Madrid

Evening of 29 March

Without drama or concern we navigated the Madrid metro system with the locals in what is a super efficient, easy to use network. 3 trains and 20 minutes later and we appeared outside the Cat´s Hostel know for the cheapest pint in town. No this wasn´t the reason we chose it but obviously some of our 6 flat mates had only this in mind.

Nevermind the young revellers, the location was within a stones throw of the great sights. We walked in the late afternoon to Plaza Major and located a great restaurant for paella (big Spanish risotto) and Spanish omlette although before dinner it was necessary to have a tapas of green olives and Amstel, the local brew. Plaza Mayor (think of St Marks square in Venice although we haven´t been yet) and add some Spanish music, kids kicking a soccer ball and waiters who are less interested in you than could be possible.

Day 1 - 30 March

One of the great Spanish art collections is in the Museo del Prado so off we shot early in the morning (approximately 10am - ouch) for a dose of culture. For all art buffs please ignore the next comment, having come from Le Louvre only days before it was difficult to digest the often gory works of Goya and dark canvases of many historic Spanish artists. All in all it was still an experience worth doing as we experienced first hand young art students replicating chosen pieces as best they could (and some were bloody brilliant).

A brush with the communication palace (we kid you not the post office is called the Palacia del Communicion) and we came out unscathed. Dad, I hope you have received the first few thousand photos and our best efforts at interviewing each other in French, oh dear. With headaches and hunger pains we were in search of a local deli.

Lunch was well deserved following the queing etiquette as it seems irrelevant that Steve is a full head taller, they need their cheese and ham and will not let a simple Aussie get in the way. Sustenance got us as far as the garden fountain outside the Palacia Real, a truly monumental and beautiful white stone building. Steve fell asleep within seconds and Camilla was left in the sun soaking up the surrounds.

Dinner was a fine affair of bread, salami and cheese which was backpack temperature but ooh soo good. Dessert saved the day as we joined the hundreds (literally) in the street strolling, watching street performers and buying delicious cakes and pasteries. Cakes and pasteries we hear you say, yes we bought cakes and pasteries.

A night of rest and it was off tomorrow to Segovia.