Another amazing day in Spain! Certainly didn’t have high expectations for Madrid, especially as several people had suggested we could have omitted it all together. So glad we retained it in our itinerary as has proven to be a wonderful city with so much to offer. After a decent sleep-in our day began slowly. Buffet breakfast at the Hotel Liabeny was sensational - so much choice and they even made us omelettes. After chatting with Danny, the concierge, we decided to do the hop-on-hop-off bus - not always my favourite option, but ended up being a great choice. Madrid really is a fabulous city - the architecture is beyond comprehension... amazing statues at every intersection and seemingly on top of every other building... mind blowing!
So many palaces, churches, arches, fountains.... and so obviously the centre of culture in Europe. We originally planned to not get off the bus, but a few stops along we disembarked at the Prado. Not enough time to do the museum but loved the walk of the area and through the Parque de el Retiro. Lovely to stroll in shaded gardens away from the heat (Raymo struggling with the heat somewhat). The Monument to Alfonso XII is magnificent in the midst of the gardens - quite spectacular- and the row boats set such a tranquil scene. Meandered our way through the gardens to meet the bus and continue on for most of the remainder of the historical route, getting off again at the market area. This was a more upmarket food and drink market - unreal! Tapas in all shapes and forms plus anything you wanted to drink - all in a stand up situation. We were determined to try the Madrid speciality of a calamari boccadilla. Found it in a nearby bar/cafe - was great with a beer in air conditioned seated comfort. We were then refreshed and ready to walk on which was back to our starting point where we hopped on another bus for the alternate “modern” route. Equally interesting to see the diverse side of Madrid city - a young vibrant culture also very evident. Once back to our original starting point of Puerto del Sol, we walked the short distance to our hotel to chill and plan the evening. Decided to go to another flamenco show not far from us which we booked with the assistance of the concierge, then I went for a short shopping venture before returning to freshen up. Our show was in a restaurant venue just for an hour and proved to be really entertaining. Had my doubts initially but as the show progressed so did the level of talent. The guitarist, singer and in total four dancers were all great. Their expertise was exceptional- so passionate, dramatic and sensual. Couldn’t fault the show or venue.
Raym had again selected a highly rated dinner venue - an Argentinian restaurant. Certainly more upmarket than we have recently experienced and was wonderful. Lost count of the complimentary little extras - sparkling rose as we sat down, gazpacho, soft cheese and crackers...then after our meal a limoncello and mini dessert and liqueur .... crazy! And our salad and ribs were good too!
Certainly was a top day and evening in Madrid!