Madrid Wrap Up I had a hard time adjusting to this whole Siesta thing.Most places really do shut down in the middle of the day for several hours, even some museums. And most restaurants don't even open again until 8:30 or 9and that's considered an early dinner. But again it doesn't get dark in summer until 10 pm. So I adjusted. There are lots of hippies and 'rastafari' in Madrid, I have seen more dreads, gauze clothing and jingly things on people than when I ...

Madrid has been great.  My hotel was in a perfect location in the center of the Plaza Mayor/Puerto del Sol and La Latina areas.   It couldn’t be better for shopping, restaurants and nightlife.  It reminded me of areas from the past like Shadyside, Coconut Grove, Buckhead or Old Town Scottsdale. But imagine these neighborhoods are 500- 700 years old and 1/3 of your neighbors opened cafes in their front yards.  All of the apartme...