Last is first, cos that's what I remember. Today was a relaxing day, and hoping for an early night. Off to the airport early tomorrow, as we have not been able to do online checkin and print tickets. Fingers crossed. Wandered the shops around here today, lots of beautiful clothes, but still needing to carry everything in a backpack, not much need for them or room for them.
Had to try El Tigre Tapas Bar tonight, and just as reviews stated, the place packs out because they give away plates of food with all drinks orders. Huge plates of food. Not the delicate tapas we have seen elsewhere, but plenty of it. Could only have 2 drinks, cos we couldn't manage another plate of food. Hahah
Wonderful sight as we sat in this bar. An elderly couple came in. Well that's really an overstatement. Didn't notice them until I saw one of the bar tenders at the door, not only holding it open for them, but actually assisting them to negotiate the small step up into the bar. He was sooo patient with them. They, ever so slowly made their way to the back area, and I noticed 2 cups of coffee, and a large plate of tapas being delivered to them. Looked like it was a regular event. When they left, the same process took place, and I watched as they slowly shuffled across the narrow street, while traffic respectfully gave them plenty of space and time. They shuffled to the store entrance, unable it seemed to negotiate the small step, and waited there until the attendant came to the doorway, found out what they wanted, returned with items..... Etc. once again they shuffled slowly across the street, and 10m up the street to their doorway. A door to be unlocked and opened, another small step, and their afternoon outing was complete. Well at least as far as my prying eyes were concerned. I hoped they had a lift in their building. They had to be in their late 80s or 90s, both very well dressed for the outing, the man in a suit. He carried a walking stick, and she took his arm for her support. Beautiful.
Previous days, we continued our Madrid sight seeing, this time by seeking out some geocaches. Nice to see the ipad is up to the task, and having a Spanish data sim meant we could be online for it. The best part about geocaching is that is leads you to places you might not otherwise find.
One day we came across this amazing playground.... for BIG kids. The sign actually said 6+ years, but it reminded us of ropes courses at Camp Fairbairn. Big difference was use of these is not restricted or controlled.
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| Yep. Looks like I was stuck, and I was! |
Found the river, a bridge, a lake, and the very upmarket area of Salamanaca.
And this car.... Even makes a Smart Car look big. Two seats, one behind the other.
As we prepare to leave Spain, I've been thinking back on our time here. Have heard that Spanish economy is not good, and we have certainly seen lots of people of all ages begging here in Madrid. But there are soooo many bars, cafes and restaurants, and they are all well patronised. I realise the parts of the city we have wandered are full of tourists, but there are also hoards of locals out and about.... At all times of the day and night. Interesting.
Also a confession. We did spend quite a bit of time learning Spanish since we decided to take this trip. For the most part, the camino weeks of our trip really didn't require a lot of Spanish, English being the common language on the camino. Here in Madrid, you can do most things without much Spanish. As we sat in a cafeteria at breakfast this morning, a group of local men were engaged in an animated discussion over their coffee. And when they stopped to draw breath, Lex and I had exactly the same thought... The only word we could recognise in all that dialogue was 'mucho'. I think I know a lot more words, but when it comes to understanding spoken Spanish, I fail miserably. Sorry Milka and Zac. I will have to keep trying, be patient with me.
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