Kevin and I were walking around the city last night and I said “Can you believe we are in Madrid, Spain on a Saturday night?”. And then we decided we couldn’t believe we were in Spain at all. I think we expected Europe to be a little behind us, the arrogant Americans that we are, but we are finding that Madrid is a large metropolitan city that is very modern for the most part, very clean and with an added touch of ornate architecture. Not behind us at all. I don’t really understand the whole electrical issue (I’m reminded of it everytime I look in the mirror and see my hair), seems like there should be a solution to that, but that is for another day!
Our tour for today was the Madrid City Hop On, Hop Off Bus. Not quite the same experience as a personal tour guide but it was fun just the same. We got to see the city, have lunch and do some shopping. When we started our day, we had to find the closest stop of the tour bus line. We were given directions but soon found that there was a marathon going on in town and some of the roads were blocked off. Which was just great you know because it was just what we needed, an additional challenge. I guess being in a foreign country, large city, full of people that don’t speak our language isn’t enough challenge. We had to tack on closed off streets when trying to find a bus stop. Several phone calls later and with the help of some Madrid residents, we found our way and were off and running.
During our walk in the morning, we got to experience a different version of road rage. Have you ever been in a room with a bunch of little girls when one gets spooked by something and starts screaming? They all start screaming. Well, it was kind of like that today. Some impatient driver started honking their horn and pretty soon everyone was honking. And then someone walking on the sidewalk started howling along with the honkers and others started howling. Even Kevin joined in with the howling. I learned about this in psychology class, it’s called “Group Think”. People can behave very differently when influenced by a group, including my husband apparently.
My favorite part of the day was the spontaneity of jumping off the bus and roaming the very crowded, highly populated streets. We stopped in to a little corner italian restaurant and had a very yummy lunch and then happened upon a vendor market where we spent most of the day shopping. Vendor booths are my favorite kind of shopping and it was especially fun today talking with the Spanish vendors. They really appreciate when non-spanish speaking people try to communicate in their language. I practiced my spanish quite a bit today and found people that enjoyed it and wanted to help me. After 3 years of spanish in high school and 4 years in college I should be able to converse. But you really don’t learn until you are immersed in it on a daily basis. I think another month and I could do well 🙂 That was my fun experience for the day.
Kevin had quite a different experience. He ran out to pick us up some dinner and found someone that wanted to pick him up for dinner …. and dessert too LOL!
Ay Dios Mio!
Gotta love the big city!!
Some of the ornate buildings in downtown Madrid
Off to Marbella, the southern coast of Spain tomorrow.
Until then ……… Buena suerte en el amor y la felicidad
Geesh, you guys are busy!!!
Love that Kevin joined in on the howling. Lol.
That whole thing was just weird!
Love the photos. Especially those of the two of you.
Yea not many of those so far but we’ll get more 🙂
Love this – it made me chuckle out loud! 😆
Hmmm which part?
I am loving the spontaneity of this whole trip immensely! The architectural elements are amazing! And I enjoy your quips ☺️
Thanks! Spontaneity is the only way to go right?
Same w Pam. Love reading of your adventures. And, your hair looks great. Pull it back and enjoy the day🙃
Eva told me when I wear my pony tail up high I look like Barbie 🙂 So there’s that!
I enjoyed reading about your days experience. I love those residential buildings, beautiful!
Thanks Katy. Kevin is the photographer 🙂
I love the pictures. They are so beautiful and so perfect. And I agree, your hair looks great. …quite an honor to look like Barbie! Your upbeat attitude when faced with challenges is awesome. Love your humor, especially your last sentence about Kevin’s experience. 🙂
Yea Kevin’s experience. Guess it was a good thing he wasn’t carrying any euros! Ha!
I’d have to say I’d be a howler too and would enjoy every minute participating 🤭🤣
Love the shots of buildings and all I’ve seen of you two. Your hair looks awesome to me!
I can see you howling right along side your brother 🙂