(And yes, if you subscribe I DID write “Milan” at first. I tend to do that but usually correct myself before publishing. Oops!)

Today was a garden/museum sort of day. But first … breakfast! We indulged in the churros from what I think is the oldest churro spot in Madrid. We had to figure things out — ordering inside, but trying to get a server’s attention then to hand him our order. NOT an easy task! But it was fun to try “real” churros rather than what we later learned were most likely thawed frozen ones we had earlier. I can’t say they are something I’d want to have a lot of, but hey, when in Madrid … do as the tourists do?! (Hah!)

(Churro shot by Dan.)

We then walked to the Real Jardín Botánico, and enjoyed not only the flora, but also a few photography exhibits. The garden itself had very few flowers, but I enjoyed seeing the variety of trees they had. I think we’ve confirmed that a tree we have is, indeed, a laurel tree — just not a bay laurel as I thought when I bought it many years ago. The exhibits were okay, but nothing to rave about … aside from that cute guy looking at them!

Next up was lunch, so we headed to a place near the museum we were going to. We made our order (sandwiches and sparkling water), ate, and then attempted to get the attention of a server for coffee. THAT was a huge challenge! I would have thought we were just doing something wrong as Americans, but the family next to us, who spoke Spanish, finally left because they weren’t getting served, so maybe it was just the place.

Lunch:

In any case, we finally did get our coffee, and then went right next door to the Museo Reina Sofia. We were mostly there to see Picasso’s Guernica, but of course we spent a good long time seeing even more. Now I need to read up on what exactly occurred between 1936 and 37 … but really even more than that. My history knowledge is rather pathetic, I’m sorry to say. There are no photos of the inside of the museum, but I did take one of an inside hallway and a bit outside.

Then it was back to our hotel for a bit of respite (yes, I snoozed ever-so-briefly!). I also have a sun rash now, which is something I’ve avoided for years since I always wear long sleeves on my walks when I’m at home. I had gotten sunburned (missed a bit of skin on my left arm) the other day and that means the sun now causes me to blister. It doesn’t hurt a lot, but it sure looks rotten! Tomorrow I will wear my long sleeved linen shirt, no matter the temperature.

Lovely, right?

Finally we went to a restaurant, El Pato Mudo, I’d read about that was very close to our place and had good reviews. (And now I’m laughing! I ran “El Pato Mudo” through Google translate and it says it means “The Dumb Duck” — how appropriate for an oboist! (The decor included tons of ducks but sadly I neglected to take a photo. Doggone it! Or is that “Duckgone it”?!) We had paella, with chicken, seafood, and some veggies, and it was quite delicious! It was fun to be in this lovely restaurant with barely anyone there yet. The locals won’t go there until much later, I’m guessing, but the tourists are missing out on a lovely place: I saw a number of them walk by, probably going to the tourist spots in Plaza Major where they will have “meh” food. (I know — we were there our first night!)

We aren’t yet sure what we’ll do tomorrow. We could take a train to Toledo, a nearly two hour train ride … but we’ll see how adventurous we are. I’m guessing we should go, but … well .. two hours both ways? I dunno. If we don’t go, I guess we’ll just have to return to Spain sometime. I can live with that.