It’s funny how when it comes to travel, some of the best experiences and most memorable moments can come from activities that you initially weren’t all that keen to do. It’s happened to me a few times now, and serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing try things new things while you’re travelling.
Take Spanish flamenco. It’s not something that I have ever had any interest in, nor is it something that I ever imagined myself enjoying. In fact, initially, I was less than impressed when, during our most recent visit to Spain, my wife told me she wanted to booked us in for dinner and a show at one of Madrid’s most famous flamenco tablaos, Corral De La Moreria. I didn’t have anything better in mind, but I really wasn’t convinced.
When we got there, I immediately noticed that the venue was small, the stage was tiny, and clearly the owners were doing their level best to pack as many guests in as they could. I’d seen the impressive wall of photos at the entrance, row after row of smiling stars, politicians and other famous folk who’d visited, but I still wasn’t impressed.
Dinner was served quickly, and to my surprise was actually very good. The wine too was impressive and things were starting to look up.
Luckily for us, not only had my wife used her powers of persuasion to convince me that seeing a flamenco show was something that we should do, but somehow she’d also convinced the staff to seat us in the first row of tables, front and centre to the stage, in what could only be described as some of the best seats in the house.
Once the show got underway, it didn’t take long to realise that flamenco is so much more than I expected; as much about the music and song as it is about the dance. The rhythm of the Spanish guitar, the clapping, foot tapping and painful cry of the lead male singers was exciting and powerful, but when answered with the passion of the dance it became totally mesmerising and I was hooked.
What started as a chore, a dinner I wasn’t keen to attend, ended up being the most memorable night we had in Spain. Flamenco is amazing, Corral De La Moreria absolutely deserves its reputation as the ‘Cathedral of flamenco art’, and I’m so very, very, glad that my wife convinced me that we should go.
Located in Madrid’s old town, Corral De La Moreria is easily accessible by taxi, and a three-course dinner and show will set you back AU$169.46 per head.
You may not think so now, but I assure your it will be money well spent and you’ll thank me later.
