Madrid, Spain

I was recently invited to join Symantec in launching their newest Norton Antivirus 2009 software. Since this will be my chance to go to that place, I didn't hesitate to come.

I left for Madrid on a Monday everning, with a stop over at London-Heathrow Airport. Good thing the people kept placing me at a window seat - and this was always my view. Me thinks that I shouldn't be afraid of heights anymore.

At London-Heathrow, some part of me was thinking if I could just go here instead. I've always wanted to go to the UK and maybe someday I will. Good thing I got to go to a different terminal, and as I went out of the aircraft, I noticed the cold weather that dominates the country - and they say its summer. See the picture above? Yeap, it's dark and gloomy - kinda like Azkaban, if you know what I mean.

Arriving at Barajas Madrid Airport, I can't help but marvel at the airport's unique design. See the ceiling? It's made from wood. Just going through the airport is already an experience.

At Madrid, I got to stay at Hotel Puerta America, one of the five star hotels in the city. The hotel was deisgned by renowed architects, with each floor having a different theme and look. I stayed on the third floor, which was designed by David Chipperfield - which shows a black and white motiff.

This is one of the perks of being a journalist. I love my room. It seems like it is one of those rooms out from a magazine. If the room is good, the bathroom was even better.

Afterwards, I got dressed and attended the Norton conference. It was the launch of the 2009 version of their antivirus software. What's great is that they've presented the product so accurately and and convincingly that I even bought my own copy.

The next day I woke up early to find breakfast - aside from the one I ate from the hotel. I went around and found my favorite coffee place -Starbucks!

I got the chance to hop on to one of the tourist buses and got the chance to explore some of the sights in the city, including this cathedral.

I don't know, but seeing this fountain makes me wanna pee. ;-) Haha.

After a long day, i made my way back to the hotel and before I know it, I'm on my way back to Dubai. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I'll definitely be going back. This is one of the places I won't forget.