We woke up early (for us), ate breakfast, checked out of our Madrid Hotel. If you stay near the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, use the metro stop that is in the center. It’s all escalators and much easier when you are lugging bags back and forth. We arrived at the terminal about 30 minutes before the train departed. This train wasn’t as new as the AVE from Barcelona to Madrid. Andrea & I sat across the aisle from each other. It was a 4.5 hour trip. We watched Up with English subtitles. It was good the second time around. Caught a cab to the hotel, since we were both hungry.
LaCuerva
Tons of curing hams hung from the ceiling. Appetizer: tomato soup with a little hard boiled egg and olive oil. They set out on the table bread, olives and meat samples. Entre: I ate the Iberian pork (the pig is only fed acorns) with a mushroom sauce. Dessert: marvelous cheesecake. We’re waiting for the lunch hour to end at four.
Souk
Shopping in the old souk area was fun. Andrea liked it. We were both successful in our respective souvenir "missions." I found Susan's silver ring. The one I previously bought her in Spain was "lifted" from her middle school gym locker.
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| Andrea at the entrance to the old Medina. |
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| Moorish flavor both in the sights and smells. |
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| Vivid colors swaying. |
Royal Chapel
As we went into the Royal Chapel, we were approached by gypsy women. They offer you a posy and then want to read your palm for no less than 5 euros. Some from Romania are also pickpockets. Due to travel book tips, we knew to say "no, gracias" and walk around them.
The Royal Chapel is where King Ferdinand, Queen Isabella, Philip the Fair, Juana the Mad and Prince Michael are buried. The high altar glittered with gold. Juana loved her husband so much she kept his dead body for 2 years and kissed it every night. In the crypt area are a gold crown and scepter. The marble effigies on ground level were made from death masks so they are supposed to be accurate representations. In the museum area, is the silver crown and scepter worn by Queen Isabella. Also we saw the box she gave to Christopher Columbus filled with jewels to fund his trip to find China. How cool is that!?! We saw some personal effects that Queen Isabella used for mass. Her art collection (religious imagery) was impressive.
The Royal Chapel is where King Ferdinand, Queen Isabella, Philip the Fair, Juana the Mad and Prince Michael are buried. The high altar glittered with gold. Juana loved her husband so much she kept his dead body for 2 years and kissed it every night. In the crypt area are a gold crown and scepter. The marble effigies on ground level were made from death masks so they are supposed to be accurate representations. In the museum area, is the silver crown and scepter worn by Queen Isabella. Also we saw the box she gave to Christopher Columbus filled with jewels to fund his trip to find China. How cool is that!?! We saw some personal effects that Queen Isabella used for mass. Her art collection (religious imagery) was impressive.
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| The Royal Chapel |
Dining in the Plaza Bib-Rambla
A Neptune statue is at the
center of this plaza. Lots of outside restaurants ring the plaza. We ate at Gallio’s.
Entré: Turkey wrapped around bacon & cheese. Our waiter was a tease. He knew Andrea really didn't like her entré but didn't want to admit it. We did finish with chocolate mousses (or meeces) which
Andrea ordered. Tomorrow Alahambra!
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| Evening strolls through the Bib-Rambla |
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| Columbus being commissioned by Queen Isabella |
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Andrea Here -
Stacy neglected to mention that we have met 4 people from
the states today. All males ... for some reason they gravitate towards us. One
guy knew of Birdville, which was weird but good I guess. The other three guys
were at the same broken ATM as us. They were from Georgia,
Kentucky, and Florida. We’ve met many a Floridian along
our trek in Spain.
PS. Don’t worry Dad, I won’t bring home anyone from the
states either :P)
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