Getting Used to It

Madrid, 18 January 2024 Some things are harder to adapt to than others.  Like not keeping one hand in my lap during a meal.  Here in Europe it is considered rude to keep one hand in your lap while eating. Some throwback to medieval times when you might have had a knife under the table.  But after 60… Continue reading Getting Used to It

A Lot to Look At

Madrid, 16 January 2023 Today we delved into the historic city center with a Rick Steves’ walking tour. We’ve followed Steves since 1985 and have learned a lot about independent travel from his writings. This would be the first time we’ve successfully executed one of his audio walking tours. The nearby Iglesia Metro (line #1)… Continue reading A Lot to Look At

A Domestic Day

Madrid, January 15 2024 We awoke to a heavy rain so spent the morning at home doing laundry and cleaning. I’d made a reservation at a nearby local restaurant, Taberna Paula. By the time we set out at 1:30, the rain had ended.  Not surprisingly, we were the first in the restaurant. “Peyote,” greeted us… Continue reading A Domestic Day

A Rainy Day

January 14, 2024 We’ve noticed a pattern with our energy levels when we travel. Typically, we hit it hard the first two days and then hit a wall on the third. This time we made three days before hitting that wall on the fourth. We were lucky insofar as the weather cooperated and gave us… Continue reading A Rainy Day

Museo Estácion Chamberi & Calle de Ponzano

Madrid, January 13, 2024 After venturing into the city center, we decided to explore a bit more of our own neighborhood. As we’ve come to realize, our original itineraries are inevitably too ambitious, so we decided to stick to one museum instead of two and then go to a local street renowned for its food… Continue reading Museo Estácion Chamberi & Calle de Ponzano

Mealtimes in Madrid

We start our day with grocery shopping.  The kitchen has no provisions.  Not even salt or pepper. This apartment is part of a rental company; it is not someone’s home.  I guess the agency’s policy is to provide a clean slate, but it does make cooking a challenge.  Recipes have to be simple with as few ingredients as possible.  Past… Continue reading Mealtimes in Madrid

El Parque del Oeste

Madrid, 1/11/2024 Our first full day in Madrid was a treat! Rather than head down into the city center, we continued exploring our neighborhood (Chamberí) and environs. Part of the plan is keep moving and stay in the sun, so we headed for the nearby Western Park. The local news is lit up about the… Continue reading El Parque del Oeste