Sunday in Madrid

The promenade out front of our hotel is beautiful.

A stroll up the promenade is what we had in mind for Sunday morning…

However when we go outside we discover thousands of people walking up the promenade and we’re not sure what’s going on…there is lots of cheering and banners.  Lots of families and it seems peaceful however we’re wondering it it’s a protest.  The road is closed to traffic which is lovely but this is normally a very busy main road.  It turns out that every Sunday the road is closed to allow people to stroll or bike up the boulevard.  Today is extra special because it’s a special Saint’s day and Madrid also won a soccer match.  People are very happy.  They are headed up to Plaza de Sol where there is music and entertainment.

As we’re not feeling like the loud music and people we remain on the boulevard but visit other places.  We will be going to the Prado Museum tomorrow with our tour.

Next we decide to stroll the botanical gardens.  It’s so beautiful and peaceful.



Cute little frog on a lily pad.

Apparently some of the Netflix Bridgerton series was filmed in these gardens.

Bev and I decide to get some lunch.  Due to the crowds it’s difficult to find a vacancy. 

We do find a place called ViCool which has a great plat de jour for €15.50.  Delicious!  We then head back to the hotel as we are meeting the group from Gate 1 at 7 pm.

This is the plan. Starting in Madrid and finishing in Barcelona. Great group. 29 of us. All Americans except ourselves and two other Canadians from Toronto.  Our leader is Jorge who is from Barcelona. A great person.