Madrid

I know, I know, it's February and I'm posting about my Christmas trip... but if you've been keeping up with this blog then you know lots has been on my mind. Finally now that things have settled... here it is... Wintertime in Madrid.

The Pablo Kids take over Madrid. That's what a newpaper headline should read about our trip to Madrid. We were in and out in no time- it was only a 3-day trip, but the whirlwind tour that occurred is remarkable. We visited one church, one palace (royal nonetheless!), one underground sangria bar, 3 major museums, countless cafes and restaurants, one amazing lookout spot in the city twice, and then managed to get lost in one huge, shady, urban Madrid park. Yeah, you could say when we travel we Pablos do not mess around.

Here are some of the pics...



Here is a view of the Royal Palace from afar and the Cathedral located directly next to it. This shot was taken from the Madrid Teleferic, a wire cable ride that takes you across the city. The palace itself is beautiful both inside and outside- each room is elaborately designed and certainly took millions of pesetas and long hours of labor.



The cathedral's ceiling in Madrid. This is where the Prince of Spain, Felipe and the new Princess Leticia were married just a few years ago. It is a modern cathedral, but beautifully created in an antique style.



This is the Puerta de Toledo, one of the many arches scattered around the city's rondas, circular intersections typical of Spain. Just before dinner one night we stumbled across this arch and saw the setting sun in the distance.



Here's another shot of the sunset in Madrid. We took the cable ride to the main park in Madrid, but once we got there we realized we were in the middle of a deserted park. Sweet. The sun was setting, there was not a soul to be found in the park and we were a mere 30-40 minute walk from the closest metro station. Ahhhh, the joys of getting lost while traveling. I swear, for a moment I thought my siblings and I were going to be killed by some mangy crack addict, thus officially terminating my status as the perfect older sister. Good thing that didn't happen and I can maintain my impeccable track record. ;)



Then of course we had to hit up a sangria bar before we left this capitol city. We hit up the bar early, at about 10:30 and snagged the last seats in the house, right next to pianist who we eventually befriended.



The sangria, sold by the pitcher for 12 Euros was well worth it for the 3 of us to enjoy good music and atmosphere. The bar was underground and soon after we arrived people were lining up outside the door to get in. The piano dude took requests and played us another "typical" song from Madrid. Never heard of it, but it was titled "Madrid" so I think it must of been for real. :)

Finally, our last to-do in Madrid: wake up and eat a sweet churros i chocolate breakfast. They were not churros I had ever had before- no sugar on them and shaped differently. Instead they were like little donuts except loop-shaped and then dipped in hot chocolate. And, no I don't mean Swiss Miss instant hot cocoa made with water or milk. I mean chocolate, straight up. It's a thick, thick, creamy chocolate, with a slight trace of some milk somewhere but so subtle it's like dipping a donut in a melted Hershey's bar. And yes, it is THAT delicious.



My heart churro and a kiss from Madrid! It was a great city and the best part, hands down, was being with the mini-Pablos for a great 3 day trip. (despite the 8 hr. overnight busride!)

Final thought: I liked Madrid... but it ain't no Barcelona! ;) Hey, you can't blame a girl for adoring her hometown, now can you?!?