We were in Madrid for four nights, arriving late in the afternoon from Salamanca. The next day had a scheduled city tour in the morning with an add on tour afterwards through the Royal Palace. Before bed we slipped around behind the hotel with the Watts for a light dinner. And yes we found Gildas on the menu! That famous Spanish tapas. Just had to try one! Olives with rather salty anchovies and some pickled green chilli peppers all on a stick.

Allthego wouldn’t rave about them, not unpleasant and probably an acquired taste. Wouldn’t queue up for them either. But served on a nice plate!

The hotel where we are staying is towards the northern end of Madrid’s central wide avenue that twists its way a few kilometres south down to the big regional railway station. In between there are numerous statues, squares and classic buildings to try to take in. Unfortunately, Allthego got on the wrong side of the bus and missed a few shots of these impressive landmarks. Among them was a square dedicated to Christopher Columbus and the American discoveries. We didn’t have the time (or perhaps enthusiasm) to go back another day and redo the excursion at a slower pace on foot. We alighted from the bus near the city’s main square and street walked to the Royal Palace.

These plaques are on the footpath outside shops that have been there for a hundred plus years. This one has been polished up, many need a good scrub. It is for the pharmacy above that has been in this spot since 1578. No doubt dispenses different meds today!

The streets (Calle) in Madrid all have these sort of plaques attached to them. This chap was a famous poet and dramatist from the 17th century. He was the equivalent of England’s Shakespeare.

The Royal Palace was built over the period 1738 to 1755. It replaced a much older set of buildings that were destroyed by fire. It has been added to and modified over the ensuing years. It is considered to be the largest functioning royal palace in Europe.

The Cathedral is at the other end of the plaza from the Royal Palace. It is of relatively recent origin having been completed in 1993 after 110 years of construction (yes it was started in 1883). It was built in a style sympathetic to that of the Palace.

The Spanish Royal family no longer live in the Palace but state functions, ceremonial events and duties are performed in its rooms. They also do not own the Palace or for that matter other castles or royal trappings which are now owned by the State.

Speaking of monuments. The statue below is a technological structural breakthrough. It is the first cast metal statue of a horse standing only on its hind legs. Previous efforts fell over. How was it done? The back of the horse is solid whereas the front and head of the horse is hollow. All the weight is at the back! Not sure which genius thought of that solution.

The following day we had a wander around the ‘old town’ area of Madrid on a ‘culinary tour’. A far bit of walking required to get to three restaurants for our tastings. The courses are below. Eating all the Jamon (dried ham) was challenging, the mushrooms were great. Still don’t understand why you put some nice calamari in a dry bread roll!

But it was all a good experience with the bonus of some guiding around the old town area.

Our last task for the day was to find the Real Madrid genuine shop for a look see. And we did! Interesting look around all the merchandise. Also on display was their genuine Europeans Champion Trophy. Was not for sale.

Found our way back to the hotel on the bus back up the grand avenue. One day left in Madrid and we will see what that brings!