Day 54 – Madrid

Day 54                                             11/9/16

 

My first real day off. The bike has not moved all day. Although I’m not sure I’m cut out for city life any more. It’s hard work walking around all day. Although it was still a great day.

Had a proper lie in till 10.30 and then let the washing machine do the work instead of hand washing everything. I went into town at 3 and started my tour at Plaza de Oriente, of course.

 

Into the palace and gardens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then to Gran Via where Primark seemed to be the most popular shop in town.

 

Just up the road they were all set up for the vuelta and the ladies race was in full swing.

Just as I was getting set up to take some photos there was an almighty crash and it turned out to be one of those days of right place right time!

 

 

 

 

Walked another fifty yards up the road and found a table outside a bar with a perfect viewpoint. Bought a drink but on my return a very rude man insisted it was his table and he wasn’t moving, but when there were no chairs for his friends and I was stood in front of him, he left. Three Aussie girls on the next table had just completed the pilgrims walk. We chatted about the hostel I’d stayed in and loads of other stuff while waiting for the race to arrive but the bar shut up and left us with glasses so it was round to the offy to get the beers in. You’ve got to love the Aussies.

Then along came Pablo, an 88 year old former chef at the hotel nearby. He spoke French so we managed to get by and he told me about his bypass and other ailments and we exchanged medical histories.

Then we settled in to watch the race. It was a fantastic experience being so close to the peleton and feeling the backdraft as they passed and the noise is amazing.

 

 

 

They went round and back about 8 or 9 times and I got a brilliant video on the first time round.

 

 

Made my way to the finish line and the presentation in a throng of Columbian fans.

Then I went off for some food; had callis, a local speciality, but the portions were tiny for €14. On then to Puerta Pio for a look at river and another beer.

Went to get train back and an African guy selling hotdogs was closing up and just preparing to eat his last dog but offered it to me and said it was just good timing. I asked the price and he said €2 would do, even though this one was fully loaded and probably would have been €3.50. When I got in the train a fat guy in Real Madrid shirt could see I was struggling with only one little serviette so took one from his bag for me. Sometimes thing fall into place and it’s not always necessary to plan your day.