The Dreaded Madrid

I have been avoiding writing about Madrid because I haven’t wanted to write anything bad about it. But the truth is that I did not like Madrid at all. From the moment I stepped off the bus, I knew it wasn’t my type of place and on top of it all….Lauren got very sick while we were there (and that is never fun when you are traveling). To be honest, Madrid was the only place where I have been really home sick and to the point of tears.

However, with all that, there were some definite good times and great parts of Madrid. I visited the Prada Museum, which was absolutely gigantic and very overwhelming! But it had some fantastic paintings by El Gaucho! They are so beautiful and colorful! I really enjoy his work because it is so refreshing from the other paintings of the time. The colors he used are so bright and add to the scenes he is portraying. And I love the way he paints eyes, he brings so much feeling to them…they are incredible!

We also saw the Palace in Madrid which was very beautiful! It reminded me of all the beautiful castles and palaces I saw on my first trip to Europe (those oh so many years ago)! However, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to view the gardens…but health definitely comes over site seeing (and Lauren wasn’t feeling too hot at this point).

Outside Madrid's Palace

The beautiful entry way into the Palace

The Dinning Room

Another Beautiful ceiling...

The morning before we left we also walked through the huge park in Madrid. I really enjoyed the park because I believe I began to miss trees and open grass areas. The park also had a large lake in the center where people were out for their morning workouts on the boats. It was great to see so many people out and about running, rollerblading and walking.

Me in the Park near the big lake.

Overall, I was very happy to leave Madrid, but I think I should go back someday. Because I feel I owe the city a second chance…and I’m sure I’d enjoy it. It just wasn’t meant to be this time around.

Right before we left Madrid, we came upon the Puerta de Europa towers. There are two of these leaning towers (sorry I couldn't get a good enought picture to show them leaning or both of them together for that fact). But these are two buildings that LERA designed. I was so excited to have been able to see them!