All day long the metro is packed with pilgrims, laughing, singing, chanting and moving from one place to the next. Suddenly Madrid is the world. If you want to see how colorful society can be, then this is the place to be!
Still, work has its challenges today. The press centre is open and has work spaces available, but the press folders that we need – containing all necessary info – are only available in Spanish. The English version won’t be there until tomorrow. Mañana mañana!
Another challenge is the fact that nearly all roads leading to the catechesis location of the Dutch, will be closed as of this evening. It takes us hours online to figure out how to get there by car as nobody seems to know where the road blocks will be. We have to be there tomorrow morning to give the hats to the Dutch pilgrims.
On the bright side, while working in the press room the archbishop of Madrid walks in for an unexpected visit. He talks with a few journalists in the room before continuing elsewhere for the official press conference.
Back in the hotel another surprise awaits us. The hats and clogs that were supposed to be delivered today did not arrive. The company responsible for the delivery tells us that they won’t be delivered until next morning. Tension rises…
Still, WYD continues and so did the official opening this evening. The place was PACKED so no chance to get anywhere near Cibeles Square. Instead, we mingled with the crowds and met with pilgrims from the archdiocese in New York, France, Germany and many other countries.
After the opening of WYD, the youth festival started with a bang! Every city square has its own band playing all kinds of music, from rock to praise. At midnight, the crowds are still singing and jumping.
It is nearly midnight as we write this blog. Pray with us that the hats and clogs will arrive in the morning and that everything may go as planned.
World Youth Day rocks!
Diahann and Annemarie
