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Published: June 25th 2017
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About 38 degrees on our arrival into Madrid with Rob and the gps successfully negotiating the streets of Madrid to find our apartment which is well located 50 m from the Gran Via and between Tribunal and Callao metro stations.
First stop on Tuesday following the Queen's Birthday PH was to get the replacement for the stolen passport process underway. After the Embassy visit we braved the heat and from the Parc de la Montana could see our next points of interest including the Placio Real where the King of Spain still resides and then the Cateral de la Almudena. This being a major tourist highlight area in Madrid.
On to Plaza Mayor and the Market where we ended up having tapas for dinner with what seemed like everyone in Madrid, it was packed. Some good value if you know where to find what you want. An amazing, bustling atmosphere but under a hot roof so glad to move on for some fresh air.
The next day we decided to catch the bus and visit Toledo. See the separate blog post for full details and pics.
On Thursday after handing over photos and €117 at the Embassy
we finally had a replacement passport to much relief for Liz. It is nice to be able to identify oneself without a police report.
We took a stroll through the Parque de El Retiro checking out the Palacio de Cristal which had no exhibitions so it seemed like a big empty glass building. The park was a welcome shady relief that many were taking advantage of particularly around a large pond with ducks, swans and paddlos for those so interested. Later we stopped for lunch en route to the Museo del Prado. Quite a bit of drama there when a tree limb narrowly missed landing on a lady sitting at the table right next to Liz. It all happened incredibly quickly with a crack and a crash and people trying to get out of the way. Within a few minutes the brave Bomberos guys arrived with chain saws to liberate the poor car beneath. Fortunately no one was injured and only a few scratches on the car roof as a surprise for the owner when he/she returns.
At around 4 we headed to the Prado where we were able to pick up free tickets. This was great for
the not-very-arty Brown's. As everyone says this museum is breathtaking, even for us. It is an experience not to be missed.
For those not aware this museum houses a very large number of classic originals by Goya, Rubens, Van Dyke, and many more. Our poor knowledge of the art world was exposed but these masters had us in awe at the fine detail and stunning representations of Kings, Royal family, war scenes and religious depictions. Considerable time would be justified for a thorough visit. A state of information overload can easily be reached.
A change of wind in the evening heralded a relieving drop in temperature and a tease of rain shower.
A lovely dinner at a local restaurant finished our time in Madrid.
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