Luce bandera!!

If you recall, today should have been the day that Rafa took on the PoD in the charity match at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium in support of Alma Nadal, Rafa's charity Foundation.

Sadly, of course, we now know that Rafa's knee troubles have put paid to that, however, Rafa was still in Madrid today at the Olympic Headquarters to receive the Spanish flag that he will be proudly carrying as flagbearer in the Olympics.

Also, if you recall, our lovely Rafan was to be part of a large gang of Rafa's UK fans that had booked tickets to go and see the charity event. The trip lost its bite when the main event was cancelled, and Rafan had decided not to go. However, when she read this week that this flag ceremony was to happen today, she though, hang it! She'd already paid for her flight to Madrid, the hotel room was booked, so she decided to take her little weekend break anyway, feel some sunshine on her face, do some sight-seeing ... and go up to the Olympic Headquarters anyway, just in case ... well you never know ... she might, just might see Rafa.

So we heard from her early this morning as she posted a picture of a grey, bleak and rainy sky over Gatwick Airport, and Rafan - ever the boring plane-spotter - made sure she got a 747 in it. *yawn*

But nothing ... and I mean, nothing! could have prepared me for the excited text message I got from her a couple of hours ago. Not only had she arrived safely and met Linda (one of the original gang of Alma Nadals) at the Olympic Headquarters ...

THEY WERE ONLY ALLOWED TO GO INTO THE THEATRE TO WATCH THE WHOLE FLAG CEREMONY FOR THEMSELVES!!!

Can you believe that?? A chance trip to the HQ hoping for a simple Rafa sighting has resulted in them being witness to the whole, wonderful event!!! I am so excited for her, I cannot tell you. And now that the event is over, they were even mingling afterwards with the King of Spain's sister whilst enjoying some canapés!!! :D :D :D Is this the best story ever or whot??

But keep popping back to the blog, readers. She was allowed to take pictures, although the theatre was dark, so she's not too sure how they might turn out. But best of all, she will be bringing her story RIGHT HERE!!

I am so happy for her!! VAMOS!!!

caps via @gandaines