#LosHuskers Day 1: Touring Historic Madrid

Touring Historic Madrid
After taking the overnight flight from Atlanta, the Huskers arrived In Spain Saturday morning, beginning what would be a busy first day. The day was designed to help the Huskers adjust to the seven-hour time difference, so the team was kept busy during the morning and afternoon.

From the airport, the Huskers began a bus tour around Madrid started with a visit to Estadio Santiago Barnabeu, the home of the Real Madrid soccer club. From there, the group visited many of the downtown attractions, including the Plaza de Cibeles and the Fountain of Cibeles, the Plaza de Espana which features sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and the Palacio Real, which serves as the ceremonial royal palace. One of the more popular for the players was the Temple of Debod, which was an old Egyptian temple which was dismantled and rebuilt in downtown as a gift from the Egyptians.

For senior Benny Parker, the Huskers’ trip to Spain was the first time he had been overseas, and he was impressed by the blend of the ancient and modern in the city.

 “It has been a cool experience learning about their culture and seeing some of the sights and how they do things over here,” Parker said. “It is different, but also going to be a good experience for the team.”

After the bus trip and walking tour around the area, the players checked in and had a quick lunch before heading to Eurocolegio Casvi for a short practice, giving the Huskers an opportunity to see the gym for the first of four games this week. The Huskers face Eurocolegio Casvi Sunday at 1 p.m. (central).

“It was good to get some shots up and run some plays,” Parker said after the short workout. “They have kept us busy to help us adjust, and we are all pretty tired now, but it should help us adjust for the rest of the week.”

The Huskers’ dinner location has a distinct feel of home, as the team dined at the Nebraska Restaurant, just steps away from the Hotel Emperador, which is serving as the team hotel for the trip.