Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain, with a metropolitan population of approximately 7 million. It is the second largest city in the European Union and captivates more than 5 million tourists annually! It’s impossible to see it all but I was excited for my Madrid adventure!
Day 1:
The Airbnb in Madrid is beautiful!! And… the subway system is easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. The Spanish people are SOOOO helpful and go WAY out of their way to assist.
Getting lost in Madrid: 10.1 miles and 22,000 steps.
It started with a cafe con leche. Coffee with milk. Why do they taste so good here? Then a Spanish tortilla: eggs and potatoes in something like an scramble but much better and very filling. I saw the Puerta Del Sol, a beautiful plaza. Lots of street entertainment and the crystal Palace at the Parque del Retiro. MASSIVE beautiful park in the city center. Shrimp risotto and red wine for dinner. I am tired and smiling from a fun day!! The architecture is so amazing: the sidewalks are very narrow. Cobblestone or brick streets everywhere. I am a speck in time, thinking of all the people who have roamed these streets for hundreds of years. 
Americans could learn a thing or two: the Spanish are very welcoming to foreigners and go out of their way to engage and make me feel welcome. Example: if you can’t find your way and look lost, they are quick to ask if help is needed. And rather than pointing to the direction, they will walk you there. Even if they are going in the complete opposite direction. It’s fascinating.
One dislike: smoking is en vogue here. Not a fan!! But not everything can be perfect, right?
Day 2:
6.1 miles of walking.
This morning was coffee and a little more exploring before catching the train back to Malaga. Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market and just walking the streets. Tapas for lunch and the 3 hour journey back to Malaga – this was a very condensed Madrid trip and I hope to return soon! Madrid is a wonderful city! I love all the beautifully painted street signs on all the corners of the buildings. And the food… oh my!!!
