The homeward journey…. a mid morning train from Seville to Madrid, which is likely quicker than flying when you factor in the airport processes.
Our high expectations for Madrid were deflated after a very full afternoon in the city. Perhaps the Madrid airport code should be changed from MAD to MEH. Firstly we had to break the ‘never eat in a restaurant with pictures’ rule. For some reason almost every restaurant in the city is adorned with pictorial representations of its offerings. Maybe with so many great art museums, the good folk of Madrid are visual people. At least the table didn’t wobble, which is a first for this trip. Secondly, the famous squares, while not only underwhelming, seemed afflicted by folks dressed up in giant stuffed toy costumes, as though Madrid is home to all unemployed sports mascots. Perhaps we were spoiled by all the grand buildings in Seville, but even Madrid Cathedral is a bland slab of grey granite. The city is famous for its art museums, which we didn’t have time for (obviously!) but we did benefit from an outdoor display in Seville of 50 of the Prado’s most famous works, complete with explanatory notes, so we were not completely uncultured this trip.
And so to home. A midday flight from Madrid required an early bus from the ATOCHA train station. Finally the skies broke and after a rain-less trip, we were thankful for a short walk to the station. We were not so thankful for our standard cafe con leche and pan tostada at a 400% markup in the airport! We flew out on Lufthansa but due to timing, we are at the mercy of Air Canada on the return leg☹️.
So this adventure comes to an end. Winter and more modest daily walks await. Thanks for following along with us 😁
2saunter 