Madrid - full day 1

Started the day with Bran Flakes all round and our Lonely Planet book open at the table. Out the door by 9am, and instantly realised we weren't wearing enough clothes! Having been in shorts and t-shirts the whole time to this point, there's a definite drop in temperature here so quick dash back inside to grab jumpers for small people. Walked along to Cathedral de Santa Maria and past the Palacio Real de Madrid. Both really striking in the morning sun. Along past the Jardines de Sabatini to end up at Plaza de Espana. Little play park for Max, (what activity of ours isn't centred around these), and Lewis and him got a shock when they went to the top of the slide and a homeless man was there who was full of encouragement for them both. I made a dash into Zara to buy a jumper as I was chilly, then we all went to Starbucks for bagels and hot chocolate while we planned our next route. Onto Plaza de Sol - both of them getting restless in the buggy, so thankfully we came across some characters selling balloons, best €4 we've spent so far. Onwards to Plaza Mayor and it's a beautiful place, we want to come back for a further explore later. Back to the Airbnb for lunch and thankfully a sleep for both of them as I think they need it today. Up again and back off to Plaza Mayor but via a different route so we can take in some more sights, this time via Plaza de la Villa and the famous Chocolateria san Gines where we picked up some churros and pistachio truffles to takeaway. Had a fab time having a few drinks and soaking in the atmosphere of the square, including chucking their prized plastic food toys around the joint, a boogie to the busker with the accordian and some haggling with a man for a surprisingly useful phone stand for the table. Back home via the supermarket, and my friend Jonathan from the HL Madrid office came over to meet everyone and then the two of us headed out for drinks and a nice Greek meal (enjoyable change from some of the samey tapas). Good to catch up with him and hear all the work news, Lewis did bedtime and held the fort.

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