My final day in Madrid proved to be spectacular in comparison to my arrival. Once I received news that my bag would arrive that afternoon, I took it upon myself to explore! I didn’t have anything weighing on my shoulders, and I felt I could finally enjoy this majestic city.
I started off the morning by visiting the Palacio de Cibeles. No one had told me about this location and I couldn’t understand why once I arrived!
I opted to pay the 2 euros to go up to the viewing deck that overlooks all of Madrid.
And it was so worth it.
You had a 360 degree view of the entire capital! I highly recommend anyone visiting Madrid to take the 20 minute stroll from Puerta de Sol and catch sight of these views.
No make up, no sun screen, no problems?
Regardless of still not having any of my belongings with me, I still managed to keep a smile on my face the entire day. And went shopping on Brussels Airline dime.
It was hot, hot, hot in Madrid! But it was dry heat, and we all know that’s just the way I like it. I couldn’t wait to get on a train to Barcelona and sit by the ocean! That is the only thing missing from Madrid!
After taking in some views, I meandered my way to Puerta de Sol, the center of the capital, and the center of Spain. It is the best place for people watching. You will find hispanic Micky and Minnie Mouse, an overweight Spiderman, and a creepy looking Peppa Pig. But be on alert for pickpocketing! Although not as bad as Barcelona, it is still best to be aware in big crowds and around the city center.
It felt incredible, as always, to be in a new country.
All of our experiences, especially when traveling, help us grow. I have had frequent moments this year where I take a second and absorb it. And of course on this day, there were multiple moments.
Just standing there in the center of Spain.
Quite literally. At 0 kilometers.
Taking in the environment surrounding me. Listening to the rolling of the Spanish ‘r’s in passing conversation. And trying to remember to say ‘Gracias’ every where I go.
After being in the sun all afternoon, it was time to head back to the hostel.
And wouldn’t you know! My suitcase was sitting there patiently waiting my arrival. Pink ribbon and all.
I sat down in the hostel and attached my camera to my Mac and immediately began blogging. The one thing that calms me, even in a rush of panic. The rest of the evening involved tapas, tapas, and more tapas! I found a lovely dinner spot around the corner from my hostel called, ‘Lateral’. They serve the most delicious tapas for only 3-5 euros! And I am telling you, as a solo traveler, you only need a couple.
That’s it for Madrid!
Barcelona bound next!
After reading your blog, I have to say I went from really excited about it to strangely disappointed. There is a lack of being humble and a real lack of understanding (as I am perceiving it) at understanding what it means to travel and what being conscious of the implications of that are. I hope you are enjoying your time on the road, while also actually taking in the culture of a place, rather than trying to tick everything off a list quickly. There is no real meaning in that. Hoping to be a continued reader…fingers crossed. I also hope you find yourself. Much love and hope xoxo
Dee, thank you for your comment. Something I hope everyone understands is that each individual gains something different from travel. And we all have our own approaches. You may find meaning in something, but to me it may not have the same effect. This blog is for me to tell my stories and share my photos. You can perceive it in whatever way you would like. I appreciate you taking the time to read it and express your opinions. I am learning so much and extremely proud of the person I am becoming.
xx
Also, I didn’t get to see your response though I was notified you wrote one. Sorry about that!
No worries, had an issue on my end! Thank for you for the comment 🙂
I agree with Dee’s comment…but now I don’t know where it went. Maybe it was moderated?? Regardless, it’s good you are finding yourself and figuring it out. Some people take a while to find themselves and some people travel to tick things off lists rather than have a deep cultural experience. To each their own, though I agree with what she said about being humble in the process. As someone who has been location independent for five years, I can say that a deeper experience is found wherever you are willing to dig in! Drinks poolside or on a beach is great, but really sticking into the culture of a place is so invaluable! I saw what you were saying as a positive Dee, wherever it went 👍🏽😊 lovexolovexolove to everyone
Thank you Ashley 🙂
Honestly who do you ladies think you are (Ashley & Dee)? This is Rachel’s blog last time I checked. If you don’t think she is writing to your liking or experiencing the culture the way you think it needs to be experienced then don’t read it. You have no right to judge whether she is “digging deep” or “taking in the culture of a place”. You honestly sound ridiculous. Unless you can crawl inside her mind you don’t know what your talking about. People can tick things off lists and still experience the culture. Maybe it takes more skill than you have. I find it offensive that you chose to write negative comments when she is sharing HER journey with us. Travel is personal and this is her personal experience.