Royal Palace and Catedral de la Almudena

After our big meal at Botin’s , we decided we’d better walk it off - headed over to see the Royal Palace - discovered it was close due to a State Affair - we’ll probably do the tour next Saturday. We did wander through the gardens and then over to the Catedral de la Almudena and paid a visit to an unusual decorated church. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_of_Almudena). We then strolled up to see the Royal Basilica of San Francisco del Grande which despite what we read, was also closed. Did wander the gardens next to it and then headed back towards Plaza España to catch a Metro home. One thing I wished for in Europe was more public restrooms - thought I was gonna pass out before spotting a bookstore/cafe, which by sheer luck had one. You hate to go into a restaurant with your pleading “baño” ? (hi, I’m a helpless American and this is the only word I know and I know you will fall over yourself to help me while I spend no money in your establishment).

Before heading home though, we stopped in a little place and had some fried calamari sandwiches cause Janet loves calamari. They were not the greatest but I suspect the place had something to do with that as well. Did get out of there cheap though. Cheap is good sometimes, especially if the food sucks.
Hit the subway - asked a lady who was overseeing the metro card machines if she could show me how to check my card to see how my rides I had left. Of course, she spoke very little English to none at all, so about this time I’m pulling out the Google Translate app - but two young Spanish people came to our rescue and explained to her what we wanted - problem solved - everybody happy. :) The small joys of life!

Back to the apt - Janet is zapped - crashes out, while I’m catching up on a whole lot of blogging. Pics to follow once they finish uploading.Read more