Madrid

Our stay in Madrid was stifled by the rain.  This was the first time weather had really affected our plans.  We tended therefore towards in-door activities.  

Alba and Bill visited the Prado, which was just across the street from our hotel.  We were lucky to find no line and an easy entrance.  As marvellous as it is, it was a bit of an overdose.  This is a place that needs several hours over a couple of days to enjoy.  

We walked up the street to the market, but found it small and somewhat disappointing, even though the fresh Monkfish was a treat. From there we walked towards the Palace, witnessed a protest rally–all very peaceable–saw the status of John-Paul II, visited the Royal Chapel and looked at the long line waiting to get into the Palace and decided it wasn’t worth it.  

On Saturday we got up early and drove Eric and Alba to the airport.  It was a good thing it was early in the morning as there are no direct routes in Spain and this one was unusually circuitous.  Navigating this route in heavy traffic would have been a challenge.