Madrid Has Left Me Wanting....

More.

That's right. I didn't get enough. 

Our first venture to Plaza Mayor

Not sure where to focus this post actually-I could share the whirlwind that was Madrid, review our lodging, relate the adventure of the entire morning spent in an attempt to get to Toledo (lesson learned: book things early), or divulge the fact that I absolutely cannot read a map. And umm.....well, I teach social studies.

**Ssshhh-don't tell my students***

I think I will save that for another post, because it truly bothers me.

Anyway, Madrid was awesome. I loved it. My first real venture into a western European country was a success-despite the pesky euro. Turns out, we picked a superb time to go due to the annual rebajas being enjoyed by Spaniards and tourists alike. Rebajas means "sales" and I do love a good sale. It made my obligatory foreign country shoe and handbag purchase much easier to swallow. 

Aside from that though, Madrid is quite the vibrant city. We were able to enjoy it sans the hordes of summer tourists and the accompanying tourist prices.It seems Spaniards just love to be out and about...all the time. Even the rain didn't dampen the spirits of los madrilenos-the one rainy day boasted plenty of locals coming and going, umbrellas in hand.

Trusty 'ole Blue. Breakfast of Champions

We were right there in the mix, trying to cram as much Madrid in the very short time we had. Landing early on a Friday morning, found us facing a full day ahead minus a full night's sleep. Which was both good and bad-- I learned on this trip that I may be young at heart, but my body is not 22 anymore. No sir. A friend of mine asked me when I returned if we went out and partied at night. I nearly laughed in his face.

Party? I was lucky to make it to 9 p.m most nights. I will place the majority of the blame on  the time change, the short trip, and the miles and miles of walking every day, but I also know that I can't just roll into another country anymore and have a spring in my step without proper time to rest and adjust.

More Plaza Mayor. Can you ever have enough Plaza?

Do I sound 80 years old?

Regardless of the octogenarian shuffle,  Madrid was stunning and I am lucky to have gone. I just want more.

What about you? Ever been to a place that when you left, you felt like you weren't quite done being there yet?


(Speaking of wanting more, there will be more on Spain. However, I am currently experiencing a bad combo of writing lethargy and no time)