Madrid is an amazing city

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We arrived via train in Madrid and both assumed it would be large, and not very pleasing to the eye. It was completely the opposite. Madrid is a huge city with every building being enormous and beautiful. There are tons of fountains and squares to walk around and parks at each end of the city. The police are very abundant and cleaning crews are out all day everyday sweeping and cleaning the streets. There are tons of tapas bars, wine bars and restaurants on every corner and very charming side streets filled with apartments. Our hotel is right in the heart of downtown on the 5th floor of a building that was built in 1890. Our room is about 12 by 13 feet but you can't beat the location. The Museum Reina Sofia was amazing with tons of works by Miro, Picasso, and Dali. The whole thing was amazing and we made sure to explore every corner. Today we went to the Prado which is full of religious and Spanish paintings. We saw all the famous one's but cruised through the rest. Not a favorite museum at all. It has been wonderful and relaxing spending time here and we are looking forward to more wonderful experiences in Sevilla. The Spanish is getting easier to understand and we are glad to be staying in Spain for another 10 days before changing countries and languages.

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Photos

Tapas bar
Michael eating a bocadilla at our first tapas bar in Madrid

Plaza Mayor
This is where Ferdinand and Isabella ruled and held the inquisition

Palace Real
Michael and I in the gardens behind the Palace

Local couple at outdoor bar
The locals here drink wine, cava and beer all day long, even in the mornings.

Spanish Television
Michael was chosen to answer some questions about Madrid for a local tv station. He didn't understand the questions but talked anyway.