3 TImes a Charm

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Hang on Will - Mom's on her way!

Off to sunny Madrid for a much needed holiday with my son. Note - I often fly American - the flight from New York is nonstop and usually fairly comfortable. Not so much this time. I requested the bulkhead seat for the extra legroom and found myself on a plane that did not have individual screens. First world problem having to watch the same violent movie as everyone else. I couldn't swallow an ambien and don eye shades fast enough. To make my sleep a little more comfy - I "borrowed" a better pillow and blanket from business class. No one said a word. 10 hours later - I was in Spain!



This will just be a LONG post - 18 months later, I"m publishing...

We had originally planned to go up north to the Basque Country, but Will decided he missed the beach - so off on the high speed train to Cadiz we go.

Cadiz was sunny and hot and boasted beautiful beaches with white sand and warm tides. The sunsets were beyond beautiful, the cocktails were refreshing, and the company was perfect. We found a delightful AirBNB in the heart of the city, searched through cathedrals and archeological ruins, and generally enjoyed our southern life.

After 3 glorious days, we're back in Madrid and getting ready for my birthday - which also happens to be on Columbus Day. Spain still loves their Columbus - a big royal studded parade, all the museums are free, and the atmosphere is generally a party. Will's friends - Al, Patrick, Lucia, Catherine and a few others helped me celebrate up on the "mountain" of Madrid with 8 bottles of wine, snacks, and a clear sunset. No better way to spend a birthday.

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Photos

soak up the sun
a vino tinto and troubles disappear!

Channeling the Rhum Bar
Just like on Rue de Lapp in the Bastille in Paris

Madrid has Pride
I saw boy signs, too

trompe l'oeil
French for "deceive the eye". Only part of this building is real

Sandwich makings
1 euro for cheese, 1 euro for bread, and it's lunch.

or one can buy the entire leg
for a mere 34 euro

Plaza San Miguel
looks like my 11 year old niece might have decorated

cafe con leech and apple tart
Plaza San Miguel

Primark
huge store similar to H&M

quick getaway
street vendors with their wares on sheets with convenient strings for a quick getaway

Lavapies
my old neighborhood

afternoon snack - queso, jamón, vino, chocolate
I'm such a good mom

Will & co
Hanging with the mom seemed a-ok with them