Madrid

Wednesday Madrid

After breakfast, Mandy and I wandered around some of the streets close to La Rumbla and saw the cathedral which was attempting a service with a dozen worshippers, and tourists wandering around the altar taking photos. About midday we went back to the room and checked out, picking up a stray son in the process.  We wandered the streets close by in the other direction, eventually having baguettes in the sun while watching portrait artists and a large variety of human statues in the street.  Around 2:30 p.m. we took the metro to the Sant station, and after scans and baggage x-rays we boarded a very plush train to Madrid.  Four hours nonstop. They served free drinks and meals in first-class to keep is amused.  Even had movies and headsets.  Arrived at 7:30 p.m. to find Madrid humming.  Took the metro a couple of stations to the heart of Madrid – Puerta del Sol, and found our hostel.  Nicely renovated with our own facilities and Wi-Fi internet.  Did a little explore to get things for breakfast, and see what was close by.

Thursday Madrid

A day exploring Madrid on foot.  Unlike Barcelona, the streets are narrow and chaotic, maps are infrequent, explanations nonexistent.  No cafe culture for coffee, but hundreds of cafes and bars for eating meals.  Saw the Egyptian temple of Debod, the palace, the nativity display at the cathedral, lots of plazas and markets.  Went back to the room to see if Ashley was up, but he wanted to travel independently, so we went back out to see the east side of the city -- museums, botanical gardens, lots of statues and a very ornate post office.  Much more compact than Barcelona, but not nearly as nice.  Paella for tea, and an evening just lying about.

Friday on the train

Wandered around in the morning, principally to see the Basilica, and got a bit lost in the Asian part of town so we saw a fair bit more.  Checked out before lunch, and took Ashley uptown to the Real Madrid football stadium where he did a tour while we had some lunch.  Walked back down the main avenue past the various Spanish ministry buildings.  Had lunch at a pizza chain and set there in the warmth until we had to leave for the train.  Can't predict Spain!  This time there was no baggage checks, no ticket checks and no reservation checks until we were under way.  However, they then took their passports, tickets and reservations for the night for the police to check -- presumably when we crossed the French border during the night.  Pleased when we got them back in the morning.  No tea included in the ticket, so we had pasta in the cafe before turning in.  Fun having three of us in a four berth sleeper, but a fourth person and the gear would have been very squashy.