We have arrived in Madrid

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Geo: 40.4167, -3.70327

We have arrived safely. got into Madrid about 7 am this morning and have been going, going ever since. we are exhausted and have returned to the hotel to relax. it is 3:15pm here and 8:15 am at home. i am ready for bed.

luckily our room was ready for us when we arrived so we were able to settle in. Our room is great. we have a small suite since Mary is sharing with me and Dot. Huge bathroom, great towels and linens. separate living area for Mary and a mini fridge.

the adventure started at the Madrid airport, in the bathroom, of course. Mary couldn't figure out the soap dispenser and ended up with soap all over the walls. However, so far' compared to Italy, the bathrooms get an A+. No holes yet. then we got to practice our spanish on the cab driver and embarrassed Tom. of course, whenever we tried, we all started giggling. when we checked into our hotel I had to have Tom translate, even when they were speaking English.

spent most of the morning walking around Madrid, just following Tom blindly (in circles, i think). We stopped at an awesome bakery for a snack (chocolate croissant). found several Burger Kings that have fountain pepsi,yeah. with Tom around, I can even get half diet and half regular,

We toured the palace, which was really cool, then stopped for lunch at a cafe. sat outside, it is 70 degrees and sunny.perfect weather for walking our asses off. after lunch did a little grocery shopping, always fascinating in a foreign country. Back to the hotel to relax. everyone is napping but me. Tom headed off to MJ's, he is staying with his host mom.

tomorrow we rent a car and head for Segovia. I hear there is a 4 lane roundabout to navigate. should be an adventure. Not sure if we will make it back out later today or if are down for then count. we'll see.

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Photos

Madrid
Tom, Chris, Mary and Dot in our hotel room

Madrid (1)
Mary, Tom and Dot in one of the squares

Madrid (2)
excellent bakery. I had the chocolate croissant. they were ver accommodating when I just held out my hand and let them pull the correct money. Tom was appalled.

Madrid (3)
in front of the Palace

Madrid (4)
a relaxing lunch in sunny Madrid.

Comments

[Connie]

Tom always has a beer at lunch when he's in Europe....I see he hasn't converted anyone yet!

[Stacy]

Looks like you all are having a great time so far!

[Dee]

Looks fantastically fun....have a great time.

[judy]

would you guys please try not to embarrass too much ?!?!?

[judy]

meant to type, please try not to embarrass TOM too much !

[Jo Ann]

Sounds like you're off to a great start. Great photos so far. I should print a photo for Mom so she can see an almost clean-shaven Tom. Girls-try to behave.

[Tanya]

All you need now is goat cheese, great crusty bread, a great regional wine and a beautiful place to sit under the big oak trees....salute!

[Mame]

Great pics!

[Mame]

Can you bring us back some to try? Looks yummy!