Madrid Day 1


Alvaro More overlooking Cathy

So many olives, so little gin
Classic Spanish Food # 1 Jamón Ibérico with Tomato Bread


Franco fascist architecture

Classic Spanish food # 2: Gazpacho


Full moon overlooking our dinner


We were picked up 2pm for our first trip in 3 years. We were worried about both Covid and leaving Parsifal, he has been with us for 3 years without a break. He is in good hands with Glenda and Layne. Business class isn’t what it used to be, Iberia Airlines serves only wine no spirits. Note to self: "buy small bottles of scotch before boarding on return trip". Food was ok, definitely we aren’t flying on Emirates. Took sleeping pill at 9:30 slept most of way. They did provide nice sox however. Wore mask all times on plane and in lounge.


We arrived in Madrid about 2pm, airport customs very efficient, but lots of walking in Airport. Actually after 11 hours on the plane the exercise was good for us. Will plan to eat at hotel restaurant Atico tonight and try to get on a Madrid time schedule.

 

We forgot what is like to be somewhere where you can take a shower for as long as you like. No water conservation here. Madrid is about 95% inoculated against Covid, most people don’t wear masks, some do, restaurants don't ask for proof of vaccination. Spain is in a post-Covid mood. It is definitely different than California.

 

Cathy's favorite actor, Alvaro Morte, is looking in our window all the time. Guess he is glad to see her! He was the star of Money Heist on Netflix.

 

I went for a long walk, it is warm here. Madrid has a mix of architecture, the Franco era Fascist being the ugliest! All kinds of outdoor café’s were busting with customers having an afternoon drink and snack. Three chores for me for tomorrow, figure out how to use the subways, get a SIM card, find an ATM. All doable.

 

We had Wine and Tomato and bread with Spanish Ham on the hotel rooftop, before dinner. It is the classic appetizer. 

Dinner was on the hotel terrace.  We had the most esthetic and delicious Gazpacho followed by a Veal Shank. It was a perfect warm summer night, eating outside with a full moon blazing down on us. Spain day one was wonderful!

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