Madrid, Spain - Day 2 and 3

The next two days, I spent sight seeing through Madrid.  Justin was working - so I put my brave face on and stepped out in a foreign country by myself.  I had a book with the basic phrases - like "how much?" and "where are the bathrooms?"  I was a quick study the day before in Toledo and could order myself a "cana, por favor?" - beer and a "coffee con leche, por favor" - coffee with steamed milk.  What else could I really need right???

Day 2 - Started with a morning "jog", I more walked it... up the hill to the Reterio park.  A beautiful, huge park with fountains and pathways galore.  It was filled with walkers, joggers, relaxers, vendors, musicians... a bit of everything.  I was shocked to not see one squirrel... we have more than our fair share here - so I noticed when I didn't see a single one, I guess I am so used to seeing them.  Then, I visited the Museo del Prado which houses the works of many artists - mostly Spainards, go figure.   I also visited the Thyssen, a smaller museum with a wider variety of paintings and more works from the Impressionist period... which has always been my favorite.  They had a special exhibit which included many works from Monet... me gusta Water Lillies - every single painting he did of them!  I did learn to spring for the headset as my trip to Prado was much more informative as I had the headset to learn a bit more about the paintings and artists.

Day 3 - Again, bravely, took myself out and about on a walking tour of Madrid.  I had a book on Spain and he included a detailed walking tour that included a few plazas (Plaza Mayor and Plaza del Sol),  the cathedral and ended at the Royal Palace.  I had time to spare so I took a trip to the botanical gardens and a second trip to Reterio so I could grab a few pictures of the main areas up there.  Most of my pictures are from Day 3 as no cameras in museums...