Month: April 2016

This morning we departed Madrid by high speed train to Pamplona. The 3.5 hour ride through the Spanish countryside was outstanding. Medieval villages, churches,  vineyards and historic homes were plentiful.

Eladio, Donna, and I got chills as we pulled into Pamplona station. The challenge of the Camino de Santiago all became more real when we saw the first pilgrims walking through town with their boots, poles and backpacks. They were following the sign of the Camino, which is the seashell symbol to mark the way. We wandered a bit through town along the historic trail, imagining how life would be for us in just two days, as we embark on the trail ourselves.

Seashells mark the way of the Camino

Our feet on the Camino for the very first time

Arrow points the direction of Camino

The Camino goes right through the center of Pamplona

Cathedral in Pamplona

Eladio and Donna capturing their first glimpse of the Camino

We had an amazing day exploring some of the major sights of Madrid,  which were all within blocks of our hotel.

Walking from Plaza de Espana we walked a short distance to Tempio de Debod, a gorgeous spot with modern reflection ponds built around ancient ruins.

We wandered the stunning gardens of Madrid Palace before our self guided tour through the exquisite interior of the palace. Walking through the palace reminded us of the grandeur and opulence of Versailles. No photos were alllowed in most of the palace, but we managed to snag a few.

Finally, we visited the enormous cathedral “Santa Maria La Real de la Almudena.” The colorful, bright interiors were refreshing and added a unique, Spanish quality to the design.

Today is our final day in Madrid before our journey to Pamplona, to begin our pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago.

Eladio and Donna at Tempio de Debod

Rick at Tempio de Debod

Rick in the Gardens of Madrid Palace

Warriors of Madrid

Eladio in the Gardens of Madrid Palace

Santa Maria La Real de la Almudena

The Ceiling in Madrid Palace

Inside the Palace of Madrid

Eladio and Donna playing at Madrid Palace

Eladio and Rick with St Peter in front of Madrid Palace

Donna and Eladio in the Cathedral Real, Madrid

Statue in Santa Maria La Real de la Almudena

Doorway to the Real Cathedral

Madrid Palace

Not having been to Madrid before, we started our day on the Hop on Hop off bus that takes you sround the city for 21 euro. The city is very clean and the residents here seem to take great pride in their city, foods and culture.

We hopped of our bus at the Prado art museum. The museum is fantastic. We had no idea going in how hugevit was going to be. The size reminded us of the  Louvre in Paris, a seemingly never ending maze of incredible galleries of art.

After a couple hours wandering the museum we’d all had enough and opted for lunch at delicious restaurant called Capuccino’s. The restaurant faced Puerta de Alcala, a magnificent arch, in Central Madrid.

Just scross from Puerta de Alca is the entrance to Parque Madrid Retiro. We wandered the park in more detail today, enjoying the beauty and watching locals and tourists fill their day with amazing surroundings.

Rick, Eladio and Donna on the Hop on Hop off Bus in Madrid

Rick in Retiro Park Madrid

Eladio and Donna in Retiro Park Madrid

Rick in Madrid

In the Gardens of Retiro Park, Parque Madrid

We arrived early this morning in Madrid. The airport here is very modern, clean and simple to navigate. The customs process was incredibly easy. Prior to flying here, we booked a private transfer to take us to our hotel, which was worth every penny. Just outside customs, was a driver holding a sign with our names on it. After a long night of flying, it was great to have someone meet us, take over, and transport us directly to our hotel.

We are staying in the area of Plaza de Espana, at the Hotel Mercure. It’s a clean, affordable and comfortable hotel. After check-in, we were exhausted and opted to nap a bit before wandering the streets of Madrid. We were a bit chatty from being over tired, but after a bit of laughing, we were fast asleep.

What we saw of Madrid today was impressive. This is an Incredibly beautiful, clean and fun city. It’s very alive with activity everywhere. We found our way to Plaza Mayor, a gorgeous spot for first Spanish dinner at Casa Maria. Valencia style Paella helped get our trip off to a perfect start, followed by a walk through Retiro Park.

We are checked and boarded on our American Airlines flight to Madrid, where we’ll begin our journey. We will stay in Madrid 3 days to give us plenty of time to adjust to the time change.

We are departing for Spain tomorrow! Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I’m feeling. Trekking for 6 weeks I decided to get rid of my hair! No styling required, at least for awhile. Camino hair, good in wind, rain or sun.