Madrid, Joder!

When I was in Spain, I had the opportunity to be in Madrid at the exact same moment when they won the EuroCup 2008. I have never seen a celebration like that.

Joel and I walked all of Madrid trying to find a place to eat and watch the game. Needless to say, it was impossible. We eventually ended up eating a quick dinner at El Museo del Jamon, where I had the most amazing Tortilla Española, and from there we tried to find a bar which had a crowd level still at the point where two more desperate souls would fit in. Eventually we settled for going into a bar that we can't really remember the name of. It was right behind where we ate, and by an extraordinary use of Joel's escapist skills and my ability to follow him before he disappeared into the crowd, we stood there while the game was happening.

We had the best spot available: right in front of the big screen, so we had to look at the smaller TV on the side wall to avoid being blinded by pixels the size of an Euro.

After watching how Spain won the cup, we had to get out of the bar before we became deaf due to all the cheering. We managed to get out and the streets were packed. Even the waiters from the restaurant where we had dinner previously were in the streets celebrating, the food be damned. We walked around following the mass of people thinking that we would go to a big plaza where they had a celebration, but it was bigger than that. The whole city was out, dressed in the colors of spain, bodies painted, things that made noise, flags and all that.

It's a good thing that we weren't near Plaza de Colon, where the official celebration was being held, because there was more than enough here near El Museo del Prado. Even the police were on standby in case any riot formed, but everyone was happy. There was no need for them.

Eventuall we found a fountain where the Spanish were jumping in and lighting fireworks. Everything was blazing red from all the lights and fireworks everyone was using. It was really fun to be part of all that.

A while later we were hungry again, so we went to VIPS near El Prado, and while we sat there we could see the party going on outside. It went on until the next morning. I'm pretty sure that two days after the game, I could still see people with their faces painted red and yellow, with shirts commemorating the event, and the cars were honking a very specific tune that meant that they were celebrating the victory.

After 44 years of not making it, Spain was as proud as can be. We felt victorious just for the fact that we were there at the moment when all that happened. It was perfect timing for us.

The next step is going to an actual live game where the home team wins. Joder!