Madrid

Friday October 2, we arrived in Madrid by rail, the last leg of our vacation in Spain. The train ride was short and pleasant, I spent most of my time talking to a woman traveling alone from Atlanta. We took a taxi from the train station to our hotel. Shortly after we checked-in and settled into our rooms we ventured out to explore the City.

Madrid, the capital of Spain is a bustling cosmopolitan city characterized by intense cultural activity and a very lively nightlife. Since this was the last leg of our trip and our second time in Madrid we did not feel the necessity to take in any specific cultural activity instead we opted to take in the City or let the City take us. We spent a lot of time wandering the promenades, little streets and squares in search of a tasty morsel and a little memento to remind us of adventures in Madrid.

Puerta (plaza) del Sol was our first destination located in the heart of Madrid. Puerta del Sol is bustling with tourist and beggars of every sort from street “performers’, the deformed and the outright hustlers. The side streets off the square were far more interesting and appealing. Near the plaza we stumbled upon the Museo del Jamon (Museum of Ham), we were quite taken with this place. A variety of Iberian hams hung from the rafters and all over the place, if you like eating from snout to tail you will love this place.

On one of our walks we were headed to the Plaza Mayor (main square). This plaza is also very lively with artist, musicians and other vendors. Lining the interior of this large rectangular stone paved plaza are many restaurants serving paella, an assortment of seafood and other Spanish dishes as well as a few American standards. The restaurants have tables and umbrellas in the square for alfresco dinning. One night we ended up having dinner on the Plaza because we could not find the place we were looking for. Although we did not dine where we intended the food was good, we had “paella mixta” with meat and seafood, the wine was great and we shared a wonderful evening laughing and enjoying life with good friends!

One day going no place in particular we saw a poster on the Circulo De Bellas Artes De Madrid building which was very close to our hotel advertising a jazz concert featuring a Spanish group performing flamenco jazz music. On a whim we purchased tickets for the performance taking place that night at 11:00 pm. We arrived at the concert around 10:45 pm and people were lining up to take the elevator to the concert hall, so we thought. When the elevator door opened we could see all of Madrid! The concert took place on the roof of the Circulo De Bellas Artes building; the panoramic view of Madrid was breathtaking! The music was mostly flamenco with very nice jazz rhythms; this concert was the highlight of our time in Madrid a truly magical evening!

There were other memorable experiences like Sunday at Plaza del Cascorro/Rastro. This small square is at the top of Ribera de Curtidores where the Sunday Rastro flea market is held. This was sprawling flea market, it seemed absolutely endless – the largest flea market any of us have ever seen! We were overwhelmed with the number of people at this market selling everything from socks to antiques. It was hot that Sunday and I thought I was going to pass out from the heat and the hoards of people. But before I passed out I managed to pick up a nice little way cool shoulder bag. After this experience we were craving a cold drink, Sangria it was for me!

We met lovely people along the way in Barcelona, Seville and Madrid, we had a wonderful time! The flights back to San Francisco was long and uneventful, the best kind made easy with fresh memories of a great vacation.

One little travel tip for those of you out there that enjoy good food always travel with a good dinning reference guide, you can stray from it but it’s good to have. When traveling I like the Michelin Guide, it has never failed me. This trip I did not have my guide but I still had a good time!

Well, it’s time to say adios to Spain for now and for me to move on to my next adventure at home, abroad or away so stay tuned!