I just wanted to say a big front-page thank you to everyone who made it to Madrid last weekend for the Great Madrid Escape. 30 adventurous individuals from all over the world (as far afield as Sydney and L.A.!) were in town and, despite never having met, got on tremendously well.
Marina and I have never organised anything like this before and we were nervous all weekend that people might not enjoy the places we took them to. But of course everyone was in a buoyant holiday mood, the food and wine was up to scratch, and energy reserves were summoned by those who made it through to daily post 3 a.m. finishes.
Many people remarked that this would never have happened 5, even 10 years ago… the idea of 30 strangers who met ‘on-line’ getting together and meeting in person would, until recently, have just appeared plain wierd. But that is perhaps testament to how the net is changing the world. Geographically disparate people with shared interests get to know each other well enough on line to know that getting together in reality is going to be absolutely fine.
So, saludos to all of those brave enough to follow Marina and I around the restaurants, bars, and Metro stops of Madrid for the weekend. Thank goodness none of us had anything of value picked from our pockets, and hurray for the sunny weather. There will definitely be more of the same in the future, thanks again to everyone, and watch this space!
ryan
29 Apr 07 at 11:31 am
Yeah! GME! Glad we were able to share a small part of it with everyone. We had a great time and a HUGE thanks to Ben and Marina for hosting us all. You guys deserve a lot of credit for getting this weekend together.
Till next time!
flexichick
29 Apr 07 at 11:40 pm
How much fun! I wish I could have been there.
It would be great to know who is who in those photos. Can anybody label them?
richardksa
7 May 07 at 3:52 pm
I must echo Ben’s comments regarding reletive strangers meeting and getting on so well. You were all great and it was wonderful to meet you all. Now, all you res. You don’t have to wait for the next GME or GBE or whererever it is held. Plan a visit to Madrid and announce it on the forum. With any luck there will be others here willing to share the experience with you. Even me if you are desperate.
celia s
14 May 07 at 1:52 am
I would just like to add that without ‘notes from spain’ I would never have met my present boyfriend.
Ben’s suggestion about intercambios pushed me in the right direction!
I wish that I could have taken part in the great Madrid escape because I love this website so much.
Looking forward to the photos!
Ben
14 May 07 at 11:18 am
that’s great news Celia!
Marina
14 May 07 at 4:08 pm
I’m very glad to hear that Celia!!!
Intercambios are great way to meet people.