I posted on Facebook that is is kind of a culture shock to be in Madrid. Huge amounts of traffic, crowds and crowds of people, rude waiters (they don't work for tips) and pricey food but on the plus side lots of beauty. I like the quiet of rural Spain better and hiking the Camino but glad we didn't miss the sights of Madrid.
This is the Temple De Debod - it is an ancient Egyptian temple dismantled and moved to Madrid. Not sure why it was moved but it is really cool. I think it was going to be under water after the Aswan Dam was constructed but I could have dreamed that.
The Madrid Palace- it doesn't house royalty anymore. Used mostly for ceremonial activities. Our hotel is literally across the street from it.
The Cathedral La Almudenda sits next to the palace.
We roamed around the Botanical Gardens but to be honest the free Reitro park was much better. Large park that every person in Madrid must have decided to visit today because it was such a beautiful day. We decided to have a picnic in the park because it was such a nice day. All the plaza's and parks remind me of New Orleans just full of street performers for adults and children.
Visited plaza mayor. Just a huge gathering place. Saw it before it was packed with people and after for a cold beverage break.
Trevor Huxham had told us to visit city hall and take the elevator to the observation deck. Great tip and all I could say was wow. Madrid is huge.
Siesta time in the rural areas was such an inconvenience because we often had to wait til 5 for a bar or store to open again but today we decided a nap was a fine idea. And it felt so good.
Carolos III was the king of Spain in 1759-1788. He was either well loved or thought highly of himself because just about every plaza, park, round about or arch has him as the statue.
Someone told us to visit the Prado museum when it was free so we arrived to see a line at least a half of a mile long. So we will gladly pay and visit it tomorrow. So on the agenda on our last day in Spain: Prado, have reservations at Botin (the oldest restaurant in the world), tour the palace and visit the Madrid flea market which I hear is an experience.
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