Madrid, Spain - 3 days is not enough
I wish I had known more about Madrid before I went. If Barcelona were a stylish, self-conscious dude in his Armani suite, Madrid would be the sexy intellectual chick played by Sarah Jessica Parker from “Sexy in the City”. Both cities are charming and brilliant at its own ways.
Day 1
Something about the Mediterranean climate in Spain, the sky’s blue color seems more intense, and the sun shines a bit brighter.
It was a perfect Sunday afternoon to visit the city’s beloved Parque De Retiro. Every single person in this park was enjoying the moment. I found myself strolling around the park and smiling for no reason. I had a late lunch at the park’s outdoor café. It was one of those rare moments in life that consciously I know I’m happy. And all it took was the simplest things in life.
Madrid’s famous art walk referrers to the 3 art museum on Paseo del Prado - Museo del Pardo, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. All of them are in walking distance from each other. However, in order for art lovers to digest and fully enjoy the collections from each museum, it is best to visit the museums in different days.
I didn’t think much of it when Betty was ranting about Museo del Prado’s vast collections of paintings, sculptures, and treasures (She was in Madrid before Barcelona). But man, wasn’t she ever so right about that. Took me 4 hours to barely browsed through the museum collection and then I was asked to leave because it’s closing time. I lost count of exhibited paintings that I’ve studied in school. Being in front of these original artworks that have shaped the western art history, I have no doubt that experience there had impacted me in some ways.
After 8pm and it was till bright outside. I decided to walk through Parque de Retiro in returning journey. Near Monumento to Alfonso XII, there were loud drumming and big crowd of people following the heavy drumbeats and dancing like an outdoor rave party. The energy level was boiling hot. I felt stood out being the only person not completely engaged in the trance.
Day 2
Also highly recommended by Betty was a tour to Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real) and the Royal Armoury (La Real Armeria) collection. 25 palace rooms are open to the public. Each room carried a unique theme and no expense spared in furnishing and decoration. The wealth of Spanish royal family was evidential.
Before joining Big Fish Games, my co-worker Andres lived in Madrid his whole life. Andres was a huge help when I was planning this trip. He mentioned when I go to Plaza Mayor, I should try the squid sandwich (Bocadillo de calamares). So that’s where I went next.
Getting myself lost is one of those hidden talents I discovered during this trip. I tend to wonder and don’t pay close attention to map direction. Going to Plaza Mayor from the palace should be a pretty straightforward 10 minutes walk. Out of nowhere an interesting looking back alley lured me taking a detour, then another one… Before I realized I’ve wondered too far, I ended up at La Latina, half mile south of my destination.
As soon as I found Plaza Mayor, I went straight to the tourist center asking for direction to the restaurant serving squid sandwich. What Andres forgot to tell me, was that Plaza Mayor was surrounded by many back alley size streets. The street’s names all started with “Calle de…”. And you can’t find them on the local map. I was told by the tourist center person an approximate area to look for the street. But even her can’t pinpoint the exact location. I couldn’t find the street and eventually gave up. I got to get to Atocha station on the other side of the city to buy train ticket to Leon.
Purchase advance train ticket was painful. When you can’t speak fluent Spanish and don’t have the luxury of time, get your ticket before your trip. The train ticket purchase website is in Spanish. Have a travel agent book it or find yourself a Spanish co-worker/friend to do it for you.
Took care of the ticket ordeal, I spent few hours at Reina Sofia.
Day 3
Train to Leon departure time was 2:40pm. I had more than half day still to explore Madrid. I headed to the park again to kill sometimes before another journey to museum. The same park that’s filled with sounds and actions, this morning it was the complete opposite.
Of the museums I’ve visited, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza has the most visitor-friendly layout and facility. Museum collections are clearly labeled and categorized with corresponding time periods. There were plenty of washrooms, resting lounges, and even a mailbox provided to guests.
Getting to Chamartin train station was another adventure of its own. To take a metro to the station, I’d get off at Chamartin and then walk to the building next to it. It got complicated when the metro’s final station after that is Pinar de Chamartin. I asked several people for directions and got different answers . At the end, I barely made it for the train. There was enough time to grab lunch. Just so it happened that the train station deli I went to was serving squid sandwich. I was able to taste Bocadillo de calamares after all. Jackpot!