Today’s Schedule
Today we transfer to Hotel Madrid Innside. Madrid Genova Plaza Alonso Martinez 3 Madrid, 2062160
http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/madrid/innside-madrid-genova/index.html
Travel to Madrid on the high speed AVE train (Alta Velocidad Espanola) - Europe's longest high velocity rail network. Quite a comfortable ride on a modern train, traveling up to 190 mph (300 Kph) and cutting road journey times by half.
(Just heard that USA state of California is considering AVE to build the high speed train infrastructure from Los Angeles to Sacramento.)
We enjoy a walking tour of downtown Madrid with our guide, the ever-smiling Joaquin (-:
As the streets start to come to life again at late afternoon. Visit La Puerta del Sol (Sun Gate) - the geographical center (kilometer zero) of Spain, from where all road distances are measured. The square plays host to the city's annual New Year celebrations. Later, soak in the atmosphere of Plaza Mayor and have a chance to try local sample some traditional "Churros con Chocolate."
Each area seems to have a specialty bakery item that defines the personal likes of that culture. All very yummy (-:
My Observations
Today we take high speed train to Madrid. Just how fast? Today's Schedule has - maybe 300 kilometer / hour – 190 mph. Fast enough? Yes, and quiet too. As I looked at both left and right side windows, noted so many areas that had green farmland on one side. The opposite was sandy dunes – go figure. The weather or ... Quirky “climate change?”
Once at Madrid train station, viewed a pond with very prolific turtle population. Good that they were small. Without exaggeration – maybe a thousand. Most the size of a grapefruit, but wonder what happens as population gets too large for this swimming pool size enclosure – turtle soup anyone?
A bus ride to hotel shows Madrid to have some differing looking architecture than Barcelona. Maybe I am already having Antoni Gaudi designed architecture withdrawal?
The Hotel Madrid Innside is gorgeous Art Nouveau. (Whoops hotel literature says; MODERNISTA BUILDING WITH NEOCLASSICAL INFLUENCES.)
So much to take in visually. My camera trigger finger is snapping away. I know I am missing all the details he points out. After looking; left, then right, then up, no, maybe it was down? Don’t miss the tile work!
We come back to the hotel, for a short break, then a presentation on country history. All interesting. Much overwhelming. More to study for me! Remember Road Scholar slogan – Learning Through Adventure. Yes, I remember parts, but forgot the question (-:
While waiting in the bar area, spot a device with 3 buttons. You press 1 symbol and shortly appears someone to take your drink order. No bartender behind the bar. Another button signal, refill? Pay the bill? Ah, the bill. In today’s album added photos of the remote control bartender and price list. Note the cost of Johnnie Walker Blue - 65 Euro ($80) for a small glass??? Whoa!
We end up taking a subway to and from dinner location. All topped with a tasty chocolate covered dessert. Mmmm (-:
Here are internet links for highlights:
AVE train (Alta Velocidad Espanola) http://www.raileurope.com/ave/how-to-book
Plaza Mayor http://www.gomadrid.com/sights/plaza-mayor.html
La Puerta del Sol http://www.madridtourist.info/puerta_del_sol.html
Churros con Chocolate http://www.venere.com/blog/madrid-chocolate-churros/
RioFrio Restaurante http://www.riofrio.net/
Photo 1. Joaquin guiding and guarding us while waiting for fast train to Madrid – his home.
Photo 2. These AVE trains are fast, smooth and quiet. Someday, our USA rail system “might” get modern.
Photo 3. Carol on the beautiful stairway of Hotel Madrid Innside, our new home – for a few days.
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day10Of2722Oct14WednesdayBarcelonaToMadrid
