Sunday in Spain

I must have been super tired as I got up about 2 hours after my alarm. When I finally did get up, I had the usual breakfast and walked over to the La Latina neighborhood. Every Sunday, there's a giant market called El Rastro. The streets were blocked off and anything you could think of was being sold. I particularly enjoyed an antique shop that sold the Willis Ave bridge sign - something I saw every Sunday driving home from church in the city back to Westchester. Here's a photo of the market and the antique shop:

After the market, I took the subway to Venturas Rodriguez. My motive was the cable car ride that was included in my Madrid card, but along the way I stopped at Debod Temple which is an Egyptian temple in a park. Reminded me of the Temple of Dendur in the Metropolitan  Museum of Art, but much bigger as it has two floors. Here's a photo of me taken by a nice lady who wanted to return the favor of me taking a photo of her family:

I then walked over to the Teleférico, the cable car. There was a long line, but due to my priority access, I was able to skip it. It was about a ten minute ride over Casa de Campo, a large park where many seem to bike ride. I didn't even bother to get off at the top as I wanted to hurry down and the top seemed like just a tourist trap. But I wanted to see an aerial view of the city.  

I also rushed so I could visit the San Antonio de la Florida Hermitage which was nearby and closes at 2 pm. The small chapel had amazing ceiling frescos painted by Goya as well as his remains in a tomb. The chapel is very intimate with magnifying mirrors placed around in order for people to easily see the ceiling. In order to preserve the chapel, they built a twin chapel next door for worship. As you couldn't take photos inside, here's a photo of the outside also with artisans trying to sell their paintings:

I then took the bus to the metro at Príncipe Pío. I accidentally got on the shuttle to the Ópera station and had to go back - our version of the Times Square shuttle. I finally made it to Plaza de España which was suggested in the walking tour in my guidebook. There is a massive monument dedicated to Cervantes in the park. I then took the metro back to the Ópera stop. Just outside was the Royal Theater / Opera house and the Royal Palace. Before heading in to the Royal Palace, I stopped to enjoy some chocolate ice cream in one of the cafés in the Plaza de Oriente.  

Again, due to my Madrid card, I was able to avoid the long line and enter into the Royal Palace in seconds. The staircase, ceilings, ornate walls, and chandeliers were incredible. Every inch of detail and decadence was overwhelming. The most impressive rooms were the dining room that comfortably seated fifty, royal chapel, and the throne room. There were portraits painted by Goya and each fresco was incredible. I only took photos outside and the fresco above the staircase entrance. Here's a collage:

Apparently, the Spanish Royal family no longer lives here and it's only used for special functions. I'm reminded of when I met Prince Felipe at a Georgetown event (he went to grad school there) and feeling pierced by his blue eyes, but I digress....

Next to the palace are the Sabatini gardens. Well manicured with a little wooded area called Campo del Moro where a Muslim army had camped prior to attacking in the 12th century. Around me there were several couples in deep relationship conversations, the guy always patiently listening. I chuckled as I walked by - whether in English or Spanish, the conversations sounded absolutely miserable. 

I then took the subway back east to Atocha where I got off and walked over to the royal botanical gardens. Not something I would usually explore overseas, but Christina said she enjoyed them, was free to enter, and near my hotel. The grounds are expansive and right next to the Prado museum. 

On my way back to the hotel for a siesta, there was another champions rally for Atlético Madrid. I have learned this very spot (where I was last night) is the traditional place for Atlético Madrid fans to celebrate. In between the Palace Hotel and the Ritz, it's called Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo with a fountain in the middle, called Fuente de Neptuno. During the celebration in 1996, apparently Neptune lost a few fingers... A photo of today's rally and fans getting excited in front of tv camera crews:

After my siesta at around 8 pm, I made my way to the Chueca district to go to one of the oldest tapas bars in the city, also visited by Anthony Bourdain. It's called Bodega de La Ardosa and was established in 1892. I ordered Spanish omelette (their specialty), a Cordoba-style salmon gazpacho purée called Salmorejo Cordobés, and eggplant tempura. And of course, a glass of their house Rioja. The tapas bar is so small, there is a seating area behind the bar. I had to duck under the bar and was attended to by a very sweet waitress. Here's a collage of the food and ambiance:

After dinner, I took the subway back to my hotel and took some Benadryl as I was super congested. I had packed in a lot today, especially because most places close on Monday. My feet feel like they're going to fall off, but so far, Madrid has been good to me!