We land on Spanish soil and find our tour director,
Francisco, awaiting our arrival and are easily transported to our new home for
the next 3 days, Tryp Charmartin. Without a moments rest, we take an easy ride
on the computer train, only 2 stops to the heart of the city center. AT Metro stop-SOL, the bell tower and the
zero KM marker, in front of the Governor’s mansion, becomes our Madrid
rendezvous meet up point for our 50 person tour.
The zero(0) KM marker marks the very center point in
Spain…all km markers through Spain marks the distance back to this spot. It is also the spot remembered as where
the war against Napoleon began in 1808. Urban legend guarantees you a return
visit to Madrid if you photograph your feet inside the marker.
Our daily consists of a general overview of city center and
Plaza Mayor, where a variety of events, such as bullfights, fires, royal
pageantry, and torture from the Inquisition, took place through out its 400-year
history. A wander through the Prado Museum, as we take note of the Velazquez,
Goya, Titian, Rubens, El Greco paintings, and one of my all time favorites,
HieronymusBosch’s, Garden of Earthly
Delights.
Our introduction to Spanish culture would not have been complete without Chocolate and Churros at San Gines Chocolatieria which is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week, just incase you need a sip of dark smooth chocolate at say 4:oo in the morning!
We end our first day in Madrid, over shadowed by a bad case
of jetlag that puts to shame any hangover from my misspent youth.
Buenas Noches, Madrid. See you tomorrow Madrid.
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