Madrid Day Two

Today, the plan was to see the Royal Palace. We took the long way around to get there so we could see the real Madrid and its back alleys, etc.

We found a costume store with a full variety of colorful Flamengo dresses for rent.

We also found a mask store that had a mask from every Greek mythology character and more.

On theway we passed Plaza Mayor with a long Spanish history in its walls (Photo #3). Many were tried and executed here during the Spanish Inquisition.

Then we followed a suggestion from Rick Steve and found the local convent "Monasterio del Corpus Christi". We knew there was supposed to be a door with a buzzer to ring but we couldn't find it. So we went into the church to see if we could find it but no luck. The beggar lady sitting outside the church offered to show us the way so we paid her a bit and she showed us where the "dulches" are. You ring a buzzer, a sister answers on the intercom and lets you in. Then you follow the signs to "torno" (the lazy susan). You choose an item, place your money in the lazy susan and it turns behind some small doors and in return out pops your dulces (we bought a 1/2 kilo of Cherry Shortbread Cookies for $8 Euro). They were VERY delicious!!! The fun thing is you NEVER SEE A PERSON. They are not allowed to be seen...I'm not quite sure why. After coming out with our cookies, I opened the box immediately and gave some to our beggar friend who had helped us find it...she was very appreciative.

Finally, we made it to the Royal Palace and the line was over 1/4 mile long. We found out that the first Wednesday of the month, the Palace is free to locals. It is a huge palace, up there with Versailles. It has more than 2,000 rooms and no photos are allowed...again only memories. We waited in line and enjoyed an accordian player and dropped a few coins on his bag...I couldn't help myself (for those of you who don't know, I play the accordian myself). So there is always a fall back if I find myself in the unemployment line. It is a beautiful palace and well maintained. Our final stop was to the Royal Armory. You were not to take photos but the security guards (one male, one female) were too busy visiting with each other to notice so I took advantage.

We got back to the hotel, took a siesta and headed out for a Kebop for dinner (similar to a Greek Gyro). Another awesome day! We enjoyed Madrid but not as much as we Love Barcelona. There is much more of a cross section of people here and it is a bit dirty. Unfortunately one of my memories of Madrid will be the many young girls hanging out at every street corner strutting their stuff. Pimping is illegal here but not prostitution from what we understand so they are everywhere.