Our driver picked us up at 7:30 AM which was definitely early for us on this trip. A quick shuttle to the train station and we were off theoretically.
Kari and I did have some struggles ensuring we were in the proper check in line and at the proper gate. Sometimes being too early can make it worse because your train isn’t even listed yet. A few well timed questions, shrugs and points eventually got us to the right platform at the right time.
Platform 5 was our spot. Ashley thought maybe we should try Platform 9 3/4 to see what happened.
We boarded without incident and settled into our journey. Grace took a nap. Kari checked some emails and tried to enjoy the view from the middle seat. I mostly looked around thinking 60 year old fit Spanish buisness men may be the coolest looking men in the world.
Scenes from the train.
The current level of dryness in Spain and the topography remind me some of eastern MT and western ND
The struggle is the same everywhere getting water to your fields
Spain
Pulling into the station
Off the train and in Madrid
From the train station to our hotel was a fairly short ride. When we arrived at the hotel it was something to be hold. The Westin Palace in Madrid did not disappoint. It is a beautiful and historic hotel
The lobby at the Westin Palace Hotel. Oooh La La
Walking the streets of Madrid
I love these narrow streets. The look of them in the afternoon sun and the surprises they might provide to a wandering traveler.
I thought this was cool.
The bear kissing the tree. Is a symbol of Madrid. There was a lot of construction around the plaza where the statue was at. The symbol comes from sculptor, Antonio Navarro Santafé. The first appearance of a bear and a strawberry tree in the city of Madrid’s coat of arms was in the 13th century. This can also be seen on the Athleticó Madrid crest. It can be found on Puerta del Sol.
The cathedral in Madrid. Was designed by Francisco de Cubas. It is the location of the Archdiocese of Spain. Construction was interrupted by the Spainish Civil War. The cathedral was completed in 1993 and consecrated by Pope John Paul II. Again it sits directly across from the Royal Palace.
Turn the other direction and you can see the Royal Palace. It is the largest Royal palace in Europe and typically on host state events. The history of the square goes back to like 1553. The Palace supposedly sits on the sight of an old Muslim era fortress. The Palace was repaired after the Spainish Civil work and its current appearance has been around since 1992
The gates of the Royal Palace
More cathedrals photos. The square was beautiful. There were a few singers it was really a beautiful scene.
Looking down from the Plaza
The doors on the cathedral
The doors on the cathedral
The cathedral doors
The Royal Palace again
Statues in the park near the Palace. The park is Plaza de Oriente. These statues are supposed to be of gothic kings.
Just really liked this statue
More gothic kings
Towards Madrid from the Plaza de Oriente, the colors and the texture of the city in the afternoon were amazing.
Walking the …. Towards the Opera House on Puerta de Sol
The back of the Opera House from Plaza de Oriente
Walking back to the hotel in Puerta del Sol
The Congress building
The lions in front of the Congress building
The main entrance to the Palace Hotel
The lobby of the Palace Hotel. At one time the 800 room Palace Hotel was the largest in Europe. Famous guest have included Picasso, Salvador Dalí and us. Mata Hari was to have stayed her during World War I as she attempted to sell secrets to the Germans.
A tapestry at the Palace Hotel
Some days just need a night cap. Today was one of them.
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