On the morning of February 16th, I got up, put on two pairs of pants, a shirt, a long sleeve shirt, a sweater, a rain jacket, and my new beanie and gloves before heading out the door. I was still sick and it was in the 30s but that wasn't going to stop me from seeing the capital of Spain!
My parents and I went into the city and found a little cafe where we got some breakfast. We then headed back to our hotel where we joined a free walking tour around the city.
We walked over to the Opera House where we were split into groups according to our language. Our tour guide was super energetic and you could tell that he loves his city.
[The story of the Madrid tooth fairy - who was a mouse]
[Puerta del Sol]
[You are supposed to touch the heel of the bear for good luck]
[Plaza Mayor]
[Robin Hood]
During our 2.5 hour tour we zig-zagged through the city and saw things that we would not have been able to if we were on a bus or in a car. The tour was so much fun and we learned a lot! After the tour we went back to a spot that our tour guide recommended to get churro's and chocolate! I was still sick and I couldn't taste much but this chocolate was so RICH and I could taste it!
YUM!
After our snack we walked over to the Almudena Cathedral to take pictures.
Next, we decided to go into the Royal Palace of Madrid and do a walking audio tour. The Palace was HUGE and each room that we were able to go into was beautifully decorated. Sadly, we couldn't take pictures inside.
[The Cathedral which was across from the Palace]
For dinner we got a variety of Tapas!
After dinner we went walking around the city and came across the Mercado de San Miguel! This is a large, indoor area with a ton of small shops that sell different kinds of food.
I ended up getting this delicious fudge ball (why would they give me two spoons?!), which was amazing!
And my parents got some baklava (also delicious)!
After dessert we went back to the hotel and I went to bed since I wasn't feeling well.
The next morning (February 17th) we went and got a quick breakfast before jumping on the hop-on-hop-off bus.
The walking tour was great but on the bus we were able to see a lot more of the capital!
After the bus tour we went back to the Mercado de San Miguel where I got some delicious mozzarella cheese and some rice for lunch.
After lunch we went on a walk to see more of the city.
[The center of the City]
The two days we had in Madrid were so much fun! This city is so amazing! I love all the history and the food was great! The weather was cold, but at least it wasn't raining!
The next morning (February 18th - Happy birthday Emily!), we got up and started the long drive back to Marbella. On the way we stopped in the beautiful city of Toledo.
[Dad with Don Quixote]
We went to the top of the Alcazar where we had a great view of the city!
After taking our pictures we went on a quick drive around the city.
Toledo was such a beautiful city with such a great history and I wish we could have spent a whole day there but we didn't have time. Maybe next time!
We left Toledo and on the road south we saw an old castle and windmills on a hill. My dad thought of Don Quixote and the giants so we had to go check them out!
We then jumped back on the road and while we were driving through the Sierra Nevada's we saw olive tree groves as far as the eye could see! It was amazing! It was like driving through Iowa and seeing all the corn or wheat, but these were olive trees!
We made it back to the apartment in Marbella and I started packing. I couldn't believe that my trip was over! Two weeks and three countries later it was time to go home.
We got up early the next morning and headed to the airport. My flights went a lot smoother then last time (I didn't throw up), but because of my cold I was having a hard time sleeping. As a result, I read an entire book :-)
By the time I got back home it was 5:40 AM in Spain and I was ready for bed!
I got three more pins to add to my collection!
Thanks mom and dad for letting my come out and visit! I had such a great time!
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