10/6/2023
I’m in Spain and I flat-out love it here. It’s just awesome. The vibe, the food and drink, and the buildings are really cool.
After a long day of travel from Iceland to the airport in Paris to Madrid that I won’t bother telling you about, I arrived by taxi at my hotel, Artistic Bed and Breakfast, which ironically does not serve breakfast. The staff was surprised that I asked. There were vending machines with snacks, hot drinks, and water..
I headed out right away to the streets just adjacent to my hotel. They were exploding with people and the bars and restaurants were full. I saw a completely old-school restaurant/bar founded in 1862 with a line outside the door, so I got in line. After about 15 minutes I was seated at the bar, drinking vino blanco, snacking on tapas, and ordering Iberico ham and cheese croquetas, followed by flan. It was so perfect and delicious. I finished at 10, which was very Spanish of me, and returned to my hotel. I was exhausted. I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in a few days.
10/7/2023
I managed to pull myself together at about 9:30 and went out to see Madrid. As if she knew I had no idea where to go, the clerk at reception on the second floor showed me a map and the major sights to see. She had been to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Death Valley, and Las Vegas. She was unaware of Yosemite, sequoia trees, or redwood trees.
Shortly after setting off, I stopped for breakfast at the cutest little cafe. I was starving and ordered scrambled eggs with spinach, cheese, and shredded tomatoes, along with a toasted croissant and oatmeal with fruit. I was trying to catch up on my nutrition.
I walked to the Plaza Mayor, Puerto del Sol, Gran Via, El Palacio Real, and many squares and small streets.
Today I saw a shop called Locker in the City. It was a great idea, similar to the Japanese rows of outdoor lockers. There were souvenir shops, yarn shops, clothing, and florist shops. There are so many charming restaurants and cafes.
I did not go in, but the department store called Corte de Ingles looked massive and very popular.
I walked back to my room for a quick rest before the Prado. It was an impressive museum and I saw many of the Goyas and a few Caravaggios. I much prefer more recent art but I’m glad I went. It was confusing to find my way there. The signs to “sale 45” – room or gallery 45 and “Salida” – exit took me around in circles. It’s not nearly as big as the Louvre, but massive all the same.
I walked back to my neighborhood, which is popular with locals and tourists at all hours, and had a meal. It was a rocket (arugula) salad and an omelet with local sausage and potato chips. It looked awful but it was delicious.
The food tour I signed up for was canceled, so I walked to El Retiro Park. It was huge and beautiful. It was full of people walking, playing music, riding boats in a huge lake, smoking cigarettes, and eating.
I finished the day at the Sufu Japanese Light as Air pancake house just down from my hotel. They were absolutely heavenly and I ate them with red berries and lemon cream.
In my room, I finished making bracelets for my host Ana as a small gift and sorting out my train and directions for tomorrow. I’m nervous for sure about the living arrangements. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it if she smokes or there is not an elevator. I’ve already had it with no elevator in this hotel. It’s four big flights up and my knees are as painful as they have ever been.
