Madrid

We said goodbye to Granada, and arrived in Madrid in the late afternoon. Our hotel was right on the plaza that faces the train station, so we had a very lively view. The hotel was very old fashioned, with tiny elevators, and giant room keys that you turn in to the front desk every time you leave the building. We had no idea what to do, so we walked to the Plaza Mayor. There is a giant statue of a man on a horse in the center of the square - King Felipe I think - and lots of restaurants. We ate at the one with the least aggressive waiters. I had a salad with goat cheese, and a plate of fried pork morsels. Delicious! Ahmed had lamb. It was too much food for me, and for once Ahmed couldn't finish my food. :) The waiter was a bit concerned that I didn't like the food, so I said, no, no, it was delicious! I am so full! Ahmed asked for the bill. When the waiter came back, he brought two tiny glasses and a bottle. The bottle was filled with clear liquid, and had fruit and cinnamon sticks in the bottom. He poured some into the glasses, and said "A digestif!" Let me tell you, it was delicious! A little fiery, and scented with banana, cinnamon, and apricot. I don't know how good it was for my digestion, but it sure made my eyes water and my nose run. So if you are ever in Madrid, I recommend that you always leave a little food on your plate, and tell your waiter how full you are!

After dinner we walked to another plaza. I don't know the name, but it seemed to be the central shopping district. It was packed with people and street performers. Madrid is a very lively city, and I'm sorry we didn't have more time to spend there. On the way back to the hotel, we came across an amazing hanging garden - the entire side of a building was covered in plants. We finally went to sleep around 11, just as a group of musicians began playing in the plaza below. It was soothing music, thank goodness, and a nice way to end the day.

Unfortunately I had no time to go to Cordoba on this trip. Hopefully we will be able to go back to Spain and explore more. If we do, I will tell you all about it!