NINE

 

Madrid, the end

Ok, I'm going to wrap up the Spain trip. 

One of the best things about our hotel was the breakfast. Big espresso machines, meat, cheese, fruit. Even saw one of Minnesota's own SweeTango apples. 

 

 There was also an amazing rooftop we spent a lazy morning internetting and getting sun.

 

When we studied here, if we spent any time in Madrid we would hang out in Plaza del Sol which sadly is currently under construction so we couldn't get the full experience.

   

We checked out the Mercado de San Miguel which I think is a must see on anyone's Madrid list. It has tons of little food vendors and you can try a bunch of different foods. It's a super cute place, too.

 

We went to a flamenco show!

 

We hit up Casa Dani which was voted best tortilla esspanola. We had a lot of tortilla back when we lived in Spain and this time around as well. It's basically thinly sliced potatoes, onions and eggs. For the most part, it's solid and dry like a quiche or something. This place has wet tortilla. We had looked at photos before we went and didn't think it looked all that appetizing. But when in Rome (or Madrid). Of course Erin found it. 

 

It looks so gross but if you eat only one thing in Madrid, make it this tortilla. It's that good. And that's about it! We packed and chatted the night before leaving.

   

It was truly a once in a lifetime trip and I'm so thankful for these ladies and our decades of friendship. I'm so, so, so glad we all made the trip. It was amazing! Maybe we'll go back in 20 more years???

Madrid, Day 1

Erin reminded me I didn't mention the excitement we had our last night in Toledo! We got home from dinner to a BAT in Hillari and Erin's room. The thing was doing hot laps around the room while we freaked out. Eventually it went back into its hidey hole, they got their stuff out and we closed the door to trap it in. 

 

Ok, so we got into Madrid and headed for our hotel. It was perfect to stay in an AirBnB in Toledo and it was perfect to stay in a hotel in Madrid. We stayed right across the street from the Royal Palace and we had a suite so we had lots of room. The hotel was actually amazing and we highly recommend it - Principe Pio. 

We got right out to Explore. I don't know if I've said this already but we didn't spend any time in Madrid if we didn't have to. It was a hub to go other places more exciting. Since we were back and older, we decided to check it out. It's not Toledo but we did have some amazing food in Madrid. We walked through the Royal Palace area to the Plaza Mayor.

   

LOOK AT ALL THAT YOUNG MANCHEGO.

 

I drank a lot of vinto de veranos in Spain. I had never heard of it before but it's basically red wine and Fanta limon. Chef's kiss.

   

Erin was our tour guide and she really did find the best of the best. Gotta try the churros at San Gines.

   

We thought maybe this was Pitbull. I don't think so but he had a bunch of people taking his picture.

 

We walked all the way to Retiro Park. It was a nice park but we all had to go to the bathroom and they were closed so it was a panicked visit, honestly.

   

Hey! There's the Prado! Didn't go in. Been there. 

Ok, for dinner we wanted to get paella. We settled on a place with a lot of good reviews - Los Secrets de Lola. I can't overstate how weird this place was.

This would be our album cover if we were a band. We had walked like 25,000 steps by this point.

We got there as it opened. It eventually filled up and the paella was actually bomb so all's well that end's well but wow that place was nuts.

   

As we walked out, there was a couple there on a date holding hands at a table which a giant Alf stuffed animal seated in the third chair. We all laughed together.

   

That was such a long day but there were TONS of laughs. I was happy we were giving Madrid a go. I got to FaceTime the kids when we got back to the hotel and showered. This is what FaceTiming them is like. 

They make faces to delight themselves.

   

Ok! I think I have 1 more Spain post!