Loving Madrid
August 16, 2024
Haciendo limonada! 👏
Again we are waiting for a new generator in Cadiz. Two days into the wait, on the morning of our 38th wedding anniversary, while casually drinking coffee we decided to go to Madrid. We secured r/t train tickets leaving that afternoon, booked five nights at a Madrid hotel, and boarded the train. Five hours later we were checked into The Principal Madrid Hotel, smack in the heart of Madrid.
We’re in love❤️
Center of Spain. Plaza del Sol
Ferdinand II of Argon and IsabelleI of Castile, whose marriage (1469) led to the unification of Spain, chose the center of the Iberian peninsula for the capitol of their new kingdom.
Plaza Mayor, where 50,000 spectators can fit. Relieved it was just 100s of tourists today.
One could spend days in the Prado and not come close to seeing it all. The paintings are beautifully displayed, the guides were pleasant and helpful. A world class art museum!
Cafes on every street. Highlight of our morning walks - cafe con leche, fresh orange juice and perfectly toasted pan … heaven!
Notice the black hoof on the leg. This indicates the pig was acorn fed and qualifies as premium Jamon Iberico
Paid tribute to Cervantes by visiting the street he lived and wrote Don Quixote (torn down in 1800’s).
Look up symbolism of El Oso y el Madroño and you will find several versions. My favorite is it represents the coat of arms from the 13th century.
The statues on top of buildings amazed us.
The Four Seasons
A room with a view.
Location, location, location … and stars. Thank you Principal Hotel Madrid. Your staff and service were superb.
We averaged 12k steps this week, did five walking tours, The Prado and still have a long list of things to see and do. We’ll have to come back!