Exploring Madrid

I ask myself what is it that pulls me back to Madrid time and time again. Is it its famous art galleries, such as the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía or theMuseo Thyssen-Bornemisza ?. Is it its many plazas such as Plaza Mayor, or Puerta del Sol, plaza de Santa Ana, Plaza De la Villa, Plaza de Cibeles or the Plaza del Oriente? Is it cuisine, or its many beautiful buildings such as the building of Bellas Artes with its great views of the centre of Madrid? Possible all and every one of the above, as this is my fifth visit to this great city.

Today I started the day with a visit to the flea market of El Rastro. This an institution in Madrid, having started as a market in the mid 19th century. It is situated in the neighborhood called Embajadores. This area used to be where the tanneries used to located at that time. The market has about 3500 stalls and is regulated by the Madrid council. The visit to this market was suggested by Pedro, and it was a terrific idea.

Afterwards I walked around the area before having lunch at the museum of the jamon. Today – being Sunday two museum had a free entry the museum Reina Sofía and the Prado. So I spend the afternoon enjoying a visit to these two great museums, before going together the botanical gardens.

Finished the night doing some packing and watching the Colombia and Polonia fútbol match, great game.

Tomorrow is my last day before flying back home, – I am ready to return as I miss family and friends. As I don’t fly till 10 pm i will have all day to do more sightseeing.