As Kwoo says, lots of swimming in Barcelona in October

there are overnight trains Barcelona to Madrid and you save on a hotel cost, making it cheaper than flying and you also end up in the city center and leave from the city center.

Thanks a ton everyone! this has given us a lot to think about

Hi, I'm a newbie and this is kinda embarrassing... but how do you send messages on this site?

@dannydcov would definitely like some more information on barcelona and what you recommend for 5 days. Looked at the pictures and Gaudi and the architecture there are absolutely fascinating. Could we squeeze in a day to montserrat?Appreciate any advice.

@kimhe, many thanks for your advice on madrid and barcelona. Extremely detailed, will need to go through. It seems like you're the flamenco expert in residence here... do you recommend any shows for sept 10-12 in madrid?

Many thanks in advance!

kaleidoscopik,

All these days Belén López, one of the most promising up and coming fenale flamenco dancers in the world, perform at Corral De la Morería close to the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Last year she had great success in theaters such as New York City Center and Sadler's Wells in London. http://www.corraldelamoreria.com/lan...t-tourism.html

Belén López in one of the other top Madrid tablaos (Casa Patas): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hbhk...eature=related

Restaurant/terrace El Ventorrillo in the Vistillas park with the wonderful views, mentioned above, is just outside Corral de la Morería.

On the tenth, fabulous singer Gema Cabbalero performs in Casa Patas together with other great artists (dancers, guitarist etc). I've seen her several times, her voice cuts through bones. The past year she has worked together with plain fantastic dancer Rocío Molina, last years National Dance Prize winner. I would have gone for the midnight session. Casa Patas is just off vibrant Plaza Santa Ana. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZpwf...eature=related

... Gema Caballero that is...