The journey began with an Uber to the airport. Thank goodness for these ride-share options. Otherwise, parking at the airport would be a huge financial shock upon return. Been there, done that.
Next stop……..The Club, MCO, for breakfast and drinks – coffee for me, not for the other two.
This adventure we used American Airlines – a first for us. Usually, Delta is the airline of choice, but a recent number of delays on other trips, led us to look for other options. We had a layover at Charlotte before going overseas.
We left the states and headed towards Spain.
Airline food is not usually photo worthy………but having real plates and silverware bumped it up a notch or two – just saying.
A glass of wine to help doze off.
But let’s get back to the main story……………….Espana!
Once we chose the country, then selected Madrid as our starting point the next decision was (1) north or (2) south. Eric ran into a couple from Spain several months ago and once he said we were ‘foodies’, they said no choice – go North. But let’s get back to Madrid………
As with most of our flights, landing in Europe occurs very, very, very early on their time. Arrival was scheduled for 5:30am. Let’s just say going through the Madrid Airport was a breeze. We kept walking, walking and more walking before we got to Customs – which was empty. Fastest we have ever gotten through!
We had reserved an AirBNB apartment in the old town of Madrid. We reserved it the night prior to our arrival in order to go straight there and nap. One of the wisest practices we started doing a number of years ago. It is so worth the extra dollars.
Instructions were fairly simple, but since we arrived in the dark, outside photos will come later. Here was the final barrier to bedtime.
A few quick photos before napping. We reserved a 2 bedroom, 2-bath apartment.
Small kitchen with everything necessary. All appliances were behind the white panel doors: fridge, disherwasher and the combo washer/dryer.
But the thing we were looking for…………….
What did the outside look like? Here’s a shot once the sun came up and we went walking. We are on floor 2 (not counting the bottom), corner apartment. Loved having the elevator. I will walk down the stairs, but walking upstairs with luggage is no fun.
The key code to open the building was the same key code to get into our place – sweet!
All were awake and ready to find lunch by 11:30am.
We have always enjoyed the European markets so Mercado de San Anton was locked and loaded in Eric’s phone – 1.1 km away, we can easily do that.
Walked in and this greeted you. Love it! Upstairs were the food stails.
I felt like a sandwich from this establishment. No, that is not a hotdog.
Spanish shaved ham, sundried tomatoes, parmasean crema with arugula was very delicious.
Adrioenne had no problem making her choice – octopus.
Eric ordered a few different things to share: scallops, cheese croquettes and oysters.
Add in local Sangria along with cider and your meal is complete.
Way more adventures to come. This day we took advantage of the ‘dry’ weather to walk more of the city. My next post will take you along our walk. The next day promised rain so that somewhat dictated our plans.
Darden Travels 