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Published: January 15th 2009
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Destination: Madrid, Spain
Note: Hi all, I'm just blogging on my most recent trip to Spain (Dec 12-Dec 22). I kept a diary on the highlights of my trip for each day and keep in mind that this was all written down on the go and whatever was on my mind at that particular time. Hope you enjoy it. December 12, 2008
Local time: 13:40
Arrived to Barajas International airport this morning at about 11:20. My check-in luggage somehow did not make it to Madrid from Newark Airport, USA. Now I have to wait until tomorrow for the airport to deliver my luggage and I sure hope they do, all my underwears and clothes are in it.
Upon arrival, I opted to take the Metro from the airport to my hotel, which is located near Plaza Mayor. The walk from terminal 1 to terminal 2, where the Metro is, took a good 10 min. I need to change trains twice to get to Plaza Mayor but it was very quick and convenient. Only cost 2euros and the entire trip took 20-25min, the trains comes very often, every 3-5min. The Metro was very clean and easy to
navigate around, I had no problem finding my connecting train lines. My stop was "Sol" which was the main station located in Puerta del Sol.
The street signs were difficult to find because they were on the walls of the buildings and not on sign posts on the corner like in the states. Puerta del Sol was extremely packed with people, it was like downtown San Francisco but more people (forgot to mention that I'm originally from San Francisco). Alot of shops, restuarants, street vendors and performers. Very lively I might say. I've yet to explore the area because I want to check in my hotel first, Hotel Plaza Mayor. Conveniently located on the corner of Calle la Atocha and Plaza de Santa Cruz. My first impression of the hotel was "WOW, it is small!" Although small, the lobby has a modern inviting look, I guess for 65euros/night this is what you get. I had room 504 which is the top floor.
The room was small, smaller than the rooms in Japan. One twin size bed, hmmm.... on second thought maybe slightly smaller than a twin. A desk, chair, small side table, and a closet. I suppose space is a premium in Spain. That being said, the rooms were very clean and sufficient for solo travelers. Did I mention that it has a small 15" tube TV hanging on the wall with 9 total channels.
December 12, 2008
Local time: 18:01
Just came back from a 3-4 hour walk around the neighborhood. Plaza Mayor, where the movie "Vantage Point" was set, was surrounded by walls of buildings to a square. There were street vendors setting up stands selling all sort of stuff, Christmas stuff mostly. Made my way towards Puerta del Sol, very crowded and popular area in Madrid with tons of shops and restaurants. Walked through all the nooks and crannies, then made my way towards Gran Via street. This street reminds me of downtown Market Street. Wide streets, tons of cars, people swarm the streets, homeless people, got it all here. Pass Plaza del Callao to Plaza de Espana, very nice landscape and I took lots of photos. Walked over to Palacio Real (Royal Palace) down Calle de Bailen, Palacio Real was way bigger than I expected and has a huge courtyard right in the middle. Next to Palacio Real was the Catedral de la Almudena. Went inside to take somes pictures and it was very nice (free to enter). Very large, high ceilings, and clean (I think either this Catedral was recently updated/upgraded or recently finished because everything was very new with state of the art Bose sound system). Stroll back to Gran Via and kept walking ended up in Bourbon Madrid neighborhood in Plaza de Canovas del Castillo.
December 12, 2008
Local time: 23:59
Went for another stroll around the neighborhood to check out the night life. Went out at 22:00 and the streets were crowded especially Puerta del Sol. Bars/restaurants were packed, I can't even get into some bars for a drink. From what I heard, it is like this every single night. Wanted to go to a tapas bar for dinner but they were so crowded and standing room only, I didn't feel comfortable cramming in there. So I walked around looking at different restaurants and found a place to eat in Plaza Mayor. I know it was overpriced because of the location but I didn't want to walk anymore. Ordered a glass of house wine, mixed paella, and croquettes. Food was average but the check came out to be 25euros and when I asked for my paella to go, they just wrapped it in foil and put in a plastic bag. I'm guessing is uncommon to take your food to go here.
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