All of our good intentions and we managed to sleep past noon – guess we needed the sleep. Went next door to the Palace Hotel for lunch, but it was Sunday Brunch and Opera and cost 79 euros apiece, so – we sat on the other side of the wall in the bar area, had breakfast and still had the opera! We peasants are so gauche….
We walked across to the Prado for a few more hours of culture, but is was closed! On a Sunday!! So we did what any good tourist does – hopped on the nearest red double decker bus, sat on the top in the open air, took an hour’s ride with earphones in place. So easy….
It was a beautiful day, all the boulevard trees were full and bright green, people strolling everywhere, church bells ringing…. You have to love Madrid.
Had a 9 pm dinner at DiBocca – were the first customers and the maitre de sat us in the window – guess he thought we were some sort of draw…felt like monkeys….but, in they came. The place filled up quickly and we didn’t even get free vino for our attractiveness. Met an American couple who admired our window presence and who were just starting their fifth year of assignment in Paris….promised to light a candle for them in Compestela. I had ravioli stuffed with cheese, pears and walnuts…purr.
It was after 10 pm and the streets were still crammed – the sign of a lively city indeed.
We leave by train for Leon in the morning with backpacks and one suitcase each – leaving our city clothes at the hotel till we return on the 14th. Fortunately we inquired about the train station – Chamartin. We thought we departed from nearby Alocha Station, but trains there only go south. Chamartin – a taxi ride away – goes north to Leon. We stay there tomorrow, Monday, and meet up with the tour Tuesday afternoon. We really hate to leave this wonderful city, but are really looking forward to starting our trek!
Ultreya!!
The Way of St. James 
Don’t forget to say a prayer for Theresa and Art on the 7th! Sounds so amazing…but with amazing Jane!
By: Flo and Steve on May 4, 2011
at 7:16 am
Madrid is a wonderful city! I have always loved my time there. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it so much! It’s a good thing you checked about the train station! People are always getting confused. It’s hard to get from one station to the other. So it pays to know where to go!
By: Vicky Rueda on May 3, 2011
at 8:33 pm
It is a bright spot in my day to read your posts. Thank you for sharing your musings!
By: Charlotte Sell on May 2, 2011
at 9:31 am
Sounds like you guys are having fun being turist. In Paris when Doug & I tried the bus he always said we are going in the wrong direction. Oh well it was a longer ride but seem to get where we wanted to go. Missed you at church today & there was prayers said for you. Barbara didn’t come today but Stephen came with Thomas. Looking forward to the next chapter in jorney.
Love Kathy & Doug
By: Kathy & Doug Judson on May 1, 2011
at 4:42 pm
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By: Melanie on June 9, 2012
at 8:19 pm
You are becoming Madrid[ers]! It sounds wonderful. Did you find an Anglican church?
By: Sharron on May 1, 2011
at 4:14 pm