Spain: Madrid and farewells

We arrived in Madrid and found our apartment without too much fuss, we found out the concept of 'European blocks' is true in Spain too. Took us a far amount longer to walk to our apartment then we were originally told but we have come to expect that when traveling. Our apartment was nice and spacious but could have been in a better neighborhood. While doing our normal first day activities of grocery shopping we were surprised about how different the population is in the part of Spain from Barcelona. It seemed more of a urban city with less charm then Barcelona had. Our first full day we met a guide and took our first ever food tour.

We visited tons of shops and sampled traditional foods that are more common to this region of Spain. In addition we visited some interesting shops we wouldn't have known about other wise. Such as a nunnery for a box of cookies were you order through a turnstile so the nuns don't have to show their face and a high end Market that was designed by Eiffel. Word to the wise don't eat before a food tour! I was so full by the second stop it was a struggle. We started with a chocolate pastry, some local hard candy, nunnery cookies, local olives and sardines, spanish omelet, cured ham, two tapas bars, olive oil sampler, fish, meat stew and of course local beer and wine at each place. It was throughly overwhelming and wonderful! 

The following day we wandered around town on foot, I expected the area to be flat but was surprised by the incline of the streets we travelled. The weather was perfect for walking and the metro wasn't super handy to our apartment so it was a good way to see the town. First we explored the Plaza Mayor, the main square in Madrid and the surrounding shops. The street vendors were out in full force so we took some time to enjoy the feel of the square on a weekend.

 After a nice local prepared food at a restaurant recommended by our food tour guide we visited the Royal Palace. The courtyard was the prettiest part to me, we used Rick Steve's audio guide inside and that enriched our experience some. Even Maddy got in the royal spirit posing like the pictures in the palace. 
 

We concluded our day with a nice early evening playing at the park with the Palace in the background.












The following day we wanted to escape the urban feel and decided to head to the park for a picnic and day of relaxing in the sun. The park was huge and gorgeous! It had paddle boats for rent, multiple beautiful fountains and tons of locals enjoying a lazy Saturday.

 

 

We finished our relaxing day out with a visit to the best churro place in all of Spain. I have loved churros since I was a child and they are not the same in Spain. They were plain fired pastry and served with bitter chocolate. I'm glad we tried them but won't be trying them again. 

Sadly Madrid was the end of the trip for Felisha and my mom, they headed back to Texas for work and school the following morning. It was a tough goodbye but I'm so glad we were able to share this experience with them. We got on our train and headed onto Valencia for the Las Fallas festival.