My hotel is located on the Plaza Del Carmen not far from the bustling Puerta del Sol. When I went out to walk around this afternoon I couldn't believe how busy it was. Tons of people everywhere. I needed some lunch and I spotted a gal eating a fresh spinach salad and knew that I wanted one of those. As I was eating my lovely dark green spinach with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts and raisins, I read a text from a friend who said one of the things she liked in Madrid was the Chocolate con churros at San Gines. And guess what was across the street from me? Yep, Chocolatier San Gines. I might be tempted later in the week by them, but I have already indulged in them in Spain. They bring you a hot chocolate that is almost as thick as hot fudge and then serve it up with some churros directly from the fryer. The proper way to eat them is too dunk the warm churro into the hot chocolate. A treat that is definitely worth a try but not too often...
After my tasty salad I walked to the nearby Plaza de Mayor. This is an enormous square enclosed by lovely brick buildings with a statue of a man on horseback in the center. All around the sides of the plaza are cafes with outside tables. Lots of people are trying to make a buck hawking trinkets or dressing up in crazy costumes and charging people to pose with them. There was a middle aged out of shape man dressed in a regrettable Spider-Man costume among other things.
I decided to go to the Prado Museum which houses Fine Art. Along the way I stopped in at a bath shop and bought some grapefruit scented bath salts so that I can take advantage of the nice bath tub in my room. Seemed like a good way to treat myself!
The Prado Museum was great, but no photographing allowed so I have nothing to show you from there. I left a little before they closed at 8pm. If I thought there were a lot of people out earlier, now it was insane! It only got worse as I approached Puerta del Sol. The streets as well as the sidewalks were packed. I don't think there was anyone still in their apartments. It was like being in a packed parade route or Disneyland on its busiest day. I felt a little bit panicked from the crush of the crowd. I guess it is a beautiful Friday night in Madrid and people go out at night. I saw a Thai take out place and ordered some Pad Thai to go. I made it back to my hotel and enjoyed the Thai food in the peace and quiet of my room. I'm hoping the whole weekend won't be that busy and crowded with people. I will have to figure out where the quieter places in Madrid are and hang out there.
No comments:
Post a Comment