We decided to save ourselves some euros and flag a bus tour, instead choosing to do one of the Lonely Planet walking tours, with Nico as our guide. First off was the Plaza Mayor, a 17th century square originally used for bull fights and executions, now a very touristy spot with cafes, bars and restaurants lining the outer edge of the square. Nico took us part many of Madrid´s historic buildings and beautiful plazas before we got to the Catedral de la Almudera, which took over a century to complete. Next to this is the Placio Real, Madrid´s royal palace with a grand total of 2,800 rooms and it is only a quarter the size of the original plan of Filpe V´s who wanted to dwarf all his European counterparts´ palaces. The palace is no longer occupied by the royal family but is still used for state occasions.
We then moved on past more beautiful gardens and churces scattered throughout the city before reaching the Egyptian temple of Debod which was built in 2nd century BC and was recued from Egypt when the area flooded and the temple was shipped stone by stone to Spain, given to them as a tribute to the Spainish engineers involved in the project. Our last historic stop on the tour was Plaza de Espana which was originally used for military barracks but is now one of Madrid´s most popular meeting places and has an impressive stone obelisk in the centre with a statue of famous Spainish author Cervantes and another statue of a famous Spanish hero Don Quixote riding a horse alongside his sweetheart. It is quite the popular spot for tourists to take photos though as I was unable to get a clear shot of it without someone hugging one of the horses legs. After a solid three or so hours walking - and very enjoyable way to see Madrid I must say, thanks to Nico and Lonely Planet, it was definitely boccodillo and siesta time so off to the park again we went. Ahhh holidaying rules, especially when you can follow that with an evening of vino, limo chello, beer, mojitos and of course tapas. What a great way to wind down after such an eventful day
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