It was a sad day leaving Barcelona today as we have come to really love the city. This was the first morning we've been up and about by 8am, and apparently much of Barcelona is still asleep at that hour too. Our trusty bar across the street where we got our daily cafe wasn't even open yet. So sleeping in 'til 10 isn't really a bad thing.
We caught the Aerobus from Placa Catalunya to the airport for 4.05 Euro/ticket. Sure beats the cost of a taxi. Upon arrival at the airport we realized even more how much we hate Iberia. Lots of long lines to get a boarding pass and when we finally checked in, the woman put us on a different, earlier flight since ours was delayed. We were there in plenty of time to catch the new flight, but it was a hike to get to our gate and we had to go through customs. Que? Apparently the chica booked us on a flight to Madrid that was part of an international flight leg. We tried explaining to the customs official that we were only flying to Madrid and not out of country. A kind gentleman behind us translated what we couldn't convey in Spanish. He waved us on through. The flight was full and we were at the very back of the plane. As we proceeded taxiing around the airport to the runway, I thought we must be actually driving the plane to Madrid as we taxied for about 20 minutes. When we finally took off, I remember saying some prayers as it sounded like the plane wasn't even going to make the takeoff. Thankfully, the flight was only an hour and K took her dramamine.
Upon landing in Madrid, we had to go through customs again. Another round of explaining that we only flew from Barcelona and we weren't leaving the country until next week. The official was nice and waved us on. Then we had to find the location of our shuttle to the hotel. Hey, it was free, so why not take that instead of 25-30 euro on a taxi. We grabbed a bite to eat and managed to find our way to Terminal 1. The shuttle was 20 minutes late, but alas we are on Spanish time.
We got to the hotel only to find our room had a window with no view, so we asked if we could have a different room. The only room they had left facing Gran Via was an upgraded room, but they let us have it for the same price. Bueno!! Muchas Gracias and bonus points for that. The room is very nice with a balcony that opens to Gran Via. There is a nice patio on the top floor. The top floor is a lounge area with TVs, a bar, computer area.
(1) our room (2) view from the balcony of our room (3) bathroom (4) terrace on the top floor at night
We decided after getting up at 6am, it was time for siesta. We journied to the supermarket at El Corte Ingles to stock up on some necessities for the room, before heading out to dinner.
Our necessities - water, Coke light, Jamon Ruffles, Cava, Priorat wine, jamon y queso.
It was 8:00 and since we only had a bocadillo at the airport for food today, we were both ready to eat. Of course, by Madrid standards, it's still early but some places start serving dinner at 8 for norte americanos who are used to eating dinner earlier.
It was a busy Friday night in Madrid as people were out and about everywhere. There was a Christmas celebration going on at a different Corte Ingles for Cortylandia, where a mob of people had gathered to watch the Christmas play outside.
Dinner was at a place we found 2 years ago that had great Sangria and paella - La Panera on Calle Arenal. Somehow I remember it being better than it was this time, but the appetizer - chorizo in a cider - was quite tasty.
(1) Sangria with chorizo in a cider sauce (2) Seafood paella
After dinner, we were too full to check out the chocolat con chorros at the nearby Chocolateria San Gines, but we'll try another time.
There isn't much on our to-do list for Madrid, so it will be laid back.
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