Meg's & Lon's Magnificent Adventure: Madrid, Spain

Elona typing

We were sad to say goodbye to our new friend but the world is calling and time is just flying!! So on the train we went heading for the city of Madrid. We had previously decided not to go to Madrid as it was too expensive accommodation wise but after a glowing report of the city by Ainslie’s friend Iova we decided we would give it a go and in the end we are so glad we did. Madrid welcomed us with a very unhelpful taxi driver that said our accommodation was too close to warrant a taxi ride and pointed us in the direction to where our accommodation was at. Bloody all up hill and it started to rain halfway but about 20 minutes later we arrived at our ‘pension’ and entered into the oldest one person only lift I’ve ever seen – you know the ones where you shut the inner door and the outer doors and then it makes a horrific bang and heads up – very funny. The accommodation was very nice and we were well situated to all things to see.

There was a very big storm and we sat this out till our hunger drove us out into the streets – we were lucky to have just a few drizzles and found a lovely Tapas restaurant where we enjoyed Sangria and some local fare. Our following day involved the fabulous double decker red tourist bus – now this may sound crap but it does give you a good idea of what’s available to see and the ability to get off and on as you please. We found an amazing park where we bought Magnums (ice-creams) that we had never seen before – see photos. The park had so many different areas to explore; such as a lake that you could rent a row boat or just sit and enjoy the wonderful weather.

There are many beautiful things in Madrid and it’s not just the historical buildings, that to us, young Australians – I don’t mean us but the country itself that really doesn’t have the history as a lot of the places we have been visiting – there are many spectacular plazas and – thank you deity of any form – lots of good looking men who seem to take a lot more care of themselves ie clothing and the way they present themselves. I have taken a leaf out of dear Patrick’s book and am now saying ‘Spain is soooo pretty’ everytime a good looking man walks by!!

Oh here’s something weird – we were waiting at a crossing when a man got a little fright by an ambulance that kind of just put it’s sirens on just where we were standing – I had to giggle and he said ‘Oh god that gave me a scare, my heart is pounding!!’ I just smiled and we continued to wait for the lights. He then turned to me asking me where I was from etc – usually things really and then as we arrived on the other side of the road he began to tell me what he did for a living; advertising and said that he is always looking for petite people for ads and he really liked my feet. Yes people my feet!!!! Now I don’t believe I have nasty feet but certainly not model feet which this man was indicating – I had to tell him that I have NEVER had anyone comment that my feet should be in an ad – definitely a first…and it’s nice to know that my feet may not be as bad as I thought – well not in Spain anyway!!!!

Megs typing

Elona was still reeling from incredulity from the pick-up line of all pick-up lines, we hoped on our little red bus and set off to discover the city of Madrid.

After a tour of the city we headed up to the park with the picnic lunch we bought from the local shop and spent a relaxing 4 hours sitting in the park under the trees. We had our books (thanks Dave – Ken Follet’s “The Pillars of the Earth is just too good to put down) and listened to the man playing a saxophone whilst we enjoyed the piece of paradise in the middle of the city. What a fantastic day!!!!!!!!!

We got off the bus near Plaza de Mayor and had Sangria and tapas at the wonderful Marche de San Miguel (Markets).

The next day we had breakfast at Starbucks on the corner – I know not very Spanish, but it allows us a tea/coffee, croissant and Internet time. Through a strange set of incidents we ended up in a conversation with the gentleman who was seated at the next table. Ron is from Israel, and has one of the most fascinating jobs that takes him all around the world. He also lived in Sydney for a number of years before he married and had 3 beautiful children. Ron trains people on how to use the technology that enables them to x-ray objects to find out what is inside or underneath. Example – some of the artwork that he has x-rayed for museums has shown what was painted on the canvas prior to artwork that you can see. He has also x-rayed mummies and other artefacts. You can also extrapolate that this technology has also has applications in the world of espionage????????? We saw evidence of this but we are sworn to secrecy J

We headed back on to the red tourist bus to visit the Plaza de Espana – See Photos – and wandered around the city until we stopped at a restaurant for a buffet dinner. We headed back to the room to pack before heading out the next day for Barcelona. Madrid: 5 stars and worth the visit.

The magnificent park in the centre of the city

We noticed that a lot of the monuments, statues and fountains whilst dedicated to men

were mostly comprised of women.

Sangria - always a favourite!

Elona thought she would have to wait until Barcelona to see her name on street signs.

Not so - Bastion Security was all over the building sites in Madrid.

Interesting statue (mostly men - one of the few) - reminiscent of the 'circle of friends' statues and candle holders you can buy just about anywhere.

The Jesus - statue at the end of the street where we were staying. Very quiet except on Saturday morning when a lot of the older generation lined up around the corner - not sure why???

Market stalls - you may see Elona in blue red and gold (the scarf on the left???)

Flamenco dresses for little ones also very popular.

Statue commemorating the 2 May 1808, when a rebellion in front of the Royal Palace in Madrid successfully liberated Spain from French (Napoleon) Rule.

Massive post office

The 'Helene' pose - an angelic pose with cherubs.

Amazing architecture all around the city - this is still the post office!

They have an Arc de Triumph just not as large as the one in Paris.

The park was quickly becoming our favourite place.

it was just stunning.

Seriously we tried to find out what the statue was pointing to whilst scratching her head.

Assuming the pose did not give us the answer.

New Magnum ice-creams - very good!!

in a box - how European!

If you were so inclined you could hire a boat and row over to the monument.

We were just as happy to admire it from afar.

especially with zoom lens cameras.

The mounted park police on duty.

The glass gazebo - looks amazing from the outside - and is closed on a Tuesday.

Can you guess what day we were there????

Still spectacular - does bring to mind "You are sixteen going on seventeen..."

We had this song in our heads for about an hour afterwards!

The park is filled with these wondrous little havens.

and beautiful though sometimes strange plants

This is actually a cypress tree!

Just to prove we weren't going nuts.

hidden walkways and bridges - can you see that we were fans?

Elona admiring the beautiful sights of Madrid - and the sights getting a giggle in return.

The Royal Palace

Black tiles with gold leaf made a striking contrast to the white stone of the other buildings.

For Dave - still haven't seen any Rolex's for $10

Ingenuity - don't cover up a lovely old building with a large unsightly billboard.

Use all the windows in the building as a moving LCD screens.

Built 2,200 years ago, Temple of Debod, was donated to Spain by the Republic of Egypt in 1968. It was originally built in the Nubian town of Debod in honor of the gods Amon and Isis.

The original structure was ordered to be built by King Meroe Adijalamani, and kings of the Ptolemaic dynasty expanded the chapel by adding chambers to the temple. Even Roman emperors like Augustus helped complete the Egyptian temple’s construction.

Now Australia also has paid homage to Debod.

The streets of Madrid

Amazing shawls, fans and flamenco accessories

Building of Justice

Unfortunately we did not get time to see the show.

Also another favourite place (the plaza de Espana) still not sure about the credibility of the horses hoof arrangement for significance of how people faired in battle though.