My Journey Adventure Continues: Madrid

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My journey adventure continued, and this time I arrived in Madrid.
By now, my backpack was starting to feel heavier and heavier. I kept thinking, Next time, I am going to use a backpack with wheels! It would be so much easier to manage. I had already left my sneakers behind in Lisbon, but carrying a backpack all over the terminals in airports and train stations had become a huge challenge. And those terminals are not small at all!
I had also bought plenty of bandages because my new sneakers were wreaking havoc on my feet. But I was not going to stop walking. I probably just needed to sit down and rest more frequently, but I still wanted to explore as much as possible.
Around midday, I arrived at my hotel, left my backpack in the room, put a lot of bandages on my feet, and headed out to explore Madrid.
I went first to Puerta del Sol, one of the most famous places in the city. I enjoyed some traditional cocido madrileño and listened to street singers performing nearby. After eating, I walked to the Mercado de San Miguel. I made a mental note to come back the next day because I was already full, but the market was packed with people enjoying delicious-looking dishes and all kinds of food.
In the afternoon, I tried churros con chocolate, another Spanish treat I could not resist.
Then I strolled along Gran Vía. The architecture, the shops, and the lights were amazing. While walking there, I bought a phone strap that would become very useful throughout the rest of my trip. I also bought a phone and watch charger that ended up helping me during the entire journey.
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but another thing that has been extremely useful during my travels is Google Maps, a translator app, and my roaming service. They have made it much easier to find my way around and communicate when necessary.
I also always carry a small bag that stays close to me, where I keep my passport and cards. Even though Madrid feels like a safe city, when you are traveling alone, you always have to be careful with your belongings.
I continued exploring the city, passing by Cortes and the Instituto Cervantes. I also saw the beautiful Cuartel del Conde-Duque and continued along Gran Vía. Later, I had something to eat in the La Latina area and returned to my hotel through Plaza Mayor.
Exploring Madrid's HistoryThe next day, I went to the Palacio Real, and it was very impressive. I explored the surroundings first and then went inside the palace. The rooms, decorations, and history were fascinating.
From there, I continued to the Teatro Real, Plaza de Oriente, and Plaza de la Armería, where I saw a military ceremony with soldiers marching. It was quite an experience to watch.
I then visited the Almudena Cathedral, followed by another beautiful church, San Ginés. I took many pictures along the way and stopped at some picturesque cafés to rest and enjoy the atmosphere.
Later, I walked toward the Congress of Deputies and then visited the Museo del Prado. You cannot take pictures inside the museum, but it is absolutely worth visiting. Standing in front of so many masterpieces was an unforgettable experience.
After the Prado, I visited the Parroquia de San Jerónimo el Real, and from there I continued walking until I reached El Retiro Park.
What a beautiful and enormous park! There were so many peaceful and picturesque places to discover. It was the perfect place to slow down, sit for a while, and simply enjoy the surroundings.
By the end of those two days, my feet were definitely complaining, but I was happy. Madrid had given me history, architecture, food, music, art, beautiful parks, and countless streets to explore.
And, despite the bandages on my feet and my increasingly heavy backpack, I was still walking! I said goodbye to this beautiful city and went to take a train my next stop another Spain city Barcelona. I will also spend two days there. this one will be my blog piece that will accompany some collage pictures of different part of the city.