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Published: December 22nd 2007
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We land half an hour early at Heathrow airport thanks to some good tail winds. So another few hours to spend in the airport terminals. We head straight through to the terminal bus to transfer from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1. Then through the cues for Security at the airport before having 1.5 hours to kill in Heathrow airport with no Pounds to spend.
Main thing of note is the “World of Whisky” shop where they have a fine collection of Scotch and Irish whiskeys. Now most of you know I appreciate a good Whisky, but here I found what can only be called extravagance.
There were a few Glenfidch whiskies of real note.
- A 64yo for 10,000 pounds and a
- 51yo at 52.5%!f(MISSING)or 5,000 pounds.
With the flight departing Heathrow 30 min late, we finally arrive at Madrid's Barajas Airport and get through Customs by 1am.
Madrid's Barajas Airport - Terminal 4
Now I have to tell you about this airport terminal. Its is one of the most elaborate labyrinths I have ever visited. It really consists of two terminals, a main terminal near the road
and rail system, and a satellite terminal located in the centre of the airfield.
Both are large, multi-level steel structures painted in bright yellow's and orange's with glass façades throughout the centre of the terminals. They are connected by an automated subway car which takes 3min between terminals.
The arrival's and departures seem to be located on interchanging levels which makes it a very impressive system of levels, lifts, escalators and glass panels separating each area of the airport and making it a very impressive labyrinth.
Trip to Hotel
After finally negotiating our way through the airport, we decided to take the metro rail to our hotel across the other side of the city which would involve three lines. The metro is very efficient and we did not have to wait more than 2 min for any of the trains.
However while boarding the second train, two lovely about 15yo girls attempted to pick my pocket. Would have been quite a trick with my pack and camera bag across my body. Pushed me up against the door as I was boarding, and tried to feel for my wallet. All I can say is, better luck next
Glorieta Puerti de Toledo
Archway across from Hotel time girls. Someone then chased them off when they tried to board the train. .
We finally reach our hotel, the Puerta de Toledo which is located opposite the Glorieta Puerti de Toledo, located south of the main part of town.
After checking into the hotel, and after a quick shower we wander up towards the Royal Palace and the Catedral de la Almudena.
Catedral de la Almundena
The Catedral de la Almundena is a large cathedral neighbouring the Royal Palace and has some amazing paintings and an organ at its northern end. The vibrant coloured patterns and paintings across the roof and below the central dome make it a great place to visit.
The organ at the northern end is a brilliant silver with gold edging and wooden inserts, with light streaming through the window reflecting off the organ pipes.
Palacio Real
The Royal Palace in Madrid is a massive building with even larger grounds surrounding it, looking over the river Rio Manzanares. We finally arrived at the Palace at around 4 pm
and took a wander through its impressive rooms .
The rooms are impressive with some amazing tapestries, silver and bronze chandeliers throughout. The rooms are huge with the ceilings of all the rooms painted with various themes similar to the churches through out Europe.
We finally left the palace grounds at about 5pm and headed back to the Hotel as the jet-lag started to cut in. After dropping our camera gear in our hotel room we went in search of some food. Note to those visiting Madrid in the future, the restaurants in Madrid do not start to open until 8pm with many not opening until 9pm, so it is a bit difficult to find a proper meal before then.
Anyway, we headed out at around 6 pm to try and find some food as we had not eaten since the flight from London at 10 am, and the jet-lag was starting to bite. After an hour of searching, we finally settled on some 'fish and chips' and crashed back in the Hotel at about 8 pm.
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