Got the full treatment with the Emirates chauffeur service to our hotel off Puerto del Sol in the centre of Madrid. Very smooth in the Mercedes at 150 kph on the motorway - just a tad over the posted 100 kph speed limit. I thought about Diana and Dodi as he talked on his phone at 150 km.
Got dropped off right in the plaza as our hotel was in a pedestrian street off the plaza - needless to say no concierge to impress with our stylish arrival with backpacks!
We even had a mini balcony off our room with nice 4 th floor views
We had pretty bad jet lag but did venture out for an evening stroll and "snack"
The next morning we went on a 3 hr walking tour. Started in the plaza at the statue of the bear and strawberry tree?, apparently the symbol of Madrid
Saw the main sights in the centre including the Royal Palace
The main cathedral
Plaza Mayor
We stopped for a local speciality, madrone, the fruit of the strawberry tree, made into a sweet liqueur and served in an edible cup
We passed the worlds oldest restaurant
And saw some great street artwork. I think I will name our walk across Spain after this painter as it's something we do on a regular basis.
Some pretty tempting ones as well
It was bread rolls stuffed with calamari for lunch then churros with a thick chocolate dipping sauce in a 120 year old restaurant. Fortunately we had decided to share.
After the mandatory pm siesta it was off to the Prado. We ticked off the main masterpieces, yes we (he)are/is art philistines, then had tapas for dinner at La Fabrica. There was a wonderful collection of Picasso on loan. Loved those.
Also called in at La Venencia sherry bar for a manzanilla sherry each. Quite the thing to do in Madrid apparently
Sounds great. Nice little format for us as well. Thanks for doing the leg work for us. Hasty mañana!
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