Spain and Portugal
September 16 - October 4, 2014
Madrid, cont'd.
Alberto
Brie and Strawberry Salad
The next day we took a tour of the city in our bus that we would get to know well over the next two weeks. The tour company hired a local guide for commentary. We made stops at an Egyptian Temple, the 18th century Royal Palace (but didn't go inside) and the Don Quixote monument. I attempted to visit the Royal Palace a couple of times but the lines were quite long. It is possible to purchase tickets online and skip the queue, but when I tried to book online the website was only in Spanish and I couldn't figure it out.
Egyptian Temple
Royal Palace
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza
I spent the day strolling around the city before the group welcome reception. Following the reception most of us joined Alberto, our director, for a walking city orientation. You'll read his name numerous times in this report. After walking about 30 minutes it started to rain and some of us briefly stopped into a department store before our walk continued. I joined a few of the ladies for dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. It was an unassuming little place, but I had one of my best meals there.
The tour ended at the Prado Museum, close to Retiro Park. Our options were to go back to the hotel on the bus immediately or visit either/both the museum and park and the bus would come back to pick us up in three hours. There are no parks where I live so this was special for me. I spent at least an hour in the park and faded an hour into the museum visit. I didn't even get to the second floor where the most important paintings are displayed. Seniors at least 65 get into the Prado for half price, so I think I paid 7 euros -- sometimes it pays to be a senior. Since I knew about this I had my drivers license with me and, yes, they do ask for proof.
A group dinner was at a local restaurant. Not bad, but not memorable either. After dinner a few of us wandered back over to the Royal Palace and cathedral to see them at night.
Royal Palace
Cathedral
