or as a backpacker just doesn’t compute.  Getting any further away from nature seems to a Kiwi like a horrible waste of an opportunity not to mention money. They’re also extraordinarily willing to help travelers experience the best their country has to offer.   I had been interested yet indifferent to New Zealand’s nature before I visited.  After all, how great could their outdoors be?  Kiwi enthusiasm and dedication to making sure I had a good time resulting with my city-hardened heart melting. Suddenly, I, like CQ, was also staring at sunsets as if for the very first time.

So although I’m super happy, glad and comfortable to be back in Spain, I’m fondly remembering New Zealand even though I can still hear the laughs from every Kiwi upon learning I’ve never spent the night in a tent.