Madrid via Zaragoza

An early night had as I felt really rather rough
Door to airport car made moving easy enough.
A couple more hours we were with a rental car
First stop was Monserrat which wasn’t too far.

It’s a jagged mountain with a monastery view
Found ourselves halted in a three mile queue.
U-turn made for our journey we did continue
Lunch stop in Lleida with snails on the menu.

Surroundings appeared quarry like, rocky & bare
With occasional fruit trees producing apple or pear.
Farms spread out with hanger like digs
Which by the aroma belonged to pigs.

Overnighted in Zaragoza for a cathedral to admire
With a colourful tiled roof and distinct domed spires.
Met by an army of Stormtroopers, an unusual sight
Kicking off the town’s annual marathon race by night.

Through the Aragon region we continued to cruise
Every few miles spied black bull silhouette statues.
The E-90 highway to Madrid made our travel fine
Edged occasionally by slow rotating wind turbines.

Our centrally located apartment was neat and compact
Luckily secured a street park despite being jam packed.
Travelled via the metro which is easy to navigate
Alighting at Salamanca viewing buildings ornate.

Made our way to the imposing Las Ventas bullring
Our tickets for the bullfight we were soon regretting.
Lack of the Matador’s entertainment quite a surprise
Along with the unfairness of the majestic bull’s demise.

I’d earmarked a bistro for gluten free croquettes
Which half an hour later I did sincerely regret.
A coeliac episode in a rail station definitely wasn’t fun
Firmly hugging a toilet bowl until it was over and done.

Awoke the next day feeling very sorry and sore
Sent Chris out to experience a local food tour.
As soon as I felt better and not quite so dizzy
Met in Plaza Mayor which was extremely busy.

Wandered San Miguel markets where tourists eat
Continued along La Latina’s vibrant lively streets.
Vermouth & tapas tried at a lovely Cantina
People watching across the Plaza arena.

Greeted with ‘Temporarily Closed’ a lot the next day
So a fee to the Prado Museum we did happily pay.
Vertical gardens, lake and autumnal paths we found
Whilst through El Retiro Park we meandered around.Read more