Madrid

Greeting from the capital of Spain!

From Barcelona to Madrid Spain has not disappointed. This entire country is amazing. I have already texted mom and dad saying we are doing a family trip to Spain soon. I enjoyed almost every second that I spent in Spain.

The train from Barcelona to Madrid was an easy trip. It only took a few hours and the countryside was breathtaking. It was an afternoon train arriving in Madrid around 7pm. Upon arriving in Madrid, it was clear it was more of a city feel, very fast paced but so amazing. Something beautiful to look at in every direction. The first night was a laid bad night but found a neat little bar district and had a few drinks and then a wonderful dinner at a little local shop. It was fried chicken. I could not read the menu so it was a surprise when it showed up but still so very good.

The first full day was spent getting to know Madrid. The first think on the agenda was to visit the largest Flea Market in Spain- The Rastro Flea Market also known as El Rastro. I had read a little about it online and everyone said it was very large. I can not even explain how big this market was. It covered blocks and blocks and blocks where it was located in the city. It was unbelievable. There was everything anyone could ever need along with many things that no one would ever need. We could have spent 3 days there and still not have seen all that was there. It was absolutely unbelievable. That consumed most of the morning, just wondering and soaking in the Spanish culture that was all apart of the market.

Following the market, it was time for a late lunch and exploring until it was time to go to the Bull Fight.

The Bull Fight. I wasn’t overly excited about this but felt that I should experience it since I was in Madrid and it was such a large part of the city and their culture. I had not done much research about bullfights but I did know the just of what was going to happen, or so I thought. I was unaware about the first 10 minutes of the fight prior to the Matador coming to the ring. I did not know they did 6 bulls in one night. Overall it was an experience that I feel fortunate to of had due to the reason that I wanted to travel and learn about new things, although I did not leave feeling good about anything that I had just witnessed nor will I be flocking to Madrid to see another one. One was enough for me for an entire lifetime.

Day two in Madrid was the day that I found out that free walking tours were the best thing to do when visiting a new place. It was a three-hour walking tour that went over the history, culture, highlighted key events and places, and gave a wonderful introduction to the city. Some of the things on the walking tour were- Plaza de Oriente, the Royal Palace of Madrid, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza De La Paja, the oldest restaurant in the world ‘Restaurante Botín’  which opened in 1725, and the tour ending in Plaza Mayor. I learned so much about the city and really enjoyed seeing things that I most likely would of not otherwise seen. The walking tour was well worth it. After the walking tour, it was time for lunch and let me tell you this lunch was unbelievable. It was so good. An authentic Spanish three-course meal with some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. I’m still having dreams about this meal. I think that overall it was the best meal overall meal of the trip. Although there are a lot of very close seconds. The afternoon consisted of just wondering around until it was time to head to the train station for an overnight train to Lisbon.

I really enjoyed Madrid. It was a great city that had a ton to offer. The food was amazing, the people were great, and I learned a lot about Spain. I would absolutely go back, but I won’t be booking tickets for a bullfight!

Cheers!