He who dares, WINS !!!

Earlier today, I broke the news that Rafan managed to get into the theatre at the Spanish Olympic Federation's HQ to witness for herself the ceremonial handing over the flag to Rafa, who will be Spain's flag-bearer in the Olympic Games, starting in a couple of weeks in London.

She met up with Linda from VB, and together the girls have walked into the most amazing opportunity. After the disappointment of the cancellation of the Alma Nadal event, they both decided to hang it, and use their tickets for a weekend in Madrid. They knew the flag ceremony was today, and just went along on the off chance that they might have got a Rafa sighting as he entered and left the building.

It just goes to show, doesn't it. That he who dares ... wins!!

Here's Rafan's words as she tells their story ...

"What a day I've had!!

I had a good flight over, and to save unnecessary stress, I bought a tourist metro pass on the flight which I just exchanged at customer services at the airport metro station.

The flight was on time, so I :ran to the metro, whilst also panicking a bit as my phone was saying "No Service".  I had that problem in Mallorca, so was very nervous about how I was going to meet up with Linda. Anyway, I got on the metro and it was just a couple of stops to Mar de Cristal (scene of Olympic HQ). I came blinking into the sunlight and searing heat and managed to sort my phone out with a mobile provider.  Phew!!  I then got a text from Linda saying to head east when I come out of station, so with my trusty iPhone compass I checked my bearings...yep, I was heading west!  :D :D

I then got another text saying that she was with the lovely girls that we met in Monte Carlo last year [remember the singing Crown ladies, everyone], and we were actually allowed to go into the presentation!!! That made me run  even quicker, and as I got to the front door, I told the lady that my friends were inside and that I'd come from London to see Rafa! Without turning a hair she waved me in, and I quickly spotted Linda and the others in their seats with a space for me.  *yahoo*

The theatre rapidly filled up, and then some important people came in (cue much clicking  from photographers) and one of whom was the King's sister.Then Rafa appeared and there was a bit of a shriek from us. He had a black jacket, white shirt and dark jeans on, with loafers and no socks! Very European! His Dad and Carlos were also with him. He took his seat and the ceremony started with a history of the last 5 Olympics and the Spanish flag bearers, and each of them was introduced and took to the stage. They then played a film clip of loads of Spanish sports people saying Rafa should be the flag bearer, and then he was brought up onto the stage and the folded up flag was handed over.  Cue a lot more snapping from the photographers.

He then did some talking, as did the previous flag bearers and it all goes a bit hazy, but hopefully it's on YouTube or something by now. There was a fantastic segment where they played Louis Armstrong singing "Wonderful World" and showed Rafa winning lots of French Opens, a Wimbledon and the Olympic gold.  I spent loads of time going *click* myself,  but did look at him a bit of the time . At the end, he posed with the flag again and was then whisked off. We shouted Vamos Rafa! as he left and he waved.

We then went up the stairs  ...and mingled with the great and the good. Including the King's sister! Well ... I didn't speak to her, but we were in the same room.  There were delicious canapés and drinks. 

After it was confirmed to us that Rafa wouldn't be attending, we headed off on the metro to Sol for a celebratory vermouth and a couple more tapas dishes.

We exchanged contact details with the MC ladies and then me end Linda headed to the Museo del Prado (via a lemon lime calippo) where we spent a good couple of hours admiring the paintings and then had coffee and cake. It was 36 degrees today! Gorgeous weather.

We are now back at the hotel and my room is lovely! Nicest hotel room I've ever had I think! We are heading out in 20 mins for dinner, so I better freshen up.I don't want to come home tomorrow.  *wails*

Hope everyone is having a good weekend, wish you were here."

I just want to say a hearty "thank you" to Rafan for taking the time in Madrid to send in this report. And I also have to say, of all the Rafa encounters she's had over the years - and trust me, there have been plenty - this has got to be one of the most memorable. What a fantastic experience for the girls, and I am so happy and pleased that she's shared her story on this little blog.

Thanks again, Rafan and Linda. And VAMOS RAFA!!