Roaming the streets of Madrid

After 4 days of being here, I'm now feeling very chilled and comfortable with roaming around, hanging out at outdoors restaurants, and exploring new neighborhoods. Everything seems so walkable that I have yet to take any public transportations.

Madrid is definitely growing on me with its beautiful buildings, squares, and parks. So far, Retiro Park is my favorite. It somehow manages to be peaceful and festive at the same time. There are spots all over the park where you can picnic and just hang out in quieteness...and then there are lively parts with street performers, mini palaces, and a puppet theater. Though still very big for its size, Retiro reminds me of a smaller NY Central Park with its boating lake. I absolutely loved the Crystal Palace and rose garden (4000 roses over 100+ varieties) at the end of the park.

Since Italy, I have been in love with European squares because of the architecture and of course the outdoors restaurants. My hotel is very conveniently located - within 5 minutes of walking to some of the main plazas: Plaza del Sol, Plaza de Mayor, and Plaza de Santa Ana. To me, a square is always such a relaxing place to just hang out and have a meal, do some people watching, or read.

On my second day here, I checked out the El Rastro flea market. Although I am not much of a flea market person, I did find a purse and a photograph that I liked. It was an interesting place to be with crowds stretching up and down the road.

Yesterday, I was at the Museo del Prado for 4+ hours. Although I really wanted to see a couple more rooms, my feet were not cooperating after the 5th hour (even with breaks). I was really impressed with all of the 16th and 17th century paintings there. Spent way too much time with the Raphael collection - so I guess I like his work now :-) I really liked Velazquez's Las Meninas for the scene depicted and also for the fact that the artist appeared in the painting. El Greco's The Adoration of the Shepherds was also very cool with its use of brilliant colors. Goya's satire sketches of government corruptions on napkins (I think) were much more interesting to me than his paintings.

HERE are some Madrid pictures so far. Keep checking back for more.

I'm hoping to see Palacio Real today and then more walking around Royal Madrid and Gran Via. After today, onward to Bacelonia. I'll return to Madrid for 1 full day (with more museums to visit) for my return flight to the US.