I’ve decided to update my blog on Madrid even though I’m still here…If I’m stuck here any longer I figured I’ll officially hate this city even though it’s a victim of circumstance. I’m going to rant in my next post so here’s my update on Madrid.

Elizabeth and I got here Thursday evening, to find out that both of us are having issues with our cards. I check my bank account and realize I have practically nothing…great, my night was officially ruined in that I had to muster up the strength to simply get some food because I was in such a foul mood. I called my parents frantically and thankfully the bank was still open in the US and they put money in. Already, Madrid was destined to leave a sour taste in my mouth. Oh, it was also raining.

Day 2 was a lot better in that I had money in my account and the sun actually came out for a bit. We woke up bright and early to go to El Prado Museum. I’m going to say it’s one of my favorites, especially since it reminds me of the Met back home, but also for it’s great collection of Spanish art. We saw Velasquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s The Nude Maja and The Clothed Maja. After spending a few hours there, we went to Retiro Park and enjoyed a lazy day there. It’s definitely a gorgeous park full of Versailles-esque plants and fountains. We decided to have a bit of a picnic and went to a supermarket where we got some food. By the time we got to the park, the clouds were looming over and it started drizzling. I really wanted to row in the park but it wasn’t meant to be. Elizabeth and I came to the conclusion that Madrid just makes you lazy, and that’s exactly what happened. We went back to our hostel and chilled in the common room and then went to bed.

Day 3, raining again. We woke up early and went to the Royal Palace. Walking to the Palace, we came to the conclusion that Madrid is essentially the equivalent of neighborhoods in Uptown Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was just so weird because literally the buildings looked like they could have been in NYC but then two seconds later you had the Royal Palace. As for the Palace itself, it was pretty grand, although it pales in comparison to Versailles (so jaded after seeing Versailles, my standards have risen significantly in terms of Palaces =P) and the chandeliers were pretty hideous in my opinion. After checking out all the rooms they allowed us to see, we went out and checked out the Royal Pharmacy and the Armory. After the Royal Palace, we walked over to the Plaza Mayor, where it was depressingly empty because of the rain. Puerta del Sol, on the other side, was a lot more lively, especially with this awesome Mexican band in the middle of the square entertaining us. Afterwards, we went back to our hostel and I bid Elizabeth adieu.

Day 4 was the redeeming aspect of my trip to Madrid. I took the high-speed train down to Toledo. I am officially in love with that town. It was just so beautiful, words really can’t describe it and I don’t think my pictures can do it justice. I think when most people think of Europe, they think of Toledo without knowing so. It’s winding cobblestone streets, rolling hills, and flowing river were all exactly what I used to envison when I thought of old Europe. After I got out of the station, which was THE MOST GORGEOUS station I’ve ever seen, I decided to board a doubledecker to get a good view of the city. It was the first tour bus I’ve been on and before I got to Europe I vowed not to do them, but this one was worth it and only five euros. The driver took us to the highest point where we all got the most breathtaking view of the city. Afterwards, I explored the Zocodover square area, the Alcazar, and I went into the Cathedral. Now after seeing Vatican City I didn’t think anything could compare, but honestly that Cathedral was one of the best I’ve seen in my life. It was just absolutely beautiful. I ran into some British tourists in there and they told me that the huge painting on the wall was St. Christopher, patron saint of travel, and that they were saying a prayer in order to get back to London. After looking at the Cathedral for awhile, I finally left and continued to walk around and explore. There were so many nooks and crannies, I wish I could’ve stayed overnight. After some more walking, I took the bus down to make it to my train back to Madrid. And just like that, I was back to this city that I don’t really like much. And to make matters worse, I checked my flight status for today at 5pm and it was cancelled.

So far Madrid has been interesting. I’m trying not to hate it because of all the external factors but my experience here has definitely been less than pleasant. Will update if i have a experience-altering moment that changes my view of this city. At least I made it out to Toledo which is slowly becoming one of my favorite places in Europe.