Spain: Day 1, time to explore some

 

First full day, so time to explore a bit. Hmmm, I guess the flip side of dinner at 9pm and late nights carousing in the streets is that not even coffee shops open until 10am! There's a wonderful little coffee shop ~50 ft from the apartment, El Perro De Pavlov, which I have been taking advantage of. 

OK, coffee and a pastry then off to explore. I was Sunday, so there were pop up markets basically at every street or open area. So many tents selling beautiful fresh flowers.

We slowly (due to me) made our way to Saint Fernando Market. Wow, a bit overwhelming with the choices and number of people, but we finally found a spot. Sangria? check!

We saw some others order food and asked the waiter what it was. Carne mechada con patata. Hooo boy. I might come to Spain just for that.

My shoes weren't doing my feet any favors as we covered the miles. So a cut over to see Toledo Gate and a hop on the metro to make a stop at the apartment.

The metro is so so nice and so easy to use.

After a short rest and change of shoes, we were back on the streets.

Walked by Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande.

Then down to Catedral de Santa Maria.

And the Royal Palace of Madrid. We have tickets for a tour of the Royal Palace on Saturday, so more to come on that one.

On to the Templo de Debod...

and the park surrounding it. The park was lovely and the views were terrific. You can see in the background all the prior sites we went by.

And lastly, Plaza de Espana on our way to dinner.

Quite the day exploring. I'm starting to get somewhat of my bearings.