Spain Day 5 - High Speed Train to Madrid
On Wednesday we woke up early to catch the 8am high speed train to Madrid. The train took about three hours, and though I slept most of the way I think Charlie would agree it was quite comfortable. We got a nice breakfast in the station in Barcelona before heading out, and once in Madrid it was a short two-stop subway ride to get to our hotel. I really wish high speed rail travel was an option in the US, as rail always seems much more pleasant than air travel.
We were actually able to check into our hotel a bit early, and even got an upgraded room, which was awesome because it had a king size bed and a little couch where we could relax without feeling like we were in bed all the time. It didn't have much by way of windows, since it was on the top floor and was almost attic-like with a sloped ceiling, but there was one window high up with a motorized blackout screen that was amazingly effective at blocking out light.
Once we dropped off our things in the hotel, we headed out to find lunch at a local cafe playing terrible jazz covers, and then wandered about the city for a while. We checked out the Plaza Major and the Puerta Del Sol, which are the two most famous squares about the city, and went to the Royal Palace for a tour.
Though the palace wasn't totally open that day (something about the King needing it for you know... actual King things), we were able to see the royal armory and a cool special exhibit about Charles III and his patronage of the arts and culture in Spain. The armory was super cool, with more suits of armor than I'd seen before, from the 1500s on. They included everything from full suits with horse armor and regalia, to child-sized sets of armor belonging to past princes, as well as swords, shields, and even guns. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed, so you will have to use your imagination.
The art exhibit was also really interesting, and we learned about how Charles III, easily recognizable in paintings, statues, and coins by his HUGE nose. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_III_of_Spain) He was widely regarded as one of the most successful European rulers of his time, and seems genuinely loved by the people as a historical figure. The collection of art and artifacts was impressive, ranging from painting to ivory to furniture.
We meandered our way back to the hotel early evening, and after a light dinner turned in early since we had been up awfully early that morning.
We were actually able to check into our hotel a bit early, and even got an upgraded room, which was awesome because it had a king size bed and a little couch where we could relax without feeling like we were in bed all the time. It didn't have much by way of windows, since it was on the top floor and was almost attic-like with a sloped ceiling, but there was one window high up with a motorized blackout screen that was amazingly effective at blocking out light.
Once we dropped off our things in the hotel, we headed out to find lunch at a local cafe playing terrible jazz covers, and then wandered about the city for a while. We checked out the Plaza Major and the Puerta Del Sol, which are the two most famous squares about the city, and went to the Royal Palace for a tour.
Though the palace wasn't totally open that day (something about the King needing it for you know... actual King things), we were able to see the royal armory and a cool special exhibit about Charles III and his patronage of the arts and culture in Spain. The armory was super cool, with more suits of armor than I'd seen before, from the 1500s on. They included everything from full suits with horse armor and regalia, to child-sized sets of armor belonging to past princes, as well as swords, shields, and even guns. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed, so you will have to use your imagination.
The art exhibit was also really interesting, and we learned about how Charles III, easily recognizable in paintings, statues, and coins by his HUGE nose. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_III_of_Spain) He was widely regarded as one of the most successful European rulers of his time, and seems genuinely loved by the people as a historical figure. The collection of art and artifacts was impressive, ranging from painting to ivory to furniture.
We meandered our way back to the hotel early evening, and after a light dinner turned in early since we had been up awfully early that morning.
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