Spain Day 1 – Arrived and exploring Madrid
*Please note I wrote this while traveling a few weeks ago – February 15th, 2013
I’m here! I arrived safely in the Madrid airport and was very surprised that they don’t have a customs area to go through. I just got off the plane, picked up my luggage and met with my cousin Todd. He kindly picked me up from the airport and drove me to his apartment where we spent about an hour catching up and then he explained how I could get to the metro system (the subway) so that I could explore the city. Then he returned to work.
I decided that even though I was very tired from the flight and time changes, that it would be beneficial for me to force myself to stay awake and get onto Spanish time asap. So I grabbed my bag and camera and headed out to explore the city of Madrid. From Todd’s place I walked along the street to the “Colombia” Metro (subway) stop. I took the Metro south to “Principe Due Vergara Stn” where I transferred to another Metro line. I then went one more stop to “Retiro stn”.
I exited the subway and explored the big green space called “Parque del Retiro”. This was once the private domain of royalty but is now open to the public. It’s a 300 acre green escape from the city. It was full of tourists and locals, many taking advantage of the good weather and riding in small boats on El Estanque, a lake inside of the park where many people rent rowboats. I wandered through the park and took pictures of a beautiful fountain, a cool door with trees growing out of it, and photographed the Monument a Alfonso XII.
As I made my way out of the park, through the north left side, I came across a man making giant bubbles from soap and a long string on sticks. It was beautiful the way the bubbles moved organically in the light breeze. I asked if I could take pictures and he said yes and asked if I was American, I said I was Canadian and asked where he was from, he is originally from Russia and we had a quick conversation about hockey.
I continued walking north until I reached a street called Calle De Alcala. I exited the park at a large roundabout that contains the Puerta due Alcala, which is one of four of the famous arched doors to the city from when there was a wall around Madrid. From there I walked west along Calle De Alcala towards the Plaza De Cibeles, where I took photos of some beautiful buildings. From there I walked along a road named Gran Via. I photographed any cool gate, door or building along the way. Once I reached Gran Via Stn. I grabbed a small rectangle of pizza and sat at a table in a pedestrian area to eat and rest my tired feet.
After a quick rest I headed north along a street called Calle de la Fuencarral, which is a pedestrian only street full of shops. I didn’t buy anything but I took a photo of the Diesel store for my friend Rico. I kept walking until I reached the very cool and pink looking Museo Municipal, I realized I was exhausted, got on the subway and returned to Todd’s. I was so tired I almost fell asleep on the subway!
I’m really impressed with how simple the Metro system is in Madrid. Each subway line is colour coded and numbered, so even if you don’t know a word of Spanish you are still able to navigate through the system simply. They have an attendant at an information stand available if you have questions, although they don’t speak English. Otherwise there are computers for you to use to buy your metro fare. You simply pay for a trip from the station you are currently in to the station you want to go to. I think it’s one of the most efficient subways systems I’ve experienced.
This has been a very good first day in Madrid. The buildings area beautiful here, and I can’t wait to see more tomorrow!
However I am exhausted. Todd, Belen and I are going to make some dinner then I’ve gotta crash. Its currently 10pm local time and 4pm Toronto time. I’ve been awake for waaaay too long.
**More photos and stories coming soon!**
