Madrid - full day 2

I'd be lying if I said I didn't wake up with a sore head today...I'm not used to being in Spanish bars past 7pm! After a slowish morning, headed to El Rastro which is a big flea market that happens every Sunday that the locals flock to. It was so busy and fun to look around - everyone rifling through huge piles of clothes to find a bargain. Got Mia-Rose some dungarees, Max a vintage footie top and some noisy toys that kept them very happy in the buggy for a bit. Max was shouting "look at me everybody" while blowing his recorder on repeat. People are so lovely with the kids here - really interactive and quite tactile, which sounds strange but it's nice, little touches on the head or if Max is standing in the way they don't think twice about putting their arm around him and steering him a different way. I'd find it odd at home but it feels warm and personal here. Quick pastry stop and fairly long walk to the Arganzuela region, and the Madrid Rio park. Similar vibe to Valencia (big green space in the old diverted river) but not as pretty and less atmosphere. Very cool tube-like slides for Max to go on, the place was full of kids whizzing around and he was loving it. He was scaling steep steps and rocks to get to the top without looking back - he's really grown in confidence with his climbing in recent months. Quick tuna sandwich on the grass and a look at the fountains before catching the metro back into the centre of town. It was so hot and busy on there but Max was very good and stayed close (while obsessively pushing all tlhe lift buttons). Tried our luck at the major food market but it was heaving and no tables, so we walked down to a shady spot along the street and parked up for some tapas and drinks. She had a little sleep, which was ideal timing, but the staff didn't get our "quick the baby is asleep we need food now so we can eat in peace" memo and the service was soooo slow and rude! But so bad it was funny really. Grabbed an ice cream for the way home and had some down time in the apartment. Lewis then got ready to head off for his night - he's at the Madrid football derby at the Athletico Stadium! So exciting for him. I was in charge of the small people tonight and decided on a whim to take them back out for another hour of sightseeing, as the weather is beautiful and we don't have much longer here. I let Max chill with the tablet and headphones (he's had enough looking at parliamentary buildings) and the three of us headed back to Plaza de la Villa as I really liked it there, and then to Plaza del Oriente which is the most prestigious part of town. Theatre, manicured garden, super expensive apartments overlooking the palace. Walk back along past the Muslim Walls, which is the oldest part of the city (9th century) that were discovered and are now preserved. Home for bathtime (new paw patrol sponge) books and bed. I'm in with him tonight so we'll probably both be fidgets together. 

Popular posts from this blog

A final note to our travel companions

Image
To Max and Mia-Rose,  In case you ever come across this blog - and I really hope you do stumble upon it in future - here are some final words from us to thank you for everything you have done to make this trip so special... Our big boy Travelling with you is like travelling with a friend. How many parents can say that about their three year old? Sure, you're only little - you test boundaries, and patience at times - but you are funny, clever, kind, and simply the best company one could ask for. We love who you are at your core - you think before jumping in head first; you are curious, sensitive, thoughtful. Yet these last few weeks we have watched you climb to new heights, chat to strangers in the three words of Spanish you now know, try new foods and take in everything that's going on around you. You're beginning to understand just how big and varied this world is, and that it can be yours for the taking. It's a privilege to experience it all through your eyes and to h...
Read more

Reinosa - Santander - Plymouth

Image
Well it's taken 3 weeks but I (Lewis) am writing this one for reasons which shall become clear! The day began with us waking up to an unnerving silence around 7.30am. Everyone had a lie in which is just what we needed - the boat check-in wasn't until 11.30/12 and the journey to Santander was less than an hour so we had no need to rush. We are pros at packing up the Airbnb now and we were out of there sharpish, via the recycling bins! The journey itself was another incredible drive across rolling hills and tunnels through tree covered mountains in Cantabria. We arrived and had the painful wait in line to board the ferry like on the way here (though thankfully no international man hunt this time!). It was a relief to get on board and nice to be somewhere familiar - our cabins were the exact same ones as the way out and Max found his way straight to the kids area and we all had lunch. I set up the rooms with Mia-Rose's travel cot as she needed a sleep and Emily & Max heade...
Read more

Plymouth to Welwyn

Image
So I think it's fair to say that the boat was not a trip highlight. I still feel very ropey today but a combo of sickness tablets, the room move and calmer seas come the morning have helped. Max was up in the night shouting that he was falling out of bed - he wasn't but the turbulence was that strong. Met a nice family in the play area so we all swapped crossing war stories until it was time to disembark. Swiftly through passport control, got her settled into car seat and off to our first stop on the way home, Exeter. The boys dropped us off at a pub about 15 mins from Exeter St David's and kept driving. I had a pub lunch with her (which didnt sit well, is all I'll say) and I felt as though I was rocking back and forth at the table the whole time. She's off her food too - neither of us ate very much. Then to the train station; there are strikes today and the trains to Paddington before and after ours were cancelled so we were lucky, but it meant our train was busy. ...
Read more