Day 3: Madrid...and everything Spanish!!

I'm not sure what more "Spanish" we could do today!!  Maybe a flamenco would have topped off the day!  We started with a city tour with our final stop at the Royal Palace (above).  So amazing to see only a portion of the 1400+ rooms - gotta love all the chandeliers and clocks each room boasted.

After our city tour with our local guide,  Berta, we went for tapas!!  Had everything from jamon y manchego cheese, to calamari, patatas bravas, tortilla espanola, croquetas...delish... and then all followed with churros y chocolate...sigh...

We needed to do some walking afterwards, so went to the Reina Sofia art museum where the kids got to see the infamous Guernica painting.  Aftewards we strolled thru Parque Retiro (below)...and of course had to get some AWESOME Magnum bars!!  :) (above)

 The kids also got to experience the metro system!!  They did very well navigating their way to the hotel for a quick drop off before...

...heading to a bull fight!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, we actually made it to one this year!  The kids were fascinated with all the pomp and circumstance that goes behind it.  One of the bullfighters, Alberto, actually did so well that he got a standing ovation, white handkerchief waves, and then was awarded the two ears of the bull.  The other two fighters...well, they need some work.  We actually ran into Alberto as we were leaving and got to be groupies trying to get a picture with him... (see below!)  :)  My little stalkers...:)

Needless to say it's been an amazing time in Madrid!!  Weather has been perfect - were were even kind of chilly at the bullfight tonight...we opted for Sol y Sombra (Sun & Shade) and got lucky & were in the shade the entire time!!

Tomorrow we sadly leave behind this amazing city and head north to Burgos.

Tune in tomorrow for tales from our next adventures!!
~steph :)