Our last day in Madrid was very relaxing. We originally wanted to leave the city of Madrid and find some wineries near by, but we didn't have any luck finding any. It also didn't help that we couldn't speak any Spanish, and had trouble when we called different places.
Instead of going to a winery, we found a bike rental shop near our hostel, and decided to rent a bike for five or six hours. Since we were staying in Plaza del Sol, it was very difficult to ride our bikes. There were so many people around, we had to walk our bike until we got away from the craziness. In the middle of the big highway type road, there was a sidewalk type path, and it was pretty empty. We managed to escape the JMJ people, and were able to ride our bikes freely. We went about half a mile, and then realized that we had no idea where we were, and did not know what was around. We explored a few blocks, and then decided to turn around. We btoh brought our books, so we headed back towards the large park. When we first got there, we thought the park was really small, because we could only find the part that we walked around in the day before.
Since it was so hot out, Robin and I got some ice cream and found some benches to sit on. We read for about 45 minutes, and then decided to go exploring. We found out the park was HUGE!! We found this really cool building that was made mostly of glass. There was also a nice pond with a fountain in it, and turtles and swans!! We enjoyed watching the turtles crawl around. After taking pictures, we got back on our bikes, and started riding around some more.
When we were done exploring the park, it was time to find some lunch. Of course we decided to get lunch during Siesta time, so it was a challenge to find where to eat. After hiking up huge hills, we found a little bohemian place. Robin and I both got a tomato type kind of soup, but it was a little different. The soup was really good! And it was cold, perfect for a super hot day.
After getting lost, and finally returning our bikes, Robin and I wanted to find the Royal Palace. We didn't realize how difficult it would be to walk to the palace. There were so many JMJ people, we were literally squeezing through on the sidewalks. Once we found the Palace, we were very impressed. The building was gorgeous. We would have loved to gone inside, but the line was incredibly long! We did not feel like waiting for hours, so we took a few pictures, and then headed back. En route, we stopped at really cute wood store. They had all these amazing toys made out of wood, as well as fans.
Across the street from the wood store was an amazing market. We walked in, and the first thing we see is a dessert display. Everything looked so good. There were fountains of chocolate and different pastries. Before deciding on anything, we wanted to walk around and see what there was. We found coffee stands, wine stands, meats, cheeses, sushi, and bread. Everything looked so good, but we knew we wanted dessert (considering we've already had so much cheese and meats). And of course to go with our dessert, we had to get some wine. America needs to have these markets. They are so relaxed. People can get whatever food they want, and just hang out, drink and talk. Maybe I have found my new calling? Opening a market?
When we were done enjoying our fabulous food, we went back to our hostel to pack up and get ready for our trip back to America. We couldn't decide where to go for dinner, so Robin and I decided to start walking in a certain direction, and see what we could find. When we walked out of our hostel, we ended up in the middle of a huge protest. It was insane. Apparently people in Spain are starting a revolution since they are not happy with the president. People were also protesting against the Pope. People created signs fighting for abortion, and equal rights for homosexuals. They were also getting into fights with the JMJ people. Apparently the president spent 50,000 euros to host the event, rather than using the money for people with Autism. While walking to dinner, the police were starting to shut down streets. Luckily we found a restaurant and enjoyed one last meal. On our way back to the hostel, police had closed off the plaza we needed, so we had to walk a different way. Luckily we were able to find our way back.
And that was our trip in a nutshell. It went by way to quickly. I am ready to start planning my next trip for next summer. Two weeks away, hopefully in Greece. I am happy I have found a new tradition!
Sammy xoxo
After getting lost, and finally returning our bikes, Robin and I wanted to find the Royal Palace. We didn't realize how difficult it would be to walk to the palace. There were so many JMJ people, we were literally squeezing through on the sidewalks. Once we found the Palace, we were very impressed. The building was gorgeous. We would have loved to gone inside, but the line was incredibly long! We did not feel like waiting for hours, so we took a few pictures, and then headed back. En route, we stopped at really cute wood store. They had all these amazing toys made out of wood, as well as fans.
Across the street from the wood store was an amazing market. We walked in, and the first thing we see is a dessert display. Everything looked so good. There were fountains of chocolate and different pastries. Before deciding on anything, we wanted to walk around and see what there was. We found coffee stands, wine stands, meats, cheeses, sushi, and bread. Everything looked so good, but we knew we wanted dessert (considering we've already had so much cheese and meats). And of course to go with our dessert, we had to get some wine. America needs to have these markets. They are so relaxed. People can get whatever food they want, and just hang out, drink and talk. Maybe I have found my new calling? Opening a market?
When we were done enjoying our fabulous food, we went back to our hostel to pack up and get ready for our trip back to America. We couldn't decide where to go for dinner, so Robin and I decided to start walking in a certain direction, and see what we could find. When we walked out of our hostel, we ended up in the middle of a huge protest. It was insane. Apparently people in Spain are starting a revolution since they are not happy with the president. People were also protesting against the Pope. People created signs fighting for abortion, and equal rights for homosexuals. They were also getting into fights with the JMJ people. Apparently the president spent 50,000 euros to host the event, rather than using the money for people with Autism. While walking to dinner, the police were starting to shut down streets. Luckily we found a restaurant and enjoyed one last meal. On our way back to the hostel, police had closed off the plaza we needed, so we had to walk a different way. Luckily we were able to find our way back.
And that was our trip in a nutshell. It went by way to quickly. I am ready to start planning my next trip for next summer. Two weeks away, hopefully in Greece. I am happy I have found a new tradition!
Sammy xoxo
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