Madrid
Madrid… “place of abundant water”... and food and royalty. Madrid exceeded all expectations I had for it. Between exploring Plaza Mayor, Puerta del sol, and the neighborhoods of Chueca and La Latinas there was plenty of food and sangria to be had. The Spanish wasted no time introducing me to tapas as the first night in country I ate countless plates of a variety of foods and it (along with sangria) just kept coming….needless to say it was hard to stop. I’m not sure how the Spanish do it, but after indulging in all that food, it was not time for bed, it was time for drinks followed by going to a popular club known as Kapital which only starts at midnight. I don't think I will be getting much sleep this trip.
Plaza Mayor
The first full day in Europe was spent eating my way through the streets and plazas of Madrid and touring the Palacio Real de Madrid. In my opinion, this palace outdid other royal palaces I have been in (Denmark, Sweden) due to the almost overwhelming interior designs (of which photos were not allowed). Also, the plaza in the front of the palace connecting it to the cathedral gave it an impressive first impression.
Palacio Real de Madrid
Entrance to the palace
During my 2 hour lunch at Mercado de San Miguel, I am pretty sure a smile never left my face as I was surrounded by all sorts of food I have never experienced and I tried my best to sample as much as I could.
Mercado de San Miguel
Madrid, I will be back soon. Barcelona here I come.
Jamón Ibérico
Squid ink paella with whole baby squid
Spanish olives
Oyster sampler
Paella
So many olives
