Yay for Family!

Today was the earliest I have gotten up and out of the hotel while in Madrid: 10:00! Uncle Tim is in Madrid for the weekend on a birthday trip. (His birthday was yesterday.) Our timing worked out perfectly – we were able to spend the day together!

We met this morning at the Puerta del Sol. After meeting, we stopped in a café for pastries and coffee. Then began the site-seeing… Tim’s friend who lives in Madrid suggested doing a bus tour, so we hopped on one. Although it was a little chilly, it was nice to look without walking. I’ve been doing A LOT of that.

view from the bus.

After completing a circuit, we walked to the Royal Palace, around the Royal Theater and stopped to sit at a fountain in the Oriental Garden. We also stumbled upon a military band playing on the sidewalk. How nice!

From there, we walked back to Plaza Mayor for lunch.

We were serenaded with a quartet of two saxophones, an accordion, and a cello. They were actually quite good.

We walked a bit more after lunch, but I knew it was time to head for the train station. It seems surreal that I am in Europe, and it was even stranger for Tim to be here with me. It’s almost like a dream. If feels as if real life has stopped, and I am enjoying the middle somewhere between dreaming and life. Hmm. Makes no sense, I know.

The landscape between Madrid and Barcelona was amazing. I tried to get some shots, but they are nothing compared to the real beauty. The high speed train got me from point A to point B in a little under 3 hours. Not bad of a trip at all.

Once in Barcelona, I easily found my hostal. This is my first hostal experience, so we will see how it goes. My room is quite sparse, but what else can I expect for a third of the price. The floor shares two bathrooms, and it sounds like a shower is right next door to my room. It shouldn’t be too bad though. Most people my age only stay in rooms like this.

I’m not sure what to think of Barcelona so far; I haven’t seen much as my train didn’t arrive until nine. It’s only midnight here, but I am exhausted. Many people have recommended taking a hop-on, hop-off tour bus ride, so that is first on the agenda tomorrow. I’m will have a much better understanding of the city after that.

Hope all is well. I miss everyone so much! It was great seeing Uncle Tim, but now I wish everyone could join me for a day… I’ll just have to wait for Mom to get here – only two weeks, Mom!