Mi Amor Madrid

Muy bonita!

Locks of Love in Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor

Wowie! I left the states and landed in the heart of Spain, Madrid. I did have some business to attend to, such as setting up my phone plan and learning how to ask for directions and trying to adjust to the 6 hour time difference. However, for the most part I was on holiday (that's the term here for vacation).

I was too nervous to try the metro and honestly is was so beautiful outside that I wanted to walk along all the crooked streets filled with tourists, street performers and locals alike. Madrid's buildings were perfectly antique. When I gazed up at each one I thought to myself, what stories do you have to tell me.

La Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almundena

Palacio Real o de Oriente

There is a tourist pamphlet that is given out at the Oficina de Tourismo that talks about a few of the older buildings that may appear run down and whats happening to them currently. Some of them are in the process of being renovated and others were bought and then the economy went south and they have been crumbling slowly. No matter what though, they are on the historical register and cannot be torn down. Most of the buildings along Route 66 in America are the same way from what I know. I believe it has to do with the piece of mind that at some point in time, an investor will see its true value and make good use of the property and history.

May angels watch over us!

Parque de Retiro

I spent a whole afternoon wondering around El Parque de Retiro. Everything I read said locals find this a great a spot to take an afternoon nap. In Madrid I found it very common for people to take a rest on any grassy spot under a tree. How nice it must be to kick off their shoes and curl up with a bag under their head for a power nap in the middle of the city!!

Part of the Nacho Criado exhibit in the Palacio de Cristal

Palacio de Cristal in Retiro

Madrid had everything you could think of wanting or needing. From the Corte de Ingles store, which sells electronics, appliances, toys, candy and more, to my beloved H&M clothing store to tapas bars and restaurants to Museo de Jamon! You will find it all. My favorite little spot being Taberna Malaspina at Calle Cadiz, 9.

Madrid was a warm welcome to the next few months of my life.